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| Middletown Community News |
| Questions & Answers with Middletown City Council Candidate Josh Laubach |
| Monday, August 10, 2009 8:19:24 AM - Middletown Ohio |
Interview Posted By Randy Lewis
Tell us a little about yourself and what qualifies you to represent your ward?
Hello, my name is Josh Laubach and I am running for Middletown City Council in the city's 3rd ward. I am a life long resident of Middletown with the exception of four years in which I lived in Columbus, Ohio attending the Ohio state University. Upon graduation I received Bachelors in Political Science with a minor in Economics. I have also spent 8 years in the Ohio Air and Army National Guard. I am currently a member of the Middletown Police advisory board and I recently became a member of the Middletown Chamber of Commerce. In addition, I have been a member of the American Legion at post #218 in Middletown. I am also a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church located in Posttown, Ohio. For the past two years I have worked at Greentree Health Science academy, a division of Butler Tech.
I believe deeply in the founding principles of our nation. Free Markets, limited government and our federalist system have made it possible for us to have local representation in our town. I believe individuals, not governments, have created the greatest nation God has given to man. Our government at the city level is no exception. The citizen’s of Middletown will help us to solve our current problems. As a city official, I feel it’s very important to embrace the idea’s businesses, church’s and other private groups to bring growth and prosperity to our town.
Where would you like to see the city in the next few years?
Over the next few years I would like to see Middletown re-gaining long term business relationships. I see Middletown as a city with a great history and a lot to offer people. My goal is for the city to rebuild itself and be a major player in Butler, Warren and other surrounding counties.
What is your plan to replace the businesses that Middletown has lost?
As I have stated, Middletown must do everything it can to bring in new business and maintain all the business we have. In order to accomplish those goals, city government must do everything within its power to help the private sector. Tax cuts are a method for growth as opposed to tax increases. With limited land available for large industries, we have to keep property and income taxes low, work with existing owners of vacant and condemned property to produce viable land and building space ( The new Vail Rubber plant is a prime example of this). Most importantly, city government should insure that it makes bringing a new business to town as easy as possible. The private sector is the key to producing good business ideas. Middletown City Council Members need to remember that and do what they can to put good ideas into to concrete plans.
How would you begin to repair and strengthen our relationships with the surrounding communities?
Problems and conflicts from surrounding communities are unfortunate. At the city government level in Middletown, I would ensure that I kept dialog open with other cities. However, as a city councilman, its my job to work for the citizens of Middletown and do what is best for my community. If that brings conflict from other communities, I would do my best to listen to their ideas and objections while at the same time articulating the views for Middletown.
What would you like to see happen with the downtown area?
Downtown Middletown is the heart of the history of our great town. I wish to see private developers continue to promote economic ideas that will bring business back to the downtown area and restore this area to its potential. I am not in support of the city going to business in downtown. I feel their are reasonable private sector paths to new business the downtown area.
What are your thoughts on Middletown's Section 8 situation and what would you like to see happen?
Housing assistance is the only means for some people to obtain a place to live. However, the current level of subsidized/Section 8 housing is unsustainable in our city. Middletown currently has 1665 vouchers in circulation for Section 8 housing assistance. As a percentage, Middletown carries over 60% of all vouchers for Butler County. This is simply unacceptable.
Regardless of their merit, the residents with these vouchers consume a vast amount of public services while contributing the lowest amount to city revenue. The City of Middletown is simply unable to maintain this level of public assistance and transfer of wealth. Middletown is operating on a bare minimum budget and should not be expected to carry the greatest amount of housing assistance in Butler County.
The City Council of Middletown holds the ultimate authority on the number of vouchers in our city. Regardless of how Middletown arrived at this number of vouchers, we must now reduce our voucher numbers substantially. This can be done through attrition or by directly cutting the number of allowable vouchers. City Council must not ignore this issue anymore. Our city needs those who are looking for permanent home ownership and to invest in our cities future.
Tell us how you would handle the city's budget concerns?
Middletown, like most other local governments, is facing a budget deficit. I want to focus on ideas of increasing revenue to the city as opposed to cutting. Middletown needs to have a pro-growth agenda of bringing in new business. New business to Middletown means more dollars flowing through our city economy. More dollars in our city equals more revenue. This will pull us out of our budget situation. In the meantime, the city has no choice but to operate as lean as possible. Middletown City government must provide basic services such as police and fire protection. Other area's may unfortunately have to go more lean.
In your opinion, what is the biggest problem that needs addressed in Middletown and how do we repair it?
The loss of business and the doubling of Section 8 and public housing are, I believe, the root of many problems in our town. We must work to significantly reduce Section 8 to more manageable levels while do everything we can to bring back business to Middletown. For more information please visit my website @ www.votelaubach.com .
Discuss In MUSA Forum
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Archived Comments
| 8/10/2009 9:04:18 AM | sj | Very good, logical answers which cut to the core of the problems and recognize the importance of the private sector in the reviving the economic/business area of the community. Also acknowledging that govt/admin simply is not qualified or positioned to do so since they are NOT businesspeople(they are BUREAUCRATS!). Also realization of the unwoprkable economic/demographic imbalance in the city.
Great real answers, Josh!
Keep the faith--keep it up! | | 8/10/2009 10:57:13 AM | Leo Gorcey | | I am a registered Ward 3 voter and Mr. Laubach has my vote. | | 8/10/2009 1:47:17 PM | JC | Looks Like Marconi is going bye bye and not soon enough.
Marconi won't answer these same questions...why? | | 8/10/2009 4:08:34 PM | Tony Marconi | I will answer any question or be interviewed whenever I am asked. I have never backed away from where I stand on any issue. You may not agree with my stand on a issue, but you will always know where I stand and why. Have you ever taken the time to call me and talk about an issue or concern? To some people it is easier to stand back and attack our city council and never give us a call or put their name down in full view. I am in the phone book at 513-423-2502.
