As the owner of Hudson’s independent bookstore, Kate Schlademan pledges to be a strong advocate for business development and the vibrancy it adds to a small town’s downtown. Her commitment to the health and safety of all residents reflects her belief that as women and children thrive, so does the community. Kate will be an accessible, empathetic, and committed council member as she emerges as the successful candidate in a crowded, competitive race.

In 2020 Kate will begin her work as a Hudson City Council Member, Ward 1.

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?

My decision to run for office wasn’t so much the result of one specific life experience but a series of events.  I own an independent book shop in my city.  Shortly after I purchased it in 2013, it became clear that I didn’t just own a business it was also a hub of activity and news. At the same time, I was attending industry events where I met other owners that held various offices in their own communities. After the 2016 election, I ordered in a new book called Run for Something. I purchased it for myself thinking I would eventually need it and I’m so thankful I did. In the last year, the atmosphere in our community has become very polarized over a new development that was slated to be added to our historic downtown. Watching this happen I realized I was in a unique position to be able to communicate with people on both sides of the issue. With the council person in my ward stepping down and no one that I felt confident voting for stepping up to run, I broke out my book and got to work.

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.

I’m fortunate to be surrounded by strong women that inspire me daily. My mom, my sister, the woman I bought the store from, my girlfriends from college, the list of inspiring women in my life goes on and on. Each of them, in their own way, has given me the power and courage to run for office.

Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and leader?

I have been very fortunate in my adult life to have lived and worked not only in different parts of the country but also the world. This has given me the skills to successfully collaborate with people of different cultures, ideals, and faiths. I’m a listener by nature and appreciate the need to hear and consider the point of view of as many people as possible before making decisions. Being the owner of a small, independent book shop has put me in the unique position of being able to interact with residents, visitors, other merchants, and city officials regularly.  I hear a wide variety of opinions on the needs and direction of the city. I believe the work I have done since moving to Hudson along with my varied life experience has given me the tools to lead Hudson in a positive and productive direction.

The Matriots PAC has a goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028?

Thankfully I live in a city where we set 5, 10, and 25-year plans.  Much of my vision aligns with this as I have been helping to shape and modify them over the last 6 years. I would like to see us continue to grow as an intelligent community while maintaining the historic core that is the heart of our city.

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?

One of our biggest issues is a lack of effective communication between the city officials and our community. They have recognized the problem and have taken some steps to correct it, however there is still more to be done. Our other big issue is continuing the work on a downtown expansion that has been driving a wedge between our citizens. It is an important addition to our downtown area and will generate much needed tax revenue. It will be a big change and the process needs to be carefully managed if we are to retain the charm of our historic downtown.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I am an avid golfer. I haven’t ever considered myself an athletic person, but golfing has come to be something I love. It helps that I play on a Friday night league with some wonderful women, including my mom. It has been a great way for me to ensure I get some much-needed time for a mental health break during the week.