The candidates are listed in alphabetical order and their information appears exactly as it was submitted to the LWVO.

1. Do you believe Oberlin should be a leader in the Green movement? If not, please explain the reasons for your position.  If yes, please give specific suggestions for how to implement this.

2. The current City Council voted in February 2008 to withdraw from the AMP Generating Station project.  As that project was intended to supply much of Oberlin’s future need for base-load power, what steps do you propose taking in the next two years help meet Oberlin’s need for base-load (24x7) electric power?  How can the city continue to provide affordable, reliable electricity to all residents of the city?

3. What kind of development is needed for Oberlin?  What is the city’s role in stimulating development; for example, in encouraging in-fill housing in the southeast quadrant of the city? How would you implement your ideas?

DAVID R. ASHENHURST

Education: public elementary and high schools in Chicago, Illinois; B.A. in 1975 in English and philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia; also some graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia

Experience and Training: more than 25 years’ experience in grantmaking and nonprofit administration and association management; two terms on the Oberlin Human Relations Commission; member of the Charter Review Committee in 2003-04; seeking third term on City Council

Current Occupation: consultant to public and nonprofit organizations in fund-raising, communications, advocacy, and management

Response to questions:

1. Leadership implies “followership,” and I’m not sure I care if we’re followed in this respect or not. I’m also not sure if I would characterize what Oberlin has done and is doing as being a “leader” in the Green movement. I think Oberlin should continue to seize every opportunity to pursue a sustainable future, as it understands that (or as its understanding continues to evolve), as rapidly but judiciously as it can, and whether it finds others following in its footsteps or not. My most specific suggestion, therefore, is to continue to lead by its well-considered, thoroughly debated example.

2. The administration has recently reported on steps it has already taken to begin securing alternative baseload power in 2012, and we will receive the Black & Veatch report before the election to help guide future decision-making. The price of the AMP Generating Station continues to rise, and the timeline continues to be extended; it’s not clear it will meet its own deadline of 2012. At very worst, we will establish some short-term market-coal contracts over two years that will give us more time to address the longer-term needs; the lights will not go out in Oberlin in 2012.

3. I continue believing Oberlin should seek only appropriate, durable, sustainable development. In the current climate, that means, in part, residential neighborhood REdevelopment and judicious in-fill development. It means transit-oriented or conservation development in outlying areas, pedestrian-friendly and mixed-use development in the City’s core. In the commercial sphere, it means re-filling Station Square and the Industrial Park, and attracting robust businesses for undeveloped sites in commercial areas. The City’s role is to be enterprising in seeking state and Federal assistance where they are available, and flexible in facilitating other funding arrangements to the extent both prudent and possible.

H. SCOTT BROADWELL

Education: Oberlin High School, 1974, BGSU BA, 1982

Experience and Training: 1^st term Oberlin City Council 2007-2009

Current Occupation: Painting contractor – Broadwell Painting

Response to questions:

1. The City of Oberlin is and will remain a leader in the green movement. Oberlin already receives about 20% of its electrical power from renewable sources, such as the Belleville Hydroelectric Project, wind turbines in Bowling Green and methane gas from the landfill. With the addition of the new hydrolectric facilities being developed by American Municipal Power, this will increase our percentage of renewables to about 25%.

With City Council's recent motion to support Oberlin College's proposed Green Arts District and by attracting green industry, the City of Oberlin will remain a leader in the green movement.

2. Because of our withdrawal from participation in AMP's Generating Station project, Oberlin will be facing a huge baseload power shortage in 2013. That shortage will need to be met by scarce renewable power sources or by the purchase of coal-based power on the open market.

We need to look for renewable power sources whenever possible while remaining aware that, at least in the short term, we still will need to depend upon coal-based power because of cost constraints and its availability.


3. The City, while supporting well planned development in the southern sector, must continue to provide assistance to our core downtown commercial district. Through community development block grants, by supporting the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Oberlin, seeing through the completion of the East College Street Project, and encouraging residents to shop locally and sustainably as much as possible the City will continue to foster economic development.

