Candidate Profile: Steven M. Balmert for Avon City Council

Steven M. Balmert is running to represent Ward 1 in Avon City Council.

Name: Steven M. Balmert.

 Date of Birth: 12/8/1967.

Occupation: Software test engineer.

Education: Bachelor of Science Computer Information Science/ Engineering, The Ohio State University.

Family: Wife Debra Warnke-Balmert, stepson Michael Warnke, 19, son Matthew Balmert, 4 ½ years.

Years residing in Avon: 43 Years + (lifelong resident).

Most recent political affiliation: Independent

Office Sought: Avon City Council, Ward 1.

Previous Political Office Sought or Held: Avon City Council – Council-at-Large, 2009 (Did not win the office in the election).

Email: smbalmert@yahoo.com

Campaign page: No campaign web site at this time.

Candidate Statement: The issues that face this next council will be different than previous councils.  I would like the opportunity to serve the public and use my knowledge to help solve these issues.

Some of the major issues (but not all) facing the city and Ward 1 are:

• City Council needs to address the transition of power that will be coming if/when Mayor Jim Smith does not run again for Mayor.  The issue of electing all seven members of council and the mayor in the same year needs to be addressed, which is a charter issue.
• The city faces major infrastructure issues. Some of these (but not all of them) are listed below.
  • A city-wide ditch maintenance program needs to be enacted, funded and performed. There are more issues than ditch maintenance with this, but it would be a start.
  • With the aging roadway system, Avon needs to have a more aggressive road maintenance program in place.
  • The city has been forcing land owners to install sidewalks.   The problem is that some of the sidewalks still force people to walk on the streets to cross over obstacles such as ditches. In the winter time, the sidewalks are not being kept clear of snow and ice. People are forced to walk in the streets. This adds dangers to people walking and driving on the streets.                    
  • The city could be facing financial issues if the debt to revenue ratio remains as high as it is. It will be the next one or two elected city councils (2 to 4 years) responsibility to lower the debt to revenue ratio while fixing/maintaining the infrastructure.
    • Numerous city and zoning ordinances that are on the records need to be reviewed, updated, or repealed (if necessary).