Members Preview 2007-2009 City Council
A new city council will be seated in North Canton tomorrow night.
While there will be familiar faces, this city council will differ dramatically from the panel that served the past two years; both in terms of members and approach.
Incumbents normally benefit from low voter turnout. That wasn’t the case when voters went to the polls in November.
Turnout was less than 40 percent, but two of the four incumbents who ran for re-election lost. Ward 1 Councilman Doug Foltz is one of three incumbents returning; he ran unopposed.
Election Aftermath
“I’m going to work with the new council, but I’m disappointed some of the members weren’t returned,” said Foltz. “I think it was the hardest working council I’ve been associated with in the past 12 years.”
Foltz said he’s received compliments on the work city council did the past two years.
“People have called me and said they want to continue on with what this (2005-2007) council has accomplished.”
Daryl Revoldt, who has served as the city’s mayor and been a city council member previously, said, “The charter, like our constitution, draws its power from the voters. I don’t pretend to discern the voters’ thinking. I simply respect the outcome of the election.”
Ward 4 Councilman Jon Snyder, who has served for nine years and won re-election, was surprised by some of the results. Overall, Snyder said he thinks voters did a good job.
“For a standpoint of one of the senior members of the returning council, I’m encouraged by the level of candidates who won,” he said. “Their level of education, their business acumen, it’s going to give us what we need to move forward.”
Revoldt complimented North Canton residents.
“This is the classic example of representative government,” said Revoldt. “The people can make adjustments in its government when they have a mind to.”
Doug Lane did not seek re-election in Ward 3. Jeff Davies, a first-time candidate, got the nod from voters in that ward.
“I think the election turned out great,” said Davies. “I think all the people who got elected are solid people.”
The other first-time candidate who won is Pastor David Wright. He soundly defeated Kathy Magel in Ward 2.
“I was very happy with the overall result,” said Pastor Wright. “We got a fresh new start with new faces on the council.”
Wright said he was surprised there was such a big change, including having two people elected who never served in government previously.
“I think the voters were not satisfied with the way things were going,” Wright said. “That’s why you have four new members.”
The Winds of Change
What seems clear is that the citizens of North Canton demanded change at city hall.
Revoldt said a large nucleus of voters in the city follow what goes on at city hall.
“Residents may not say anything about situations, but they express their opinion very loudly on Election Day,” Revoldt said.
“From the people I talked to, people have the impression there was nothing going on at council except fighting,” Davies said. “I think they felt new people were needed, people who would work together to move North Canton forward.”
Davies said he heard quite often that, “the fighting’s got to stop.”
The reason for the turnaround, according to Marcia Kiesling, who will serve in an At-large position, was, at least in some way, an effort to undo what was done in 2005.
“I think, in this election, people who voted realized what happened two years ago. They thought things were worse, over the past two years, and they changed it,” she said.
Revoldt said, “The voters felt the situation could be improved and they voted accordingly.”
He said he thinks voters were hoping for a different outcome after the 2005 election.
Snyder said, “It was the voters saying we want to put in as much stability and as much deep thinking as we can get.”
Facilitating The Transition
While she lost a bid for re-election two years ago, something she said was “probably a good thing” because she “learned a lot”, Councilperson-elect Kiesling stayed in touch with governmental affairs.
“I never stopped being part of the conversation since I left office,” said Kiesling, “I was totally involved even though I wasn’t there on Monday night.”
She remained a member of the Chamber of Commerce, after her election defeat in 2005, and was selected to serve as Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee.
There will be less of a learning curve when the new council is seated.
Kiesling pointed out that the new panel will bring “a huge amount” of experience to the table.
Wright’s approach will be to communicate actively with all members of the panel, regardless of committee assignments.
“As a city council member I have to be in contact with every member on council. It’s not limited to committees,” Wright said. “I’ll be going to learn what’s happening in other wards as well as Ward 2.”
New City Council President
All indications are that there will be a new City Council President.
Foltz, in fact, stated he does not have the votes to take the seat again.
“I understand Jon Snyder wants to be President,” Foltz said. “I’m supporting him if that what he wants to do.”
Snyder was the only candidate who spoke of wanting to be City Council President during the campaign. Now, he has backed away from that position.
“I don’t know now whether I want to be the President of Council,” Snyder said. “I think I can be more effective in a team effort to assist whoever ascends to the position.”
Revoldt now appears to be the odds-on favorite to take the gavel.
“I’d be honored to serve as Council President,” Revoldt said. “I’ve asked the other members to consider me as their candidate.”
