VOTE411 Voter Guide

Budgetary issues, economic development, and housing. Obviously balance the budget, secure participation in the economic development, by both private and public investments, to grow our economy and create opportunity for home ownership through this development and lower interest rates. The land bank is also creating opportunities for home ownership in our county.

I will study the budget and prioritize spending, as I have done with my business, township, fire department and village council for the last 47 years. I will work with the elected officials of each department and create a sustainable budget.

Budgetary Constraints: Our county has done its best to adjust to the rising costs, similar to those we have all faced in our own households. With the federal funding received, due to the pandemic, the county was able to delay the budget deficits. It has now become urgent and I will work with all county branches to collaboratively manage a solution.

Strategic Planning: Comprehensive planning is crucial in determining the direction of our community. Our future generations are depending on us! I will create a task force to begin this process.

Economic Development: We need to move forward to encourage the development of our "shovel ready" sites and plan for future investors. We have the capacity to do this with the right tools!

My method of approaching a problem is to gather information from all sources. The county branches are well established and are staffed by an excellent team. I have begun, as a candidate, to meet and learn from these branches. As a leader, I believe the best approach is to surround yourself with a smart and knowledgeable team to collaboratively make decisions. Ultimately the budgetary decisions will be made by the body of the commissioners, but the branches will be working on the mechanics. Their involvement is crucial in decision making and in following the mandates provided by the Ohio Revised Code. This strategy will lead to a plan of action!

Fiscal responsibility amid the budget deficit. The the lack of economic development that is currently non-existent in the county. Community collaboration and transparency to improve public input. As your Commissioner I will prioritize efficient spending and identify savings to close the deficit, drawing on my years of service on Marion City Council Finance Committee. I will also request a targeted zero-based budget review to ensure every dollar is justified and spent wisely. I will build stronger relationships with all township trustees by regularly attending their meetings to better understand local needs and enhance accessibility through open communication and greater public participation in county decisions so all voices are heard

Budgetary decisions is rooted in fiscal discipline and transparency. I believe county government must live within its means, prioritize taxpayer dollars, and focus on core services without unnecessary spending. Drawing on my 14 years of service on Marion City Council including chairing the Finance Committee I would ensure responsible financial management by: conducting a targeted zero-based budget review to justify every dollar spent; identifying efficiencies and savings to address the current deficit and open communication with all township trustees through regular attendance at their meetings to understand local needs and align county resources effectively. These steps will protect essential services and build trust in county leadership.

1) Would be Budgetary-You need to work with all departments with the funds available and try to supply their needs, not necessarily their wants. There may come a time when hard decisions must be made in order to balance the county budget. In my former years as commissioner we had to face those hard decisions and make cuts. 2) Safety-Ensure a healthier, safer Marion County. Work with the Sheriff and dispatch and other departments that contribute to county safety to make sure they have funds that are necessary to carryout their responsibilities. 3)Maintain county property- ensure maintenance of county owned buildings and infrastructure are kept up to date. Take pride in our county property.

Every dollar is assigned a purpose, requiring justification for all expenses. Working with the County Auditor for realistic revenue projections. Categorize spending to ensure essential needs are covered before allocating funds to discretionary wants.