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As Mayor of Athens, Randy Morris hopes to foster a city government that respects its citizens and taxpayers by
offering transparency and accountability. In line with these values, Randy would like to offer all the available
information he has on the issues he discusses in his advertisements and mailers. This way, you can decide for
yourself the value of the information to you and your family.
offering transparency and accountability. In line with these values, Randy would like to offer all the available
information he has on the issues he discusses in his advertisements and mailers. This way, you can decide for
yourself the value of the information to you and your family.
THE FIRE CHIEF actually goes into greater detail on the matter saying,
"We should be at 36 to 38 firefighters realistically. The city has 20-plus police officers and Ohio
University has another 20-plus officers giving Athens and OU about 50 police officers to cover.
We have to cover the same area with only 22 firefighters.” (The Athens Messenger, 10.22.11)
Read for yourself here: Athens Fire Chief: Department 'Severely Understaffed', by Joe Higgens, The Athens
Messenger, 10.22.11
"We should be at 36 to 38 firefighters realistically. The city has 20-plus police officers and Ohio
University has another 20-plus officers giving Athens and OU about 50 police officers to cover.
We have to cover the same area with only 22 firefighters.” (The Athens Messenger, 10.22.11)
Read for yourself here: Athens Fire Chief: Department 'Severely Understaffed', by Joe Higgens, The Athens
Messenger, 10.22.11
ADDITIONALLY, under the current leadership Athens has made cuts to the Athens Fire Department:
"In late November, city officials revealed they would eliminate four positions either currently vacant
or soon to be vacant from the city rolls to save $200,000. These positions include a patrol officer, a
fireman, a streets department worker and a member of the city's custodial staff."
Read for yourself here: City Balances Budget by Cutting, Shifting Positions, by David DeWitt, The Athens NEWS,
12.16.10
"In late November, city officials revealed they would eliminate four positions either currently vacant
or soon to be vacant from the city rolls to save $200,000. These positions include a patrol officer, a
fireman, a streets department worker and a member of the city's custodial staff."
Read for yourself here: City Balances Budget by Cutting, Shifting Positions, by David DeWitt, The Athens NEWS,
12.16.10
RANDY believes that the City of Athens will benefit from a new perspective on budget matters. Further, he believes that
one cannot underestimate the power of creative problem solving, and fostering a team approach to solving tough
challenges. He would begin with a comprehensive budget analysis to try and find those areas where funds could be
better managed. He would then seek to balance the budget without losing or greatly diminishing any services.
ONE THING that should be clear, Randy would not support any budget initiative that diminishes public safety. As the
Athens Fire Chief has already stated publicly, they are "severely understaffed". And, following the sexual assaults and
strong-arm robberies that have recently occurred in the city, Randy feels that to put any more stress on our already taxed
Police Department would do all of Athens a disservice. Belt-tightening is a fact of life in these tough economic times,
but Athens is in a unique position to combat budget issues.
ATHENS is replete with creative, educated minds. By encouraging and inviting these diverse minds to participate in
the civic process Randy believes that the City of Athens can harness the power of her citizens to solve the problems we
face. Those critical services that are key to our safety and quality of life do not have to be sacrificed.
Read more about these issues here:
Police, Firefighter Retirements Could Drain Experience Pool, by Steve Robb, The Athens Messenger, 1.30.11
Another Rape Reported in Mill-Stewart Area, by Staff, The Athens NEWS, 9.30.2011
Police Still Seeking Bank Robber, by Staff, The Athens NEWS, 9.6.2011
Local Man Jailed After Stick-up, by Staff, The Athens NEWS, 10.2.2011
Morris: Council, Mayor Wiehl have mishandled city budget for too long, Kaitlynn Grady, The Post, 10.7.11
one cannot underestimate the power of creative problem solving, and fostering a team approach to solving tough
challenges. He would begin with a comprehensive budget analysis to try and find those areas where funds could be
better managed. He would then seek to balance the budget without losing or greatly diminishing any services.
ONE THING that should be clear, Randy would not support any budget initiative that diminishes public safety. As the
Athens Fire Chief has already stated publicly, they are "severely understaffed". And, following the sexual assaults and
strong-arm robberies that have recently occurred in the city, Randy feels that to put any more stress on our already taxed
Police Department would do all of Athens a disservice. Belt-tightening is a fact of life in these tough economic times,
but Athens is in a unique position to combat budget issues.
ATHENS is replete with creative, educated minds. By encouraging and inviting these diverse minds to participate in
the civic process Randy believes that the City of Athens can harness the power of her citizens to solve the problems we
face. Those critical services that are key to our safety and quality of life do not have to be sacrificed.
