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 PRIORITIES
Safety Services
My top priorities have been insuring the safety of Lima's citizens. I have always made sure that Lima's Police and Fire Departments have been adequately funded in order to protect Lima's residents within the constraints of the budget. When this effort has been most difficult, I have demonstrated the ability to find solutions and maintain service levels.
Economic Development
- Business Friendly Environment
I have been committed to supporting legislation that makes it easier to keep existing businesses, attract new business and allow for the growth of businesses. Frankly, "government" does not "create" jobs in the private sector, BUT, government can create an environment that makes it easier for businesses to flourish and create jobs in the community.
- Taking Control of Lima’s Future
I have been an advocate of the City Administration taking more direct control of "marketing" Lima for economic development purposes. It is necessary to work with other organizations involved; however, the City of Lima needs to be more directly active in promoting business development in the City.
 Moving at the Speed of Business”
In the 21st Century, business operates at a faster pace than ever before. Improvements in technology have provided for more information to be analyzed at an even quicker pace, affording more accurate decision making. The challenge for Lima City Council and government in general, is that there are different laws that apply to government than apply to private business. It often has the result of “slowing down” progress. In 2011 and through the coming years, Lima City Council and the business community must communicate when we encounter these speed bumps, and discuss the ways to eliminate them in the future. We must explore any opportunity that exists to legislatively change a process to allow the process to operate at the “speed of business”. Whether an initiative is City driven or done in cooperation with the Downtown Lima, Inc., Allen Economic Development Group or the Chamber of Commerce – it is the role of City Council to prepare ourselves to make the legislative decisions on issues that will facilitate business growth “at the speed of business.”
Steward of the Taxpayer’s Money
I have been involved in the review of 21 City Budgets. There have been some very difficult decisions that have been made in order to develop a balanced budget which is required by law. Certainly, these decisions came with a lot of spirited debate. The end result, in each case, was a budget that allowed maximum services to be provided to the taxpayers of Lima. In some cases, it avoided reducing City employment through lay-offs.
SPIRIT OF COOPERATION
Working with City Council
I have served on Lima City Council since 1990 with the exception of 18 months when I moved from the First Ward to the Second. During those 19½ years I have had the privilege of working with 29 different Council Members and 3 Council Presidents. Obviously, I have seen many different personalities and perspectives on issues. I have also been able to develop constructive, positive working relationships with all of them – many are still friends today. I respect each Council member’s point of view and recognize that each is duly elected by the voters in their Ward. My ability to work with different Councilors to achieve consensus on issues has been proven over the years. I am the only Council President candidate with a proven record.
Working with the Administration
I have worked with our current Mayor, David Berger, since 1990. During that time, we have worked on many issues facing this City. There have been times that Mayor Berger and I have agreed on solutions and times that we have disagreed. At all times we have had respect for each other’s obligation to do what we believe is right for the City of Lima. The Council President should be a person who is able to work with the Mayor and his Staff to find common solutions. The Council President must also have the ability to voice the objections of the people when they feel the Administration is going in the wrong direction. Lima City Council, by design, is the Legislative Branch of local government and has an obligation to act as a “checks and balances” on the Executive Branch. Over the past 20+ years, I have demonstrated my ability to develop a solid working relationship with Mayor Berger.
Working with County and Township Government
Over the years I have demonstrated my commitment to working with several County Commissioners, Township Trustees, School Districts and State Legislators. I have tried to find common ground when working on joint ventures. I firmly believe in compromising if it is in the best interests of the taxpayers. I have a strong belief in developing a “win-win” situation between the various segments of government.
Working with Business and Residents
I believe that it is important to support business growth that helps create jobs for Lima families. From time to time, Lima City Council is asked to rezone property to allow a business to build. I keep in mind that the residents' concerns need to be heard. In some situations, the people who live in homes near a potential business site can be affected in very serious ways: noise, increased traffic, etc. I have a responsibility to represent the voters concerns and find a compromise that allows the business to develop, while minimizing the adverse effect on the neighbor’s homes.
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