HONORING ASHLAND'S HISTORY WITH A VISION FOR OUR FUTURE

We have been operating with a structural deficit for longer than we care to admit, so the question is do we grow or do we cut? I propose both, and in a thoughtful manner.

Why is the answer to our budgetary issues to repeatedly ask our citizens to contribute more without a say? Why are threats of cutting services like parks the political tool used to tug on our heart strings to approve such increases? Why aren’t we exploring ways to be more efficient and judicious with our resources to solve our financial needs?

The towns to our north are growing and the result is their financial burden is shared amongst more residents and businesses. thereby making it more affordable for all residents. We can no longer adhere to Ashland’s status quo.

For years it has been clear that we are operating at a deficit and drawing down on our savings buffer, which is now at a critically low level. We are projected to have a deficit of $7.7 million dollars by 2031 unless serious action is taken. The best time to do it was yesterday. The second best time to do it is today.

Ashland has many institutions that do not pay taxes, which leaves us heavily dependent on real estate taxes and utilities fees. We have opportunities to grow our population, attract new businesses and increase our tax base. We have all the tools we need to grow our way to prosperity while also being wise with our current abundance of resources. I would prefer to grow than cut, but both approaches should be on the table to ensure we are thriving economically for generations to come.

I propose a hiring freeze on administrative positions. Our city staff has grown much faster than our population, and while more staff does mean that more can be accomplished, we simply don’t have the money for further increases. I also would like to explore the potential to share some services with Talent, primarily some administrative tasks. The city council has very few levers that they can pull to solve our budget issues, so we must think outside the box as well as offer full transparency to our citizens.

There is a protectionist sentiment amongst our community, and although we should preserve some core tenets of Ashland, we must also be wary of being too resistant to change.

Ashland needs to grow to survive. If we stay on our current course, life in Ashland will become increasingly expensive, which will prohibit young families and young adults from staying here and planting roots. If we increase our housing supply at every level, we can attract more people that want to participate in and enhance our community, thereby distributing the financial needs of our town across a broader population. This will also increase our tax base since we are extremely dependent on real estate taxes.

We are in need of affordable housing for students and people just getting their start, workforce housing for the residents that keep Ashland operating, and market rate housing to meet the demand of tomorrow. Growing our population, keeping our schools filled and expanding our tax base through expansion is key to our future.

I propose a reduction of the minimum buildable lot size which will maximize our available land inventory. I propose to repeal the solar access ordinance. Yes we all love sunlight and open skies, but this ordinance prevents infill, and if we don’t want urban sprawl, that is the only other option. We should make it easier to build multi-family condos, apartments, townhouses and ADU’s which will increase density. I also propose that we raise the height limit to allow for multi story development.

Note that Measure 50 caps the rate increase at 3% annually on existing properties, many of which are taxed below their true market value. All new construction is added to the tax base at full market value.

These proposals and other solutions at our disposal will increase our housing supply while reducing the cost of new construction and allow our city to grow in a responsible and productive manner. Remember, let’s grow the tax base, not the tax rate.

As a renter who lives in a townhouse with a small yard, Garfield Park is practically an extension of our home. It is where my family celebrates birthdays and holidays, where my children play, learn to ride bikes, meet new friends and have after school playdates. It is also where we met most of our neighbors while out on dog walks or playing in the playground with our kids.

Since the opening of the Night Lawn, our once idyllic gathering space has been the source of many issues leading to much public debate. This issue is what got me interested in local affairs, and as a father and good neighbor, I along with several others have gone to great lengths to keep Garfield Park safe and clean for our community. The parks are for everyone to use, as long as the park and the attendees are treated with respect and civility.

I start every day with a trip to the park to exercise at sunrise. I walk the grounds cleaning up garbage by the picnic tables, on the playground, the splashpad, the volleyball court and the benches. What I find on a weekly basis is concerning. The Parks Department does a phenomenal job of keeping our parks and facilities clean and they are very responsive. APD is already busy patrolling the rest of town to keep us safe, and the number of man hours that have gone into the space on Main Street and the issues in the park have stretched out their resources.

