Solon School Board Election 2011: Kevin C. Patton

Editor's Note: As part of Solon Patch's local election coverage, we will provide profiles of each of the candidates running for office. These profiles will offer biographical and issue-oriented details about each of the candidates to help you, the voters, make more-informed decisions at the ballot box. We also will have a short video of each candidate that will help you learn more about them.

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Name: Kevin C. Patton

Age: 64

Occupation: Semi-Retired; Adjunct Faculty in Psychology - Cuyahoga Community College, 1980-present. Work history includes:  Adjunct Faculty in Psychology - Notre Dame College  2010-present;  Administrator of Distance Learning Center - Cuyahoga Community College, 1990-1997; Vice President, Education Services - Greater Cleveland Hospital Association 1985-1990; Director of Education - St. Vincent Charity Hospital 1976-1985

Education: Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Kent State University; Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Cleveland State University; Bachelor of Arts - John Carroll University; Licensed Psychologist - State of Ohio  1976-present

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Office Sought: Solon Board of Education

Previous Political Office Sought or Held: Mayor of Solon (3 terms)  1997-2009; previously served total of 12 years as Solon Councilman

Candidate Statement: Though serving in elected office in local government for nearly 24 years, I continued to teach part-time at local colleges.  Education has been a major part of my life since graduating with my bachelor's degree.  I have served in education-based administrative positions at the college level, as well as in health care institutions.  I have always been motivated to help others grow and develop into their full potential - - that's why I studied Psychology, and why I continue to teach it. 

As former Mayor, I am most aware of the value that Solon's top-notch school system contributes to making ours a great community to live, learn, work and enjoy life.  I have worked collaboratively with the School Board and Administration for many years for the benefit of the Solon community.  I know the persons in these positions quite well, and believe that I would work collaboratively and successfully with them.

In addition, I would bring knowledge and experience from working in Solon government, and familiarity with the broad spectrum of Solon-based business and industry. 

Another advantage is the relationships that I developed with several of our key public officials - Cong. Steve LaTourette, State Senator Tom Patton, and State Rep. Marlene Anielski - - all of whom I know well, and worked closely with during my time as Solon's Mayor.

We are most fortunate that our Solon City Schools produce excellence in academic achievement through outstanding teachers and administrators who prepare our youth to deal with the challenges of both the present and the future. It is the combination of strong academics, plus successful programs in sports, arts & culture, and community service, that distinguishes Solon Schools as producing well-educated graduates and responsible citizens.

In addition, I served as Chair of the Solon Schools 2010 levy campaign -- which garnered 66% approval at the ballot. I also participated in the Schools' annual strategic planning committee meetings during my time as Mayor.

I believe that the major focus will continue to be that of working to assure the system's financial sustainability during these challenging economic times. Superintendent Regano and the School Board have been quite successful in their continued pursuit of what is best for Solon's schools.  Informed, steady,calm leadership has maintained our schools as the best in the State, and it is my hope to cooperate with the incumbents in this regard should I be elected.

My goal is to continue working for what is best for Solon residents - - with particular focus on the youth. 

During my time as Mayor, I provided honest government, with decisions based on fairness and value to the community. In my 50+ years as a Solon resident, I have seen our community grow from a rather quiet rural village into the bustling, energetic, desirable suburb that it is today.

Solon Schools are, I believe, the major attraction of our community  today, and I would be honored to use my experience and energy to continue working for their pursuit of excellence.