Promises Made
Promises Kept

Jim Trakas

for Independence City Council

Public Safety, Personal Protection, Priority One.

Crime statistics are down since 2021 and it is because Jim Trakas and city officials have hired more police to keep our neighborhoods safe, provided security systems to residents to secure your homes, stepped up enforcement of the law, and used sophisticated technologies to interdict criminals before they come for us. Crime does persist and addressing it demands our strongest and proactive response. There is nothing more important than keeping us safe and secure, and that of our business district and travelers. Our current Police Station has reached its aged usefulness and a rehabilitation or new station will be identified in the next two years to maintain the highest standards of policing to keep us all safe.

Working Hard for a Vibrant Jobs Climate

We can count on Jim Trakas to be a pro-economic development leader who will work hard to keep taxes low, reduce unnecessary regulation, and attract new jobs to our town. He will continue our record of economic success by working hand in hand with small businesses and tirelessly attracting new jobs to our community to support the highest level of city services, like law enforcement and emergency paramedic services. While some businesses have left our community, those are being replaced by new business entities who will contribute to the economic juggernaut that is Independence, the leading employer in Cuyahoga County outside of Cleveland. Importantly, the city is also working with employers to employ IHS graduates, keeping young people in our community to benefit long term.

Enhancing Our Quality of Life

Jim Trakas understands the importance of protecting our families, schools, and neighborhoods. Part of the reason why our home values are so high is because of our strong maintenance, excellent schools, and proper public safety precautions. He will maintain our vibrant community by continuing to prioritize public safety and supporting good public policy. Jim believes in a traditional approach that benefits our families and longstanding successful institutions.

Maintaining Excellent Services

It is no accident that Independence’s services are very highly rated and responsive to citizens needs. From fire and emergency services to rubbish and recycling pickup, to Senior snow plowing, and the various community service and recreational activities that benefit residents, these services are closely watched and the proper people and financial resources are provided to assure they exceed your expectations.

Making Sure Inflation Does Not Hurt You Locally

Just like at your home, city finances have been hit by inflation. Costs of materials, labor, vehicles, parts, construction have all skyrocketed, but Jim and his colleagues have been able to prudently fiscally manage city finances so that you are not affected. In the past six years, Jim has voted to decrease debt by $11.6 million, which is about 35% of city spending. Revenues are consistent, and can grow with positive economic development . Costs to residents have by and large stayed the same for city services and programs.

Improve Our Infrastructure

Independence is replacing streets, sewers, drains, sidewalks and more. The city is working to maintain infrastructure that is still useful and replace what needs to be redone. As a Councilperson, Jim helps oversee this process and respond to the community’s needs. Jim will make sure that moving forward, officials don’t wait so long to make repairs and instead, allow the city’s infrastructure to age gracefully.

Conservation and Flood Control

Flood control near homes and soil and water conservation projects remain a top priority. Jim has helped make sure Independence has historic resources for stormwater management, cleaning sewers ditches, drains, and waterways to direct the flow of water. Our one of a kind “Public-Private Partnership” allows residents to work with the city to create affordable projects that alleviate flooding. No other city in Cuyahoga County offers a program like this, but it is part of the “Independence Advantage” of being a resident in our community.

Listening to Solve Problems

Councilperson Trakas tries very hard to listen to resident input on issues. He takes what you have to say seriously and works hard to solve problems and assure that government is working for you. You can call 216-524-2114 or write at [email protected] to express your opinions and help to improve our community. We are not perfect, we must always strive for continuous improvement and your input does matter greatly.