Otto has been a resident of Ward 3 since late 2012 he and his family moved from Maple Heights.  His interview went as follows:

1.) What ward are you running for?
I am running in Ward 3; I wish to bring attention to our infrastructure that needs major repair including water and sewer lines we need to modernize our infrastructure. Bedford is a gorgeous city with a beautiful past, but old pipes that burst will not attract new home buyers or businesses. I would like to work on having Bedford join Google Fiber bringing more competition and choices to the residents on who provides them Internet and TV services.
2.) Why are you running for City Council?
I’m running because I feel my ideas and knowledge of the law can benefit the ward, I feel that I can zealously advocate for the ward and all of its residents, and be a voice on council to keep the promises they made before the May primary to pass the tax increase.
3.) What are some of the issues in your ward?
Water main brakes.
The condition of Northfield Road.
The condition of Union Street and  Bridge.
Streets that are sinking in or that are in need a preventative repair.
Sewer drains caving in.
I’ve noticed many things that need to be addressed but so have the residents I’ve spoken with this list is a slight sample of what we’ve talked about and what needs to be addressed.
4.) What is the worst thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?
Our biggest hit not only for the ward but the city was Ben Venue, we have started to recover, but we cannot place all of our eggs in one basket, we need to work towards getting other businesses in the city and develop our economy.
5.)What is the best thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?
Truly there is nothing negative about this ward; yes there are things that need to be repaired, but in my opinion, this ward is one of the most beautiful in Bedford, and honestly one of the best things to happen was the closing of a few bars in the ward.
6.) How can the city support small business development and expansion?
In my opinion, economic development is key; any small business can move into the city. But is the city a good fit for that business, such as the location of the business, the products they wish to sell, etc. a prime example is the Twist & Shake it had the best ice cream, I believe the owner retired and sold the building that business was great in that location. However, that building has been two other business over the past four years, a butcher shop and a florist, that did not do well at all. If we had an Economic Development Director, we could have helped those businesses find locations in the city that better met the foot traffic and demand they needed.
7.)What do you think is the best way to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods of Bedford?
To attract new home buyers, we need to keep absentee landlord accountable for the properties they neglect or the foreclosed homes the banks seem to forget about once they take possession. However, the problem is not with renters, renters in some cases are on hard times just like everyone else the blame, for the most part, are landlords who think that is a way to make easy money and become hands off. Or banks that ignore properties until it becomes convenient to them to maintain it for resale. But there are lots of seniors that cannot care for their homes anymore and do not have family that can help, a city program to help maintain yards would also benefit the quality of life in our city and ward 3.
If anyone would like to know more my campaign Facebook link is: