All responses have been submitted by the candidate.
Candidate name: Sarah Kepple
Candidate contact: electSarah@keppleforcouncil.com
Candidate age: 46
Candidate’s stated party affiliation: Democrat
Position Sought: Lakewood City Council Member At-Large
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My grandfather served as a school board member in his hometown. My parents were both public school teachers, and my husband and I both have a public library background, so public service is certainly a part of my family’s values.
What is your educational background?
I hold a Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science from Drexel University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Kent State University, and I was a Treu-Mart Youth Development Fellow through Case Western Reserve University.
What is your occupation?
I am the founder and owner/educator of Gigalearn, a technology education provider. Prior to starting my business, I served as a librarian in public and school libraries.
Do you have any previous experience as an elected official?
Yes. I have served as a Lakewood City Council Member At-Large since 2020, and I was elected Council President in 2024.
Why are you seeking office?
Quite simply, at a time when our state and our nation are slipping backwards, it is more important than ever for Lakewood to keep moving forward. With so much uncertainty in the world, I am running for re-election to provide our community with the reassurance of steady and experienced leadership rooted in our shared values when it is needed most.
What do you think the single most pressing issue facing city council is?
Some of the most pressing community concerns that we continuously work to address revolve around safety and include everything from protection from reckless driving to freedom from persecution and prejudice, to the ability to live in well-maintained affordable housing. During my time on Council I served as the council liaison to the ADA Transition Plan Task Force, voted to enact the Active Transportation Plan and Safe Streets for All Plan, and co-sponsored Complete Streets legislation, all of which together will improve our right of way infrastructure to protect our most vulnerable users, kids biking to school, seniors and people with disabilities using mobility devices, and folks trying to safely take advantage of living in the most walkable city in Ohio.
With the exclusionary rhetoric and cruel and dangerous policy coming out of Washington D.C. and the Ohio Statehouse, residents are also understandably very concerned about being able to safely live their authentic lives in an inclusive and diverse community. As a Councilmember, I voted to establish the Anti-Racism Task Force and successfully advocated for funding to develop the city’s Racial Equity Plan. I have been extremely active in lobbying against state bills targeting our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, and during my time on council, Lakewood’s rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index has increased to the highest available, 100. We know that there will continue to be many fights ahead, and I will continue to tenaciously do all that I can to show up for the rights and well-being of all my constituents.
Finally, in regard to safe and affordable housing, we must continue to take a multi-pronged approach. Some of the ways that I have worked to address this national crisis here in Lakewood is by shepherding development projects through the legislative process to increase the number of available units, allocating funds for Legal Aid assistance for renters experiencing housing issues, passing legislation to allow for accessory dwelling units, and successfully sponsoring legislation to expand Homestead exemption water and sewer discounts for seniors and people with disabilities. There is more work to do, including the zoning code refresh project on which I am currently working with the Planning Department, which offers additional opportunities to increase affordable housing.
What differentiates you from other candidates?
Council has almost completely turned over from when I started in 2020, making me one of the most experienced members. I was elected President last year because my colleagues and the community recognize my proven ability to effectively guide us through turbulent waters and get things done. Now is a time when we need leaders who understand how government is supposed to work and can advocate for and communicate with our community.
One of my main priories on Council has been to make government as accessible as possible to those we serve. Throughout my service, I have used my skills as an entrepreneur working in technology to proactively share out updates and resources through social media, helped launch eComment to allow residents to submit public comment for the record even if they couldn’t attend meetings in person, and added closed-captioning to council meeting videos and live-streaming. As Council President I established a tradition of community conversation town-halls in each ward and regularly publish updates in the Lakewood Observer. Coming from an activist background I believe strongly in citizen participation and I will tenaciously advocate for and earnestly engage with all of our neighbors.
Please summarize your campaign platform.
I am running to continue to provide experienced leadership, effective communication, and tenacious advocacy for Lakewood and our values.
What past experiences indicate that you’ll succeed as a councilperson?
As an active community organizer, longtime public servant, and small business owner, I possess a unique combination of skills, perspective, and dedication to the community that has empowered me to serve the city I love with distinction and effectiveness for the past five years. My many years spent working with a diverse array of children, teens and families in public libraries and as an educator have helped me hone my ability to listen closely, meeting constituents where they are, resolving conflict with courtesy and communication, and helping folks attain the resources they need.
Lakewood faces numerous challenges both internal and external. I have the experience, grit, determination, and creative thinking to overcome obstacles and discover opportunities. When I launched my small business in 2014, I had to stretch myself to build a client base, acquire funding and equipment, originate lesson plans, create a pricing structure, and design a marketing plan. In 2020, the pandemic challenged me to entirely pivot my own business model while also serving in my first year on council, and to find ways to help Lakewood businesses and residents navigate ever shifting guidelines and stresses. I have helped our community weather challenging times before, and I bring that entrepreneurial background and experience to problem-solving issues affecting our community.
Is there anything else voters should know about you?
My husband Andrew and I are the proud parents of a Lakewood High School graduate and the guardians of two spoiled cats.
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