Issues

REGIONAL COLLABORATION:  We must continue to maximize our efficiency and long term planning through collaborative partnerships such as the Northeast Ohio Sourcing Office (NEOSO) in conjunction with the 14 First Suburbs Development Council.  We must work with neighboring communities to maximize our purchasing power with regard to auto parts, gasoline, information technology, network expense management and worker compensation coverage.  Opportunities should be pursued to utilize school district facilities for educational, recreational and cultural programs.

Consolidation of and/or privatization of certain services could result in savings of administrative management costs without sacrificing the quality of service to residents.  UH must continue to work with other suburbs to maximize our purchasing power and to improve our recreational, residential, retail and commercial sectors.  Create a part-time position of Development and Procurement to seek out economic opportunities and expand federal, state and local grant opportunities for the city.

JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY:  We must continue the open dialogue between JCU and the City and engage residents in the long term master plan of the University.  JCU is a wonderful resource for our community, not only being the #1 employer, but in bringing students to our City from all over the country.  I am recommending a proposal to JCU that will give a tuition break for UH residents with college age children while at the same time enhancing JCU’s student enrollment.  This will give UH families a real reason to make a commitment to raising a family in our city.  Also, it will give UH seniors an opportunity to continue in their endeavors of higher education.  Academic and recreational opportunities with the JCU should be expanded and explored in order to give our residents a true benefit of having a college community in their midst. 

COMMUNICATION:  Improve and expand communication with residents.  Initiate town hall meetings on a quarterly basis to discuss issues facing our city.  Expand hours of operation of City Hall so that working families and seniors feel that services are “user friendly” after hours.  Enhance the City Website and make it more interactive along with paying for garbage pick-up, recreational services, and  other fees on-line.  Televise Council meetings and create an email newsletter to inform residents of issues in a timely fashion.  No more “trash” news (garbage gazette) – instead, send out a quarterly newsletter to all City residents.

HELPING HOMEOWNERS:  Fight to preserve the unique beauty and quality of UH houses and neighborhoods; train and expand the number of housing inspectors to ensure that landlords keep properties up to code and tenants are held accountable for their conduct.  If we say that we are the “City of Beautiful Homes,” we better mean it!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:  Hire an Economic Development Director to attract commercial business to the area as well as retain the existing retail in the City.  Create a UH business roundtable consisting of business leaders in the community to maximize our unique location and retail desirability. Work closely with the Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce as well as neighboring cities (inner ring suburbs) to expand our existing tax base.  Collaborate with John Carroll University and develop an economic master plan for the City.

 

 

 

Paid for by the Friends of Frankie Goldberg, Thomas F. Dottore, Treasurer, 4325 Churchill Blvd., University Heights, Ohio 44118.