BRYAN L. BURGESS

Education:  Oberlin High School Class of 1997,  BA Business Computer Systems New Mexico State University 2001
Experience: Oberlin Resource Conservation and Recovery Commission, 2.5 years  (I
currently serve as Chairman of this commission); Oberlin Public Utilities Commission, 1.5 years  (I currently serve as Chairman of this commission). I enjoy gardening, sailing, and organizing the Ohio Solar Tour in Lorain County (Oct. 4^th). My wife Amy and I have been married 7 years, our son Owen is 2 years old
Current Occupation:  Renewable Energy Contractor, Owner of Burgess Electric LLC

Response to questions:

1. Despite all the environmental damage wrought by coal, society has tolerated it for lack of a better alternative.  After thoroughly studying a wide range of energy sources, Oberlin City Council concluded that there are indeed viable alternatives to coal fired electricity.  In my capacity on the Public Utilities Commission, I have spent the last 18 months investigating renewable "green" sources of power for Oberlin.  I believe Oberlin must be aggressive in establishing green power contracts and decisively reject coal fired electricity.  Oberlin is, and will continue to be, a leader in the "green" movement.

2. As the investigation of Oberlin's future energy supply has progressed, I have become increasingly confident in our ability to provide residents and businesses with affordable and stable rates from green energy sources.  Most surprising have been the unsolicited offers of green power from providers who just happened to hear of our imminent need for electricity.  What exciting prospects will Oberlin be presented with when we issue requests for proposals?  It is no longer a question of *if* we can power Oberlin renewably but why didn't we do it sooner.

3. Oberlin's resilience throughout the current recession is due in part to this community's commitment to responsible development.  As a business
owner, I know that in order to be successful it is imperative to embrace
a longterm vision and not simply focus on the day-to-day activities. Tax incentives and zoning requirements can be used to promote the redevelopment of existing property while simultaneously discouraging urban sprawl.  As a member of council, I will actively recruit new and innovative businesses and work collaboratively with developers to keep Oberlin a vibrant place to live and work.

FRANK S. CARLSON (Withdrew)

ROBERT A. “TONY” GAINES

Education:

Experience and Training:

Current Occupation:

Response to questions:

1. Yes. I believe that we should be a leader in the Green Movement. I, however, believe that we should not move without thorough research into the long term benefits to our city. I believe that wind and solar are options for future power. I believe that having proper codes in place for current and future buildings is important. With each one of these are several options, which is best for Oberlin. We need to research each and make sure we make the right choices for now and in the future.

2. Currently our leaders at OMLP are in the middle of a study to find what direction is correct for the citizens of Oberlin. I do believe that withdrawing from the AMP generating station project when we did was premature and may be costly to the citizens of Oberlin in the near future. Was it the right decision? It may be. I think that we also may be stuck with something that is costly and more no green because we had nothing in place prior to making our decision to withdraw. I think that in the future there be more green options available, what do we do in the mean time, HOPE FOR THE BEST?

Affordable power is important for all citizens, where do we draw the line. We must remember that sometimes what’s affordable to one may mean lights or no food for another. Sometimes moving towards a goal is a process not a race.

3. We need housing development, business development and parking. Yes I believe that the city must take a leading role in attracting new businesses and housing development to our city. We must first make sure that both our comprehensive and strategic plans are complete and in place. These plans we afford us the opportunity to make informed decisions. We also must make sure that we have ample parking available for our downtown businesses. Currently parking is at a premium with no viable plan in place.

With housing we must make sure that we have housing development plans in place to accommodate all income groups. We can’t make the mistake in placing all low cost development in one section of town, all middle income housing in another section of town. We should combine variety of housing styles in different areas of town, diversity.

ELIZABETH J. MEADOWS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University - Athens. I majored in English and minored in Government.

Experience and Training: While working in public transportation, I learned the importance of functioning productively as a part of a team. Over the course of twenty years, I held positions in Human Resources, Legal, Management Training and Rail Operations departments. Concurrently, I instructed adults in remedial language skills.

