10 Point Plan

Both candidates have great résumés, but Kevin Kennedy is the only one with a plan to get North Olmsted back on track in difficult economic times.
1. Permanently put to rest the idea of tax raises so residents can breathe easier.
Kennedy believes the city needs to look within if we experience another shortfall. An across the board pay cut for all city employees and revision of longevity benefits would be implemented before raising taxes.

2. Have the ability to put more police on the street to target problem areas when crime is up by bringing back the STOP program.
Kennedy believes that these tough economic times can lead to an increase in crime for our retail community which can spread into our neighborhoods. The STOP program will put more police on the street at no cost to taxpayers.

3. Adopt a "Rainy Day Fund" ordinance which encourages City Hall to save and not just spend.
Kennedy believes if this was done over the last 4 years we could have avoided the lay-offs of 5 firefighters, 5 police officers, and 3 service workers.

4. Bring back to the table "revenue generating ideas" that the previous administrations have not implemented - or even considered.
Kennedy believes the city can generate added revenue to the General Fund by incorporating proactive ideas. Several ideas that Kennedy would explore are a Mayor's Court, inviting other cities into our Police and Fire central dispatch, and expanding our focus on economic development.

5. Hold irresponsible property owners and landlords responsible for maintaining their property.
Kennedy realizes that these are tough times for our residents. However, if the city doesn't crack down on irresponsible residents it would be a disservice to the majority of North Olmsted Homeowners who take pride in their property. These responsible residents deserve our commitment.

6. Renovate our vacant storefronts.
There are too many older vacant storefronts along Lorain Road. We need to work with our business community and outside entrepreneurs to help move our commercial areas into a modern era.

7. Work toward street replacement and maintenance that is paid for out of the General Fund.
Kennedy realizes that one of the biggest problems we face is our debt service. We need to start funding some of our street replacement out of the General Fund and keep increasing the amount each year until we eliminate borrowing for streets entirely.

8. Improve and invest in our parks and current recreation center.
It would be irresponsible management to knock down a recreation center that we still owe $1.2 million on. Kennedy will work closely with the school system, and other stake holders in our recreation programs to provide all aspects of recreation that our residents want at a price we can afford.

9. Focus on grant writing.
These are tough times for cities all over the country and North Olmsted is no exception, but tough times can bring opportunities to get needed projects funded with Federal Dollars. Kennedy will fight for every dollar that North Olmsted is eligible to receive.

10. Encourage public participation.
A City's greatest asset is the people that live in it.

North Olmsted is a community filled with great people, and we have great organizations in our City such as: Community Council, Eagle Boosters, NOSO, Garden Club, Hockey Club, The Edges, Swim Club, Tennis Club, Hot Stove Hardball, North Olmsted Historical Society, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, Scouting groups, N.O. Senior Center, PTA, and Early Childhood PTA - just to name a few.

Kennedy will reach out to these organizations and work with them to better our city. He understands that working with these stakeholder organizations is the start of a better North Olmsted for the future.