Read more about these issues here:
Police, Firefighter Retirements Could Drain Experience Pool, by Steve Robb, The Athens Messenger, 1.30.11
Another Rape Reported in Mill-Stewart Area, by Staff, The Athens NEWS, 9.30.2011
Police Still Seeking Bank Robber, by Staff, The Athens NEWS, 9.6.2011
Local Man Jailed After Stick-up, by Staff, The Athens NEWS, 10.2.2011
Morris: Council, Mayor Wiehl have mishandled city budget for too long, Kaitlynn Grady, The Post, 10.7.11
THE MAYOR'S complete comments, in response to a question about using police foot patrol units, were:
"the police force we have now...(is) barely up to staff at this point, it would not be effective to
cover all the neighborhoods. (With foot patrols) If you look around, I think we have 24 full-time
officers right now. We are supposed to be staffed at 26." (Mayoral Debate, 10.4.11)
See for yourself here: Athens Mayoral Debate, 10.4.2011 (Note: Click the "Video" link listed by "Mayoral Debate:
October 2011")
"the police force we have now...(is) barely up to staff at this point, it would not be effective to
cover all the neighborhoods. (With foot patrols) If you look around, I think we have 24 full-time
officers right now. We are supposed to be staffed at 26." (Mayoral Debate, 10.4.11)
See for yourself here: Athens Mayoral Debate, 10.4.2011 (Note: Click the "Video" link listed by "Mayoral Debate:
October 2011")
SO WITH the ideas given in the traffic study as, at the very least, a starting point for discussion. Why did the mayor say:
"I read the thing (the traffic study), and it doesn't make the case for me. And that's where I've left it."?
(The Athens NEWS, 1.25.10)
YOU DECIDE. Here's what the mayor has to say more than a year later regarding his decision to halt discussions and
block the curb cut to Bobcat Lane even after reading compelling evidence suggesting the benefits that it would bring:
" 'Wiehl said, “Everybody looks at Bobcat Lane as a disaster.” He said he feels his decision to
deny the curb cut to the university has worked in the city’s favor. 'We pushed back just a little bit,
so now they involve us more,' Wiehl said." (The Athens Messenger, 10.25.11)
SO THE ANSWER, it appears, is leverage. The mayor used Bobcat Lane as a way to force Ohio University to give the
city more involvement in planning discussions. The real question is, why didn't the city just ask to be part of the
discussion? Was it really necessary to risk public and First Responder safety for this leverage?
For more on Paul Wiehl's position on Bobcat Lane, read for yourself here:
Despite Traffic Study Mayor Holds Ground Against Road, by David DeWitt, The Athens NEWS, 1.25.10
Missing Link: Bobcat Lane Not Part of Oxbow Redisign, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 2.13.11
Morris Takes Issue with Wiehl's OU Approach, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 10.25.11
To Read the Bobcat Lane Traffic Study in its entirety. Click Here.
"I read the thing (the traffic study), and it doesn't make the case for me. And that's where I've left it."?
(The Athens NEWS, 1.25.10)
YOU DECIDE. Here's what the mayor has to say more than a year later regarding his decision to halt discussions and
block the curb cut to Bobcat Lane even after reading compelling evidence suggesting the benefits that it would bring:
" 'Wiehl said, “Everybody looks at Bobcat Lane as a disaster.” He said he feels his decision to
deny the curb cut to the university has worked in the city’s favor. 'We pushed back just a little bit,
so now they involve us more,' Wiehl said." (The Athens Messenger, 10.25.11)
SO THE ANSWER, it appears, is leverage. The mayor used Bobcat Lane as a way to force Ohio University to give the
city more involvement in planning discussions. The real question is, why didn't the city just ask to be part of the
discussion? Was it really necessary to risk public and First Responder safety for this leverage?
For more on Paul Wiehl's position on Bobcat Lane, read for yourself here:
Despite Traffic Study Mayor Holds Ground Against Road, by David DeWitt, The Athens NEWS, 1.25.10
Missing Link: Bobcat Lane Not Part of Oxbow Redisign, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 2.13.11
Morris Takes Issue with Wiehl's OU Approach, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 10.25.11
To Read the Bobcat Lane Traffic Study in its entirety. Click Here.
