Meeting The New Mayor At The Blue Line

On November 26, 2011, mayor-elect Tim DeGeeter honored my request to meet for an interview at the Blue Line Bar& Grill in Parma. One of the first things that he said which struck me as very poignant was that " Mayor DePiero has paved a nice road for the city; our goal is to put in sidewalks". What follows is the interview, with the questions asked, and his direct response to them. This is the first of what I hope will be many interviews of the new Mayor and other city officials by the Parma Observer.

Q- What will the top priorities be, and what can Parma citizens expect from the DeGeeter Administration?

A- Residents can expect open and innovative government in which they will be encouraged to participate. Our immediate priorities will be economic development/job creation and fiscal fitness for the City. We will be facing budgetary challenges and want to be as pro-active as possible in saving money where we can. Our goals include maintaining safe neighborhoods, quality of life in general and addressing ongoing storm flooding issues.

Q- That leads to our next question: One of the more pressing issues that received a great deal of attention during 2011 has been storm surge flooding throughout the city: what plans and ideas do you have to deal with this serious problem?

A- I know that residents are concerned about this long-standing problem, and as a Parma homeowner, I understand their frustration. Last year, I had water issues, not to the level some residents have experienced, and had to get part of my house waterproofed. We continue to work with the County with focus on storm maintenance, developing a communications plan when flooding occurs, and are open to additional ideas to solve this problem.

Q- The subject of forming a charter has long been discussed in Parma: What are your thoughts on this ?

A- I am obviously aware there is a group of individuals collecting signatures to place this issue on the ballot, and it is clearly their right to do so. My main focus, however, is currently working to transition from the legislative branch to the executive branch, serving as the next mayor. I have spoken to many residents, and their main issues continue to be economic development and jobs, safe neighborhoods, and quality city services.

Q-When you first moved to Parma many years ago, did you ever have a vision of one day being Mayor?

A- I served as a City Councilman and currently serve Parma as its state representative. In my elected offices, I have always tried to be part of making Parma a safe and proud city in which to live, work, and raise a family. As the next mayor, my role for the City has become one of increasing responsibility. it is a responsibility I embrace and take very seriously. (We'll take that as a YES)

Q- Having been a City Council Representative yourself, you have a personal glimpse into that body. With that in mind, how do you intend to work with the city council to help implement your vision for your first term as Mayor?

A- It is important to work closely with the City Council because we share a common goal- the health of the City of Parma. During this transition period, I have met individually with each council member and continue to dialogue with them. I am confident that all of Council and I will aggressively work together to be on the same page to achieve growth and stability for the City.

Q- Can you identify any existing  issues or situation which you  have definite plans to deal with as soon as you are sworn in to office?

A- I have been talking with and listening to local business leaders and elected officials seeking input on how collectively we can move Parma forward. Additionally, I have met with over 14 area mayors and our County Executive. I have ideas about making the city more technologically responsive to both residents and business needs. The importance of small business to the city can't be overstated and should not be underestimated. We all need to work together, and I hope that residents and business owners will be able to experience positive changes in the way the city works. Specific examples include expanding upon and enhancing the city website to allow for on-line registration for recreation programs, initiating a monthly e-mail newsletter, and utilizing social media tools to stay connected to residents and businesses.

Q-It is no secret that as Publisher of the Parma Observer, I have stated in no uncertain terms that I feel  one of the greatest challenges that this city faces is the effect of ever increasing absentee landlords in our city. This is based on what I have witnessed here and in other communities, as well  as my discussions with other residents throughout the city, who are likewise very concerned. Do you share our concerns, and if so, do you have any plans to address this issue?

A- As a homeowner on the northside, I share your concerns, and I know the city's council members do too. Parma is a strong community, based on its sound neighborhoods and attractive housing market. We need to use existing tools and find new ways that continue keeping our city housing vibrant.

Q-Do you feel that the nuisance laws which are on the books are being enforced sufficiently?

A- While we will always search for ways to be innovative and forward thinking, I believe in recent years our police force has increased the use of nuisance laws and been responsive to problem spots. We will continue to do that and will attempt to find ways to streamline enforcement issues, whether in the building department or police department.

In conclusion, we certainly wish our new Mayor the best of luck, and we stand by ready to help in any way that we can to assist him in the mission to keep Parma a great place to live and work. We will continue to make sure that we are doing our part in providing our residents a place where they can freely express their views and opinions on this or any other subject.