David Licate: Ward 1 Council Candidate

Name: David Licate

Age: 39

Years in Stow: 7 Years

Education: Ph.D. in public policy from Kent State University, M.S. in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati, B.A. in criminal justice studies from Kent State University.

Family: Married to Krista, with two children.

Political affiliation: Non-partisan, according to the Summit County Board of Elections.

(Council members serve the district on a non-partisan basis)

Employment: Department of Public Service Technology: associate professor of criminal justice, emergency management and homeland security program at the University of Akron. He is also the lead faculty for the criminal justice program. 

Position sought:  

Other elected positions: None. "Although I have worked extensively with publicly funded projects and agencies, this is my first run for elected office."

Why run for election?

• "My family is the primary motivation. I chose to raise my family in Stow.  I believe that in difficult times, capable problem-solvers and proven leaders are obligated to serve their community. I have experience and training that can help Stow remain a safe, prosperous, and enjoyable place to live."

What qualifies you to serve?

• "In addition to being a father and homeowner that has dealt with flooding basements and stayed awake with sick children, I am an experienced problem-solver and proven leader. I have been promoted to leadership positions in both business and academic career tracks. I have substantial experience solving problems in committee format. I have education, training, and experience in fraud and waste management, public budgeting, homeland security, and crime prevention. I have educated and trained thousands of public servants. I am a crime prevention and policing strategies specialist that has been invited by law enforcement to train hundreds of policing executives and evaluate local police departments for effective strategies. I am a published author on innovation and organizational change. I have written and managed over $1 million in innovative publicly funded proposals. My funded proposals have added jobs in a recession and include a high technology forensics labs that keeps child predators off the streets and a crime analysis resource center used to apprehend violent offenders. I have a strong work ethic, having earned a Ph.D. in public policy while raising two young children, working full-time, being promoted, and maintaining a home. I have a strong desire to serve my community and will be responsive to the needs of my constituents.  I plan to take an "old school" approach to public service and take ownership of the issues in the ward. This approach will include walking the ward and holding precinct specific community conversations even if it is not an election year."

What is the biggest problem facing Stow?

• "Stow is facing a significant reduction in revenue due to the poor economy and reduced assistance from the state. Taxing and borrowing are fiscally irresponsible during a demand driven recession, so our only alternative is aggressive economic expansion. The biggest problem facing Stow is keeping the level of services citizens have come to expect and maintaining the city's infrastructure despite a significant loss of revenue."

Goals if elected?

• "I would like to see our public safety forces have the resources they need to effectively and efficiently do their jobs. The city's infrastructure needs to be addressed, especially in the area of storm water management. The lack of revenue must be addressed to achieve both of these goals. Taxing and borrowing are not fiscally responsible during a recession or preferable at any time, so we have to aggressively pursue economic development for job growth, especially in the northwest section of the city. Stow should attract innovation clusters (groups of mutually reinforcing businesses in close proximity to one another), continue to develop small business incubators, and aggressively market the city for new businesses. I will explore partnerships with neighboring cities, the school district, private enterprises, and the two nearby research universities to reduce costs and provide opportunities for job creation. Finally, I would like to explore partnerships that would reduce energy costs for Stow families and businesses.  Other communities have established cooperatives and implemented alternative energy programs that result in reduced energy bills.  Cheaper energy allows families to spend more at local businesses and attracts job creating enterprises."

Favorite thing about Stow?

• "I chose Stow because it is a great place to raise a family. Great neighborhoods, schools, parks, and playgrounds for my kids to enjoy. My favorite thing about Stow is that it is family friendly."