Election 2012

Not only is this my first blog, but it is also my first foray into the new world (for me at least) of cyber campaigning. To be candid, I would much rather meet people face to face to discuss politics and local issues or at least discuss them over the phone. The interaction, tone, facial expressions, body language, and eye contact of a face to face conversation don't leave much room for misinterpretation. An email or random post can easily convey the wrong impression and or message. Despite those issues and my personal preferences, the internet is a critical component to political campaigns today and I thought I would use my first blog as an opportunity to discuss some of the reasons why I am running for re-election for Kent City Council, Ward 1.

Shortly after I was elected to Kent City Council in 2000, the Council and city administration met to discuss major issues facing the city. I had run on a platform of downtown redevelopment, no micro management of city staff, and a better relationship with Kent State University. Naturally our first work session was to discuss economic development. I will save you the details, but suffice it to say we agreed that the city should buy the hardware store and use the site for the construction of a hotel. The idea of the conference center did not come for many more years. We left the work session and agreed that it would be possible to see "cranes on the skyline of Kent" within twelve months. That was Dan Kamburoff's quote.

Well it has been more like 12 years, but the City would not be in the position we are in today if it were not for the efforts of all the previous people who served on council the past twelve years. Some were more in favor of a downtown redvelopment project than others, but the long range collective vision to re-create Kent's one time thriving downtown was held by the majority of council members.

To get to where we are today we needed a dynamic city manger, a willing administration at Kent State, and most importantly in my opinion, a council that was willing to create the opportunity to give the citizens of Kent the basic things they have always wanted. Things like restaurants, retail business, commercial business, cultural attractions, social functions, and outdoor spaces all within an environmentally sensitive plan. My goal was to never hear that same old complaint of "why doesn't Kent have..." and to eradicate the unsubstantiated notion that "Kent can't support a..."

I would like to serve another term on council because I feel I have worked hard to fulfill my commitment to renovate downtown as evidenced by the construction projects that are in progress, and soon to be in progress. I have worked on the big picture and I have helped council stay focused on setting policy and strategy. We have a well qualified administration that leads an excellent city staff. They know how to get things done and they don't need me or other council members telling them how to do their jobs. If council sets the strategy, the administration and employees know how to best get it done.

Lastly, relations with Kent State are as good as one could ask for. We have each benefited from each other and both entities realize the success and growth of both is mutually intertwined. I take great pride in the fact that I am twice a graduate of Kent State. However, I am most proud of the efforts I have made over the years to bring the city and Kent State together to form both personal and professional relationships that have really been the basis for the great working relationship and economic opportunities and partnerships.

There are great things going on in Kent today. I'd like to think I had some responsibility for helping get the city to where it is today. What I would really like is to see the job to completion and that is why I am running for re-election. I hope I can get your support for another four years. I believe for all that we have already accomplished the next four years can be the best in the history of Kent. Perhaps it will also be the time when "why doesn't Kent..." becomes a forgotten piece of history. It certainly seems possible to me.

If you have a question or comment, I would love to discuss it with you. We all want what is best for Kent. We may disagree on what is the best for Kent, but we can at least disagree with civility and respect. Thank you for taking the time to read this. -Garret