Current Occupation: Presently, I work part-time at the Lorain Public Library as the Adult Literacy Coordinator and part-time at the Lorain County Urban League as Education and Youth Development Coordinator.

Response to Questions:

1. I believe Oberlin should continue its conservation efforts with heavy emphasis on achieving energy efficiency. Programs that educate residents and business owner in benefits of efficient uses of energy help facilitate Oberlin’s place in the Green movement.

2. Several steps can be employed to address Oberlin's future need for base-load power. Oberlin must secure its power supply from multiple sources. The OMPLS's 4/14/2009 report to Council outlines the feasibility of wind, hydroelectric, solar, etc. Oberlin must investigate cities of similar size that have successfully developed and implemented renewable sources of energy. Studying these model cites can provide opportunities for Oberlin to adopt and adapt some of their strategies and practices.

3. Oberlin's ability to thrive should include development plans that make this an attractive place to conduct and attract new businesses. Development for our residential neighborhoods should include resources to restore and maintain existing housing while attracting new housing development.

ANTHONY J. MEALY

Education: Northwestern High, Hyattsville, Maryland; Attended University of Maryland, North Carolina State, Baldwin-Wallace College and hold a Corrections Officers Certificate from Ashland University ‘92; Graduate of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Inspector’s Program, Tucson, Arizona ‘95.

Experience:  Anthony J. Mealy has been involved in our civic affairs for the past forty years.  His understanding of the issues as an Oberlin City Councilman, past Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Treasurer and Board Member of the Oberlin Community Improvement Corporation will contribute to the enhancement of our community.

Occupation: Twice retired with 21+ years State Service and 27+ years Federal Service.

Response to questions:

1.Oberlin is a leader in the “green” movement when you consider that we are far ahead of most communities in Ohio with 17% clean energy assets in Hydroelectric, Wind and Methane generation.  As a Councilman in December 2007 I voted to authorize our Electric Utility to enter into a venture with AMP Ohio to achieve a goal of 25% clean generation with the additional 3 Hydro Projects on the Ohio River.  The issue facing Oberlin is leadership and the current council’s failure to secure base-load power after 2010.  I remain committed to finding viable “green” solution to our future power needs. 

2.The City is currently waiting for a study by the professional electric consulting group Black & Veatch who are to present a 20 year plan for our future power needs. I will want to review their findings before making any commitment to Oberlin’s need for base-load (24x7) affordable, reliable electric power.  

3. Oberlin should be thinking regionally about economic development.  Prospective employers will not want to move into communities with a perceived poor educational system nor one that fails to produce a competitive workforce.  Oberlin needs to support and work with business and industry to establish a strong relationship with our local schools, vocational institution, public library and Oberlin College to set realistic goals to achieve the desired results.  In-fill housing should only be done where appropriate and should not be limited to the southeast quadrant.  A number of homes have been demolished over the years because of flooding and poor drainage throughout the city.      

AARON MUCCIOLO

Education: Oberlin College, B.A. (Politics and Theater), 2002.
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, no degree, 2004.
Experience and training: Prior to starting my own business, I worked for three years in fundraising, including volunteer management, strategic planning, and executing full-scale campaigns. I've also worked in theater production for over a decade, trained in many aspects of web and graphic design and communications, and taught both to students at the high school and college level.
Current Occupation: Web designer, writer, consultant (self employed).

Response to questions:

1. Saving energy means saving money – sometimes even making money in reward for 'going green'. We need a city administration that continues to seek options from the innovative people here in town, at the College, and elsewhere: free home energy audits now; wind power in the future. Free compact florescent lightbulbs for every home that wants them. A community garden that can stock our stores cheaply and keep us healthy. We can't jump at every shiny possibility, but we can't sit still either – it's wrong for our kids and grandkids, and it's increasingly wrong for our own bottom line.

