ThisWeek CW 11/12/2015
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/11/09/canal-winchester-city-council-new-members-focus-is-on-development-planning.html
The three men elected to Canal Winchester City Council Nov. 3 said they are looking forward to starting their terms and focusing on economic development, infrastructure and long-term planning.
Bob Clark, Bruce Jarvis and Mike Walker emerged as winners in the race to fill three seats, according to final unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections, defeating Tim Waibel and incumbent Rick Deeds.
Incumbents Joe Abbott and Marilyn Rush-Ekelberry did not run for re-election.
All three winners said they’re humbled by the voters’ confidence in them.
Clark said he is looking forward to getting to work and keeping Canal Winchester moving “in the right direction.”
“I can promise one thing — that I will listen to all sides of an issue, be impartial and make the best decision with all the facts being considered that moves our community forward in a positive way,” Clark said. “Economic development will always be a high priority of mine. We must focus on prudent development … and we need to double down our efforts on higher paying jobs, like advanced manufacturing, which pays around 19 percent more than the average wage.”
Walker said his campaign was a family affair involving his parents, Jo Ann and Jack Walker, as well as his wife, Diane, and children Heidi, Necole, Chelsie and Michael.
He said he plans to follow up on his promise to work on water-quality issues.
“I’m honored and humbled by the voters’ support and I’ll do what I do best, talking and communicating,” Walker said. “As I promised in my campaign, we’ll begin this ‘Walk the Walk with Walker’ for continuing improvement in the quality of our water and improving our infrastructure.”
Jarvis, who previously served 16 years on council prior to leaving to become executive director of Destination: Canal Winchester, said the trust and faith of the voters will be his motivation to do the best job he can. He plans to focus on programs and activities that drive revenue while enhancing residents’ quality of life.
“It’s been six years since I served on council, so I’m sure there are some administrative changes I’ll need to learn,” he said. “And, of course, I’m excited to be there as the Interurban Depot is finally brought back to life. My involvement in that project goes back to 2006 and represents just one of the new public amenities I hope the city will deliver to residents over the next several years.
“I plan to focus my energy on optimal future development and institutionalizing long-term planning as a proactive tool for all branches of city government.”
Deeds said he was disappointed about the loss but will remain active in the community, particularly with Canal Winchester’s annual Christmas in the Village.
“Unfortunately, my workload and schedule kept me from making it to as many doors this election as I usually do,” Deeds said. “I apologize to my supporters for letting them down. I wish the new electees the best of success in guiding our great town. I really like living in and being a part of Canal Winchester and my wife, Beth, and I have been involved in many activities over the years and I don’t expect that to change.”
Mayor Michael Ebert was re-elected in what became an uncontested race after challenger Victor Paini withdrew.
“I feel like my staff and I still have things to accomplish over the next four years, such as establishing an entertainment district to enable Canal Winchester to enjoy the types of restaurants we see in surrounding communities,” Ebert said. “We also want to see what our options are for a citywide recycling program. I look forward to another four years as mayor in the greatest little city in Ohio.”