I believe residents deserve responsible policies, reliable services and responsive leaders. If elected, I will work to create a positive and cooperative environment in city government.
My goals, if elected to City Council, include working on public safety issues, business development, historic preservation and quality of life issues such as clean and safe parks, and prioritizing street improvements.
I believe residents deserve responsible policies, reliable services and responsive leaders. If elected, I will work to create a positive and cooperative environment in city government.
Attract Businesses to Marietta
We need to attract businesses to Marietta, including Historic Harmar Village and our Downtown. Council needs to create a business friendly environment that encourages and not discourages businesses to relocate in Marietta.
“The downtown or traditional commercial district is the most visible indicator of community pride, along with its economic and social health. It is either an asset or a liability in the effort to recruit new residents, new businesses and industries, retirees, tourists, and others to your community and to keep those you already have. Quality of life is what separates successful cities and towns from declining communities in the new millennium.” - from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Host a Citywide Community Cleanup Day
Making our community more attractive, clean, and appealing builds pride in our neighborhoods, and also contributes to community safety. The more neighbors get out and meet each other, the less crime a neighborhood is likely to experience. And a Citywide Community Cleanup Day is a great way for neighbors to meet.
A Cleanup Day could target school sites, the riverfront levee, parks, monuments, streets, and other areas and would bring together volunteers from all walks of life who share the pride of helping to keep Marietta clean and attractive.
Preserve Our Historic Past
“The downtown is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. However, there is a need for additional steps to protect the historic character of the business district. Clearer identification of the historic area, legislation to protect historic buildings and investments made in these structures.'
'There has been work toward unifying economic development within Marietta's business district. Currently under consideration is participation in Ohio Main Street, a program affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.'
'Attempts have been made to strengthen the ties between the business districts on the east and west sides of the Muskingum River. The city has supported efforts to establish the 'Bridge of Flowers' concept for the Harmar Walking Bridge and to repair the entranceway on the east side of the bridge. It is clear that restoration of the walking bridge could be important for unifying the business districts, and potentially serve as the conduit over the river for the multi-use pathway.” - from Pioneering the Future, the Marietta City Comprehensive Plan.
As a member of the Historic Harmar Bridge Company Committee, I understand the importance of the Harmar Walking Bridge. It is the last railroad bridge in the United States that is a turn-style draw bridge. And this year marks the bridge piers' 150th anniversary. We are in the process of redecking the entranceway on the east side of the bridge.
I attend Friends of Front Street meetings, Restore Marietta meetings and Harmar Bridge Company meetings. I recently volunteered to help with the 'Bridge of Flowers' Project Planning Committee.
Expand our Wireless Networks
“Economies are increasingly based on knowledge and information. Knowledge is now recognized as the driver of productivity and economic growth. As a result, there is a new focus on the role of information, technology and learning in economic performance. The term knowledge-based economy stems from this fuller recognition of the place of knowledge and technology in modern economies. New issues and questions are being raised regarding the implications of the knowledge-based economy for employment and the role of governments in the development and maintenance of the knowledge base.” - from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Recently, the city of Marietta announced the upgrading of its wireless network. As the internet developer and webmaster for the Fenton Art Glass Company, I understand the technology issues and can work with Eric Skomra, city information systems director, to help implement a citywide wi-fi network. A citywide wi-fi network would encourage technology based businesses to relocate to Marietta.