Candidates Night - Terry Cole

A Terry Cole Podcast Studio Production.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
[Music]

(00:21):
AM 1490 WMRN, the best mix of the 60s and the 70s little doobie brothers there. And now it is time to head out to Tri-Rivers for the League of Women's Voters candidates night and we'll head out there right now.
On behalf of League of Women's Voters, I'd like to welcome you all tonight. We're happy to see a large group of people here.

(00:48):
We appreciate your interest in our political system and your interest in our candidates. I also would like to welcome all the candidates tonight.
I do wish to inform you that we are going to be on Mary and on mine next week as well as having a voters guide in the Mary and Star.

(01:12):
So be sure I'm up for that. Now it's my pleasure to introduce Terry Cole who is going to be your moderator. Thank you.
Good evening. We have a few ground rules that are followed at that every League of Women's Voters candidates night.
Those ground rules are the candidates for each office are to be introduced in alphabetical order each one given two minutes to get biological information

(01:40):
or to speak to a specific issue. No one will be allowed to speak for an absent candidate.
Questions from the audience must be written on index cards provided by the League. Only one question per card.
The candidate for office should be designated at the top of the card. League members will collect those cards.
Questions should be confined strictly to the issues and not personalities. The Mary and League of Women voters reserves a right to screen all questions both from try rivers and from the radio audience and those listening on the radio can call 389-4681.

(02:19):
And when they picks up you can get zero or wait for the the attendant to answer.
Responses and rebuttals are limited to one minute. Timekeepers will signal ten seconds. The question is directed to both candidates in a given race. Each candidate has one minute to respond.

(02:40):
The question is addressed to a specific candidate. Post the candidate has one minute opposing candidates if desired has one minute rebuttal.
The original candidate 30 second wrap up and then the opposing candidate 30 second rebuttal and or wrap up. And if questions are addressed to all candidates in a given race candidates will alternate answering first.

(03:02):
And those are the ground rules for the League of Women voters candidates night.
And we'll start at this end of the table for the introduction and the biographical information. We'll start with Pete DeWolf.
Thank you, Terry. Good evening. I am Pete DeWolf your candidate for City Council of Large. I'm a lifelong Marion resident.

(03:30):
I graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1955 and from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management.
I served in the United States Army and reserves from 1960 until 1966.
From 1968 until 1984 when the company closed, I was the vice president of the American Malibu Castings Company on West Center Street.

(04:02):
I gained experience in finance, manufacturing, personnel, labor relations, purchasing and sales.
Since 1985 I have been a self-employed manufacturer sales representative. I regularly traveled to many cities and towns in Ohio and have learned successful solutions to problems common to those cities and some of those same problems or either aggressive now or at some point in time we will.

(04:37):
I am capable and interested in serving the citizens of Marion. I have two children. I have a daughter and a son George and their spouses and my two grandchildren live in Grandview Heights, Ohio.
I thank you for the opportunity to be here this evening and I thank you for your vote on November 2nd. Thank you.

(05:01):
Thank you. Our next candidate, Amy Davis.
Good evening. I'm Amy Davis and I'm running for City Council at large. I'm currently serving on my third term on City Council as the fourth board City Council person.
I'm a member of the Finance, the Airport Lands and Building and the Zoning and Annex Asian Committees.

(05:22):
I also chair the Job and Economic Development Committee, the Hospital Select and the Regional Planning Committee's Council.
I'm currently a member of the Regional Planning Commission and can do executive board. My experience in my record show that I am concerned about the people of Marion's welfare and their problems.
I've worked to bring new playgrounds to the Marion's parks and to keep historical buildings preserved for future generations of Marion.

(05:50):
Also, I've worked to bring new jobs to Marion like Ohio Galvanizing and LTV. Marion's grown and expanded over the last six years and a vote for Amy Davis will help keep it growing.
I'm already working on what I see are the biggest problems Marion will face in the new millennium.
I've been involved in the hospital negotiations to turn local control to Marion General's board. We still have a difference of opinion on what that means and a vote for Amy Davis will let your voice be heard on our hospital.

(06:26):
Trade traffic is the second issue and in some people's mind the biggest. We need to push to keep an overpass built on West Center Street. We need to find a way to break and move trains to block the streets over 10 minutes.
I would like to see stif penalties for trains that jeopardize our safety and our welfare of our city as a whole. I will continue to work on these and any new problems that affect Marion and its citizens.

(06:58):
I would like to thank you all for coming tonight and I hope you will vote for Amy Davis on November 2nd.
Our next candidate, Amy Finney.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank you very much for having me here tonight and giving me the opportunity to speak.
My name is Amy Pinnick and I'm proud to be a candidate for City Council at large.

(07:21):
I am seeking an at-large seat so I may directly represent and serve all residents of our great city.
As a lifelong Marionite, I know our community and what needs to be accomplished here.
I also believe I'm uniquely qualified for this important job.
My work in the Marion business community as well as my lifelong and diverse experience in local organizations and activities give me a great insight both in the obstacles and opportunities facing the Marion area.

(07:52):
We already have a great city but it can get, excuse me, it can get even better with improved city services, more responsive leadership and better use of taxpayer resources.
I want to make our city government even more accessible and more helpful to all city residents.
Most importantly, I want to help create a Marion whose future is brighter than the present.

(08:15):
A place where all its citizens can enjoy safe neighborhoods and where generations can look forward to continued economic prosperity.
As Councilwoman, I will take an active and decisive role in this future, maintaining our existing strengths such as our police and fire protection.
And building towards a brighter business future, attracting more employers and quality jobs to the Marion area.

(08:39):
I'm determined to do a great job and work very hard for our city and its future.
With your support on November 2nd, I can be a crucial voice in our city government.
Above all else, I'd be very proud to represent you on City Council.
Again, my name is Amy Pinnick and I appreciate your support on November 2nd.
Our next candidate is Scott Schurtzer.

(09:03):
Thank you.
My name is Scott Schurtzer and first of all, I'd like to thank the League of Women Voters and the sponsors here tonight for bringing us together to have an opportunity to talk to the public about the issues that most of the people are concerned about in our city.
I've been on City Council since January of this year.
I filled the vacancy of Kathy Lyons when she was elected the County Commission.

(09:24):
I serve on the Regional Planning Commission. I serve on the Parks and Recreation and Airports Lands and Buildings Committees.
I'm currently an eighth grade American History teacher at Elgin Junior High School, where I've coached high school track and I've coached junior high football.
Prior to that, I worked in Columbus for our former State Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow.

