Ron Cotman -Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees

Thirty-four years ago, Ron and his family decided to make Chester Township their home.  They bought some land, built a house, and continue to enjoy their home, their neighbors and their community. He is married to Cathy and has three grown children, all graduates of the West Geauga School system.  They live in Phoenix, Seattle and Boston.

 Ron is a graduate of Case Institute of Technology with both a bachelors and masters degree in electrical engineering.  His work experience has been as a successful business manager for General Electric within its Lighting business.  During his 34 years at GE, he served in a variety of different positions where he developed his leadership, cost management, planning and communication skills.

 After retiring from GE in 2001, Ron shifted his interests and energy toward becoming more involved in his community.  It started with regular attendance at weekly Board of Trustee meetings and evolved from there.  He served as Chairman of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) from its inception in 2003 until January, 2006 when be became a Chester Trustee.

 In his role as Township Trustee, Ron is Vice Chairman of the Board, is leader of the Chester School demolition project, and provides the primary interface for the Board with the Road Department, the Zoning Inspector, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, the Chagrin River Watershed Partners, the Geauga Department on Aging and the “Chester Town Center” project.

 Ron’s most notable attribute is his demonstrated ability to get things done.  He sets and maintains high standards and expectations, commits to and drives for improvement, and works to achieve goals.  He is committed to improving Chester during his 4-year term in office and is actively delivering on his campaign pledges to:

• Tear down Chester School in 2006

• Be a “full time” Trustee

• Focus on delivering high quality services at the best value (police, fire/EMS, roads)

• Determine the real cost to run the Township

• Find ways to minimize property taxes

• Use community input to guide change

• Develop and implement improvement plans to resolve issues

 In summary, Ron is committed to providing responsible leadership for the people of Chester.