The Supporters of Joe Price for Mayor 2007
April 20, 2007
Meet Joe Price. Joe is a Broadview Heights Resident and local businessman. Joe is not particularly happy with the current economic and political direction of Broadview Heights.
In fact, Price is sure he can do a better job than the current Mayor, and the few candidates considering a bid for the city’s top leadership position, although he is quick to point out that he will step aside if a better candidate steps forward. Price’s ideals and vision for the city are quickly summed up in the mock add he posted on his web site: JoePriceforMayor.com
HELP WANTED
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS
OFFICE OF MAYOR
We the residents of Broadview Heights are seeking new leadership in our city, in the office of Mayor. Qualified candidate must apply in person with resume in hand. Be willing to undergo intense public scrutiny while keeping a positive presence and a true desire to serve. We are currently seeking a Mayor who will:
The list, which follows, outlines Joe’s ideal qualifications for candidacy, and range from the unification of city government, to the strengthening of city finances. It can be viewed in it’s entirety on his web site.
In conversations with Price and reviewing his website, Joe has identified the issues, which he thinks can be improved in Broadview Heights City Government. The biggest and first he lists, is the lack of unity in the governing body that makes up council and the mayor, and a sense of condescension. Price is determined to unify the body to achieve common goals for the good of the city. His next two major issues deal with city finance. “We need to develop economic growth and build partnerships with development and commerce.” Price points out that our residents are not likely to approve a tax increase, therefore, all economic growth for the future is dependant on current and future business development. Price also states that while surrounding cities have seized economic opportunities, Broadview Heights has lagged behind, “We have increased a great deal in residential expansion without a proportional increase in business growth, a condition which increases the financial burden on our taxpayers. Aggravating the situation is the number of business’s going to a surrounding city’s which will discourage growth here.” This is where Price thinks his experience as a business entrepreneur will aid him as a city leader, although he also states, “This isn’t all that qualifies me for the position.” Price, has studied the City Charter and urges others to do the same. Working within the charter guidelines, Price feels it is time for the city to take a few calculated risks, “Leadership + reasonable risk = growth and success.”
“There are checks and balances in place no mater where you are. In business it is my customers. At home it is my wife. If I am elected Mayor, it will be the residents.” “Ultimately, God will hold me accountable.”
Also on the subject of accountability, “In the last election, we were promised changes which never happened in our administration." That may be one of the best promises, which was broken. There is a lot of city knowledge divided between our department heads and their staffs and it would be a shame to waste that experience. It is my belief that we have many talented Directors. The shortfall is a lack of strong leadership. Some change will be necessary, some may need a little nudge, others may need to go. There is a need for stability in our city. “Most of our leadership is professional and would work well within my administration.”
On what sets him apart from the current Mayor and those he thinks will run, Price says, “I have a plan, which includes a timeline, a strategy, and the drive to complete it.” In his opinion, “planning and execution are the blueprint to success, whether in business or government.”
In my campaign, I have a plan, I know what I need, week to week and month to month, along with the built in flexibility to adjust when necessary.
In the first four years, I will give our residents considerable improvement in reaching our economic goals. Improvement, which I plan to show by the third year. By the end of my second term, I envision a city standing strong with unity, pride, and integrity. When asked what he would say to the residents about his candidacy, Price reiterates what he has posted in his web site: “I have high expectations and unwavering hope for the future of our city and the people who reside there.”
There will be risk and uncertainty in every new candidate seeking this office. “I leave the decision on whether I am qualified to fill the position, to the voters.”
Finally, asked about recent negative media coverage the city has received Price states “We as a city suffer the wounds of this public attention. Together we can bring about positive change, establish a government that will restore pride, share our vision, and support one another creating a better Broadview Heights. We need strong leadership and we need consistency. We as a city have lost our faith in the status quo. I offer that strength and consistency. I will motivate and drive change in a planned and positive way.
I want to make a positive difference--- I want to be your next mayor.
This article is an adaptation of an interview by local author and political columnist Roy Thornton. Released by request, to the ‘Joe Price for Mayor’ campaign with best wishes on his campaign trail.
Property of Roy Thornton, released for unlimited use and recirculation by the Joe Price for Mayor Campaign. |
