FOUR QUESTIONS
Question 1: What can be
done to encourage more green/clean/renewable energy jobs and businesses in
Fahl:
Morris:
We should encourage high-quality jobs and businesses in a
variety of areas, including those listed. We can’t neglect any promising area
of development. Thus, I certainly agree with efforts to take advantage of the
current national emphasis and federal funding opportunities for job creation in
green sectors. Our highly educated populace combined with a
strong environmental zeal in
Question 2: Do you favor
increasing fire and police protection? Would you favor increasing the city
income tax to pay for additional protection? If not, how would you pay for it?
Fahl:
I am concerned about fire protection. We need to
upgrade equipment and buildings. Strengthening the partnership with O.U. can
provide needed help. State payments to the city have decreased steadily
over the years and should be increased. Another possible source of support
would be university-purchased equipment, as
City Council is working with citizens, students and police to strengthen regulatory tools to avoid a repeat of last year’s disastrous “Palmer-fest.”
Morris:
Insufficient support for fire and police drives our staffing levels well below average for cities of comparable size. I believe we need better funding, but not higher taxes. Council must re-evaluate its spending, with citizen safety and security given a higher priority. Low priority items should be cut, and those resources allocated to other allowable, higher priority items. I am aware that various accounts have restrictions on their use. However, by doing a top to bottom analysis with clearly stated priorities, funds can be legally reallocated at multiple levels, freeing sufficient resources to properly support our police and fire departments.
Question 3: What are your
top three priorities for correcting infrastructure problems in the city?
Fahl:
Street repair and maintenance is always an issue. The challenge, however, is to prioritize project funding fairly and rationally to use budgets most efficiently. Traffic calming and sidewalk repairs are essential for pedestrian safety. I will work to develop ways to help homeowners defray sidewalk repair costs as part of my efforts for a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly city. We should continue our work improving energy efficiency in city buildings (including the water plant). This will save substantially on energy costs, freeing funds for street and water system upkeep and upgrades. It will also reduce our carbon footprint
Morris:
The city should fund the repairs necessary to solve all contamination problems at the city’s service garage, most recently with the salt bin. This will protect our water supply from our own government’s inaction and finally end the Ohio EPA testing, fines and associated legal costs. Through grants where possible and rate increases if necessary, the sewer and water infrastructure’s major problems should be corrected, not given endless band-aid repairs. Likewise, the city’s streets, curbs and sidewalks need serious repair. We will need increased annual funding for many years to methodically make our streets safe and attractive.
Question 4: What can be
done to improve fire protection without increasing the Fire Department’s
budget?
Fahl:
1) We should update code so that fire suppression and prevention measures are included in all multi-family residential development. 2) We can ensure that fire department resources are used most efficiently through a joint city/university effort to educate students about the most common causes of false alarms. (Burnt microwave popcorn seems a frequent cause of false alarms on campus!) Reduction of false alarms, the majority of which happen on campus, would help reduce equipment wear and wasted employee time. 3) We should continue to negotiate with O.U. for financial support as discussed above (Question 2).
Morris:
We need bold leadership to improve relations with