Elect

REBECCA SOMNITZ

INDEPENDENCE CITY COUNCIL

A trusted voice for residents, businesses and families who want to keep Independence "a premier community in which to live, work and raise a family."

Let's Connect

I would love to hear from you

Fresh Thinking + Communication + Follow Through

"I believe my unique and fresh perspective rooted in well-rounded, real-life experiences will help guide smart decisions for our city's future."

-Rebecca Somnitz

Issue 1:

Prioritize Safety

As a mother of three, I often remind my children that my most important responsibility is keeping them safe. I believe the same principle applies to city leadership—ensuring the safety of our residents must be the top priority.

Safety is the foundation upon which strong communities are built, but it goes beyond police and fire services. It includes thoughtful infrastructure planning such as walkable neighborhoods, traffic-calming road designs, and well-placed crosswalks. Legislation that attracts businesses that align with residents' expectations and align with long term goals. These elements all contribute to a safer and more livable city.

My goal is for every resident and visitor in Independence to feel secure—whether they are living, working, or simply enjoying everything our city has to offer.

Issue 2:

Encourage Economic Development

As a small business owner, commercial property owner, and resident of Independence, I bring a unique, well-rounded perspective that reflects the needs and priorities of each of these important groups.

Independence has a proud history of attracting top-tier companies to the city, and that momentum must continue. However, we must also place an emphasis on supporting small businesses—the local shops, restaurants, and services that add character, charm, and vibrancy to a community.

Both types of businesses are essential for creating a city that is not only economically strong but also welcoming and enjoyable for future generations.

Issue 2:

Encourage Economic Development

As a small business owner, commercial property owner, and resident of Independence, I bring a unique, well-rounded perspective that reflects the needs and priorities of each of these important groups.

Independence has a proud history of attracting top-tier companies to Rockside Road, and that momentum must continue. However, we must also place a greater emphasis on supporting small businesses—the local shops, restaurants, and services that add character, charm, and vibrancy to a community.

These businesses are essential to creating a city that is not only economically strong but also welcoming and enjoyable for future generations.

Issue 3:

School Collaboration

Thriving communities are built on the foundation of strong schools. One of the key drivers of Independence’s high property values is the excellence of the Independence Local School District.

It is essential that the City of Independence and ILSD continue to foster a strong, collaborative relationship to ensure we are providing the highest quality experience for our residents—both now and in the future.

Issue 4:

Maintain and Enhance City Services

Independence is widely recognized for its vibrant city programs and community events, which are an important distinction that sets us apart from other cities.

Maintaining, enhancing, and thoughtfully expanding these offerings for all age groups will not only preserve Independence's appeal and strengthen property values, but also ensure that residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

Issue 4:

Maintain and Enhance City Services

Independence is widely recognized for its vibrant city programs and community events, which are an important distinction that sets us apart from other cities.

Maintaining, enhancing, and thoughtfully expanding these offerings will not only preserve Independence's appeal and strengthen property values, but also ensure that residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

Issue 5:

Foster Community

Independence is distinguished by its deep-rooted community, where multiple generations of families choose to live, work, and invest. This enduring civic pride—coupled with a strong desire among residents to remain or return—gives the city a unique, small-town character, despite being minutes from downtown Cleveland.

To preserve and strengthen this sense of community, it is essential to foster collaboration among schools, businesses, and external organizations. By doing so, we can ensure that residents feel welcome, engaged, and optimistic about the future of their city.

This shared pride and sense of belonging, serve as the foundation for Independence’s continued and long-term success. 

Meet

REBECCA SOMNITZ

Hello! Thank you for being here to learn more about me and why I am asking for your vote on November 4!

I'm Rebecca Somnitz and I am excited to be running for Independence City Council on November 4, 2025. As an Independence High School Alumna, proud homeowner, small business owner in the city, public school parent, commercial real estate owner in the city and having two sets of parents in the city- I have a deep, personal investment in Independence. I believe my unique and fresh perspective rooted in well-rounded, real-life experiences will help guide smart decisions for our city’s future.

I am a proud graduate of Independence High School (class of 2000) where I was active in music, theater, sports and student council. After graduating from IHS I went on to earn my communications degree from The Ohio State University and then spent several years in Chicago working in association management gaining valuable professional experience and a broader prospective.

During that time, I married my husband, Scott Peters- IHS Class of ’93 graduate- and began dreaming of bringing something meaningful back to my hometown. That dream came to life in 2010 when we moved back to Independence to open my bridal shop, Something White, in the city we love.

I have owned and operated Something White for the past 15 years, first in the bike shop building on Sunset Ave. and more recently in the old post office building behind Dairy King which I purchased and renovated into two retail spaces in 2023.

Today, Scott and I are raising three children- Charlie, Evie and Wes Peters- who attend Independence Middle School and Independence Primary School. I am involved in our community as a parent volunteer (IPS running club founder!), past board member of the Independence Co-op Preschool, current board member of the Independence Athletic Boosters and an active participant in the city’s excellent programs and events.  

My deep Independence roots, professional background, personal and professional investments in the city and wide-ranging community involvement provides me a unique understanding of our city’s history, current state and exciting potential.  

I am running for Independence City Council and asking for your vote, to be a voice for residents, businesses and families who want to keep Independence "a premier community in which to live, work and raise a family." - Rebecca Somnitz

See you at the polls

November 4!

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