Taking it to the Streets

Cole Burgett

republican

Previous experience: First time candidate.

What’s the biggest issue facing your position? The biggest issue facing my position, as well as many others, is the implementation of new, innovative ideas. It is wonderful when people give so much of their lives to further the community but there comes a point when an infusion of new thought is needed to keep the waters from being stagnant, so to speak.

How would you address this issue?

I think I have already been proactive in addressing this issue. I met with Mayor Mavis and introduced the idea of the Performance Audits conducted by State Auditor Dave Yost’s office. The audits put our processes under a microscope to ensure taxpayers are getting the most bang for their buck at a time when we need it most.

What strengths would you bring to the position?

I work in the corporate world where I have to show how I add value to the organization every day. If I am not, I do not have a job any longer. I am proud to say I exceed expectations and will bring the mindset of “adding value” to Mount Vernon. If I am not adding value, then I should not work here. In my career I work with multimillion dollar figures on very complex projects. Lastly, I believe earning my education at MVNU has given me a strong ethical base to work from as well as a desire to serve the community.

Where do you want to see your district in five to 10 years?

Prospering. I believe steps taken now can ensure the First Ward will remain a great place for families to put down roots to flourish in our community.

Other ideas/plans: I think City Council should be actively involved in the development of employer sites in our community. I think people should hold elected officials accountable to how well the city takes advantage of the opportunities in front of it. One of these ways is to begin putting the fiber in the ground now so that we can attract a more robust group of employers to our city. Doing so will provide new opportunities for people in call centers/technical fields and increase the tax base of the city without increasing the tax rate on you and I. One of the knocks I hear about Mount Vernon is that we do not have a major highway for shipping supplies. Putting the fiber in the ground creates an information highway for data processing and makes the lack of a physical interstate unnecessary. Most companies like this provide tuition assistance for their employees which in turn benefits our local institutions of higher education while providing greater upward mobility for people.

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Sam Barone

What is the biggest issue facing Mount Vernon City Council?

Every community in America can use more jobs; so I would agree with other candidates who cite this as a major issue. But the fact is government cannot create private sector jobs. Jobs are created by businesses, mainly small ones. Local government has an important role to play providing a fertile climate in which entrepreneurs can do their thing. This includes maintaining roadways; making available affordable water and sewer services; providing police and fire protection; minimizing regulation; and creating amenities like parks that one expects to find in a good community. This suggests to me local government’s biggest challenge is to clearly understand and fulfill its role.

How would you address this issue?

Addressing this issue begins with understanding City Council’s job description, which includes: Establishing a budget; considering ordinances; and advocating for constituents.

•The budget process is a chance for City Council to flex its muscles as the elected representative of taxpayers. All of the fact-finding council members undertake is distilled in a budget that sets an agenda for the city. A prudent budget includes adequate funds for daily operations, but also funds earmarked for periodic maintenance and capital improvements. City Council’s “power of the purse” is real, and it is significant.

•Council’s legislative power must be wielded carefully. Personal rights can be abused by too much legislation; but they can also be abused by legislative neglect. As a council member I will ask myself three questions about every piece of legislation: Is it fair? Is it financially sustainable? Is it effective?

•An important part of a council member’s job is to amplify constituent concerns. Every inquiry deserves timely response and follow-up. This presumes an effort has first been made to resolve a problem through normal channels. A council member’s role is not to micromanage, or to duplicate the job of administration, but to use the power of advocacy when a situation demands it.

What strengths would you bring to the position?

As a member of Mount Vernon City Council, I will draw upon every professional and community service experience I have had. My major strength is that I have had quite a few of them.

Whether it be 10 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT; 15 years as a hospital trustee; 12 years coaching youth sports; and everything in between, all of my community service contributes to an understanding of community needs.

I will also draw upon a professional career that includes: 23 years meeting payroll in a highly-regulated business environment; eight years as a self-employed, commissioned sales representative; eight-plus years leading a service-intensive public transit authority; and 18 years of not-for-profit management, including my current position as executive director of the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon & Knox County. During my 38-year career I have experienced enough, and observed enough, to ask the right questions of city government on your behalf.

Where do you want to see the City of Mount Vernon in five to 10 years?

My hope for Mount Vernon is that we nurture the spirit of optimism and reinvention that has characterized the past few years. Dramatic changes downtown involving merchants, MVNU and COTC, private benefactors — and local government in a supporting role — demonstrate we are on the right track. Ten years from now I hope the record shows we have been good stewards of our resources, and have done our part to maintain roads, bridges and utility lines, while advancing multi-generation projects like Foundation Park, the Kokosing River Waterway, and the strategic restoration of historic brick streets.

