POLAND TOWNSHIP — Voters will have a choice of six candidates for two open trustee seats in Tuesday’s election.

FRANK DEMAIN

Frank DeMain is a retired township police officer.

“Drawing from my career as a Poland Township police officer, my first priority would be ensuring that the township remains a safe and welcoming place to live,” he said. “This means supporting police, fire and EMS services, improving community outreach, and making sure residents feel heard and protected.

DeMain’s priorities focus on fiscal responsibility and smart growth, community engagement and stronger connections with the community.

LARRY DINOPOULOS

Candidate Larry Dinopoulos is not new to politics. He has served on the Poland Board of Education for the past 16 years.

As a trustee, Dinopoulos wants to prioritize facilitating growth and investment in the community, provide affordable housing for everyone and provide opportunities for new businesses.

Dinopoulos also supports the safety forces, but has questions.

“I am pro-police and safety,” he said. “But we have to figure out why the police department has been operating in the red the last five years and relying on an approximately $400,000 transfer of funds from the general fund.”

TRACY KASCHAK

Candidate Tracy Kaschak says her top priority remains the continued safety and well-being of the community.

“Every decision we make must reflect our commitment to protecting our residents and maintaining a secure, welcoming environment,” Kaschak said.

Her other priorities include remaining fiscally responsible and staying connected to the community by remaining accessible, approachable, responsive and an active listener.

EDWARD KEMPERS

The sole incumbent in this year’s election is Edward Kempers. He has served two consecutive terms that began Jan. 1, 2018. He has also served on the Western Reserve Joint Fire District board during his time as trustee.

Kempers pointed out the township was recently named the fifth safest place in Ohio by SafeWise. He said credit goes to the township police officers and police Chief Greg Wilson.

“I want to continue to be part of a team of trustees that supports police and gives them the tools and resources they need to keep our community safe,” he said. “We have made great strides in the past eight years.”

As a trustee, Kempers looks forward to continuing to help people and be there when they call, text or email, and prioritizes being transparent and fiscally responsible.

STEVE MASSARELLI

Candidate Steve Massarelli’s priorities include strengthening community engagement and being good stewards of the township’s resources.

Massarelli believes seeking grants will help ensure public safety, as well as infrastructure and parks.

“Grants are a vital lifeline for small communities like ours,” he said. “They allow us to invest in infrastructure, public safety, parks and essential services, without placing additional burden on taxpayers.”

MICHAEL ZEMBOWER JR.

Michael Zembower Jr. served on Poland Village Council from January 2022 through March 2025, when he moved to the township.

As a candidate for trustee, he says, “Continuing to support our incredible emergency responders, local community groups and top-notch school system is essential.”

Zembower believes “leading at the local level is not about priorities, agendas or vendettas. It’s a mindset adopted from years of service, cultivating a sense of pride to be a voice for my neighbors, our community and our future.”

VIEWS ON LIBRARY

All six candidates have strong feelings about the Poland Public Library. Although it is in Poland Village, it is widely used by township residents and is as much a part of the township as it is the village.

Kempers, as well as trustees Joanne Wollet and Eric Ungaro, passed and signed a resolution at the September trustees meeting in favor of saving the library.

“When I think of Poland, Ohio, one of the first things I think about is the beautiful library,” Kempers said. “I hope the library board votes to keep it.”

Dinopoulos agrees. “I’ll work alongside the village to ensure the Poland Public Library goes nowhere,” he said.

Kaschak said the library is easy to access for the community and is a landmark that “stands as a symbol of Poland’s identity.”

As a former educator, she liked the fact that elementary school children could walk to the library.

“I will continue to support every effort to keep our library in its current location,” she said. “It should remain an accessible, beloved space in the heart of the Poland community.”

Massarelli is also in favor of keeping the Poland Library right where it is — in the heart of the village.

“This building is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a cornerstone of our community,” he said.

Zembower has worked with the Save Our Library group as a councilman and still feels communication is key.

“Our community, if it desires the library to be repaired and remain where it is at, should peacefully and productively approach the library board and ask how we can help,” he said. “As the voice of our community, our council members and trustees should be leading the endeavor.”

DeMain said the library is “a symbol of community, education and tradition. Many residents, myself included, believe the library should remain at its South Main Street location, where it continues to serve as a gathering place and a source of pride for generations of families.”