I have always been accessible to all the citizens and have a long history and track record of helping our citizens with issues.
Pick up the phone and give me call and your input. I would love to hear from all of you. You may be shocked to see how friendly and approachable I am. I am late for an appt and did not proof read for spelling or grammar.
Tony Marconi
City Council - Middletown | | 8/10/2009 9:06:42 PM | RANDY | Mr. Marconi,
My name is Randy Lewis, I work here at MiddletownUSA.com and have been conducting the interviews for our site. I have called you and left a message on your voice mail a few backs. We here would love to have you take part in our interview. We want to hear all answers and opinions from candidates current and running for council.
Feel free to contact me at 513-422-1907 ext 357 or email me at rlewis@xponex.com I look forward to speaking with you. | | 8/11/2009 8:52:04 AM | Josh Laubach | I appriciate everyones support. I look forward to meeting and getting to know as many folks as possible. Keep up the feedback as I will be listening.
Thanks!
Josh | | 8/11/2009 9:30:56 AM | achilles heel | | I have spoken to Mr. Marconi many times. He is pleasant, but my biggest problem is he is the John Kerry of Middletown, a flip flopper. Mr. Marconi, why are your supporting the expansion of the at large candidates and not actively making changes to ordinances that are a pressing issue, like dedicated infrastructure funds, having roads repaired (Breihel still has massive potholes from last year)and not looking at the big picture? In 20 years my property is worth less wht what I paid, and I live 1/4 mile from you. I see a lot of all hat, no cattle. | | 8/11/2009 10:12:54 AM | Tony Marconi |
Dear Achilles Heel,
I gotta love you and your comments !!! I think you live behind me on St. Andrews Ct. and we have had numerous conversations in the past. Is that correct?
1) I am and never will be a flip flopper as you accuse me of being. I will only change my mind on an issue when other facts and pertinent information comes to light. You must remember that city hall and the adminstration controls the flow of information to council and we base our decisions on the most current available information at the time. So if and when I would ever change my vote, it is because of new information, etc. that has been presented.
2) I will always stay focused on the big piture and the important
issues. However you must also pay attention to the small issues because it is the little foxes that spoil the vine. It all works together.
3) I feel your pain on the house situation. My home has dropped in value 100,000 from my last appraisal two years ago. I do not control the market conditions in this recession. My current home value is currently the same as what I built it for 15 years ago.
4) You need to take a ride North on Breiel Blvd past the high school and see the contract we approved to repave. We have more road construction going on currently than we have had in several years.
5) You have not called me in a long time. I do miss our conversations. And for the record I do consider you a friend and I have always enjoyed talking with you. My home number is 423-2502.
Thanks for the comments.
Tony Marconi
City Council | | 8/11/2009 12:54:09 PM | Jackie | Mr. Marconi,
How do you feel about the number of Section 8 vouchers the city currently approves. A lot of us residents feel it's unfair we have the majority of the govt. housing in Butler county. Are you actively trying to reduce it, please give EXAMPLES? It's only fair we ask for your opinion on the issue as well since you've stated you're willing to discuss matters. Thank you | | 8/11/2009 1:10:09 PM | Bruce | | Mr. Laubach you have hit the nail on the head! Apparently this reality check has ruffled someones tail feathers. Good...as they now need to be plucked. You have my vote! | | 8/11/2009 2:02:31 PM | MJ | Mr. Marconi why has the City Council AKA Housing Authority not taken any action on reducing the Section 8 vouchers as reported in the Middletown Journal back in July and as stated by Ms. Gilleland that they would.
From the Middletown Journal July 19, 2009:
"While it has been proposed to reduce the number of vouchers to about 800 through attrition, Middletown City Council has not moved forward with the proposal." | | 8/11/2009 4:04:54 PM | Bruce | I bet there is more that meets the eye. Where there is money to be made and deep pockets to be filled there is an agenda. Part of the problem with section 8 housing is that one agenda was pushed by Middletown School Superintendant Steve Price for more section 8 with council liking the idea. The schools got more money for the free lunches section 8 brings. Well there is one part of the reason and all you have to see is who has section 8 housing as part of their or families portfolio!
Mr. Laubach can say he does not own or his family any section 8 housing. Can evenyone on council say that?
| | 8/11/2009 6:26:58 PM | Leo Gorcey | Dear Tony Marconi -
Rumor has it you know much about a former City of Middletown employee and HUD irregularities that they alledgedly shared with David S., Jim A. and you? People also say that you three supposedly know about this whistleblower being railroaded out of a job. And, people say that Jim A. and you are taking the low road because of potential formidable competition for your City Council seats? Tell us they are wrong? | | 9/14/2009 3:43:52 PM | Gary Barge | Hey Josh, I met you at the council meeting 9-8-09. I was very impressed with the conversation we had. I liked your answers on the Q&A and by the way I have a lot of relatives that live in the 3rd Ward. I have gave them your name for Nov 3. Good Luck.
Gary Barge
1st Ward Candidate | | 11/3/2009 1:23:41 PM | Megan Laubach | | I know Josh is the right man for this position. He is very passionate about what he does and will always be honest and loyal with everyone and everything he does. He wants what is best for Middletown, not just something to benefit himself.I am proud to call myself his Wife. Today is the day we find out who wins! :) | | 12/13/2010 4:21:33 PM | xx@yy.com | | what an arse. Wealth transfer? How about helping those in need. That single mom with the special needs kid, or that family trying to make ends meet on minimum wage jobs. Tax cuts do nothing but keep the wealthy from supporting the community. |
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