2. The issue here is, understandably, cost. Market based power (the simplest, 'do-nothing' alternative), and alternative energy sources look like they cost more, and will continue to cost more, than signing a long term coal contract. From the numbers released so far, though, the added cost ranges from $20-$100 a year for a typical home – and that could easily drop. Still, higher costs are higher costs – unless they are offset. Reducing demand, by CFLs and other easy fixes, is one way. Selling our existing green-energy credits at market rate, then subsidizing residents' utility bills, is another. 

3. Residential development needs to be discussed at length in the neighborhoods affected. Our near-term planning should start with business growth, the engine driving tax revenues and paying jobs to town. First, we need a friendlier climate to attract new businesses – friendly meaning permits, expectations, and guidelines made accessible and understandable. Tax breaks need to be an option too. Second, we have to continue to attract visitors. Our arts and culture are key to good publicity, but we can't skip nuts and bolts issues: How can parking function more smoothly? Are our signage regulations helping or hurting?

CHARLES F. PETERSON

Education: B.A. Morehouse College (1992); M.A. State University of New York (Philosophy, 1995); Ph.D. State University of New York (Philosophy, 2000)

Experience: 3-term City Councilman (2004-present) served as liaison to the Human Relations Commission, Open Spaces Commission, Underground Rail Road Design Team, and various City Council sub committees

Current Occupation: Associate Professor of Africana Studies, Cultural Area Studies, Program Chair, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH

Response to questions:

1. I firmly believe Oberlin should be and is a leader in the Green movement. The City of Oberlin has already begun its implementation of this leadership by divesting from the new AMP-GS coal burning plant and devoting its resources to studying the possibilities of future sustainable energy sources. The City is invested in Hydro and Wind energy projects through AMP-Ohio. On the economic front the city has committed to constructing sustainable and energy efficient public buildings in the pursuit of LED certified standards. The City of Oberlin has provided support for green building projects through the use of Tax Incremental Finance and has implemented economic development policies which are attracting green energy businesses and jobs. The city continues to promote and support programs which allow citizens to upgrade their homes to achieve higher energy efficiency standards.

2. Oberlin’s entrance in to the base load energy market will be a challenge. The city’s focus must be to access base load power in the near future and prepare, long term, for the expansion of the sustainable energy market. I propose and have supported two studies exploring the possibilities of expanded sustainable energy sources for the City of Oberlin. In the mean time the city has begun an aggressive exploration of avenues of sustainable energy sources, meeting with representatives from wind and bio gas power producers. The city has also supported programs designed to increase energy efficiency in Oberlin homes. It is my belief that Oberlin has the distinct advantage of publicly owned utilities which allows for public control in the setting of priorities, adjustment of rate scales and shaping of policies. The city has developed but should explore expanded forms of support for low income residents, and the feasibility of sliding rate scales/progressive energy rates in order to aid all residents.

3. The most important type of development Oberlin needs is economic development. The city has and should take on a supportive role for local business through the use of Tax Incremental Financing, Community Development Block Grants for downtown development, aggressive business recruitment and the creation of supportive economic fast tracks (grants/loans and tax repeals) for new businesses. An expanded tax base (income and property) must be a part of job creation, which ultimately benefits our citizens in the areas home ownership. Implementation has and must occur through discussions with the City administration, fellow City Council Members and members of the Oberlin community

KATE PILACKY

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Kent State University

Experience and Training: Appointed April 18, 2005 to Oberlin Open Space Commission, Chair since November 2008; Oberlin Design Review Committee, since January 2008; Community Organizer: founded Firelands Land Conservancy in December 1997; the FLC merged into Western Reserve Land Conservancy January 1, 2006, protected 2700-acres of land in the Firelands; 2000 – 2002 Program director, Organize!Ohio; 1999 –2000 executive director, Citizen League of Lorain County; past Advisory Board of Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Fund; Rockwood Leadership Training 2005; accomplished artist with art exhibits throughout Ohio since 1990; painted an ENERGY mural for the Union of Concerned Scientists in 1991.