Other ideas/plans: For the record I strongly oppose my opponent’s suggestion that we hire the Auditor of State to conduct performance audits at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars per city department. The actual return on investment from such audits is highly suspect, and Mount Vernon’s finances are already sound, stable, and well managed by the mayor, city auditor and city council. Performance audits here would be an expensive solution in search of a problem.

 

R. Adam Gilson

democrat

Previous experience: Member, Mount Vernon Shade Tree and Beautification Commission; Print Design Director, Office of Public Affairs at Kenyon College; Training Assistant, Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association; At large member, Knox County Democratic Party Executive Committee; Member, Alumni Council of Elizabethtown College; Member, Planning Commission of Penbrook, Pa.

What’s the biggest issue facing your position?

Members of City Council must work to make sure Mount Vernon remains competitive with cities and towns across Ohio and America. Our city needs to be able to attract private investment, retain and attract residents, and ensure that all residents have the chance to prosper.

How would you address this issue?

If elected, I would work to protect and enhance the quality of life in Mount Vernon. This means continuing to invest in our city by improving infrastructure in all neighborhoods, making sure our transportation system works for people of all ages and abilities and addresses pedestrian as well as vehicular needs, and following planning and zoning principles that place essential businesses and services within easy reach of all residents.

What strengths would you bring to this position?

My longstanding interest in the way we build upon the land and shape communities led to my appointment to Mount Vernon’s Shade Tree and Beautification Commission and, before that, to the Planning Commission of Penbrook, Pa. A knowledge of and interest in planning and zoning issues is essential for prospective city council members. Additionally, as a communications professional, I understand the importance of communicating with the public. I have been doing so tirelessly as a candidate, knocking on doors in every neighborhood over the past four months. I have learned quite a bit about life in all parts of the city by talking directly to voters and will continue to do so if elected.

Where do you want to see your district in five to 10 years?

I believe that, within a decade, Mount Vernon will have made significant progress with routing vehicular traffic on a clearer, less congested path through town. Investment in our downtown will continue, with more businesses setting up shop there and standing the test of time. Foundation Park will be well on its way to becoming the crown jewel of Knox County’s park system, with paved connections to trails that span the state. And Mount Vernon will continue to be considered a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. If elected, I will vote for initiatives that help these visions come true.

Other ideas/plans: We need to focus on sidewalk improvements, the well-being and integrity of all neighborhoods, and the impact of city growth on our neighboring agricultural and rural communities.

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Michael P. Hillier

republican

Previous experience: Three terms on Mount Vernon City Council. I have previously been chairman of the Police and Fire Committee and I am currently the chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee. I am involved in the Dilapidated Buildings Commission and the city’s Planning Commission. I represent the city on the Knox County Regional Planning Commission and serve on the RPC Land Use Committee. I serve on the Downtown Heritage Centre Association Board and the Downtown Parking Company Board. I am an active member in the Chamber of Commerce, where I serve as a chamber ambassador. I am a seven-year volunteer for the community’s Hot Meals Program. I feel working with various people throughout the community keeps me in touch with what is happening in the community.

What is the biggest issue facing your position? I think there are several issues. The first would be the city’s budget. With a decrease in income we need to see that all necessary projects are funded, but at the same time we need to ensure that all city services are funded at a level that best serves everyone. I also feel that Mount Vernon needs to improve housing and living conditions in the inner city, so we do not lose the neighborhood structure we once had.

How would you address this issue?

Council needs to work very closely with the city auditor. The auditor’s office watches the income and expenses on a daily basis. We need to ask the input of the auditor on all planned projects. As the quality of housing standards decrease, we also lose tax income. The city needs to enforce the ordinances the way they are written in the city code, so that substandard housing does not decrease home values.

What strengths would you bring to this position?

I would bring six years experience on City Council. I have worked on six city budgets. I ask questions and I do not rubber stamp things. I have been self-employed and I have also worked in union and non-union atmospheres. I have not missed or been late to a council meeting or a committee meeting.

Where do you want to see your district in five to 10 years?

Being a council member at large, I represent all citizens of Mount Vernon. We need to continue to work hard to keep neighborhoods in good condition. Change is happening throughout the city. We need to work with businesses to continue the growth that will bring in new businesses, while maintaining the ones we have. I would like to see the rebuilding of residential housing in rundown areas of the city.

