Council candidates discuss local issues ahead of election

TIFFIN ---- Tiffin City Council candidates will be on the November 2023 ballot in a non-partisan race. The election will see all four wards of Tiffin and the at-large positions on the ballot. The A-T reached out to each city council candidate for a short Q&A. This is part one of three. The following questions were asked of the candidates: *What do you have to say to the voters on why you should be elected? *In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing city government? How do you plan to address those issues? *What direction do you think the city is going in? How do you plan to support the direction or how would you change the direction? *What is your plan to address homelessness in Tiffin? Editor's Note: A star indicates a write-in candidate FIRST WARD: Aaron Jones and Chris Monsour* Aaron Jones – Jones was born in Tiffin and grew up outside of Green Springs and graduated from Clyde Senior High School in 1991. After graduation, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served four years. I moved to Tiffin in 2006 when I met my wife Tracy where we raised our mixed family of five wonderful boys and now have four grandchildren. I am a member of Grace Community Church and am currently employed at Grammer (formerly Toledo Molding & Die) as a supervisor where I have been for 20 years. 1.) I would like for the voters of the First Ward to know that I will work tirelessly to ensure their voice is heard in city government, and that I care a great deal about the city of Tiffin and its future. 2.) There are several issues facing city government, housing is a big one that we need to address using all of the resources available, however, we cannot focus on just one issue. We need to continue to maintain a safe community with a strong police and fire department. 3.) I feel like the city is going in the right direction and will continue to support all projects that further add to the success of the city. 4.) In order to properly address homelessness, we need to first understand the size of the issue and involve all resources of government. This would be very difficult to completely solve, and I believe a committee that involved leaders from the government and the community working together would be a good start. Chris Monsour – Monsour has been living in Tiffin since 1995 when he started his education at Heidelberg University. 25 of those years have been spent in room 102 of Tiffin Columbian High School. Chris has taught AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science and Oceanography. During his time at Columbian, Monsour helped organize blood drives with the American Red Cross, worked to implement the building-wide recycling program and volunteered for various athletic events. Monsour graduated from Heidelberg University in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in environmental biology. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree from Montana State University. Nationally, Chris has been active with the National Association of Biology Teachers serving as a board member, director of NABT's Bio Club High School Program, and as Past- President. In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Outside of the classroom, Monsour served 10 years on the City of Tiffin's Civil Service Commission, currently represents Tiffin's 1st Ward as a councilmember, and has served on various charitable boards. 1.) I think I should be elected as Ward 1 councilmember because in my brief time serving the citizens in that capacity all of my votes and discussions have had the best interest of those I serve. Whether it was in support of the golf cart legislation, support of allocation of money to install new street lights, support of vacation of alleys to support economic development and other legislation, I always have in the back of my mind how will this help Tiffin or how will it harm Tiffin. I have taught for 25 years in Tiffin and during that time I have heard my students talk about what they love about Tiffin and what they don't love about Tiffin and I think this gives me a unique glimpse into what is really going on at times. Furthermore, as a public servant, one needs to keep the focus on the public and not personal agendas, and I have been able to do that. I have put what is best for Tiffin first and will continue to do that. 2.) I think the biggest issue facing the city government is housing affordability. With the high housing costs, high cost of rent, and just the general lack of affordable housing can lead to social and economic issues, one of these being homelessness. In terms of housing affordability, we all know there is a need for more housing and more affordable housing. I think we need to explore tax incentives for those willing to invest in some of the buildings not being utilized or incentives for those who want to build new housing. There may be a need to take a look at zoning and see if there are areas not being utilized that can be used for residential development. I know data has been collected by TSEP about the housing shortage and working with TSEP I think the city needs to prioritize the housing shortage issue. 3.) I think the city is moving in a positive direction. We have a vibrant downtown with restaurants, bars, and places to shop. We have the successful Third Thursday Events followed by the concerts at the Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater. We are fortunate to have organizations like the Tiffin Community Foundation that support projects in the community and groups like Sisters in Shelter and the Tiffin Transformation Life Center to help those who are in need. So yes, I would say Tiffin is going in the right direction. Is it perfect, no, it never will be. Are there things to work on, of course there. There is always room for improvement. However, you need people in positions that can help facilitate those improvements. 