Why am I running?

 I have chosen not to solicit donations, instead I will personally fund my campaign in a responsible and ethical manner, prioritizing transparency and fiscal responsibility, just as I intend to manage taxpayer funds.

First responders truly are the heart of our community. It’s so important that we do everything we can to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs well. Supporting them will always be my top priority.

Many people I speak to regarding the commercial and industrial areas have a perception that Solon is difficult to work with. As a business owner in Solon, I see many for-lease signs in our industrial and commercial districts.  Progress has been made to allow Solon council to make zoning changes in our retail district without going to a citywide vote. I would like to see "Flex Zoning or Industrial mixed use" in parts of our commercial and industrial districts. Many areas can benefit from less strict zoning ordinances that we currently have.  Our businesses are the backbone of our city, accounting for the majority of tax dollars used to run the city. We need to make it easier for businesses to make Solon their home.

 It’s great that we get excited about new projects, but we must also prioritize the proper maintenance of our existing facilities, particularly the Solon Recreation Center. I frequently hear complaints about the pool not being clean and in need of overdue maintenance. There are also issues with garbage piling up in cans, along with many small problems that could be easily resolved.  As we work on building our new park, do we have the budget and a plan to ensure proper maintenance for both the new and existing facilities? 

 As a business owner, I am consistently surprised by the lengthy duration required to complete government projects. In the private sector, such timelines would be considered unacceptable. Whether referring to road projects, trails, parks, or other initiatives, these processes often span several years, which is an issue that warrants attention. I would like to explore potential solutions, such as ensuring adequate funding in advance, establishing clear timelines with associated penalties, and reach out to as many contractors as possible to insure we receive the best return on our tax dollars. 

 I understand that city government may not always appear to be engaging, but remaining informed is essential. I believe it is important that agenda items and their background information are shared with the public well in advance of voting dates. Ensuring transparency allows residents the opportunity to provide input and voice any concerns before decisions are finalized. All too often residents find out about an issue after it has been voted on. As a council member, I am committed to keeping the community informed about important city issues.

 Three years ago, my opponent set a goal to improve electrical service in the city and reduce power outages. However, limited progress has been observed toward achieving this objective. As a member of the planning commission, we approved numerous backup generators each year, particularly those requiring variances. Over time, this practice became widespread, leading the planning department to amend the code to permit such equipment to be installed on the sides of homes without the need for variances. 

To address this issue, I propose working collaboratively with the utility company to identify areas experiencing problems and ensure timely repair or replacement of equipment before failures occur. Recognizing that this has been an ongoing concern, I am committed to adopting a proactive approach to enhance the reliability of our electrical infrastructure.

 There remains an outstanding issue in Ward 4 regarding a proposed cell tower. The proposal involves installing the tower on city-owned land near Miles and Harper Road, within a predominantly residential area. This plan has faced strong opposition from residents of Ward 7. Additionally, the cell tower would only provide coverage within a one-mile radius, which would not benefit the residents of Ward 4. Although some progress has been made on this matter, there have been no significant developments to date. It has now been three years without a resolution. This situation underscores the importance of thorough planning and careful consideration of project impacts to ensure successful implementation.

 As a current member of the planning commission and a resident who has built two homes in Solon, I would like to address the timeline for obtaining variances. While some variances, such as those for new residential and commercial developments, are significant, many others—such as permits for sheds, chicken coops, and decks—are relatively minor. Presently, the process typically takes at least five weeks from the time of application submission to approval. Most of these minor variances are usually approved without issue.

Currently, variances must be submitted at least two weeks prior to scheduled planning meetings. I propose amending the code to allow for the submission of simpler items one week before the meeting. This change would enable applicants to receive their permits following the planning meeting, rather than waiting an additional week for council approval.

Furthermore, I recommend eliminating fees for small, non-structural projects. While these projects would still require permits, there would be no fee associated with obtaining them.

Feel free to contact me.