Other ideas/plans: I would like to continue to work with the administration and the Area Development Foundation to bring employment to Mount Vernon. At the same time, work with employers to find a way to educate individuals to a level so they can fill the new jobs and the jobs we now have.

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Susan Kahrl

democrat

Previous experience: BS-Edinboro University (PA), MA-The Ohio State University, 36 year teacher at Mount Vernon Middle School, serving on various system-wide committees and Curriculum Council. During my 41 years of being a resident in Mount Vernon, I have served on various boards and in leadership roles. I have been a volunteer community activist for many years producing Mount Vernon’s Ohio Bicentennial Program (2003), The Youth Showcase for the Dan Emmett Festival, The Brown Family Environmental Center Lantern Tour (2010), and the Mound View Historical Cemetery Tour (2011).

What is the biggest issue facing your position? As I walk around the city knocking on doors, I can see and hear that the economy, both national and local, is the biggest issue facing our residents. City Council has a responsibility to help create an environment which encourages economic growth through maintaining a smooth running infrastructure, improving transportation routes, and nurturing a community which encourages new business and brings new jobs. City Council must, also, continue to celebrate and commend our local businesses which have maintained stability during these tough economic times.

How would you address this issue?

City Council members must be prudent about how and where to spend taxpayer money, but they must also look to the future of our city and that takes a lot of creative problem solving. Many cities have a problem with decaying, abandoned industries creating a repellent rust belt. We are fortunate not to have this problem. Our abandoned industries have mostly been cleaned up. One example of the few remaining remnants is the railroad bridge by the viaduct. While it may seem like a luxury to some to clean it up and make it part of a bike path, this is exactly what we should be doing, turning an old liability into a new asset, so when people coming into town see it, they are aesthetically pleased. This makes Mount Vernon the sort of place people and businesses want to relocate bringing their money and culture with them. We are already way ahead of the game, but we must continue to maintain and improve our beauty and quality of life which in turn encourages economic growth and sends the message, “This is a place where things are happening.”

What strengths would you bring to the position?

Since I am retired, I have the time, energy, and enthusiasm necessary to devote to City Council. My years in education have given me the communication and cooperative problem solving skills which will help council to keep moving forward in a positive manner. Also, I am a person of action who gets things done. I don’t just talk about it, I do it by working with people throughout the community who volunteer and contribute a variety of resources.

Where do you want to see your district in five to 10 years?

I want to see a strengthened business and industrial community with many more people back to work as well as the creation of new jobs. We need to be working hand in hand with our academic community to prepare our residents with the skills necessary to assume the jobs of the future. I wish for us to have continued revitalization of our downtown and more recreational opportunities, both of which will improve our quality of life. City Council must continue to maintain healthy relationships the very generous local individuals and companies that help fund facilities, improvements and services not funded by tax dollars. We must maintain a stable city budget which allows many more things to be realized.

Other ideas/plans: City Council must continue to find ways to route our traffic more efficiently in and around Mount Vernon. City Council must constantly strive to continue working cooperatively in a non-partisan manner. City Council needs to be constantly concerned about keeping our citizens safe by supporting our police and fire services. City Council needs to reach out to the citizens of Mount Vernon to enlist their opinions, suggestions, and help to move us in a direction which ensures for future generations that we are a place where our people are thriving with a sense of purpose.

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Rebecca Jordan

democrat

What’s the biggest issue facing your position?

The biggest issue facing City Council is the financial aspect. We need to keep the funds in check and make the correct appropriations.

How would you address this issue?

The way I have addressed this issue in my last two terms is keeping a checks and balance system. I believe knowing where the funds are coming from is the key issue. With all of the cutbacks through the state, the city needs to continue to be cautious with projects and spending.

What strengths would you bring to the position?

The strengths I bring are being a good listener, honesty and accountability. I listen to the issues and the citizens of Mount Vernon. I try to make the best decisions for what is right for Mount Vernon now and for the future of this wonderful city.

Where do you want to see your district in the next five to 10 years?

In the next five to 10 years I would like to see economic growth and fixing the flow of traffic patterns. By actually looking at our options and doing something about the flow of traffic this would help with growing the economy and making Mount Vernon a wonderful place to visit, live and raise a family.

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Janis Seavolt

knox county republican-conservative

Previous experience: Owner/manager of Seavolt’s Studio since 1972.

What’s the biggest issue facing your position?

My goal is to ensure that Mount Vernon continues to be a great community, so our grandchildren will want to live and raise their children here.

How would you address this issue?