(09:49):
I attended Ridgedale High School, graduated from Ridgedale High School in 1985 and am a graduate of the University of Toledo with a degree in secondary social studies education.
I've always said that there are three very influential people in my life.
My father who taught me the value of a hard day's work and a good work ethic.
My mother who taught me about love and compassion and the value of a strong family.

(10:13):
My grandmother, Mrs. Einstein, who's dedicated many hours to this community, has taught me a lot about giving back to our community.
In fact, one day I asked her, "Gramel, why do you do all that you do?"
And she paused for a moment and she said, "It's the right thing to do."
And that's why I'm here because it's the right thing to do.

(10:34):
To try and make our community a better place for all of us to live, I think all the candidates have the same thing in mind.
We all want to solve the issues, the hospital issue, the building code, train traffic, downtown development.
We could go on and on and I hope you have the opportunity to talk about these issues.
Also, I have another influential person in my life and I don't see her here yet, but that's my bride to be and sparks, so I want to thank her.

(10:58):
One person that can't be here tonight, my number one supporter, my brother Wes.
And I know he'd be in the front row right now encouraging me on if he were here.
Thank you.
Okay, those are our four council large candidates that are here.
Bob Grayers also accounted, but cannot attend tonight.
We move on now to the first word council and Ralph Comston.

(11:23):
Good evening and thanks everybody for coming tonight.
It's the most exciting time of year as everybody gathers to look at the issues and look at the responses.
I find this particularly interesting because this is the time that we get feedback after we've been in office and running for issues.
There's lots of things to talk about, especially in the first word as we continue to bring infrastructure improvements in.
We've had several major stormwater projects and improvements as we continue to look at Williamsport road and develop it, look at traffic studies.

(11:51):
A lot of exciting things going on in this city.
Very proud of it, very proud of the people in it and also very proud of the difficult issues that we face because without those difficult issues we never make leaders.
We never develop future community leaders.
Issues make people come forth and give their opinions and get a more involved in government.
I think it's important that we strive to continue in that manner.
And it's exciting to see the people that come out and the feedback and listen to the radio station, the phone calls that we get, the letters we get on our website.

(12:20):
It's a good time to be in Marion.
And I guess if I looked at the best asset that I have to give back to the people is, is it a routine player.
I can work well with everybody on council with the administration, with our township governments, with our county governments.
And I think it's important that we all strive to get along.
Although we may disagree, it's important how we disagree and how we move forward with the important issues facing our county, our city, our townships.

(12:47):
And it's proud to work with everybody and work for issues that affect us all.
Thank you.
Another of the Council candidates John Indicott, I could not attend tonight.
We now move on to the fourth board council and our first candidate, Andrea Ludwig.
I'm Andrea Ludwig and I'm running for City Council in the fourth board.

(13:10):
I appreciate the opportunity and the invitation to be here tonight to introduce myself.
I'm running for City Council because I believe in community involvement and I think that public service is an honorable way to do that.
I want to see Marion with better traffic patterns, allowing people to drive without encountering amazes of one way streets blocked by trains.

(13:34):
I want to work for a Marion with growing industry that provides our young people a place to work and live near family.
I want to live in a city that does not encumber its citizens with ineffective and costly laws, codes and regulations.
I want to live in a community with high quality, reasonably priced health care, and a hospital that's a good corporate citizen.

(13:59):
I pledge to you that I will take my responsibility for your tax dollars seriously using every opportunity to provide effective, ethical and efficient government.
I will work to ensure that our police and fire departments are adequately supported to provide for our safety and security.
For this reason, I have been endorsed by the Marion Feternal Order of Police.

(14:24):
As a citizen, I look for government to be responsive to citizens' concerns and needs.
Beyond that, I believe in limited government that allows my family to go about our lives without intrusion.
Marion is a wonderful town. As with any community, there are plenty of challenges to be faced and improvements that can be made.

(14:48):
These are the things that I hope to work on as your representative on City Council. I'm Andrea Ludwig, and I would appreciate your support on November 2nd.
Our next candidate also has fourth-world council candidate, Deborah Blubens.
Hi, I am Debbie Blubens, and I'm running from fourth-world City Council.
I have lived in Marion for the last 30 years. I am married to Jim Blubens, senior who works at GTE.

(15:15):
We were both enlisted in the U.S. Army and came back to Marion after we were discharged.
We have two children, Jim, Jr., and Maggie, and we have one granddaughter, Brianna.
I'm a committee person in precinct 4D, a member of the Governor's Council for Women Veterans, the Family Support Team of the United States Army,
the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion. I am active at St. Mary's Church in a volunteer for contact care line, a 24-hour crisis phone line through the Marion Area Council Center.

(15:48):
I am a graduate of Marion Technical College, and now a lecturer for Weight Watchers International in Marion and Central High.
In the past, I volunteered for many activities, the March of Dimes, the Heart Association, and Scouting.
At one time, I was office manager for the United Credit Union and was president of the VFW Auxiliary.

(16:10):
All these activities right here in Marion have helped me know many of you.
My experience in the community is varied, which will lend to my abilities as your voice on City Council.
We all are aware of the things that we would like to see and approved in the fourth ward.
We want to have the fourth ward be a safe place in which to live. We want our children to be able to play safely in our neighborhood, and we would like to receive our fair share of services and improvements from the city.

(16:37):
Such as street repairs, sewer repair, and better lighting were necessary.
I will always be available to address and represent your concerns.
In addition, I will use the knowledge that I have acquired to engage the proper agencies in addressing the needs of the residents living in the fourth ward.
Living in this ward for 30 years has helped me understand its needs. I will represent you well and be there. Please vote for me, Debbie Bleven, on Election Day, November 2.

(17:06):
Thank you. Our next candidate is for the Fifth Ward Council, Josiah Daniels.
Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to be here speaking with you. To be quite honest with you, I have no idea and didn't have any idea what I wanted to say to you tonight until right now.

(17:31):
First, I'd like to tell you a little bit. I'd like to sum my life up in two minutes.
I've lived in Marion all my life. I've lived in other places for a short time, but Marion continually pulls at my shirt strings. I always find myself back in this community.
I suppose now I'm old enough to know there is no other place to live, except right here in Marion, Ohio.

(17:58):
I will live, hopefully, raised a family, be married, and probably die right here.
That is not a bad thing. But knowing that I'll be here for so long, I've in the last year dedicated myself to making it a community in which I would like to live in.

