On the Record: Connie Mayle

4/25/2007

By Steven Allen Adams, The Marietta Register

Technology changes everyday, even in the Marietta area. Connie Mayle believes that she has the knowledge to lead Marietta into the information age.

"I've seen Marietta go through a lot of changes," said the 37-year-old Mayle. "I want to see Marietta move forward. I look at some of the current issues on council and think I can improve upon those."

Mayle is running as a Republican for the 4th Ward Marietta City Council seat and is unopposed in the primary. In the general election she will be running against incumbent Democrat Thomas Vukovic.

Mayle is a life-long resident of Washington County, having graduated from Warren High School. She received a B.A. in Art and a minor in Mass Media from Marietta College and has lived and worked in Marietta for over 19 years, spending six of those years at PressMark Printing. She works as an Internet Developer and administrator for Fenton Art Glass in Williamstown, West Virginia. Mayle believes her background in internet technology gives her an insight on where Marietta needs to go.

"I've worked in communications, public relations, marketing for the last 20 years in the Marietta area," said Mayle. "As we approach a knowledge-based economy, an increase in computer telemarketing jobs, and the recent discussion of the city upgrading to a wireless network, I think I bring expertise in that area. I work with one of the top tourist destinations in the area. I worked for six years at PressMark Printing so I understand the needs of tourism and helping with downtown."

Like others running for City Council, Mayle sees the fighting between council and the administration as a major stumbling block. Mayle would like to see this change.

"If elected I'll work to create a positive and cooperative environment in city government, which is not there now," said Mayle. "I don't think individuals need to have a certain agenda; I think they all need to work as a team to get projects done. I feel that council needs to work as a group to accomplish the goals of the city."

Mayle would like to see the council go back to the basics of city government.

"The highest priority of council should be basic issues, going back to basics," said Mayle. "People want to feel safe. They want to know there are enough police officers so if they call 911 someone comes to their door. They want to know we have enough firefighters so that if two houses are on fire we have enough people that can be at both places. The council has talked about the revitalization of downtown, which is important. There are a lot of empty storefronts that we need to fill so that we have something for tourists to come to. We need to bring more businesses."

Mayle sees some of the actions of council as hurtful to the community. Currently the council is trying to redefine the term "single family" in order to limit how many people live in one house. This ordinance would directly affect Marietta College students who live off campus. Mayle sees this as harmful to the local college community.

"I really think this going in the wrong direction," said Mayle. "The Marietta College students that are living together or single people who just happen to be living together and unrelated would not be able to stay there if the ordinance passes. Being a Marietta College graduate, I understand Marietta College students need a place to stay. They give a lot back to the community, they help with a lot of projects, they're there on community service day, and they're spending their money in all the stores. If there is a problem the neighbors can always call the police.

Mayle is actively involved in the Kiwanis Club of Marietta, Easter Seals of the River Cities, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Historic Harmar Bridge Company, the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Committee, the Women of the Moose, and a past member of the Partners in Education Committee at Marietta High School.

To give more access to Marietta residents, Mayle has a website that gives voters access to more information about Mayle and her views.

"That is going to be one of my tools to reach out to constituents and people that want to help out with my campaign, " said Mayle. "On my website you'll be able to read my platform, information about me, my background, and my biography. You'll also be able to register for any campaign events and fundraisers. You'll be able to donate to my campaign directly on my site." The website is http://www.conniemayle.com.