He outlined the reasons why he wants to be City Council President.
“I bring nearly 20 years of experience with the city,” noted Revoldt. “I come from an era when there was more dialogue and collegial communication between council, the finance director, the law director and the administration.”
In addition to his city government experience, Revoldt has worked for five-and-a-half years in economic development.
If Revoldt is elected, the five minute rule instituted under Foltz will almost assuredly be eliminated.
Revoldt said, “I believe when a citizen speaks at the microphone he has a right to speak, he has a right to ask a question and most importantly he has a right to an answer.”
According to Revoldt, the City Council President has a responsibility to see that either council or the administration answers the question.
What Can North Canton Residents Expect?
What changes can the residents of North Canton expect?
“We’ve come through a difficult two years,” said Revoldt. “On December third we need everyone and we need them to think and act like professionals in this competitive economic environment.”
There will be a change in the relationship between council and Mayor David Held, according to Kiesling.
“I certainly think this council will function more efficiently,” she said. “Our years of experience and the fact we all get along with our mayor and administration are the most important feature for our group.”
Revoldt believes council and the administration can work as partners.
“The administration and council have to work as partners,” he said. “I know it can be done because it was done before.”
Wright said he believes there will be “mutual communication and cooperation between council and the administration.”
He added, “As a councilperson, I don’t want to be an obstacle to the plans of the administration or the council.”
In the age of Google, cooperation is essential.
“I understand any potential investor can google North Canton. It’s my wish that when an investor does that he sees a city government that respects its citizens and approaches issues with a business savvy,” Revoldt said.
“We as a community need to have the most polished, professional image that we can muster.”
Foltz said the administration needs to get on the same page as council (has been) with CEDA’s and JEDD’s with the townships.
For some members, a change in approach will be required.
Revoldt said part of his mission will be to make sure every council member participates and believes his or her opinion matters in the discussion.
“We have to find a way to address his or her personal concerns for the city,” Revoldt said. “Everyone gets treated fairly, everyone gets to weigh in and no one gets caught by surprise.”
“I think in the next term I’ll have to switch gears,” said Snyder.
He said, “Normally, most of my effort is dedicated to infrastructure projects. However, with the loss of jobs at Hoover and the redirection of income tax we’re going to have to be more creative in our infrastructure. We’re going to have to work together, seven people looking at projects city-wide.”
There are some things Foltz would like to see stay the same.
“I hope this council is similar to the last in that the committee chairs do their work and provide the background for council to make decisions,” Foltz said. “I hope people respect the procedures and how the meetings were run.”
Two First-time Members
The first-time members are enthusiastic about taking a team approach to eliminate what some consider failings of the last council.
Wright said, “The first priority is to set an agenda, or a plan, for the future along with the administration.”
“I’ll be a team player,” said Davies. “My only reason for running is to make North Canton, which is already a great place, better.”
Davies can expect to hear from Wright frequently, as can the other members of council and those in the administration.
“I don’t want to limit my conversation only to city council members,” Wright said. “I want to converse with the administration; the mayor, the city administrator, the director of finance, the economic development director, the law director.”
Wright said, “I want to know everybody to fully understand the workings of the city and what needs done.”
Budget is Top Priority
A new budget will be the first order of business for North Canton’s new City Council.
“First and foremost, all of us have to learn the specifics of the budget,” noted Kiesling. “It’s huge. We’re probably going to have to pass an interim budget until we become experts on the city’s finances.”
Revoldt pointed out that North Canton will face a challenge in 2008 when the city faces a financial shortfall.
“Whatever we do in 2008 will serve as a foundation for 2009 when we feel the real loss of Hoover,” Revoldt said. “That’s when the full impact will be felt.”
Davies emphasized the need for restraint in spending.
“We have to make sure every dime spent in the city is spent wisely, effectively and efficiently,” said Davies.
The newly elected Ward 3 councilman wants to see a thorough review of every city department.
“I’d like to see an evaluation of every department in the city to see if cuts can be made,” Davies said. “My guess is there are probably cuts that can be made.”
According to Davies, city council members have an obligation to taxpayers to spend the city’s money as they would their own.
“We have to be sure we’re not wasting anything,” Davies said.
A Change in Perspective, Approach
A different mindset will be required as the City of North Canton reinvents itself.
Revoldt said, “I’d like to see our image polished and supported by real substance.”
“We all have to become forward thinkers,” Kiesling said. “We can’t just think one year in advance, we have to look at three or four years.”
