Candidate survey responses
Why are you running again for treasurer? What do you hope to accomplish in the position?
I have been the treasurer since January of 2022 and have enjoyed my time in the position. Running again was an easy decision. The Treasurer’s office is responsible for balancing all the accounts monthly and overseeing the city’s investments. I hope to continue to streamline the reconciliation process to make it as easy as possible for anyone who might follow me and to continue to invest the city’s funds as best I can to keep the city earning a decent return.
Why are you running as a Democrat?
I’m running as a Democrat simply because my views on most issues absolutely align more with the Democratic Party.
What is your previous political or public office experience?
I had zero political or public office experience prior to this position.
What do you see as Athens’ biggest issues?
I believe that the biggest challenge for Athens in the coming years will be the threat of more and more reduced state and federal funding for municipalities throughout Ohio.
What experiences, knowledge, expertise do you think you can bring to the position? Relevant major accomplishments?
The experience I bring to this position is from running a local business here in Athens since 1997. In doing so, I have become very comfortable working with numbers, budgeting, forecasting, planning etc. In the position of City Treasurer, I have, over the past 3 years, worked very hard to streamline the reconciliation process to make the job even easier for anyone who may come after me. I think the accomplishment I’m most proud of over the past 3 years in this position is the solid rate of return I have been able to achieve with our city investments. For the past two years, that interest income has been beneficial to the city’s general fund.
Where and how do you think the city could improve life for its residents?
I think that maintaining and if possible, expanding our level of Arts, Parks and Recreation is a big way to improve the lives of our residents. Not all communities have all the resources that Athens has available and it something we don’t want to let go by the way side. Add to that the quality level of Police and Fire protection that we enjoy in Athens as well. Maintaining those services is very important. Both are areas where we sometimes don’t realize how well off we are and wouldn’t want to see them reduced.
Some hot-button items over the past year have been the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District plan (and Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers becoming Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal council of governments), construction on West Union and the Lostro Project, a recent cyber theft and an income tax increase. Any thoughts on how the city/council handled problems that arose during these circumstances?
AHRC/SORT – Handled well. State ORC puts us in a position where we sometimes have to make tough decisions, but joining the SORT was a great way to keep the door open for future possibilities that may align more with what our community wants.
Lostro/West Union – Handled fairly well. Hind sight is always 20/20 and when you look back, you could probably find areas where clearer and more frequent communication might have been helpful. That said, as a business owner in Uptown Athens since 2000, construction projects happen. It’s 100% unavoidable and all parties have to be prepared to deal with it at some point. No one likes it, but we all just need to do our best to work through it and again, communicate effectively any and all issues that arise on both sides.
Cyber Theft – Due to the ongoing investigation, my knowledge of the issue is limited, but it does seem to me that the issue has been handled as well as possible working within the constraints of the investigation process. Cyber crimes of this nature are happening at an alarming rate nationwide and it’s unfortunate that our city was a victim this fall. But from what I have seen, our city leadership has done everything they needed to do or could possibly do in dealing with the aftermath.
Income Tax Increase – I was pleased to see the city administration bring it before council and pleased to see council vote to have it on the ballot. With inflation rates being high over the past few years, every cost the city incurs is getting higher and higher. I certainly understand citizens who have reservations about raising the income tax, but it is my opinion that it is the job of our administration and city council to recognize the financial status of our city and act accordingly to maintain the level of city services the residents have come to enjoy. To not talk about it or not put it on the ballot, would simply be pushing a problem down the road. Good leaders use foresight and deal with the unpleasant issues before they become dire issues. Putting it before the voters to decide as early as possible was in my opinion the most financially responsible thing to do. And as it should be, the citizens will decide how we move forward with this issue.
Anything else to add?
I would only add that I have very much enjoyed my time these past 3 years being the city treasurer. I’ve come to respect the hard work and effort my fellow elected officials put it as well as the high level of work our city staff puts in to make Athens run as well as it does. Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to speak with other officials and staff from other cities and have always come away feeling very good about the quality of people we have taking care of us here in Athens. I look forward to continuing my work as the Athens City Treasurer.
