Two newcomers eye at-large council seats
ZANESVILLE – No city council races are contested in the May, but a couple of newcomers are looking to take at-large seats.
Former Republican at-large councilman Steven Foreman is moving to the 5th Ward, which is open after incumbent David Tarbert, also a Republican, decided to run for city law director. Foreman said he made the move to give others a chance at the seat.
"I saw that as an opportunity to continue to serve council, and bring on board some new people for the at-large seats," Foreman said.
That means there are three open at-large seats.
Here is a look at who has filed, and what they plan to do for you:
Incumbent Ann Gildow, Republican
Q. What are your main priorities for your next term?
A. Continuing to look for opportunities for the city to improve infrastructure, focus on downtown beautification and address some of the slum and blight issues in the city. Some of those initiatives are already started. It's just that we need to take these and combine it with a more collaborative effort.
Q. How often, and how do you, reach out to your constituents?
A. People can reach me almost any time of the day. I have a huge amount of community involvement as far as committee work. I see people every single day and I try to be out at different functions. That's most often where people approach me or people aren't afraid to come to my office.
Joey Pennybaker Osborn, Republican
Q. What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
A. I've been involved with many aspects of our community. I helped start the scholarship central program (at the Muskingum County Community Foundation,) I've been involved with 4-H, I've been involved with Girl Scouts, the Muskingum Family Y. I think what also makes me a good candidate is not only have I been involved in the non-profit world, my husband and I have co-owned a couple small businesses. That experience could transfer very well.
Q. What are your main priorities, or what do you want to improve conditions?
A. I'm definitely interested in saving the city money, so fiscal responsibility. I'm also interested in some environmental sustainability issues. And I think those two could work hand-in-hand together. I think there are some things the city could look into doing that could save money as well as create a better green space and environment. Perhaps a study done of where the city spends money and what could environmentally be done about that. I'm also interested in fighting crime and making the Zanesville community a safe place.
Q. How do you plan to reach out to your constituents?
A. I'm definitely involved in the community right now so I do feel like I have a good handle on the needs of the city. I'm raising my family here so I'm involved with lots of things, non-profit work, I'm involved with Rotary. I've worked with Eastside Community Ministry for 10 years so I've worked with a population that has needs. I know the community, I'm proud of it, I have a heart for serving others.
David Wolfe, Republican
Q. What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
A. I've been in business for 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant. I'm born and raised here, so I'm familiar with a lot of the city itself … I served on the budget committee of city council as a business adviser.
Q. What are your main priorities, or what do you want to improve conditions?
A. It seems the chemistry between the board and city is pretty good and I just want to continue to be a part of that. The budgeting is where they see me being a part of that, so I guess just try to get another perspective in the operation of the city. I was asked to serve and I'm going to try to approach it and serve to the best of my ability where they need me.
Q. How do you plan to reach out to your constituents?
A. I'll be available by phone, by email. I've lived here my life so anyone can just stop me on the street.
elagatta@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
740-450-6753
Twitter: @EricLagatta