HERE are the summary comments from the Bobcat Lane Traffic Study regarding the benefits of opening Bobcat Lane:
Bobcat Lane Traffic Study, Sasaki Associates & DLZ, 11.2009
HERE is the section that specifically addresses PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ISSUES which are, for most citizens, the
areas of greatest concern:
areas of greatest concern:
IT'S IMPORTANT to note that Bobcat Lane was part of the original plans for the new Baker Center that had been
approved wholeheartedly by the previous mayor. It seems to be a common misconception that the University built
Bobcat Lane without the city's permission. This is not the case:
"Bobcat Lane was part of the original construction plans for OU’s Baker Center, which opened
in December 2006, and had the blessing of Athens’ previous mayor, Ric Abel. The road was
completed in 2008, but the then-newly elected Mayor Paul Wiehl refused to let the road open to
traffic, citing pedestrian and bicyclist safety as his main concern." (The Athens Messenger, 2.13.11)
See for yourself here:
Bobcat Lane, City Thinking One Way, OU Another, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 5.14.09
Despite Traffic Study Mayor Holds Ground Against Road, by David DeWitt, The Athens NEWS, 1.25.10
approved wholeheartedly by the previous mayor. It seems to be a common misconception that the University built
Bobcat Lane without the city's permission. This is not the case:
"Bobcat Lane was part of the original construction plans for OU’s Baker Center, which opened
in December 2006, and had the blessing of Athens’ previous mayor, Ric Abel. The road was
completed in 2008, but the then-newly elected Mayor Paul Wiehl refused to let the road open to
traffic, citing pedestrian and bicyclist safety as his main concern." (The Athens Messenger, 2.13.11)
See for yourself here:
Bobcat Lane, City Thinking One Way, OU Another, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 5.14.09
Despite Traffic Study Mayor Holds Ground Against Road, by David DeWitt, The Athens NEWS, 1.25.10
FIRST, Randy believes that the city should live up to its promises and obligations. The plans for Bobcat Lane were in
place and approved before Paul Wiehl ever became mayor. The challenge of the plans came only after the project was
underway. This was a case when the city clearly engaged Ohio University in a confrontational manner. Randy has said
repeatedly that he believes the relationship between the city and Ohio University should be one of co-equal partners.
ADDITIONALLY, whenever negotiations are required to come to a satisfactory and mutually beneficial compromise
Randy believes that public and First Responder safety should never be put at risk for leverage or negotiating power.
Period.
AS MAYOR, Randy Morris will approach City of Athens and Ohio University administration negotiations as co-equal
partners who are both interested in making our shared community better.
place and approved before Paul Wiehl ever became mayor. The challenge of the plans came only after the project was
underway. This was a case when the city clearly engaged Ohio University in a confrontational manner. Randy has said
repeatedly that he believes the relationship between the city and Ohio University should be one of co-equal partners.
ADDITIONALLY, whenever negotiations are required to come to a satisfactory and mutually beneficial compromise
Randy believes that public and First Responder safety should never be put at risk for leverage or negotiating power.
Period.
AS MAYOR, Randy Morris will approach City of Athens and Ohio University administration negotiations as co-equal
partners who are both interested in making our shared community better.
| PAID FOR BY: MORRIS FOR ATHENS - Gary Van Meter, Treasurer - 39 Avon Place, Athens OH 45701 |
| 2011 © Morris for Athens - Site Design by: Emily S. Morris |
Listen for yourself here: The Party Line with Dave Palmer, Radio Program, WATH Radio, 1.20.11
This specific question and response can be found at the 18:40 mark in the program.
This specific question and response can be found at the 18:40 mark in the program.
THE CITY OF ATHENS is structured a little differently than many cities of similar size in Ohio. We are a "statutory city"
-- as opposed to a "charter city". According to the Ohio Revised Code, the mayor of a statutory city is required to do
certain things, he or she has certain duties that the mayor in a "charter city" may not have. Most "charter cities" employ
a part-time mayor and full-time city manager.
IN ATHENS, the mayor acts as a city manager. He or she is required to manage all of the many moving parts that make
the complex running of the city go smoothly and without undo complication, as city managers do in many other Ohio
cities.
RANDY BELIEVES that one of the most important elements of this job is not only to delegate work to the appropriate
department, but to follow up and hold departments accountable for the part they play in giving Athens' citizens the best
possible customer service. This means asking questions like, 'Do we have enough salt?', 'Is all of our equipment in
proper working order?' and more importantly, 'Is there anything I, as mayor, can do to help you give the citizens of
Athens the best service?'.
-- as opposed to a "charter city". According to the Ohio Revised Code, the mayor of a statutory city is required to do
certain things, he or she has certain duties that the mayor in a "charter city" may not have. Most "charter cities" employ
a part-time mayor and full-time city manager.