4.) I wish I could give you a nice easy answer, but homelessness is such a complex issue. Having been in the school system for many years, I have seen the impact, so I know it is an issue, I know there are homeless people in Tiffin. First, the city needs to be provided data on the homeless population. This may require a presentation at a council meeting. We need to use data to better understand the local homeless population, be able to track progress, and allocate resources. Second, all the agencies involved, government, nonprofit, healthcare providers and private sector organizations should be given the support to collaborate together so as to leverage resources and their expertise to address the problem. Are there meetings between the city and the various groups addressing the homeless issue? Can the city provide the resources to help with wraparound services (mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and job training)? SECOND WARD: Scott Hornemann and Ken Jones* Scott Hornemann – Scott is a Music Teacher at Calvert Catholic Schools and is the Music Coordinator at Faith United Methodist Church. He serves on The Civil Service Commission for the City of Tiffin. In the past, he has volunteered at the Seneca County Museum. He has also been an officer in community organizations and is engaged in the community by providing music for local events. Scott has a background in running small businesses and working with large corporations. He currently holds a Property and Casualty Insurance License and has experience in Sales and Marketing. Scott spent his early childhood in Tiffin before moving. He returned for college and later in 2015 moved his family "home." He was impressed with the positive changes and forward momentum within the city and felt it was a great place to raise a family. 1.) I feel that I can provide professionalism and leadership to the City of Tiffin and the 2nd Ward. The 2nd Ward is the most historic ward in the city and deserves a Councilmember they can be proud of. I want to move Tiffin forward into the future while respecting the city's rich history. I envision my role on council as being an advocate and voice for everyone. I also will prioritize community engagement, especially within the 2nd Ward. While knocking on doors I've found out that far too many residents don't even know who their current representative is. I plan on staying active and visible in the 2nd Ward and Tiffin well after the election. My other priorities are to support and fund our outstanding Police and Fire Departments, support economic development initiatives, and responsibly continue the improvements on our infrastructure. 2.) Currently the OSS sewer project is the largest financial hurdle facing the city. In this economic climate, the expense will only increase, and the ability to find contractors and materials more challenging. The City Engineer's office and The Public Works Department should be commended for their work on this project. By staying on track and taking on work themselves, they have saved Tiffin valuable tax money and opened up the city for grant/ assistance programs. I support sticking with the current plan and time frame. 3.) I would continue the great partnerships that we have with our amazing nonprofits and local churches. They have experience dealing with homelessness and are knowledgeable on the needs. My opinion would be to prioritize any children and veterans who are affected. The Transformation Life Center is a step in the right direction and shows that our city will always give a hand to those in need. 4.) I think the city has made great strides recently! I feel the pandemic and the current economic climate seriously affected the momentum Tiffin had going. I'm generally a very optimistic person, so I'd say the city is on the right track. I believe in Tiffin and its residents! We are a vibrant community that looks out for one another. It is vital that we continue to support our small businesses, prioritize our schools, continue community events, and give the citizens the ability to voice their opinions. Ken Jones – No bio was provided by deadline. 1.) I believe I am the best candidate since I have going on four years of experience as the 2nd ward council member. I feel I have led by example at city council meetings by trying to get the other six to engage in discussion about topics that come before us. I have asked more questions in the last four years than all the other six council members combined have asked. 2.) I believe housing is the biggest concern currently here in Tiffin. We need housing to attract factories to locate here with good-paying jobs. TSEP has a committee investigating this issue and I am sure they will have a solution soon. In the short term, I would like to investigate the possibility of working with the Tiffin Development Center for short-term or long-term housing in their vacant buildings at the TDC. 3.) I feel the direction of Tiffin is going very well. It seems all of the various groups are pulling together and working towards a common goal. This is something we did not see 12 – 15 years ago. I will make myself available to assist in any capacity I can help with. 4.) See question 2. Editor's note: The responses provided were edited for space.