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Mayoral candidates
agree to agree
By Bob Robinson
Editor
Tuesday’s Mayoral debate was largely a discussion of issues in which
the candidates typically agreed, although there were occasional
differences in approach.
Tina Chalmers, Editor of The Daily Advocate, conducted the debate.
Afterwards the audience asked questions. One question noted the
similarity in responses to most of the issues. Candidate Doug Schmidt,
Greenville City Councilman, was asked how he would do the job better
than the current Mayor Mike Bowers. A follow-up question asked both
candidates why they should be the voters’ choice.
Schmidt said that he would be a full time mayor and allow better access
to the office.
Bowers said that while he does some merchandizing on the weekend, he is
a full time mayor. Schmidt noted that he worked part-time for the
school district and, if elected, would give up the position as soon as
a replacement could be found. Schmidt didn’t comment, however, on
Buckeye Beverage, the business he owns.
He referenced the horror stories he’d heard about the City Building not
being user friendly. He said he would talk to those people and find out
“what we are doing wrong.”
Bowers responded that he has both the educational and business
background for the position. He also noted that when he was elected, he
discovered for instance that Neff had never had a visit from a city
official.
Bowers said that the horror stories were one of the reasons that, with
Economic Development Director Marc Saluk, he has concentrated on the
“business model” that they were using to retain businesses and bring in
new ones.
The event was sponsored by The Advocate and Romer’s Catering. Prior to
comments from the candidates a video was presented where citizens
talked about some of their issues, such as volunteering, domestic
violence, noise, heroin, taxpayers, Senate Bill 5, the old poor vs the
new poor, and more.
Both candidates insisted citizen feedback was important, especially
about complaints such as noise or anything else they might consider
important. Issues of enforcement should be addressed… if not being
enforced, is it needed?
Both candidates felt revitalization of South Town was a priority.
Bowers addressed “redoing” Sweitzer, which would cost about $5 million,
but said the area should be made a “destination.” He noted that things
are happening. Schmidt noted the new ownership of the bowling alley and
referenced the older buildings sitting empty.
“We should be showing these buildings off,” he said, adding a
consistent comment of his: “economic growth… wisely.”
Both candidates agreed that wind turbines were likely not a good fit
for Greenville. Both candidates agreed no more Section 8 (low income)
Housing in Greenville.
More taxes? Again, the candidates were in agreement. Schmidt said
they’d had the foresight to see this coming and budget accordingly.
Bowers said that the answer is to increase the tax base (through new
businesses and jobs), not the tax rate.
Both candidates strongly insisted economic development is essential to
the city. Bowers said Greenville was 41st in the country in eco
development and fifth in the state.
Schmidt talked about the successes of ethanol, and the promise there
would be spin-offs such as Continental Carbonics. He also noted
Greenville being fifth in Ohio for eco development.
“I want to be number one,” he added.
Schmidt said it seems that crime seems to have gotten worse in recent
years, but then noted that the police do a wonderful job with the
resources they have. There is a need for citizens to monitor each
other’s backs. Bowers said it’s an important issue that affects quality
of life.
Bowers added that he would like to see a Community Watch program in
sections of the city, noting that the message should be that Greenville
is an unpleasant community to be engaged in crime or dealing.
Schools? Both agreed that the quality of education was good, but felt
that the aging structures made the economic development process more
difficult. Both would strongly support a levy for a new facility.
Both candidates acknowledged that the character of the city’s youth was
critical.
“How do we raise our children?” Bowers asked, “with so many single
families. It’s tough. We have to lead by example.”
“My eyes opened with some of these young people,” Schmidt said. “We
need to lead by example, teach right from wrong. It’s not that tough.”
Finally, both candidates agreed that long term planning was essential.
Bowers noted that this was not done before and “we’re paying for it
now.” Schmidt noted, once again that it must be done wisely, and if we
pay for something (like the plan that was done several years ago), it
should be used.
Following the event, one individual expressed a concern that seemed to
be felt by many when he said, “they don’t have to be nasty… they just
could have said these are the things I’ve accomplished, or that I would
do differently than my opponent did (or would).”
The comment of another? “I know them both. I like them both. But I
don’t really know any more than I did before.”
Two Greenville High School Seniors, Prital Mehta and Angela Borgerdine,
attended the debate. Get their response on Monday’s County News Online.
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