Current Occupation: associate field director, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Firelands

Response to questions:

1. It is in the City’s and College’s best interest to be innovative and be ahead of the game using existing technology. The time is now for Oberlin to be a leader in promoting energy efficiency and green building standards, as well as green manufacturing industry, including building parts for wind turbines and solar cells.  Being a green, more livable community will help Oberlin retain knowledge makers. We must work towards making NE Ohio into a center for innovation and being the economic engine of the future.   Sustainability is the business opportunity of this period in time.  Let’s not miss our chance. 

2. Energy efficiency is the most affordable way to address our energy consumption.  A large percentage of energy consumed is wasted – leaking out of drafty windows, using old appliances, lighting, etc. The College can be a partner in creating a solution. Students can research public funding opportunities and other ways to make homes and businesses in the city more energy efficient. Specific opportunities include expanding the use of wind power that can be generated and purchased, the capture of methane gas trapped in landfills, and exploring gasification options among others.  The key is looking for smaller, efficient local options that will employ local people.

3. Oberlin is a city that is rich in culture. We are home to museums, arts, one-of-a-kind businesses, and a premier college. We need a comprehensive marketing plan that would capitalize on our city’s attributes. In challenging economic times, we must be dedicated to keeping our downtown businesses vibrant, while looking forward to opportunities like establishing an Underground Railroad museum. My organization’s office is in the southside of Oberlin. This area can continue to grow green businesses such as the Land Conservancy and Full Circle Fuels. Strategic planning should provide for smart development and new structures should complement existing architecture.

KENNETH SLOANE

Education: PA State University (mathematics); Theodore Steinway Technical Institute (Steinway Piano training Department)
Experience and Training: Served four terms on council 1996 - 2003. On board of Oberlin Sustainable Agricultural Project five years, three as President. Member of board that started Oberlin Youth Soccer Association. Helped form Lorain County Soccer League. Helped  form Oberlin Farmers Market and served as volunteer manager for three years. Served on Oberlin Resource Recovery commission  and currently serve on Open Space and Visual Environment commission.
Current Occupation: Piano technician/tuner and rebuilder

Response to Questions:

1. Yes! Expand on Oberlin’s current commitment to buying renewable power. Our electric provider, Amp Ohio, supplies more renewable power than any other Ohio, electric company. We currently purchase power through them generated from hydro, landfill gas and wind. In fact, a large component of Amp Ohio’s landfill gas generation comes from our local landfill, a project I
was instrumental in starting while serving on the 1996/7 council. We also need to initiate programs to make Oberlin pedestrian friendly. For example, the national program designed to get children walking or riding bikes to school, “safe routes to school” is one such initiative.

2. In many ways the question is a moot point. In absence of any contract’s Oberlin’s municipal power company can sign by itself or through Amp Ohio for power (renewable or otherwise) that can be considered as baseload, we will rely on Amp Ohio’s ability to buy power for us off the grid. In the latter case, we probably will be using power generated from coal dirtier than the power from the new Amp Ohio facility (87% of Ohio‘s electricity comes from coal), and who knows what the price will be?

3. Continue with the city’s current use of grant money to buy lots for low income housing in established neighborhoods (in-filling) and partnering with groups that specialize in securing the funds and developing contracts for building the homes. In the last decade the city has built many
attractive homes in this fashion. We also need to be pro-active in selling our city’s many cultural and social amenities to attract quality employment opportunities to the area. The combination of more jobs and the increased tax revenue they bring is unbeatable.

DAVID E. SONNER

Education: Ohio State, Cleveland State, LCCC. No degree
Experience and Training: Member off council, 1971-1979; 2007-present.
Various Oberlin City commissions.
Current Occupation: Real Estate Broker, licensed since 1966.

Response to Questions:

1. It is unacceptable that Oberlin- Oberlin!- could be laggard in doing its part in the struggle to prevent the cooking of the planet, especially when taking the lead in this global-sized battle will bestow important immediate and lasting advantages upon us.
Let us apply all deliberate speed to becoming "the first regional model of a prosperous and sustainable post-carbon economy formed around the restoration of.......the existing downtown as well as a transition to zero-carbon energy sources the creation of new green jobs in energy technology, energy services, sustainable agriculture, and forestry..."

