Monday, November 14, 2011

Election Results

I was disappointed to see my candidate for mayor defeated on Tuesday. In his defense, I think 42% of the electorate voting for change is an impressive first showing. I like and still support Jeff. His issues remain huge opportunities for the Village. I will partner with any on Council who are willing to work on them.

I have been asked to step down due to my support for Jeff's failed run. I disagree with the thought and will honor my commitment to the Village.

Finally, congratulations goes to Dan for running an effective campaign. I will continue to find common ground and work with the Mayor for the good of the Village.

Cortney

Council 10/24

I attended Council on 10/24 and here's what I saw.

Parking - we don't need to spend $200K+ on West Street parking when we can amplify what we ALREADY HAVE for hundreds (maybe few thousand) of dollars. We need wayfinding(physical and virtual signage), we need awareness, we need safe crosswalks. We don't need the nuclear option on West St.

Parking study data. We need to be very careful to not "throw the baby out with the bathwater". That study may have some bias (all studies do), but it's a solid, independent data point. If we go and try to "fix", we risk reducing the study to useless.

Agenda Packets. Denise brought up an important point - we do NOT see much of which comes across the Mayor's desk. I speak mainly to the opinions contrary to the Mayor's POV. This is unfortuante, and it shows serious bias. We need objective information in the packets, not a one-sided opinionated view.

New Dodge Charger. This choice is net neutral in terms of operating costs. I would like to see us choose efficiency as an important variable, instead of a secondary one. We can't keep the General Fund from imploding by not improving efficiencies, one of which is energy costs.

Rumpke 2% - this is better than the 3% we absorbed last year. This is meaningful savings vs 3% on such a large portion of our General Fund.

Bike Route in Lower 80. I look fwd to an update at the next Council meeting. This can be a nice add to the village, if someone (not the Village) maintains it.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes. All were procedural except for the Police Car (above) and the State regulating Wooster Pike signage. I have some reservations here, but I think standard signage is reasonable.

Cortney

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