These are the important issues that form the platform for the campaign. How these issues are handled over the next several years will have a big impact on our quality of life in Avon!
I can bring the expertise, negotiation skills and practicality it will take to manage these issues!
Vote for Parsons for Avon City Council, Ward 3!
Commercial, Residential and economic development
Development continues to be the key issue in the City of Avon, especially in Ward 3.
Did you know that Ward 3 includes the south side of Detroit Road on both sides of Route 83? Did you know that the proposed library, proposed new city hall, “City Centre” (southeast corner of 83/Detroit) are all in Ward 3? Development like this will shape our city for many years. As a City Councilman, managing that development is very important to the future of Avon. I am for responsible growth, and want to make sure that we grow the city in the best interests of the residents. Grow too fast and we run the risk of failing business, vacancies and empty properties. Grow too slow and we run the risk of losing businesses to other communities. Avon is a work in progress with great opportunity for new businesses, jobs and economic growth. That is why it is so important that develpment be managed with expertise, skill, practicality and common sense. I beleive that I can bring that to the table and help Avon, and Ward 3, grow responsibly with quality businesses and projects that add to our quality of life.
Communication
This is a big issue with my campaign. I pledge to be proactive and communicate with Ward 3 residents directly via this website, voluntary email lists and e-newsletters.To me this is a fundamental responsibility. I dont know about you, but I have not received one update, newsletter, email or any other form of communication from our council members in the last term, be they At-Large or Ward 3 representatives. In the 8/19 article in The Press on the Ward 3 campaign, Ward 3 Councilman Yonchak said: ” People only tend to call you when there is a problem. I’d like hear more from them about what they’d like to see in Avon”. While I have a lot of respect for Mr. Yonchak, and that is one approach, to me, that is reactive thinking. I will be proactive in my approach and reach out to Ward 3 residents on a regular basis so that you are aware of issues and progress in our ward and the city of Avon.
Fiscal Responsibility
Avon residents have been extremely generous in passing levies such as those for schools and the income tax for the recreation complex and ball park. I want to make sure that we maintain a good balance of “need to haves” vs. “nice to have”, especially during these uncertian financial times. Fiscal responsibility is a must for the City of Avon to be the best city it can be. I will work hard to maintain a fiscally responsible approach.
Avon Library issue
While there are a wide range of opinions on this issue, we all agree that The Avon Library is a valuable resource that must be supported. It is an important cornerstone of our community. However, I would have liked to seen detail on the alternatives to what is being proposed relative to expanding the current site. No matter where you stand on the proposal for a new library, the decision by council was made to place the issue on the ballot. The residents of Avon have been extremely generous in passing levies. If residents are again generous in supporting this issue, I will support it fully. If the issue fails, I will work within the scope of my influence as Ward 3 councilman to help the library acheive their goal of a first class facility in Avon.
Update: I have been asked by many on the campaign trail where I personally stand on this issue.
Unfortunately, as much as I would love to support issues 6 and 7, the Lorain County Public Library System provided us with an all or nothing choice that makes no financial sense for our residents at this time. I do not support either issue.
That being said, I am hopeful that if issues 6 and 7 are defeated, as Ward 3 city councilman I will be able to work with the system on a more appropriate solution to put before the voters in 2011.
Sidwalks, Green Space, Paths
There is a clear need, including Ward 3, to have sidewalks throughout the city so that residents, especially children, can travel safely throughout the city. Did you know that when the new YMCA opens that there is no safe way to get there on foot or bicycle? There are also many areas on 83 and other locations throughout Ward 3 with no sidewalks. We also need more green space. We are clearing so many trees for development and need to make sure that we reserve more green space for our use. I would like to explore the feasibility of these items as well as more bike paths, or bike friendly routes to and from key destination points in Avon.
Nagel Road/i90, Cleveland Clinic, Communty Health Partners, traffic issues, Etc.
These are just a few of the new projects coming to Avon in the near future. As your councilman, I will work hard to make sure these projects are managed in the best interest of Avon residents. As we continue to grow, traffic becomes another concern. While the widening of Detroit road is complete, we need to work to make sure the impact of growth is matched by the improvement of traffic flow. The Route 83/Detroit Road intersections is now the focal point of the City of Avon and resides in Ward 3. It is also where much new traffic will be added to an already busy intersection with a high traffic incident rate. I will work hard to make sure that these new projects are managed properly and that traffic concerns are dealt with and improved!
Commuter Rail
You may or may not know that there is project going on right now to determine the feasibility of a “West shore” commuter line between Lorain and Cleveland. Wouldn’t it be great to have an easy way to get downtown for work, a sporting event or just dinner? I would like to get involved in this effort to make sure that if this happens, the Avon/Avon Lake stop would become a reality offering a new transportation option to Avon residents.