Platform
Increase the efficiency of government services and better use our tax dollars:
- Maintaining the identity of Cleveland Heights and the quality of government services is very important. But government in Northeast Ohio is highly fragmented. As a result, our region has more government employees (including county, municipal, schools, libraries and more) than any other comparable region of the country. We can reduce costs through regional collaborations for providing government services.
- Tax revenues are down due to the economy, but Cleveland Heights taxes on residents remain comparatively high. Residents must be sure that we are using tax dollars wisely.
- By supporting the growth of local businesses, we can expand our tax base. Attracting new residents and businesses can help lower residents’ tax burdens.
- Cleveland Heights is well positioned to benefit from our proximity to the dynamic growth occurring in University Circle. Employees and new biomedical companies want to be close to the academic and medical institutions that support their livelihoods and growth. Marketing and other programs can make Cleveland Heights a good choice for them.
Support and strengthen our public schools so they remain a good option for young families:
- Cleveland Heights offers many school choices, but our public schools must be an attractive option for young families.
- City council and city government should proactively look for ways to support the public schools, strengthening their reputation and enrollments.
- We need strategic action plans and effective marketing for our city and our schools.
Encourage our community to act in ways that preserve the natural environment:
- Cleveland Heights, other inner ring suburbs and the city of Cleveland are answers to the sustainability challenge. In fact, “the greenest building is the one that is already built.”
- Everyone concerned about the environment should embrace our pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and attractive business districts.
- Cleveland Heights should actively pursue bicycle-friendly programs and seek to earn the League of American Bicyclists’ coveted “Bike-Friendly Community” designation. Bicycle connectors to University Circle would be a plus.
- Expanding connectors for our enviable park system and encouraging more use of our park system would support healthier lifestyles.
- Our city government should set an example of best practices for energy efficiency and resource utilization in all government buildings and operations.
- Inspections to maintain homes and rental properties should add environmental considerations. Let’s be sure that we encourage upgrades that use energy-efficient products, such as energy-saving light bulbs; double-paned windows; Energy Star appliances and furnaces; and low-flow toilets. Easily available energy audits would help residents identify ways to save money.
And more…
