ThisWeek CW 10/20/2011
Candidates for mayor and city council see city financial issues as Canal Winchester’s top priority.
On Nov. 8, voters will choose between incumbent Michael Ebert and current city council member John Bender in the mayor’s race.
Five candidates are vying for three city council seats available: incumbents James Wynkoop, Marilyn Rush-Ekelberry and Rick Deeds as well as Patrick Lynch and Joe Abbott.
“Over the last two years, we have seen well over 400 jobs in manufacturing and health care come to Canal Winchester, a statistic we can all be proud of, especially in a time when most communities are losing jobs,” Mayor Ebert said. “We need to continue the pursuit of businesses that will present a good tax base for the city, as they help hold down the residential tax rate.”
Bender said the city should use the lower Fairfield County tax base available in some areas of Canal Winchester to attract investment.
“We have the opportunity to work with Dublin Building Systems in continuing to develop Canal Pointe for more businesses. The area is in Fairfield County, which has a much lower tax rate, and it is part of a CRA (community reinvestment area) district, which also reduces their taxes,” Bender said. “It is one of the best locations for businesses in central Ohio because of the infrastructure in place and Route 33 nearby.“
Rush-Ekelberry agreed that infrastructure is important to increasing commercial investment.
“The ability to aggressively market Canal Winchester to attract commercial and industrial growth in targeted areas is important,” she said. “This will strengthen our tax base and lessen loss of revenue. We are strategically located between Columbus and Lancaster, with rail and air-transport facilities in close proximity. Driving distance to many of our largest metropolitan areas less than eight hours.”
Abbott said transparency between boards and residents about how development decisions are made is necessary.
“I feel in order to continue strengthening Canal Winchester’s financial position, we need to develop continuity between all local boards and commissions,” he said. “By having open communication, we would eliminate irresponsible development from occurring.
“This is vital to making decisions that will affect our community and our financial position,” Abbott said. “We must only allow growth and development that will strengthen our tax base.”
Lynch said a comprehensive community vision is important to attracting business.
“The 2010 city financial statement shows the largest source of income was income tax. It represented 47 percent of village income,” Lynch said. “My focus would be to attract higher-paying jobs in the medical and business fields. These businesses desire stable communities with support for development, parks and recreational facilities, green spaces, public activities, city services, historical character and quality schools.”
Deeds said Canal Winchester should focus on increasing revenue.
“I believe we have managed costs well,” Deeds said. “Canal Winchester’s main source of income is income tax, not property tax. We are targeting long-term employers that have skilled positions with higher wages. The good news is that we have a lot to offer potential businesses. Improving (broadband choices) would help us to differentiate ourselves and attract businesses, which would increase our income tax and financial position.”
Wynkoop said partnerships with funding agencies would keep the city in good financial standing.
“One idea would be to keep Canal Winchester in good standing with its available funds through grants and loans,” Wynkoop said. “By partnering with agencies that give the city a chance at funds for capital improvements or other specific monies for recreation and parks systems.”