Six Democratic candidates for Athens City Council’s three at-large seats looked to differentiate themselves from a crowded field at a candidate forum last night.
The candidates — two Ohio University students, an OU professor, a 30-year Athens resident and two incumbents — tackled the city’s dire budget situation, testy town-gown relations and sustainability in front of about 40 people at the Athens Public Library.
Many of the candidates slammed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for stripping the city of nearly $500,000 in local government funding next year.
To deal with the cuts, one of the student candidates suggested pay cuts for elected officials.
“We need to lead by example,” said Ibriham Alassaf, an Athens native and third-year OU student. He proposed elected city officials take a 30 percent pay cut.
Alassaf also said he would be willing to privatize the city’s code enforcement office, while the others said they would strongly oppose the elimination of union jobs.
He also suggested razing the armory on Carpenter Street, which drew fire from Steve Patterson, an OU psychology professor, Faculty Senate member and retired U.S. Air Force Major.
“It would be a travesty,” Patterson said, adding that he would like to see the armory converted into an arts center or dance hall.
Much of the two-hour forum focused on how Athens could improve its shaky relationship with OU.
All candidates agreed that OU should pay for a portion of the cost of a new fire ladder truck, and Patterson noted that 85 percent of the buildings serviced by the current ladder truck belong to OU.
All the candidates stressed relationship building as the only way to fix town-gown tension.
“Recently, there have been some tensions between students and long-term residents in the community,” said Nate Hall, a third-year OU student and president of the College Democrats.
Incumbent Elahu Gosney, an OU graduate, said he fears a ballot referendum of the controversial noise ordinance would drive a deep wedge between students and permanent residents.
“Finding some common ground will be important,” Gosney said, adding that he would support any proposal from Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle.
Incumbent Chris Knisely said noise concerns are not a new issue.
“I remember last April’s town hall meeting, and people were talking about the noise issue then,” Knisely said.
Maxine Rantane, a 30-year Athens resident and owner of the Athens Bicycle Shop, cited block parties as a way to build closer relationships.
“(In my neighborhood, we) have block parties that are not fests,” Rantane said.
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