(18:22):
A little about myself, I graduated from Elgin High School. I attended school right here at Tri-Rivers.
Oddly enough, ten years ago, I looked around this room and I used to eat lunch in this very room.
I went to the US Navy in 1989. I spent four and a half years there. I was able to come out and under the GI Bill, I attended college.

(18:52):
I went to Ohio State, received a bachelor's degree in economic analysis.
Oddly enough, this very degree has been very beneficial to me over the course of the last year.
The fifth ward has been a very active place. We've had the right aid issue come forth, building codes, etc.

(19:13):
On November the second, I would appreciate your vote. I have the expertise and knowledge to make a beneficial candidate.
Thank you.
I'll be back next time. Okay. By the next 5th Ward Council candidate, Ruth Peters.
Thank you, Terry. Thank you, Legbreen, biting us.
I am Ruth Peters, the current 5th Ward City Council representative.

(19:38):
I was appointed to this position August the 8th and I am a Republican candidate to represent the 5th Ward citizens of Marion.
I am retired. I have the time and the listening skills to represent all the citizens on City Council.
I'm a graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in guidance and counseling.

(20:04):
I retired after 22 years teaching in the River Valley District.
I was appointed and then ran and served two terms as Mary and Township Clerk.
I was employed for seven years in the County Trasers Office.
I believe this gives me the experience to serve the citizens of the 5th Ward well.

(20:29):
There are things I would like to see continued. I'd like to see the issue with the hospital resolved.
I would like to be a part of the city government moving into the 21st century.
We have lots of progress at the airport. We have the industrial park connector which is exciting.

(20:54):
The opportunity for higher education, jobs and recreation in the Marion area is great.
I believe that it's Council's duty to listen and make sound decisions for all the citizens.
I have the time and the experience and I pledge to you that I will do my best.
I ask for your support on November the 2nd. Thank you.

(21:19):
We now move to the candidates for President of Council and our first candidate, Keith Koiser.
Hello. My name is Keith Koiser and I want to be your City Council President.
Democracy is defined as a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people.

(21:40):
As I see it, basic to the democratic claim for all is equality.
Fairness is a condition behind the administration of rights in a democracy and knowledge is the key.
An informed citizenry is the fuel of democracy. This element has been lacking for the last two years.

(22:04):
I proposed when I put my nomination petition in to televised all council and committee meetings
to publish all agendas prior to the meetings.
It both in the newspaper and also have a new bulletin board outside of City Hall so that all know what is before your council before the meetings.

(22:32):
I propose to have email for all council to receive and to reply the inquiries from you to answer all questions within three to five business days.
More importantly, to put in or put back in a new public address system for council so that all in attendance can hear and be heard.

(22:55):
I would also propose to have council meetings in each ward at least one time per year so that the issues of that particular ward and the concerns of its residents can be heard.
I have been a teacher. I worked as a residential and commercial painting contractor. My first job was loading brick.

(23:22):
I am a musician in the community band. And I am a lawyer.
I am experienced in handling groups from five to fifteen hundred times up your two minutes rub.
Thank you. And our next candidate for president of council is Perry Payne.

(23:44):
I am Perry Payne and I am running for president city council. And I am also the current president city council.
I would like to say that I consider it a privilege and honor to get a serve our community in this position.
I am 43 years old and my wife and I have been marrying residents for practically our entire lives and we are happy to raise our two daughters in this community.
I attended marrying city schools and graduated from OSU and MTC. My current profession is a church treasure and a family life pastor.

(24:11):
Prior to this I worked for almost seven years for the city of Mirian as the investment and internal auditor which gave me a great ability and level of understanding about the functions of each city department.
Working with the city budget with the city grants helping to manage the city assets and working with the cash flow investments of the city has given me insight to many of the matters that comes before city council.

(24:36):
We have all experienced seasons in our lives when we become so busy that we can lose focus on what is important to us.
One of my main goals is to keep before the leaders of this city its most valuable assets which is the citizens of our city.
If we help our citizens of this community succeed our city as a whole will succeed. Having been in leadership for almost 16 years I have found that it takes a team to build something successful.

(25:06):
I seek to help to strengthen the team in this community of our citizens, our government, our nonprofit organizations, our industry and other segments of society.
I also seek to build a platform of communication to and for the citizens to bring forth their ideas and their concerns.
It takes a team to build the city and I believe together we can build a city where our children are safe, where our youth in this community have a purpose, where our families are being successful, where single parents find a helping hand.

(25:40):
This is Marian as president of city council my plan is to be proactive more than reactive treating the position with respect, maintaining a standard of integrity.
Thank you.
And those of you listening on 1490 WNRM you can call in your questions 389-4681 and then press zero or you can wait for someone to pick up.

(26:07):
On the front table we'll start on this end for Marian Township trustee, more and more.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank the League of Women Voters for allowing me to be with you this evening.
My name is more and more. I'm a candidate for Marian Township trustee.
I'm a 25 year resident of Marian Township and I've been involved in the automobile business for 11 years.

(26:34):
I currently serve on the board of trustees for the residential home association of Marian.
My experience includes six years on the Marian City Planning Commission. Three years is chairman.
Three years on the Marian County Regional Planning Commission. I've served a short time on the Marian City Board of zoning appeals.

(26:55):
I want to be of service to the residents of Marian Township and serve in an effective, efficient and timely manner.
When elected, I will maintain and improve already impressive services provided by the township.
Fire service, emergency squad, road service, general maintenance. Services also means being responsible to the needs of the citizens.

(27:19):
And to answer various questions they may have. I will be a representative for the people of Marian Township and offer sound financial responsibility.
Your interest in this election is critical. On November 2nd, I encourage you to vote for me more and more.
Your next Marian Township trustee. Thank you.
Our next Marian Township trustee candidate, Donald Roberts.

(27:46):
My name is Donald Roberts and I'd like to thank the legal women's voters for this opportunity tonight to address some issues that are critical to the future of Marian Township and citizens.
I am a veteran. I have studied at the Hedinard Institute. I have two years of college. I've worked in the trades as a graphics cameraman.
Ten years of major in-house profit center. I have been a past union member. In 18 years I have served in Township government in some capacity from zoning inspector to.

(28:17):
Under board and also for the. Excuse me for the Mary County Health Department board.
I can make a statement in comment on something that has come to me because of my past.

(28:38):
All too often many politicians in this county are part of the good old boys network.
Many politicians never weigh the weight of their way the consequences of their decisions into the future.
Never think they're only they never think that they only represent about 10% of the electorate.
To understand that that we are being voted in here, not that many of you are going to vote for us.