The way to make that happen, according to Kiesling, is to create a strategic plan expediently.
“We have to develop a strategic plan, an agenda, for the next two years,” she said.
Davies also pointed to the need for an agenda during the campaign.
“I’ve been approaching other council people and I’ve talked to the mayor and the administrator (since the election),” Davies said. “I would like to put together an agenda for the next two years, things we’d like to get done.”
Another member of the new North Canton City Council pushing for a plan is Wright.
“The plan, I think, would cover economic development, infrastructure, street, sewer and water and all city services,” Wright said.
“I’m looking for immediate, into the future; a five-year plan, a ten-year plan,” said Wright. “It’s going to take longer than two years to get this place up and running.”
North Canton is Open for Business
Spurring economic development is something the new city council plans to focus on.
According to Revoldt, residents of North Canton understand the city is entering a new post-Hoover era. He said, “Council was not reassuring about the issues that face the community.”
Davies is promoting more support for North Canton Economic Development Director Eric Bowles.
“He has a small budget and no staff. Consequently, there’s only so many hours in a day; only so much he can do,” Davies said.
The need for a formal economic development plan was frequently mentioned during the campaign.
Davies wants to see the city explore all available avenues to fund economic development.
“I think the city need to go after every dollar available from county, state and federal sources and approach private foundations that are willing to help with economic development and infrastructure maintenance,” Davies said.
Agreeing a formal plan is needed, Revoldt said, “We need to have a robust and far ranging conversation about what the city’s wanting to do for economic development in a very competitive Northeast Ohio.”
He said he wants there to be an understanding of where the City of North Canton fits in the economy of Stark County and Northeast Ohio.
Snyder believes the city has a solid foundation for development.
“The largest economic development tool we have is our neighborhoods and the quality of or roads,” Snyder said.
The Future of City Services
The delivery of city services is an issue the plan will have to address.
“We want to make sure our revenue stream stays at a high level and we’re able to deliver the services expected,” said Snyder.
According to Snyder, city services are a reason people choose to live in North Canton.
“We are now truly a bedroom community. People choose to live here for a reason,” Snyder said.
The long serving councilman believes people choose to live in the city because of the school system, city services and the quality of neighborhoods.
Revoldt posed the question, What are the priorities in a first ring suburban community?
He said, “I’m not sure it’s been discussed or defined. That’s part of the budget conversation.”
Davies said he would ask residents of the city what they are willing to pay to determine if the level of services provided should change.
“The question I would ask the residents of North Canton is whether they are willing to pay more tax – income or property tax – to maintain the level of services that North Canton provides,” said Davies. “Or, whether they would be willing to take some cut in service and have no tax increase.”
According to Revoldt, safety, services and recreation need to be looked at.
“This is a very nuanced conversation. It needs to be debated,” he said. “There have to be no sacred cows. Everything has to be put on the table and looked at.”
Revoldt listed a number of questions he said need to be asked.
Is it essential? Is it important? Does it have value to our community? How are we going to pay for it?
He said, “We have to ask ourselves, is this city being run in the most efficient manner? We can’t afford inefficiency.”
Managing Capital Improvement
Snyder wants to see capital improvements addressed using a systematic approach.
“We should set out a two-year capital budget,” Snyder said. “For the next 24 months we would know exactly what we’re going to do barring any emergency.”
To plan capital projects two years in advance “takes the politics out of it,” Snyder said.
Snyder pointed out that there were successes over the past two years that will benefit the city in years to come.
“I was pleased the Lipton Avenue street project finally came to fruition,” Snyder said. “This gives the residents a platform to begin upgrading their houses and to take control of their neighborhood again.”
He added, “It’s going to be a win-win situation for the residents and the city.”
Urban renewal is an area where Davies feels the city needs to become actively engaged, both in commercial and residential areas.
“You can take abandoned retail space and turn it into office space for professionals,” Davies said.
He pointed out that North Canton has “an aging population” with “a lot of people on a fixed income.”
Davies said, “I want to see that we’re doing everything possible to find sources of money to help people with upkeep and maintenance of their homes.”
Foltz said, “We need to make residential code enforcement a priority to preserve our neighborhoods.”
In Conclusion...
Revoldt concluded, “I believe you ought to have a public agenda and that you need to leave the place better than you found it.”
“I think this council is raring to work for the City of North Canton as a whole,” Wright said. “We don’t want to have personal agendas be an obstacle.”
Re-elected Councilman Pat DeOrio, At-large, did not respond to requests for an interview.
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