I promise to be a good steward of your tax dollars; watching how every dollar is being spent on current and future projects. We need to maintain and improve our available services for the citizens within budgetary constraint.

What strengths would you bring to the position?

Business knowledge. My background is working with the public. I am well versed in taking care of the job at hand, while planning ahead. My business has allowed me to gain varied experience as I run all aspects of the business as my husband focuses on taking the pictures.

Where do you want to see your district in five to 10 years?

I would like to win the All American City Award like we did in 1965. I want all our kids to have the opportunity to grow up in Mount Vernon and live the American dream.

Other ideas/plans: If elected I want every citizen to feel comfortable enough to talk and express their problems or concerns to me. I will listen and work to solve the dilemmas as they arise. After all it is my community, my concern. … Thank you for your vote.

Holli Kendall

democrat

Previous experience: I have never sought public office before, but I am able and eager to serve my constituents in the 2nd Ward and to work hard for Mount Vernon.

What’s the biggest issue facing your position?

The economic viability and future of Mount Vernon.

How would you address this issue?

I would support smart strategies that encourage economic development, while retaining the character and history of our community. I think we need to preserve local character by encouraging the expansion and preservation of local businesses, while at the same time providing a healthy variety of opportunities for larger business. I support downtown revitalization and the continued building up of our neighborhoods and parks system.

Economic development is not simply about getting new industry in the area, but also about keeping Mount Vernon “America’s Hometown,” the kind of place that people want to live and raise their families.

Mount Vernon already possesses an array of amenities, including our natural resources (such as parks and agricultural land), historic resources (such as the Woodward Opera House and our museums), community resources (like the farmer’s market, community gardens, the arts community, and local festivals), educational resources (MVNU and COTC) and many wonderful small, locally-owned businesses and service organizations that speak to community cohesion and growth. We need to capitalize on these resources to encourage economic retention and growth potential.

What strengths would you bring to the position?

My education has focused on rural issues and I have training in community assessment and development. My research experience has taught me how to get the information I need, to critically assess data, and to apply findings to policy. As a college instructor I work with others on a daily basis, and manage information and multiple projects regularly. I am also a creative thinker and hard worker who strives for excellence. I believe these experiences and qualities translate well into the role of public servant.

Where do you want to see your district in five to 10 years?

I see Mount Vernon as a place with a strong sense of community and ownership in its accomplishments. I see it as a place where people want to be, whether they are longtime residents, newcomers or visitors. I see it as a place with a thriving downtown, a growing city with a small-town character, and a place that exhibits a striking and sound balance between tradition and modernity.

Other ideas/plans: In the way of keeping Mount Vernon a great place to live, I wish to continue Chuck Dice’s work with the public parks and waterways, and to get the community garden project up and running at Arch Park. I’d like to see the infrastructure issues addressed in regard to road quality and traffic flow, and to resolve the problem of the brownfield at the old cannery location on Madison. I want to preserve the great resources we already have and to help build new ones that will make this city even better.

 

Nancy R. Vail

Republican

Previous experience: My background includes diverse responsibilities with Cooper-Bessemer/Cooper Energy Services/Cooper Industries/Cooper Cameron, and public service both as a City Council member and as the Knox County Clerk of Courts.

What’s the biggest issue facing your position?

Issues continually evolve from one to another as resolutions take place. One constant and very basic issue is the need for continuing attention to financial stability in our municipal government.

How would you address this issue?

Performing necessary evaluations and prioritizing desired and variable expenditures to balance with projected income is critical to good financial management and is a part of my experience, practice and philosophy.

What strengths would you bring to the position?

During my years as a City Council member, I have served on each of the council committees and have at some time chaired each of the following committees: Finance, Planning & Zoning, Streets Public Buildings & Lands, and Parks, and currently Personnel & Community Relations. It is important to me to spend the time needed to research and be prepared to consider the issues brought to City Council.

Where do you want to see your district in five to 10 years?

Certainly we all hope to see our Mount Vernon community prepared to progress into the next decade with retention of community services equal to those we enjoy today, with financial stability and no increased taxation upon our citizens.

Other ideas/plans: My desire is to serve with integrity. Citizen questions and comments are important to me, as are honest answers. I care about how decisions may affect our community and individuals, both currently and long term, and will do the required research and communication to logically analyze and help in problem solving and responsible decision making. I will strive to provide a quality in leadership the voters of Mount Vernon expect and deserve from our elected city government representatives. I care about our community and seek the privilege to again represent and serve the voters of 3rd Ward and Mount Vernon as a member of City Council.