To the Editor:

I’m writing to correct a couple of misconceptions that have surfaced in the last few days about my stand on certain issues.

At the recent debate at the Athens Public Library, when we were both asked a direct question about what programs we might cut if budget reductions were necessary, I responded honestly, stating that lower priority programs such as ARTS/West might have to be cut (I didn’t say eliminated) after we properly fund those items which I believe should be the city’s top priorities (police, fire, streets). I’ve also said that city leaders should reverse the current perception that Athens is hostile to new development, so those looking to invest might choose Athens. The resulting business and payroll tax revenue might eliminate the problem, allowing full funding for both essential services and vibrant arts and recreation programs.

It’s been suggested that I’m wrong in saying we don’t have enough police officers. The Athens city police chief, in responding to a town hall question this summer, showed data indicating the average city of comparable size to Athens in southeast Ohio would have 33 officers while we only fund 26 officers (and yes, he has confirmed the data takes into account the OU Police Department). I believe the chief is correct.

Some people question my opposition to the purchase of University Estates land, suggesting I am against clean water. Seriously? I believe the city’s stringent wellhead protection plan protects our water supply, and I believe that $1.75 million would be better spent toward a new fire station so we can stop making band-aid repairs to the current firehouse.

Reasonable people can disagree about priorities and policies, but we should do so honestly without twisting statements to suit a narrative.

I believe our city government could use some diversity of opinion. If elected, my only power will be to persuade. If my fiscally conservative views are not compelling to the six other council members, then the votes might go from the current 7-0, to 6-1. But if my arguments are convincing, and by hearing a different perspective (one not considered now) other council members come to agree with me, would that be a bad thing? I think not. I hope the voters in the Fourth Ward agree and will consider voting for me in tomorrow’s election.

Randy Morris
Candidate for Athens City Council, Fourth Ward
Athens

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written by anonymous, November 02, 2009

No, I don't think you have been misunderstood...I think that people are concerned about your positions. And they have questions about the issues. It is not twisting the facts. It is asking questions and making observations. That is what an informed electorate is suppose to do. Don't blame the voter if you haven't communicated or explained your positions well enough.

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written by Randy Morris, November 02, 2009

We'll just agree to disagree then. When writers say I don't care about clean water or that I'm wrong about the number of officers the Chief of Police has said we need, I consider that to be distorting the facts to make a point.

I certainly agree that an informed electorate should ask questions and make observations. That has been the basis of my whole campaign. I also agree if voters don't feel I've communicated or explained my positions well enough, that's my fault.

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written by Nate Nelson, November 02, 2009

"Anonymous," we're still waiting for the Athens City Council -- including Christine Fahl -- to tell us how they plan to pay for the University Estates purchase and why the very strict wellhead protection ordinance wasn't sufficient to protect the city's water supply. It would also be nice to hear from Christine Fahl on some other issues. For example, does she agree with Mr. Morris and the Chief of Police that we need more officers? If so, how does she plan to pay for that? Are arts and recreation more important to her than the safety and security of Athens residents?

Here's another one for Mrs. Fahl: Is the green space on Stimson Ave. more important to her than helping to alleviate Athens County's 9.5% unemployment rate?

Of course she doesn't think she has to answer any of these questions. She thinks she's going to win the Fourth Ward council seat by default, simply because she is a Democrat. Must be nice.

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