Look to candidates who share vision

Lorain residents should consider City Council candidates who are aligned with their vision for the International City.

On April 12, the Coalition of Hispanic/Latino Issues and Progress, also known as CHIP, hosted a candidates forum for contested races.

Candidates for the May 2 primary were invited to participate and address the community in what was the first opportunity to address voters.

Community activist Michael Ferrer, CHIP Conference CoDirector Alisha Pardon and Lorain High junior Arianna Morcano served as moderators for the forum.

Office seekers included Ward 1 Democrats Brian Gates, the incumbent, and his challenger Beth Henley; Ward 2 Democrats Dennis Flores, the incumbent, and his challenger Charlesetta Brown; Council at Large Democrats Mitchell Fallis and Mary Springowski, incumbents, and challenger Matthew Harkins.

Also, Lorain School Board member Tim Williams participated. Councilman at Large Joseph F. Koziura informed CHIP he could not attend.

Republican candidates for president of council Amelia C. Chaffin and Earnest F. Robinson were not in attendance.

This was an opportunity for residents to learn what the candidates stand for and what their visions are for Lorain.

The forum was divided into three segments for each race and touched on subjects ranging from city infrastructure and jobs, along with Lorain’s identity and its future.

Candidates had two minutes for opening statements, and then were asked a series of questions drawn from a list provided to them in advance.

In the Ward 1 race, Gates emphasized his accomplishments in getting infrastructure funds for the east side including a new fire station and numerous road repairs.

He also said he believed he has provided quiet but effective leadership.

Meanwhile, while his primary challenger Henley pitched voters on her long history in the area and desire to stabilize the housing market.

In Ward 2, incumbent Flores described himself proudly as perhaps the most controversial member of City Council and cited his handson approach to working directly with his constituents and his willingness to challenge leaders of his party.

Flores said, “I am controversial on a lot of issues, but I am passionate about serving the city.”

Brown, who is challenging Flores, called on the city to address homelessness and to improve transportation services.

Brown said, “I love Lorain and this is why I am out here fighting to make it better.”

Council at large candidates discussed a wide-range of issues including their plans to create jobs and improve the city’s infrastructure.

Fallis cited a four-point plan calling for the city to create an economic development department to help create jobs, upgrade the city’s water purification plant to maintain safe and reliable drinking water, provide grants for home improvement and the creation of a master plan for park improvements.

Springowski said Lorain’s biggest issue is a lack of vision and encouraged creativity in finding solutions to ongoing problems.

Springowski said, “This year, has brought a lot of challenges, but in true Lorain fashion, we met them all head-on.”

Harkins, building on his construction background, encouraged upgrading infrastructure and facilities.

It would be wise for the candidates who did not appear for the CHIP forum to reach out to the voters to let them know where they stand on the issues and concerns.

It’s obvious with Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s 2017-18 budget that Lorain, and other cities, will have to tighten finances.

According to Lorain legislation Council adopted March 20, the city is opposed to the state mandating centralized collection of net profit tax returns and other provisions related to municipal income tax which will cause a substantial loss of revenue needed to support Lorain.

The new state tax collection method would erode home rule powers granted to cities by the Ohio Constitution, according to the city legislation.

Municipal income tax is Lorain’s single largest revenue source, paying for essential services and a positive quality of life that residents and businesses alike rely upon.

Lorain, especially the downtown, is in the middle of a transition and transformation.

Therefore, Lorain residents must look at candidates who will have the city’s best interest in moving forward.

The candidates must show they have vision and will not rehash old ideas that worked, 20, 30 even 40 years ago.

The state of Ohio is looking out for itself.

Now, Lorain must do the same.

So, we urge Lorain residents to look at candidates who they think will work to move the city forward.