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City council candidates meet the public

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By TODD HELBERG

cnedit@crescent-news.com

Candidates for Defiance City Council's three at-large seats got their chance to connect with the public Wednesday night.

During an hourlong program hosted by Defiance College and the Defiance Community Cultural Council, the five candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot introduced themselves and provided prepared answers to four questions.

Approximately three dozen people attended the event, which was held at the Arts and Media Center on Wayne Avenue and tape recorded by DCTV channel 5.

In making their cases with voters, Republican incumbent Ellen Upp, a four-term councilwoman; Democratic incumbent Joe Eureste, a two-term veteran; and former Democratic city councilman Howard Tropepe touted their experience.

The remaining two candidates, Republican Mike Ketcham and Democrat Dave Plant, stressed specific goals. For Ketcham, it was less expensive government; for Plant, an adherence to strategic planning.

Upp said she's been a "consistent voice for fiscal conservatism," and as a business owner (of Fifth Stitch in downtown Defiance), she knows "how difficult it is to run a business during lean times."

Though she has most experience on council, Upp said she's "not a politician. I'm a passionate citizen. ... I'm here because I have a vision for Defiance."

Her council colleague, Eureste, said he's seeking re-election because of his belief in "volunteerism and public service."

Eureste said his skills have included patience and compromise.

"I feel the public has had the opportunity to peer review my decisions," Eureste said, indicating that he is well positioned to meet the "legislative challenges" of "the next four years."

Ketcham's reason for running, he said, is his children and grandchildren, who he wants to give a future in Defiance.

He hopes to help reduce the "tax burden of families" while looking for "creative ways to bring in revenue." He said the "average family pays more in taxes" than several basic necessities.

Without adequate safety and a "strong employer base, our children will continue to move away," he said.

"I want to give back to the community ... by working with and for the citizens of Defiance," said Tropepe, an appointed Ward II councilman from 2005-2007 who lost an election bid nearly two years ago.

He stressed the need for job growth to help retain young people.

"If elected, I can work with everyone else to get professional businesses into this city," Tropepe said.

During his two years on council, Tropepe said he used "common sense in my decisions" and was prepared to act.

"I did not go into a council meeting blind," he said. "I knew what I was voting on."

As a pastor and Defiance College administrator (director of alumni and parent relations), Plant was much at ease addressing Wednesday's forum.

He said "being in the public eye is not something I shirk," and believes his "calming influence" will be valuable. But he added that "I have one great skill ... looking at the future -- strategic planning."

Plant promised to always "listen, be honest and respectful, work with others, remember that I am a public servant, be an advocate for timely communication" and "challenge our administration."

Q: What is the most significant issue facing Defiance over the next four years?

Eureste: "The city budget," he said, noting that many employers have had to adjust manpower hours, resulting in less city revenue. As a result, Eureste said council reduced expenses by more than $500,000 in March after having pieced together a slimmer 2009 budget last fall. Council will be undertaking the same vigilance in the next four years, he added.

Ketcham: "It boils down to one word -- the economy." He said this will dictate the level of city services, conceding that "I'm sure it will be hard to provide all services." Nevertheless, "Defiance must focus on breathing new life back into the economy."

Tropepe: The "sewer separation" program. "It's affected so many people with the cost and inconvenience, he added, referring to the city's 20-year, EPA-mandated program to eliminate combined sanitary and storm sewers, largely with revenue from sewer charges.

Plant: "Strategic vision and planning." He believes the "development of a strategic plan for Defiance" is essential. "How do we make ... decisions if we don't know what the most important things are to spend our money on?"

Upp: "Right now it's the joblessness in the city and county. These losses result in lower revenues for both bodies." She said she's been through economic downturns twice during her 16 years on council.

Q: How do you think council should address the issue of unfunded EPA mandates?

Ketcham: "My first thought was to stop" complying with them, he said, but conceded this wasn't an appropriate response. "Defiance can't afford the associated costs on our own ... EPA needs to stand up with the funds. I feel it's wrong for EPA to put these burdens on local communities" because, Ketcham explained, "our residents' safety must come first."

Tropepe: "I appreciate the EPA with clean air and water acts, but I think EPA should provide the majority of funding of mandates." To achieve this, Tropepe said the city and residents must work with senators and congressmen to find funding. If elected, he said he would "work hard to try to get money" to reduce the burden.

Plant: "None of us like it when someone tells us to do something," he said, noting that the city "must continue to go out there and look for funds. I think the administration and council have done that admirably." However, using the lemons to lemonade analogy, Plant said once the mandates have been met, the city will have many new streets and infrastructure. "We're going to have some lemonade to celebrate with."

Upp: "This council should encourage the administration to update EPA on the crisis we are facing. We need more time" to comply with the mandates, she added. "We need more federal funding to keep our competitive. ... We all need to do our part."

Eureste: "I would like to have said no (to the mandates), but you find out that (EPA) fines are not fiscally responsible." He noted that the total cost for the city's EPA-mandated sewer projects is near $60 million over 20 years. One of the options for meeting this expense, he indicated, is future sewer rate increases. Another, Eureste said, is lobbying federal lawmakers to pass a bill providing grant funds while an additional alternative is federal stimulus money such as the $2.25 million granted for a Holgate Avenue project.

Q: How should council prepare Defiance to reap the benefits from the U.S. 24 project?

Tropepe: "Hopefully, we will keep truck traffic out of downtown Defiance." He said both sides of U.S. 24 are available for new industry and suggested that Defiance might be a good place for a truck stop.

Plant: "It depends on the strategic plan." Once a type of business or businesses is determined, the city can focus on bringing those to town. Perhaps, a conference center would be one option as well, Plant noted.

Upp: "The completion of the Fort-to-Port project is our link to the world. We have everything," said Upp, including water, excess sewer capability and industrial land to make the city attractive. But, "Defiance can't be a great place to live unless it is a great place to work."

Eureste: "Promote our business climate. Any business has a chance to grow because of the U.S. 24 expansion." He mentioned things the city and council have done recently to bolster Defiance's attractiveness, such as building a reservoir and establishing a job creation incentive program.

Ketcham: "I believe it's very important we have a plan and be proactive ... but we have to finish what we started." He said Defiance needs to be "predictable, fair and cost effective," and a "shovel-ready community" for potential business projects. Ketcham suggested "gateway signs" giving passers-by on U.S. 24 a reason to stop here."

Q: What are your ideas to revitalize downtown Defiance and how will you involve Defiance College in that revitalization?

Plant: Three things, he said, are vital for downtown revitalization -- unique shops, "make sure people are living downtown" and restaurant development. As for Defiance College's connection, he suggested that internships be pursued as kids may one day be interested in making the transition from business employee to owner.

Upp: "Our city supports the visitors bureau and has encouraged building owners to participate in downtown revitalization." As a downtown business owner for nearly 40 years, Upp said she's seen many changes, and there are still "many" locally owned shops there. Defiance College has been a "cornerstone of this community," she said, and "any involvement would be welcomed with open arms."

Eureste: He noted that the Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau (DDVB) has been instrumental in seeking revitalization grants while city officials have discussed downtown living as well as parking strategies. The hope is to "give people a reason to visit our downtown stores."

Ketcham: "What a great job the (DDVB) has done. ... We need to capitalize on our rivers. That's something Defiance really has never taken advantage of." He added that parking needs to cleaned up while "the city and Defiance College need to support each other."

Tropepe: "We have a beautiful downtown area. DDVB has done an excellent job ... promotion is the biggest thing. As far as Defiance College ... come up with ideas ... young kids have the best ideas. If we just keep promoting the downtown, you'll see things growing."