Hometown
Marion
Current Occupation
Bartender at Marion Country Club
Education/Training/Experience
6 years US Navy Hospital Corps, Operations Manager for International Automotive Logistics Company
Education
Mt. Gilead High School, University of Florida
Marion's rental community is subject to sub-standard housing due to the lack of Building Code enforcement. This issue has been visited many times and fails due to politicians and property owners frightening citizens into believing that they cannot work on their own homes. City Administration needs to target these homes and ensure they meet basic standards.
Homelessness can be better served by City Administration taking a more active role with relief programs already active in our city. We should also have a program that targets the root cause of each case, then target their employment.
1. Enforcement of building codes. Hire inspectors to enforce codes that are already in place.
2. Urban blight. While the current administration is working diligently to address this issue, I believe more can be done.
3. Violence in schools. City Council needs to work closely with the School Board to ensure safety to our teachers as well as students.
Hometown
Marion
Current Occupation
Graphic Arts Instructor - Pioneer Career and Technology Center
Education
High School Diploma (Parma Senior High School) - Continuing Education at Kent State University, University of Akron, University of Toledo, The Ohio State University
Homelessness is a multifaceted problem requiring the input of many stakeholders. Therefore, I would begin by supporting the mayor's task force made up of city officials, social service organizations, community members, and faith based organizations.
Then, with my peer council members, along with the Mayor and any concerned constituents, develop a plan to address housing blight and vacant/abandoned homes in order to create safer neighborhoods and allow Marion’s elder citizens to age in place.
1) Address Housing and Shelter as stated above. This will also include any infrastructure concerns.
2) Support our First Responders by making sure our police and fire departments are up to date with all equipment and necessary training. This, of course, will also include drug enforcement as well as working with school officials to combat truancy.
3) Give voice to the citizens of Marion by bringing their stated needs to the attention of City Council, Mayor and/or proper officials, and assist Ward Council Members to achieve their goals.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Hometown
Marion
Current Occupation
Executive Director, Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter
Education/Training/Experience
BS Eastern Michigan University
Education
Communication, Education and Geography
Housing is a crisis. I would like to see the Landlords get a city tax break for 5 years with with the intention to lower rent rates.
Reducing unsheltered homelessness by using our relationship partners in the community. Also using resources available to prevent evictions from happening.
Support efforts to de-criminalize homelessness.
Expanding community resources to help people thrive.
Take the time to work with staffing agencies and local industry to open up the homelessness workforce.
Continue calling my State Representative and push to increase federal funding for homelessness programs and expanding the affordable housing supply.
Housing, is not affordable and scarce and the homeless crisis is increasing.
Jobs, it's not that it's an issue... but how can we expect New Industry to come to our community with a housing crisis and what is available is not affordable to the working class who want to save to become homeowners. Transportation, I have seen first hand the challenges our citizens have getting back and forth to work for 2nd and 3rd shifts. The fight must go on to push our State Representative to increase federal funding for homelessness programs and expanding the affordable housing supply. And work with City officials to expand bus hours for our work force.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Hometown
Marion
Current Occupation
Educator
Candidate has not yet responded.
Our city faces key challenges that require strong leadership. Financial responsibility is crucial—taxpayers deserve transparency and accountable spending. I’ll push for open financial reporting and responsible budgeting. Economic development is also vital; we must attract businesses, support small entrepreneurs, and invest in job growth. Neighborhood revitalization is key to a thriving community—I’ll support infrastructure improvements, address blight, and promote home ownership. With accountability and transparency, we can build a stronger, more prosperous city.