(29:03):
If we become Township trustee or anything.
Mary Township there has to be some sort of budget control. The budget control is going to process means that we have to effectively have a decent fire department and road department.
Upgrading their equipment and looking into the future for emergency services.
I don't believe that this time this is really in place.

(29:27):
A long time long term fiscal planning for the township.
As long as annexation is hanging over the head of the trustees, no real planning can take place.
The trustees will never know the land that they'll lose through Mary and annexation.
After all they have the responsibility of a maintained service to the township, not to the annexation to the Mary.

(29:50):
Other items have come up because of situations.
No time's up. Thank you.
Thank you.
Our next million township trustee candidate Scott Kerst.
Good evening. My name is Scott Kerst. I'm a candidate for Mary and Township trustee.
Having spent my entire life in Mary and county in the last 17 years is a Mary and Township resident.

(30:15):
I hope to express my commitment, involvement in this community and the trustee role.
I've been employed at the High of Department of Transportation for the past 19 years.
My role as county manager gives me experience and knowledge in several areas that I feel would be great benefit as Township trustee.
As county manager I'm responsible for multi-million dollar budgets, developing these budgets and also developing annual work plans in five to ten year long range plans.

(30:42):
These work plans involve state road improvements, construction is also road maintenance projects and preventive maintenance project plans.
This experience would help me develop similar plans for the Township roads in the fire department.
Also my job I work with the public on a daily basis.
I am responsible for listening and responding to community concerns.

(31:06):
As Township trustee I would appreciate and be open and responsive to the citizens.
I would have a strong commitment to meet their expectations.
As a county manager I have labor relations experience, also experience in negotiating labor contracts and other purchasing contracts.
As a government employee I have firsthand knowledge of how government works.

(31:31):
I would be able to use this knowledge to cut down on red tape and facilitate changes.
I believe I would be a valuable asset to this community as a Township trustee.
I have experience with budgeting, planning, dealing with unions, purchasing equipment and road maintenance items.
Also knowledge of the government and most importantly I would be responsive and committed to the concerns of the citizens of Marion Township.

(31:59):
Thank you for your attention and time and I would like to have your support come November 2nd.
Thank you.
Before we introduce the next candidate I have to say you are listening to the League of Women Voters candidates night on WMRN in Marion.
We move now to another Marion Township trustee candidate Peggy Blethens.

(32:23):
I want to thank you for having us here tonight.
I graduated from North Romas and now Colonel Carford.
I have been married 25 years to my husband Carall who retired after 34 years with the city.
We have 13 children.
I worked 23 years in factories, 13 years in retail, 9.5 at my earn 3.5 at rings.

(32:45):
I also worked 2.5 years at cable fulfillment but now I am not working right now.
I have served as trustee since January 1st 1966 and feel that I have an effective member constantly looking for ways to keep spending under control and to make our Township operate.
During that time I have served as trustee.
My cooperation with the other trustees has resolved in sound management and a solid approach to grassroots government in our community.

(33:11):
Your vote to re-elect Peggy Blethens will be appreciated and it will help me to continue to work for the people in the Marion Township and to serve its best interest.
Thank you.
We move now to the Board of Education for Marion City Schools and First Canada, Steven Johnston.

(33:32):
Thank you very much.
My name is Steve Johnston.
I am a lifetime resident of Marion just like many of the other candidates.
Come 51 years old.
My wife, Barbara and I have been married for 32 years today.
So if I leave early please excuse me.
I hope you will understand.
We have two grown daughters, five grandchildren, four of those grandchildren who are currently in the City Schools systems.

(33:59):
We have a sixth on the way.
We are all graduates in high school as far as my past and my qualification.
I have been employed a whirlpool for 33 years.
I currently serve as manager of purchasing for North American operations.
In the past I have been transferred to our corporate offices in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

(34:22):
All sootour offices in our Dayton Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio.
During that point in time my family chose to stay in the city and sent me on my merry way which both daughters were in high school and they graduated that point in time.
Among many community services I have been a member of the Mark Industry Board for nine years in Curly Service, chairman.

(34:44):
I am a lifetime member in past friends of the Marion Harding Booster Club and also served as the original co-chairman of the Marion Harding Athletic Facility.
Also served as a past trustee of the Marion Popport Festival.
I have held supervised repositions in procurement, quality control, manufacturing, materials, and most importantly project planning.

(35:06):
My current positions hold responsibilities for major projects with our corporations for our North American operations again and also national contracts.
I have managed people, I have managed budgets and have been actively involved for them for some time.
As far as issues we know that there's many issues today facing the Marion City Schools.

(35:30):
I think we're all working for the same goal and that goal is to provide the best education we possibly can for the students and young adults of Marion.
Thank you for your support.
Our next Board of Education candidate for Marion City Schools, Ted McKinnis.
Thank you, Terry.
I have had the privilege of serving on the Marion City Board of Education for the past 16 years and I can say that I'm just as enthusiastic about serving today as I was 16 years ago.

(35:59):
As a lifelong resident of the community, a parent of two harding graduates, a lawyer with nearly 25 years of experience and a person who is committed to community service, I am committed to the excellence of the Marion City Schools.
I believe that the health of any community is measured in large part by the health of its public school system.

(36:20):
And I'm proud to tell you today that we have much to be proud of. I'm proud of the success of that we are financially stable.
I am proud of the well-qualified staff that we have in place and I'm very proud of the student success that we have had over the years.
I would be very honored to lead the Marion City Schools into the next millennium.

(36:44):
I'd like to thank the League of Women voters for this opportunity this evening on behalf of all of the candidates. Thank you.
Thank you.
Two candidates who are running for the Marion City Schools Board of Education, Kelly Burns and Robert Grumman, were unable to attend tonight.
We now have questions that were either phoned in or else they were presented by those attending tonight.

(37:10):
The first question is directed to Marion Township candidates.
It's been noticed that crosswalks on township roads have not been painted.
Repairs to roads are lacking, what measures have been taken to ensure township residents that needed repairs and snow removal will be done.
And we'll start on this end with more and more.

(37:36):
Well, there's a good one. You haven't been around that much, but the road department, back to your question on crosswalks.
I'm not in the Marion Meadows area out there. We've got crosswalks painted out here, so I don't know about the rest of the township.
The road department needs a little touch in up here and there. We need some sound-responsible management, cost-effective financial responsibility,

(38:03):
and a tracking number of employees. I think it's trustees. Another thing trustees need to stay out is the daily operation of the road department.
It's about all of y'all.
Okay. Donald Roberts.
I think that the road department's done a good job. I think people tell me both sides.
You can move the microphone over closer.