2. City government, through our publicly-owned electric utility (OMLPS), will provide affordable, reliable, and non-polluting power to Oberlin residents, businesses, and institutions, by, in part, long-term power purchase contracts obtained NOW, before the end of 2008, while prices favor buyers. Thereafter, an important portion of Oberlin's power requirement will be met by reducing that requirement through systematic energy conservation measures applied to every electricity use-  residential, business, industrial, institutional, government. The greater part of the baseload and peakload source of power will be "home-grown" locally-generated "green" power, whether from landfill gas, plasma gasification, bio-mass, wind or solar.  POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

3. City government is pledged to "encourage the local production of goods and services." Recent economic development successes include businesses begun by locals; by O.C. graduates, by "home-towners," Recent industrial ventures include medical technology, nano-technology, and solar power.
City government is pledged to "promote and continue to maintain quality housing for all its citizens." What is appropriate housing development for Oberlin? Cheapo minimum standard housing, whether in tract projects, or scattered  "in-fill" lots, is not. As there was been a rude, and costly interruption of the American dream of home ownership, affordable rental housing must now be encouraged.

SHARON FAIRCHILD SOUCY

Education: Graduated from Oberlin High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. Graduate work at

Kent State University, Ohio State University and Indiana University.

Experience and Training: Thirty years as a professional educator working with the under-educated and under-employed of Lorain County to improve the quality of their lives. Four years experience as a member of Oberlin City Council.

Current member: Leadership Lorain County Class of 2000, League of Women Voters, NAACP, Oberlin Underground RR Vision Council, Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Current Occupation: Retired

Response to questions:

1. Absolutely, I believe Oberlin should be a leader in the Green movement. I am committed to reducing Oberlin’s carbon footprint by seeking out alternative sources of energy such as methane, hydro, solar and wind. I believe all future construction should be Leed certified. I am working on a plan to provide city rebates not only for composters, but also for purchases of energy saving devices such as TV’s, refrigerators, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, etc. I also would encourage the use of rain barrels or garden water, lawn water or car washing. Unfortunately, as the price of traditional fuels drops, many alternative energy projects are losing funding, and alternative sources of energy for the city that are both available and affordable are going to be increasing difficult to locate.

2. Unfortunately, the writer of this question is misinformed.* Oberlin City is an active, enthusiastic member of AMP-Ohio, an energy consortium of some 100 communities. What Oberlin withdrew from was the AMP-GS “clean” coal plant to be built in Southeastern Ohio. Our membership in AMP-Ohio is essential to our search for alternative fuels. It is only with the leadership of AMP-Ohio and our Electric Director, Steve Dupee, that we find ourselves in the enviable position of having an energy portfolio of nearly 25% green energy – hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear. AMP-Ohio as a matter of fact is the largest distributor of alternative energy in the state. Since 75% of our energy portfolio comes from fossil fuels, we will need to search hard to reduce that amount. Realisticly, some of our energy will continue to come from fossil fuels off the open market that are easily available and affordable. Meanwhile we will struggle to look for other sources such as those from our nearby landfill which has the potential to harness additional methane as a clean burning fuel.

* Note: The candidate is responding to an earlier version of this question, which was imprecisely worded and was corrected for the Voter Guide.

3. Oberlin is experiencing a banner year in beneficial development. Compared to our surrounding communities, we have a number of dynamic projects; the Jazz Center, the SCA project, a new dorm on North Professor Street, a large firehouse addition as well as the renovation of the Apollo theater. All of these are Leed certified. Our industrial park is a continuing challenge, but the city has secured Green Field Solar and the innovative consulting company Lawhead Sortware. The Southeast quadrant has benefitted from six new houses built with the help of New Sunrise Properties as well as a number of projects from Zion CDC and Power to strengthen existing homes and reduce energy losses. With the leadership of our Economic Director Tita Reid, our Planning Director Gary Boyle, and our City Manager Eric Norenberg, hopefully the new Council can continue to develop infill commercial and residential properties and to partner with the College to develop the Green Arts District.