Erie needs new direction, check out our Republican Candidates
Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!
Erie needs new direction, check out our Republican Candidates
Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!
One City, One Mission
Serving The Community
Your candidates have been part of this community for many years, working tirelessly to make it a better place.
Meet the Candidates
Anita, a retired Postmaster General and experienced trainer, brings exceptional leadership and management skills to any effort she joins. In retirement, she has remained active through volunteer work, dedicating her time to causes she’s passionate about. She is eager to support candidate Tina Hiodis in securing state and federal grants to repurpose vacant buildings—transforming them into spaces that provide shelter, mental health services, and medical care for veterans and the homeless.
Anita is also out in the community, knocking on doors and speaking with neighbors she describes as “just like her”—people frustrated by hidden fees that function as de facto tax increases, introduced without transparency to avoid political consequences. One example she cites is the fee for rainwater runoff. She’s also deeply concerned about the city’s decision to consolidate all utilities onto a single bill, making it harder for residents to stay afloat financially. If that bill is late, all services are shut off—leaving families without essential utilities. Anita believes we can—and must—do better.
Tina Hiotis, a proud military veteran, brings a wealth of experience from her years as a registered nurse and medical educator. After transitioning from the medical field, she became a successful independent contractor specializing in identifying and securing government grants for businesses of all sizes. This expertise will be invaluable in bringing additional funding into our local budget—without raising taxes.
Tina is committed to working closely with both state and federal offices to secure grants that directly benefit our community. Every dollar she brings in reduces the need for increased personal property taxes, easing the burden on residents.
Her vision aligns seamlessly with that of Anita and Yevet, particularly in supporting veterans, assisting the homeless, and investing in our youth. Electing this team means bringing together diverse, proven talent and real-world experience.
Stronger Together.
Yevet has dedicated her life to enriching the lives of children and youth in Erie through sports and community engagement. Many may remember her well-known specialty skate shop, Yevet’s Let’s Skate, on West 26th Street, as well as her leadership in founding the Erie Lady Lions hockey club—one of the region’s first organizations dedicated to promoting girls' and women’s hockey. Through her efforts, Yevet has generated significant economic impact for the City of Erie by hosting large-scale hockey tournaments that have drawn hundreds of teams to the area, and she played a key role in bringing the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Tournament to the city. Her commitment to youth development is further demonstrated through her service on numerous boards and committees focused on using athletics as a tool for growth, mentorship, and empowerment. Yevet now seeks to bring her passion and experience to City Council, where she aims to expand youth programs that foster purpose, discipline, and opportunity—helping to shape a stronger, brighter future for the next generation.
Matthew Thomas is a graduate of Gannon University, where he earned a degree in political science with a near perfect GPA. As an attorney, Matthew has handled over 1,000 criminal cases. He empathizes with the struggles of others. His father became addicted to drugs when Matthew was only 3 years old, and his mother (who is a personal hero of his) raised him for many years on the salary of a part-time college professor. Matthew wants to see tough-on-crime policies, completely safe streets and lower city taxes on residents.
He decided to run recently when there was a deadly shooting of a 17 year old just two houses down from his. He wants safety not only for his wife and two young children, he wants it for everyone in the City of Erie.
Matt is a dedicated public servant and accomplished professional committed to enhancing the financial integrity and economic prosperity of Erie. Matt brings a wealth of experience in economics, public service, and community engagement. Matt served as an economic research analyst at Penn State Behrend's Economic Research Institute of Erie, where he contributed to vital economic studies aimed at monitoring regional growth. Matt holds a Master's degree, accompanaied by a certificate in finacial analysis, underscoring his expertise in financial management and economic assessment. He also earned a degree in political science and marketing, equipping him with a diverse skill set that blends governance, strategic communication and marketing analysis. Matt is proud to serve as a Lieutenant in the Army National Guard.
Renee has been a long-time resident of the City and is deeply invested in the well-being and future of her community. Over the years, she has grown increasingly concerned with the decline she sees around her—both in terms of infrastructure and the responsiveness of local leadership. Rather than remain a passive observer, Renee has been a vocal and engaged citizen, closely following the actions of the Erie County Council and frequently challenging decisions she felt were not in the best interest of residents. Her commitment to transparency and accountability has made her a respected advocate for responsible governance.
With the current council member in District 2 reaching the end of their term, Renee recognized that the time had come to take her passion, practical thinking, and deep understanding of local issues directly to the decision-making table. She is running for office to ensure that the voices of everyday residents are not only heard but prioritized, and to bring fresh energy and common-sense solutions to County Council.
Contact Us
Erie Stronger Together
(814) 881-5941 info@eriestrongertogether