(38:26):
Road department's done a good job to a certain extent. I've had people tell me that there's weaknesses and that there's no limit to their strength.
One of the problems is that they have part-time employees. I think that they need to be moved over to a full-time staff if that's possible.
Then you have somebody who's going to be responsible on a full-time basis.
And I think that would solve a lot of the problems.

(38:49):
Okay. Scott Cruz.
This is right up my alley. I have a lot of experience in this and a lot of it's to do with the they don't know the proper codes, the high-revised codes and painting these crosswalks.
They have called me on several occasions and asked me what to do in these situations and I've given them advice.

(39:12):
I think a lot of it has to do with training and you need somebody to be able to lead that department. I think they do need some full-time employees but I think training would help.
And this is where I think the township trustees where I would come in develop a work plan and set a schedule and let the residents know what we are going to work on.

(39:34):
What type of road work and there's a lot of different preventing maintenance techniques out there that are a lot cheaper and just putting down black top.
Other than that I think training is one of the big issues and see that we could get a few people a leader that somebody has experience and a few full-time employees.

(39:55):
That's all.
Okay. Taking the lovins?
Okay, to answer that, what we're doing, we got six roads, it's not done yet. We just got the bids on so we are repairing six roads, six different streets of roads.
And we ordered a new truck for the road department so they can get in this call to the sacks and stuff better and to get out the little streets and talk us one and have one baked one.

(40:23):
So we already ordered, well we got the specs on it so we'll be ordering that truck and we're trying to rearrange it and get things going where we all can get more done but you have to go what you can with what you got.
But we are improving. We do at least six to eight streets every year.

(40:44):
We got a kind of a budget we use now. I think it's $82,000 some dollars that we're spending on streets issue. Thank you.
Okay, our next question is for the city school board members. Have you considered the life hazard of the school location and I'm assuming they mean the new high school if it's built.

(41:05):
This site would be surrounded by routes 23, 309 railroad tracks and the hailing of hazardous materials and we'll start on this end with Stephen Johnson.
But not being involved in the selection of the location, I probably couldn't properly answer that. I do know that the school board did look at five or six or seven different locations and I think a couple issues were environmental.

(41:34):
A couple issues were cost the selection. I think they made was a good history was taken of it and probably good selection. I don't know if there is a good selection.
But that hard in high school one time was the farthest southern school in the city in the city grew around that.
So I think he did a proper job of evaluating what was the best selection. Okay, 10 seconds.

(42:01):
Thank you. One of the most important responsibilities of a school board member is to make sure that we have safe and secure facilities for all of our students and staff.
I can tell you from first experience that we did survey the community in its entirely in all of its parts to find out where a good school location would be.

(42:23):
And certainly we have done environmental studies already and our architects that we have hired have told us that this is a very fine location for a high school.
That's not to mean that we have completed all of the traffic studies and other things the infrastructure that must be put in place to handle a school of that size.
I'm sure you that prior to building that school all of those things will be done.

(42:47):
Okay, the next question is also for the candidates of the Board of Education. And Ted, you must keep the microphone because you're going to start this time.
Could each of the candidates running for the Board of Education give their position regarding the new high school whether they are for or against it and why?
I'm obviously very much for the new high school. I'm not sure that this question is restricted to the location. I think it's more than that.

(43:13):
And I think as we travel about the communities in all of the state of Ohio, we find that the environment in which we put our students does contribute to success.
We want to be able to offer greater curriculum in the schools in terms of languages and other facilities. We want to have central media systems.

(43:34):
We are lacking a number of things at the high school in the space area that the new high school campus will allow us to achieve over the next few years.
Mr. Johnson. I am also in support of the new high school in the levee by the way. I think it's an opportunity that we should take advantage of.

(43:55):
Not only from a cost standpoint, but I think it gives our students and our young adults again an opportunity to be on even kill with other districts who've accepted these same opportunities.
Definitely again with the consolidations and the locations. Those are all bandages and disadvantages and I don't think we can keep everybody happy.

(44:17):
But the plan itself was derived by the state and there's a lot of man dating by the state. But I still again promote the building of the high school.
Our next question for all city council candidates. Are you in favor of repealing the building code for the city and we'll start over here with Pete DeWolfe?

(44:40):
Yes I am. I am against the building code as it's in place at this time. I think it is really not even enforceable.
I've had many people call me. I had a neighbor across the street that had a roof put on and the inspector only asked the name of the company that put the roof on and that's satisfied him and he didn't even inspect the roof.

(45:07):
I don't know what we're going to do. What the council plans to do is they keep deleting parts of the building code to these people get their money back.
And how long will this continue on? We'll take some more sections off of it next week, next month. I think the whole thing should be scrapped and rethought.
Amy Davis.

(45:33):
My answer is yes and no. Yes I believe we need to have some building codes for some new buildings that are going up in Marion.
I've heard some horror stories of foundations that were had huge cracks in them water that was flooding and not from contractors or people that people that were really living in those houses.

(46:01):
I never did believe we ought to have them on already existing homes and that's why I've been trying to work to get that part off.
I'm against the current code that we have right now but I think it needs to be revisited the fees and exactly what makes up the code.

(46:26):
But for the safety of our citizens we do need a building code. I think the current one just needs to be revisited.
I like the first point out that the building code was passed in December of 1997 and I came on board in January of '99 and the reason I point this out is because on issues like this you need to be brought up to speed rather quickly and you have to educate yourself on these particular issues.

(46:51):
And that's why when the county commissioners had a meeting out in LaRue I was the only city councilman that went out there and listened to the concerns of the citizens.
I think the work that needs to be done on the building code there's no data about it. I think it should be limited to new construction only.
We've already taken away Roofson Decks. When I asked the question why Roofson Decks were even on we couldn't get an answer so we took them off.

(47:13):
Whenever the advisory board has brought us something they've talked to the contractors they say we don't think this should be on.
I'm very much in favor of taking it off.
Another thing we need to do is clear up the terminology in this building code. I want to make sure that every citizen, every homeowner in our community knows that they can work on and maintain their own homes without having to get a permit.

(47:37):
That's very important to the homeowners and that's what we should do. Thank you.
Roofson.
We had this building code in committee for about a year and a half and we had very little feedback since then we've repealed parts of it and we'll continue to look at it.
Is that the right thing to do? I don't know as far as repealing it and then putting it back on we lead to another ballot issue.