Ashland is a small city, not a mental health clinic or a rehab facility. If we would like to open or expand such facilities then so be it, but the current path is not working for anyone. Our children and parents should not have to ask people to stop cursing, smoking or being violent next to the playground. Our elderly neighbors should not have to worry if it is safe or not to bring their grandchildren to the park, or if it is ok for them to use the bathroom. We need to work towards a more permanent solution, whether it be opening 2200 Ashland or having the North side of town take some of the pressure off of the Central and Southern side of town, which bears the brunt of the matter.

A town that does not prioritize the dreams and well being of its children, nor the safety of its long standing residents that helped build the community, is a town in managed decline. We can and will do better.

Outside of an official role on council, I propose starting planned park clean up days on a volunteer basis. It feels great to get outside, gather with neighbors and do some good for the community. It also helps to make a presence and to set a standard of respect and care for one of our most precious assets. Our parks are world class, important and the cornerstone of our community. They should be treated as such.

Like many people, domestic and international events over the last decade have increasingly dominated my attention. However, I cannot say that I am happier or healthier for being overly aware of events far beyond my control. This is one of the many reasons I have decided to run for office in Ashland and hope to make an impact.

I am not at all in control of what happens in the White House, which led me to create the mantra “HONORING ASHLAND'S HISTORY WITH A VISION FOR OUR FUTURE”. I can think globally but it’s best to act locally.

I walk the streets, parks and bike paths and clean up so that others may have a more pleasant experience. It is a humble way to be of service, and it is within my sphere of influence. This is one small example of how my mindset has shifted, and I plan to bring this attitude to the council.

Ashland residents have approached me and told me they are frustrated with how much time the council spends on issues that are beyond our control. We need to focus on schools, roads, the budget, water and other local issues. Essentially things that are in our purview and our interests. Issues that impact our lives on a daily basis. I hope to be an example of how we can all contribute to our community and be of service in a meaningful way.

Let’s face it, Ashland needs to attract jobs and industry. We cannot expect to grow our population without institutions that will bolster opportunities for employment.

Is Ashland an amazing place to grow up? Yes! Is it a wonderful place to retire? Definitely! But is it a place where our graduates can find employment that would allow them to stay and grow into adulthood here? In its current state, it is not.

We have space, we have university graduates and we have talent and desire. Unfortunately we do not have an abundance of businesses that are in need of the skills of our highly qualified residents, and many leave to seek opportunities elsewhere. This is a great loss for our community at large.

We should highlight several sectors that are Ashland centric and do whatever possible to woo job creators. This would also help us to attract new residents to Ashland and increase our tax base. Businesses that pay well and that have a mission that matches the spirit of Ashland would be a huge boost to our economy, our residents and our ability to keep and attract talented and productive people to help Ashland grow in a manner that benefits us all.

I propose a new “Committee of 50”. A group of dedicated Ashland residents that understand the current issues, have business experience and are willing to dedicate their collective knowledge and expertise to help us plan for our future.

The more people I meet in Ashland, the more I am blown away by the number of creative artists that are collected in one small city. Obviously our art scene revolves around OSF, and we should build upon that incredible foundation by shining a light on the bevy of talented local artists expressing themselves in a variety of mediums.

A city with a world renowned festival, a ski mountain, immense natural beauty and a limitless well of creative talent should never feel stale. We have land, we have institutions and we have tourism. These inherent advantages can be packaged to create more art fairs and events that highlight the creations of our greatest resource, our citizens.

Along with this, we need a resurgence of young adults and families and things for them to do. I speak to long-time residents of Ashland that reminisce about how the town used to be more alive with music, busy downtown sidewalks and thriving restaurants and bars. With an effort to bolster our creative community we can have a resurgence that will generate revenue through growth and exposure, keeping our town relevant and our artist community thriving.

I am aware that this is not directly the responsibility of the city council, but leadership has a voice that can bring attention to a variety of ways to improve Ashland and we should use that voice.