Stow Councilman Shares News from Washington, D.C. Conference

and I are having a productive and enjoyable time in Washington, D.C. with other local mayors and city council members.

It has been good to share stories and compare results with elected officials in similar positions. For instance, it was good to hear how dealt with an underperforming municipal golf course — by slashing payroll. cost the taxpayers of Stow more than $400,000 in 2010, and that must also change.

It was refreshing to meet with many of these leaders for another reason: They see the challenges and they seek to meet them. The Good 'Ole Boy Network of Stow, by contrast, prefers to complain about the current state of affairs without doing anything about it -- and rejecting any idea that does not come from within their click.

Candidly, our complaints won't accomplish anything, and the complaints are a red herring for the real issue: that cuts need to come quickly. The longer we wait, the more severe the cuts must be to make up for the 2011 shortfall. Matt and I warned of this in the budget meetings in December 2010, and they blew us off.

I also got to catch up with some old friends, such as our congressman, Steve LaTourette. I’ll tell you what … it doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican or Democrat, the 14th District is very fortunate to have such a dedicated, intelligent representative. For my purposes, it’s good to know that a resolution to Stow residents’ federal issues is only a phone call away. As he said, you don’t have to fly out to Washington to get access to him and his helpful staff.

I also got a chance to speak with Congressman Jim Renacci, who represents the 16th District (including Stark County). He told me about how important it is to get people in government who have business experience. That’s going to be HUGE for Stow going forward, as the city must use great business judgment in making wise cuts that don’t affect the residents.

In addition to elected officials, I met with many business owners from Northeast Ohio who sponsored the event. Without exception, the business community knows that the government that governs best is the one that governs least. One of today’s speakers explained how executive regulations have hindered job growth and even indirectly reduced Americans’ health and well-being.

I was honored to be selected as one of the members of the conference to get to watch a key session of the House of Representatives. The topic was one that is receiving national headlines, as the House discussed whether to reprimand President Obama for his policy on Libya.

Also on the trip are and . It appeared as if they were also having a good time.

City council will hold committee meetings on Monday at 5:30 p.m., with the council meeting following at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Matt Riehl and I will hold our open hours Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at .