(48:01):
I don't think I'd be fair to the people that's brought this issue that will come to the ballot in the fall of 2000 either.
I think that what council has is responsible is to make this thing right. Also in our committee we've also asked the administration to look at refunding parts of it too.
People paid for permits and fees that we've rescinded or if we lower the rates on new construction.

(48:23):
I believe we should have that on. We need a standard to measure by when we build homes and I think most contractors can build the code and in a lot of cities they advertise that they build the code.
I think it could also be a good thing too but it has to be done properly and we'll give considerable amount of more research to it and we'll also listen to the oversight committee which is the Building of I.S.
Thank you. I believe and less intrusion into people's private life in the government.

(48:57):
I believe this code as it is written does not address a lot of the problems that it was intended and actually causes more problem.
I think there is a more efficient way of addressing our concerns than the code as it is in place now.

(49:22):
I agree that we do need something for new construction but as far as existing buildings I don't think they're needed.
Just by Daniels.
We'll needless to say if you read the Marion star you'll discover that I'm one of the code staunchest opponents.

(49:48):
There are numerous reasons why it leads to neighborhood disinvestment.
Frankly it adds costs to the revitalization of our neighborhoods that consumers simply cannot pay. When we add minimum standards regulation to the economy as legislators what we do is we knock out our poorest citizens opportunity for home ownership.

(50:15):
That is not only wrong it's immoral in my opinion.
I have been in this issue for over a year. I have sat in the advisory meetings with the board members. I have nothing ill to say about them.
At all personally, unfortunately the system leads contractors to judging contractors which leads to huge bias in the future.

(50:43):
I'm against the code. I won't ride the fence and say it needs work with. It needs repeal.
I think we need to build a new construction. I believe it's being amended. And hopefully with your input we can make it correct.

(51:16):
Officer, president of council can only vote in case of a tie. My own personal view is that piecemeal legislation is not the way to go. This building code I am definitely against.
It may have taken a year to try and put something into place. However, what they put in place was not a good thing.

(51:37):
Any other comments from any of the other candidates?
I must misunderstood the question. I would say if anybody owes us money, I'd hopefully pay that back in a timely manner.

(52:01):
Any other comments from any other candidates for marrying township on the question?
Another marrying township candidate question. It's been noticed that TWP equipment have completed work on private property.
What actions have been taken to retrieve expenses from work on private property? If none, why not? And we'll start with piggy lovets.

(52:27):
We don't do private property unless it's a field or something that we call the people in town. We have to move this.
We put it on their taxes and then we get it back from the taxes.
Okay. More and more.
Not being a current township trustee, I was unaware that that situation existed, but if it did, that should have been remedied by the trustee.

(52:55):
Should have made sure that that money was charged to the tax duplicate.
Donald Roberts.
I feel the same way, but the question I would have is, what kind of equipment, what were they actually doing?
When you start working in a rural environment, you're talking about all types of services that someone might need on that particular property.

(53:18):
And if they are mowing it and it's being put on the tax duplicate, that's a good thing.
But if it's doing something else, they're not supposed to be doing that something else.
All right. Scott, of course.
Well, if I understand right, we've had similar situations where we've had to do private work where there have been obstruction of a pipe, somebody's drive, obstruct the flow of water.

(53:41):
And I imagine the same way we would go through the county prosecutor and build them or add it to their taxes.
All right. Have a bottle.
When we do, we send a paper out to the owner that gives them 30 days to answer us.

(54:02):
Then we take it to the prosecutors and he gets us okay to go ahead and for our people to go clean it up.
And then like the lot seven lots that had garbage, tires, all kinds of stuff, refrigerators and that, we did go and clean it up.
And we did, we did give it to the prosecutors and send it to the taxes.

(54:25):
Okay. Any other comments from any of the other township candidates?
Okay. Moving on to the next question.
And I'm assuming this is for city council.
It doesn't really say, but in case of an emergency citywide, do you think that our only emergency room is prepared to handle the situation?

(54:47):
And we'll start with any panic.
Terry, can you repeat the question?
In case of an emergency citywide, do you think our only emergency room is prepared to handle the situation?

(55:11):
Not being a hospital employee or a paramedic or I'm trying to think of different situations where you would go to the hospital.
And I'm not sure the final result of what the emergency room is going to entail.
I guess I really can't answer that question.
I'm sure that that's been thought of and I'm sure that whoever's working on the blueprints and the layout of our emergency room have taken into consideration that it needs to be for all city residents.

(55:40):
And in case of a large emergency, I know we have helicopter access and I know there's access roads on all sides of the hospital.
As far as the size or the staffing, I'm sure that that's been thought of and I'm sure it's been thought of intelligently.
So I don't know the answer to that question, but I'm sure it's being taken care of.

(56:01):
Okay. Scott, should I?
I'd have to agree that's an awful difficult question to ask us to the councilman. That's really not in our area, but I know my grandmother works out there and I know in the case of an emergency that all the employees need to stay there and help out in any way they can.
And I'm sure the hospital, as Amy said, is taken into account emergencies that may arise in the future.

(56:23):
We have an entire hospital there, we just refurbished the, or they just refurbished the fourth floor, which they have more beds that they've added that they could use upstairs and we still have a facility across the street that could be used as well.
Okay. Ralph Coxton.
I know that all medical facilities have emergency response, written protocols.

(56:46):
I'm not sure how they would handle it, but I'm sure that all everybody in the medical profession would lend assistance in all the medical facilities in the town.
Would any town be prepared for a total emergency?
You don't know what it would be or what it was or the magnitude, but I'm sure that the community would come together and they would handle it.
I'm really glad to wait.
I would have to agree with what's been said before me, I had not had occasion to go to the emergency room myself.

(57:15):
I just have to assume that all of these things are being looked after and taken care of.
Deborah Levens?
Well, unfortunately I have used the emergency room on several occasions for different family members and I've found that we've had excellent care and I'm sure with the expansion and the changes are being made that they will be able to take care of.
I'm sure that they will be able to handle emergency.

(57:38):
Just IDAMLs.
Not to be quoted as to the exact number, but our medical services now I believe the numbers 143 beds.
Given that number of available beds in the event of a citywide disaster, there would be absolutely no way that it could have managed something that catastrophic.

(58:02):
No other local city could either. This is why we have organizations such as the federal emergency management agency that we would be on the horn with immediately to be here in Mary and Ohio in the event of something for instance like a tornado, we're to sweep through town, etc.
Ruth Peters?
I hope we never have to face that issue.

