Former Councilman Bob Adaska Running for At-Large Seat

Former City Councilman Bob Adaska, who was a councilmember from 1990 to 1994, filed his petitions with the Summit County Board of Elections to run for an at-large seat in November.

Adaska, 55, has lived in Stow most of his life (48 years) and said he wants to jump back into public service because he "sees the need for an advocate for the service department and safety forces," he also said he would like the city to focus more on redevelopment, especially in the Stow-Kent Shopping area.

"Many improvements have been made to this area," he said. "However, more work needs to be done."

When he was on council, Adaska served as the chairman of the roads and safety and public improvements committees.

If elected, Adaska said he will suggest taking a "comprehensive look at the condition of our roads and other infrastructure and establish a short- and long-term plan on getting the maintenance back under control."

An issue Adaska was passionate about when he was first elected, sewer services, is something he'd like to focus on again in Stow.

"I want to extend city water service to those families who still do not have city water," he said. "I want to continue to upgrade water service throughout the city and revitalize our parks and neighborhoods."

He would also like to focus on economic development and job growth. "Building homes creates good solid jobs for our youth and provides a tax base for the city and schools," Adaska said.

But, "most importantly," he said, "we need to avoid allowing our citizens to be an afterthought, but the main reason for our community."

Although funds aren't as high as many officials would like, Adaska said he will still strive to "provide a clean and safe environment to raise our families and to maintain our roads and other infrastructure."

Bob Adaska has owned R. G. Adaska Construction for 33 years. He graduated from , has a technical degree in Jet Aircraft Maintenance, is an honor graduate of the Carpenter's Apprenticeship Program and took career courses in construction management and job safety. Adaska has lived in Stow for 48 years and has been married to his wife, Pamela, for 30 years.

For more information, visit Adaska's website.