Issues Facing Miami County

Taxes

Since I took office in 2003 the Miami County Commissioners have not raised your taxes. I am especially proud of this fact. We have been able to maintain the services you expect without raising taxes by working with the other county elected officials in a cooperative fashion. This type of management has proven very successful and I will continue it.

Economic/Community Development

The Miami County Commissioners established this office in my first term to work with our cities, villages, townships and the private sector in a collaborative manner to facilitate infrastructure improvements, revitalization of blighted areas, market Miami County for economic development, improve work force development opportunities and work with our representatives in Columbus and Washington D.C. to make sure Miami Counties priorities are voiced.

In the past year alone, this office we have obtained 1.6 million dollars in grants for our local communities to improve their infrastructure and enhance job opportunities. Through cooperative efforts with Congressman John Boehner’s office we have secured 2.03 million dollars for work force development to train displaced workers. I believe this office has just scratched the surface of what it can do for our county.

Budgets

Over the last several years’ local governments all over Ohio and right here in Miami County have experienced budget deficits. To correct these deficits some local governments have cut services such as law enforcement, hours of operation, road maintenance and some have raised taxes on their citizens.

We have not done this in Miami County!

In Miami County we have balanced budgets by controlling spending and working with our elected officials. We have continued long range strategic planning and preventive maintenance of our physical facilities. These management techniques have enabled us to keep our strong financial condition in terms of our budgets and maintain our strong standing with the financial markets. This strong position saves us money in the short and long term.

Development

We must recruit good paying jobs to Miami County. As a small business owner I see the affects of our current economy. Jobs losses hurt us everywhere. That is why we must aggressively seek companies who are looking to locate to an area with hard working people, safe communities and good schools. Miami County has much to offer potential employers. We have to promote what we have to offer.

While promoting our area for job enhancement we must also maintain our agricultural heritage. Miami County has a small town feel we must not lose. This feel can be attributed to our agricultural industry. That is why the Miami County commission has added conservation developments to our planning regulations and is working toward a site development review committee for planning/zoning change requests. This committee will streamline the process for zoning changes and inform landowners of any issues they face with their property.