(58:24):
If there is a disaster, I think we have a disaster committee that works out of the courthouse and I believe they have a plan with the hospital.
Hopefully we would have the ample facilities to take care of the people.
Okay. Can you go, Heather?

(58:48):
We have contingency plans both in the police and the fire department and the emergency squads.
There is also the hospitals, doctors and the medical groups that have contingency plans in case of a disaster.
If it is citywide, people up here said, "I don't know of any city that is ready for it. However, I know that we are trying to be so."

(59:17):
Looking at the new plans that they have for the emergency room, we do have, I believe that they are looking at it and it's in hand.
I think that eventually we would be ready if it happens tomorrow. We're going to have to do a lot of scrambling, but the town will pull together.
Perry P.

(59:41):
I believe that if we had a citywide disaster or if any city had a citywide disaster, there is no emergency room that exists, could handle all the problems as that city is going to face.
I believe that our competency of our police department, our fire department and township fire department could take care.
I believe they would pull together to see that our citizens are helped as much as possible.

(01:00:05):
I also believe that our citizens themselves would pull together to help this community.
What we would do if the emergency room could handle it, no, I don't think our emergency room can, but I believe as a community, we would pull together and we'll make it through it.
Okay, I need to roll.
Excuse me, it's kind of an ambiguous question, how big is big? I'm sure there's a network with other area hospitals where our emergency room would be overtaxed.

(01:00:37):
In huge catastrophe, you would be talking about just in the field treatment, and at that point, I'm sure state and federal agencies would come into play.
Excuse me, Davis.
I truly hope so. I hope it never happens to Marion. I think we have a good emergency program with several different areas, including all the fire departments in the city and the townships.

(01:01:06):
I think everybody would pull together to help it, but I hope they get the emergency room done and everything changed the hospital so that we don't have people waiting too long.
Our next question is addressed to Scott Scherzer. Is there a possibility of a conflict of interest with you on city council and the hospital issue?

(01:01:27):
Do the facts several of your family members or employees of Marion General?
I certainly wouldn't think so. I don't know why you would think that would be the case.
No, I guess I don't understand where that issue is coming from, that question, but no.
I know that other council members prior to my serving have had family members on the boards and possibly have had other family members that have worked out there as well.

(01:01:55):
Marion General is one of our biggest employers in our county and serves our community well.
And without a doubt that I keep the best interest of the citizens of Marion City in mind when looking at an issue as important as the hospital issue, I've said all along local control is the key, and I think that's what we need to work towards.
Any other council at large candidates would you like to address the question? No, okay.

(01:02:20):
This is addressed to Scott Kerr's. What's your stand on the issue of annexation and the possible consolidation of the Marion City and Marion Township Fire Department and police protection?
Well, my stand on annexation personally. I'm not for it, but I'm not against Marion's community growing or developing.

(01:02:45):
I have some concerns with the annexation expanding out into the township because of the services provided.
I'd want to make sure all township residents would receive the same quality service as the people in the city.
Fire Department, I think that's something we need to look at and see if it benefits all of us in the community of Marion.

(01:03:13):
But that's something that we need to look at. It has to benefit not one department, but has to benefit all the residents of Marion Township and provide the same quality service to all of us.
And there's some things that I look at that if it would lower a fire rating, improve service, I'd be all for it.

(01:03:35):
Okay. Any other township candidates? Would they like to address this question?
Donald Roberts.
On consolidation, I think the consideration should be a larger picture. And I think that a countywide fire district is a better choice.
That way the county would be benefiting for extra services. One of the things that come into play, the fact we only have one nine one or have two nine one one number emergency numbers.

(01:04:06):
They would have to be resolved, but as to strike and solidation, I don't feel that I want to sacrifice the township fire department and the employees there to the city.
I think we'd end up losing people people would end up being laid off. I think the city would take the senior position.

(01:04:29):
Any other comments from any other township candidates?
Okay. This is addressed to Andrea Ludwig. What would you do to fix the storm flooding on West Columbia and all of these?

(01:04:50):
I don't have an answer to that question.
I would be glad to check into it and find out what could be done, but I do not have a specific answer for you.
Okay. Debra Blevins, would you like to comment on the same question?

(01:05:13):
I realize there is flooding and there's a lot of flooding in my fourth ward. And if I'm elected to city council, I will promise to work and find the
proper agencies that handle this and hopefully we can get them repaired and to work with the agencies until it's completed.

(01:05:38):
Okay. Our next question to the school board candidates.
I mean two things you would do to promote more parent involvement in the Marion City schools and we'll start with Steven Johnson.
Certainly the heart of the education is the parent and the student and the teacher.

(01:06:01):
The best vehicle we have today is certainly the PTA, it's an organization that's been there forever.
Two other vehicles we have is through the student from the teacher to the student to the parent with continued communication.
And the other one is the teacher to the parent directly.
And certainly we should make our schools accessible for the parents.

(01:06:22):
We should probably get them involved in more activities during school hours if they're available.
Again the PTA has done a great job forever and we encourage membership in that and I know they're a very active group.
Ted McKenna's.
There is no question but that students perform better when their parents are actively involved in their education.

(01:06:44):
My job as a school board member is to make as many opportunities available as possible for parent involvement at all levels.
Not only at the building level but at the school board level.
We can put in place and have in place programs that achieve involvement such as flexible building hours, frequent reports to parents,

(01:07:05):
homework, information, hotlines.
We support PTA programs as much as possible, volunteer programs and parent advisory groups.
And many times those groups assist the board of education in their deliberations and certainly a parent and community involvement is extremely important.
The next question is for Bruce Peters. Do you support airport expansion? If so, how would it benefit our local economy?

(01:07:37):
I certainly do support airport expansion.
It benefits everyone. There's been 12 to 13 million dollars invested with the city investing only 5 to 10%.
With over 40,000 movements at our airport.

(01:08:04):
So far this year we really need longer runways so we can accommodate the corporate jets who are coming in. This enhances our business.
And I think it's great for the industrial park people too.

(01:08:24):
Okay, just side Daniels, do you have a response?
I'm not opposed to airport expansion but what I don't want to see happen is a monstrosity of taxpayers money spent on a project that benefits a limited few such as private pilots and the corporate elite that use it.

(01:08:46):
If we in the future can determine that an airport or an airport will stimulate economic growth substantially, then I'll get on board.
But so long as it continues to be a leisure type activity which is what it looks to me and there is some corporate travel there.
But so long as the majority of it is leisure type travel. I can't see spending massive amounts of Marion City taxpayers money on that.