IN ATHENS, the mayor acts as a city manager. He or she is required to manage all of the many moving parts that make
the complex running of the city go smoothly and without undo complication, as city managers do in many other Ohio
cities.
RANDY BELIEVES that one of the most important elements of this job is not only to delegate work to the appropriate
department, but to follow up and hold departments accountable for the part they play in giving Athens' citizens the best
possible customer service. This means asking questions like, 'Do we have enough salt?', 'Is all of our equipment in
proper working order?' and more importantly, 'Is there anything I, as mayor, can do to help you give the citizens of
Athens the best service?'.
Read for yourself here:
Citizens Brainstorming Uses for Old Armory, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 1.26.11
Armory for the Arts? Most Want Focus on Nuts and Bolts for Now, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger,3.12.11
Group to Recommend Basic Armory Repairs, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 4.29.11
See for yourself a March presentation including information on the leaky roof (Paul Wiehl was in attendance):
City of Athens Website, Click "Specialty", then click the "Video" link by the "Athens Armory Discussion, March 9,
2011" listing.
See for yourself the Athens City Council Meeting including the declaration of an emergency and order for no-bid roof
repairs:
City of Athens Website, Click "City Council", then click the "Video" link by the "City Council, October 17, 2011"
listing.
Citizens Brainstorming Uses for Old Armory, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 1.26.11
Armory for the Arts? Most Want Focus on Nuts and Bolts for Now, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger,3.12.11
Group to Recommend Basic Armory Repairs, by Sara Brumfield, The Athens Messenger, 4.29.11
See for yourself a March presentation including information on the leaky roof (Paul Wiehl was in attendance):
City of Athens Website, Click "Specialty", then click the "Video" link by the "Athens Armory Discussion, March 9,
2011" listing.
See for yourself the Athens City Council Meeting including the declaration of an emergency and order for no-bid roof
repairs:
City of Athens Website, Click "City Council", then click the "Video" link by the "City Council, October 17, 2011"
listing.
THIS MAY seem like a little thing, a minor event in the course of a city's business for the year. But, the fact is, these little
things add up. We can't know for sure exactly how much the no-bid nature of the roof contract will cost the taxpayers of
the City of Athens, but it is safe to say that the cost of a no-bid contract will be higher than a competitive bid contract.
That's why the Ohio Revised Code requires the use of competitive bidding except in the event of an emergency.
EVERY LITTLE BIT counts in these tough economic times. Even if the savings would have been as little as 5% or 10%,
on a roof that costs $30,000 that amounts to $1,500 - $3,000 of your money that could have been spent on something
else.
RANDY BELIEVES that the city administration dropped the ball on this, and that it's just one symptom of a larger
problem. The mayor of Athens needs to be a proactive leader who manages all city departments and leads city
employees toward a common goal -- maintain careful stewardship of city assets and funds.
things add up. We can't know for sure exactly how much the no-bid nature of the roof contract will cost the taxpayers of
the City of Athens, but it is safe to say that the cost of a no-bid contract will be higher than a competitive bid contract.
That's why the Ohio Revised Code requires the use of competitive bidding except in the event of an emergency.
EVERY LITTLE BIT counts in these tough economic times. Even if the savings would have been as little as 5% or 10%,
on a roof that costs $30,000 that amounts to $1,500 - $3,000 of your money that could have been spent on something
else.
RANDY BELIEVES that the city administration dropped the ball on this, and that it's just one symptom of a larger
problem. The mayor of Athens needs to be a proactive leader who manages all city departments and leads city
employees toward a common goal -- maintain careful stewardship of city assets and funds.
Read for yourself here:
Morris for Mayor, the Right Approach for Challenging Times, Editorial, The Athens Messenger, 10.30.11
Morris for Mayor, the Right Approach for Challenging Times, Editorial, The Athens Messenger, 10.30.11
Read for yourself here:
Students, Make Morris Mayor So You Have a Voice, Editorial, The Post, 11.4.11
Students, Make Morris Mayor So You Have a Voice, Editorial, The Post, 11.4.11
FOR DETAILS on Randy's qualifications, please visit the ABOUT page on this website. There you'll find a wealth of
information on his education, work, and civic experience.
WE ALSO encourage you to make your own determination about his ideas for the City of Athens by browsing the
Q & A page and ISSUES page on this site!
information on his education, work, and civic experience.
WE ALSO encourage you to make your own determination about his ideas for the City of Athens by browsing the
Q & A page and ISSUES page on this site!