Changing the Political Climate in Blue Ash

By Mark F. Weber

"Politics as usual" is not in Blue Ash's best interest. Our city needs a healthy dose of non-partisan moderation and accountability.

The other road leads to is something new and different - moderation and accountability.

I pose this question to every voter in Blue Ash. "What is the last major capital improvement made by the city which improved your quality of life?" Is it the new and improved Towne Square, which was expanded to accommodate patrons of Taste of Blue Ash from Delhi, Dayton, Dent and points in between? Is it the show tune playing belltower with granite portraits of Walt Disney and Sakajawea? Is it the brick sidewalk from Reed Hartman Highway to Kenwood Road? Is it the vaunted Pfeiffer Woods Park, the embodiment of a passive park? Is it the Kenwood Road expansion, which the city's own website hails as a major boon for corporate Blue Ash? If these are typical of what we will see from revenue generated by completed construction and projects still on the drawing board, our response should be a resounding, "WE DON'T NEED IT!"

We do need much more usable recreation and green space. We need space where rollerblading, family picnics, frisbee with the dog and playing catch are not only permitted, but encouraged, without interference from guys in golf carts.

We do need more fulltime firefighters to protect us. We do need to boost significantly fire coverage in certain parts of Blue Ash. Improving the ability of our fire department to respond to emergencies in our community must be a top priority of Council.

We do need a zoning code with teeth and a city government with the backbone to enforce it. Our outdated zoning ordinances must reviewed and revised, so that the city has the ability and the will to oversee orderly and appropriate growth.

These goals are attainable, but require retooling Council's priorities. This, of course, won't happen with the "politics as usual" approach to government that defines Blue Ash today. Fresh ideas should be welcomed, not viewed as threats to the status quo.

Local government should be accountable to its residents, not to a dominant political party. Even though I am a registered Republican and a Republican Precinct Executive, party politics should be irrelevant to governing our city. Issues facing Blue Ash today do not have party labels.

For too long, residents of Blue Ash have not had choices in City Council elections. In the last five City Council elections, thirty-five seats have been at stake, and only one seat was contested. Candidates should not be anointed and their election ensured before a single vote is cast. This has led Council to lose sight of its mission and to forget who are its true constituents.

Serving on Blue Ash City Council is a privilege, not an entitlement. I would be honored to represent Ward 5 on City Council. As a community, we can restore the equilibrium that made Blue Ash a great place to live. If we squander this opportunity, we may not get another chance.