(01:09:18):
Our next question is for Andrea Ludwig. You stated in the Marion star you would work to relieve traffic on Prospect Street with an out of belt or pub. Who would pay for this?
Part of the money would come from the state. Part of the money would come from Marion residents also.

(01:09:41):
I would firmly believe in trying to find ways to cut our taxes and cut some of the fees before we start mounting more taxes and fees on the citizens of Marion.
Okay, and Deborah Blavins, do you have a response?
That sounds like a good idea but I'm concerned about where is the money going to come from.

(01:10:08):
Our next question is for Ted McKennais. The school construction plan was obviously in development before the public learned about it.
But I want taxpayers given a chance to comment on the plan before it was placed on the ballot.
The state of Ohio developed from the Ohio School Facilities Commission, this plan of distributing money to the communities in the way that they did,

(01:10:36):
they chose the state architects to come in and help with the development of that plan.
As public officials, the school board participated in that as much as the state would allow us to do. And I think they did allow a lot of input from the Marion City Schools and we did work with them in choosing the plan that was adopted.

(01:10:57):
I guess I disagree with the point that the community did not have involvement because we are elected officials and did contribute substantially to that plan.
And certainly it is only a brick and mortar plan after the levies passed, then the community will have numerous opportunities to get into the specifics of programming.

(01:11:19):
And I think we will have those opportunities on numerous occasions after the levies passed.
Thank you.
Stephen Johnson, do you have a response?
I think good communications makes any programs successful. I think the key to this, if indeed the levies does pass, that we make sure that the citizens of Marion get what they are paid for in all the students and also the students.

(01:11:40):
Okay. Our next question is for city council candidates.
What do you feel about the term council members serve? Is two years enough or should there be a four-year term? And we will start with Scott Schurzer.
Absolutely not. When this issue came up, when I first came on to council, I said no. I think the term of two years is appropriate.

(01:12:04):
It makes the council members to go before the public every two years to be accountable for what they do on council. And while you are out campaigning every two years, it gives the public an opportunity to see you face to face and ask you questions that they might not otherwise come to a council meeting and ask you.
So absolutely not. Two years is appropriate. I know our state legislatures two years, our United States representatives are two years.

(01:12:29):
And I wouldn't want to see it go to four years or any other years for that matter. And while I have ten seconds left, I would like to ask everybody in the Elgin School District to please vote for the levies. Thank you.
Rob Comston.
I agree two years is appropriate. It gives us a chance to get out, meet the issues every year and be more in touch with our constituents.

(01:12:53):
Andrea Lequitt.
I agree two years is appropriate. And going door to door and knocking and talking with people in the community, I think it went four years. It would be too long in between talking with voters and getting that one on one input.
Deborah Blavitz.

(01:13:15):
I agree with what Scott said to go out and talk to the constituents each time is very important because a lot of people don't come to city council meetings, but they may have concerns.
And when you're knocking on their door and talking to them, they can express how they feel.
Just say it.

(01:13:36):
I was at the committee when this issue was brought forward. I've written about it in the Marion star. I am opposed to the idea of going to four years. Two years is more than enough.
If we were in a city wide race, there may be something that could be done because the residents don't turn over consistently.
There's an award, people move in and out of the ward, fairly regularly. Under a four-year system we would have individuals coming in, living for three years, never have voted for their council person.

(01:14:08):
The council person would have never come to the door and asked them, are there any problems in the neighborhood, et cetera, two-year term is more than enough.
Two years is just fine with me.
Two-year term is appropriate because it's a situation where you have a timeframe where you're going to start, where you're going to end.

(01:14:36):
Anything more than that, if you want to continue it on, you better do the job for the two years. So two years is appropriate.
I believe two years is sufficient. I believe the fact that the holding the council members in a sense accountable for the decisions helps us strive for excellence.

(01:14:58):
I really enjoyed getting out and meeting people face to face and getting the talk to people.
There's a part of me, I guess, I would like to see the council members and other ones involved in the community, especially in the political realm, to get out when it's not a political year.
And go out next spring when they're not running for office and get to meet people and get the talk to them.

(01:15:21):
Because I believe it communicates that we value them more than just because we want their vote but because they're citizens.
We'll come down here to this end of the table and peep the wolf.
When I thought about running for council, the last straw that pushed me into running was when it was suggested the terms be moved up to four years.

(01:15:45):
Very, very opposed to that.
This present council has several people who are appointed and by the way, nothing against them are doing a good job. But if this trend continues and we are always faced with a number of people appointed four years as entirely too long to have someone sit on council who wasn't put there by the voters.

(01:16:08):
Amy Davis?
I want you all to know that every other year you see city candidates out.
Don't forget that every other year you also see county candidates in our city.
So every year if everybody on council gets out and helps their other counterparts, they're going door to door every year and seeing everyone.

(01:16:34):
Amy Pinnick?
I don't think I can add anything significantly different to that but I also agree with the two-year term.
Okay. And we're getting off and close to the 9 o'clock hour so we've got one more question for Amy Davis.
You say you're in favor of historic preservation around Marion.

(01:16:58):
I can't get out of the committee. You're a member of.
I'm a member of that committee, not the chairman of that committee. He's not here tonight so I'm not going to pick on him.
I would like to see it brought forward and more done on it. We've been waiting for the law director and to come back with some of the stuff that's been handed to him.

(01:17:22):
And I'm certain that it will be out soon.
And then the other council at large candidates like to address the question.
Yes, I would. I think I would. There we go.
I teach eighth grade American history so I have a great passion for history and I also serve on the Marion County Historical Society.

(01:17:46):
Preserving our historic district is very important without a doubt but I also think it needs to be voluntary.
I can't with a clean conscience go in and tell a person that you have to paint your house's color.
You have to put this kind of roof on or do this or do that.
And I realize that's not the issue here but there are a lot of people who don't understand what the historic preservation legislation is all about.

(01:18:13):
It needs to be continued to be debated in front of council in the committee to make sure we get it all ironed out so that we don't have these problems anymore.
Thank you.
Any other comments or rebuttal?
Well that just about wraps it up for tonight.
I'd like to thank everybody at home listening to WMRN, their participation.

(01:18:36):
I'd like to thank all of you who are here at Tribe Rivers for coming out and listening to comments of the candidates and for tuning in your questions.
And that wraps up the League of Women Voters Canada's night debate for tonight here at Tribe Rivers Career Center.
Thank you.
On this week's community calendar the power team is coming.
The power team is a tremendous group of world class athletes.

(01:18:58):
They're coming to Mary and Ohio.
They'll be taking anti drug, anti alcohol.