Photo and Interview By: Randy Lewis

Now that the campaign is over and you are preparing for office, what will be one of the first things you would like to see changed?

The campaign is over and I am ready to get to work. As a matter of respect and procedure I will allow Mr. Marconi to finish his term without my interference . I will be spending the next month and a half getting up to speed and going through the orientation process. Transparency will be one of the first things I will work to improve. It is important that the people know what is going on with their government. I will address this by setting up 3 to 4 town hall meetings for the 2010 year.  These town hall meetings will be regular and reoccurring throughout my 4 year term. This will create a framework for Middletown citizens to bring their concerns and ideas directly to me.

With all the talk about the Middletown Cemetery and the legal issues now facing the city, how would you like to see this issue resolved? And how can it be achieved?

I am still learning many of the facts about the Middletown Cemetery issue and the legal situation. I would like to see this issue resolved in a fashion that does not leave bitter feelings on either side and leaves the cemetery being properly maintained. With that being said, this has become a legal matter which I am not qualified to comment on any further.

There is a well known sign ordinance in Middletown that affects business, is this something you would like to see addressed?

Sections 1272.03 -1272.07 of Middletown's codified ordinances deals with all issues of signage. I am open to reviewing some of the ordinances listed that may be a hindrance to small business and other needs for signs. I do think it is important to have a standard for all business to meet in having presentable signage. However, I have spoken to some business owners that have some difficulty in complying with certain guidelines. I feel this is an area that should be open for discussion to find a solution that gets government out of the way while holding certain types of business accountable when presenting their business.

What are your thoughts on the recent passing of the elimination of the wards? How do you feel this affects the city and its residents? 

It was known that I was in favor of eliminating the ward system. I know not all people agree with my feelings but I believe this was best for the city. This will give all residents a chance to vote for all  people running for council. It was argued that the political elite would come together to control who gets on council if the wards were eliminated. I submit this to all people in Middletown. I did not have a strong financial backing nor was I backed by the house hold names in Middletown politics. Also, my opponent had the backing of the Middletown Journal and IAFF 336. As we all know, this did not win the election for Mr. Marconi. I would argue that any person with strong principles, ability for long term thinking and honesty to the citizens has a chance to be elected.

Lastly, I do not agree with the notion that citizens of different skin color or class cannot be represented by someone not in their neighborhood. It is the job of all citizens to attend council meetings and hold their elected representatives to account. The problem is not where representatives come from but rather a lack of citizen participation. I will speak to and work with anyone in this city as I am now a representative for the citizens of Middletown, not just those in the 3rd ward.

Talk about downtown, what needs to happen there, and what will it take to make your ideas work?

I have a heart for downtown and for the times it grew in. I do not support any government money going to fund projects other than roads/infrastructure in this area. I am excited to see what will come of the ideas from the CDI and other private investors. I think with the right mixture of business, retail, and housing the downtown could become an asset.  I heard ideas that also include a microbrewery, dance studio, river view housing among other things.

I say the plan should look something like this; City government embracing the ideas of individuals and working with them+ City officials staying close to those with solid ideas+Private investment into marketable ideas= A new downtown that embraces our city's historical importance. The history of our town is in the downtown. Let’s let those in the private sector come together to find a free market solution. I believe one exists.