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Question:
All Questions and responses related to the proposed Data Center Project can be viewed by visiting:
Ask Steve - Data Center Questions | Steven Salander for Mayor - Oregon Ohio
Question:
Your resume references a Business Administration degree. To what extent has that degree been used? What business/businesses have you been involved with that would highlight your experience that would translate to being an effective Mayor that encourages business investment and growth in the city?
Response from Steve:
Thanks for your question, the coursework related to my degree in Business Administration encompassed high-level focus in marketing, accounting and business management. I find myself using learned elements of my degree daily in my current role within the banking industry. I have just over 7-1/2 years of banking industry experience that has provided a great deal of knowledge in working with both consumers and business owners. Previously in my career I operated a Technology Business for approximately 10 years. Owning a small business has helped provide me with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by small business owners. We are committed to fostering a business-friendly and welcoming environment in Oregon, while actively promoting available development sites for retail, restaurant, commercial, and industrial purposes through OEDF and city resources.
Question:
Your goals state that you want to work with local businesses to create job opportunities. What would be your plan to attract new businesses to Oregon, and what type of businesses would you want to bring to the city? Also, how would you like to see any increased revenue in the city be used?
Response from Steve:
Thank you for your question. Our goal is to ensure that the process for locating or starting a new business in Oregon is clear and understandable, including permitting procedures and building design requirements, while minimizing unnecessary expenses or hurdles for business owners. Our goal is to establish a partnership with new businesses by ensuring prompt responses to any questions or concerns. We invite businesses to work with our high schools to inform students about Oregon career paths and create mentorships between local leaders and students. We need to continue to emphasize our ability to provide needed resources to businesses in regard to water, sewer and infrastructure. I think our residents have provided great feedback in regard to the types of new businesses they would like to see developed along our Navarre Ave Business District and Town Center. The desire for additional sit-down restaurants and retail shopping is a common desire of many residents. Our soon to be adopted updated comprehensive plan incorporates many of the expressed wishes by community members. We also look to attract more commercial/industrial businesses. Much of the desired new business growth in this area is outlined in our Advanced Manufacturing Zoning classification (CHAPTER 1145 Advanced Manufacturing District). As with any new business opportunity we need to understand the business requirements in regard to land use, resource requirements and any Quality-of-Life impacts on the community. The use of incentives to attract new businesses to locate within Oregon remains an important tool. As stated in a previous response we are committed to fostering a business-friendly and welcoming environment in Oregon, while actively promoting available development sites for retail, restaurant, commercial, and industrial purposes through OEDF and city resources. As far as increased revenue usage, the first priority always needs to focus on needed infrastructure updates and repairs. We have roads in our community in dire need of resurfacing and repair. We also always look to have our first responders fully staffed and with the most modern equipment. In addition, our Senior Center has struggled financially since Oregon voters rejected the last levy attempt. Our Police Department facilities are also in dire need of updates. In summary, our needs are many and our resources are limited so working together to determine a list of the priorities will be essential should additional revenue sources become available.
Question:
I am curious as to who financed your recent Meet & Greet and who is paying for your campaign? Are you self-funded with small individual contributions from voters or are PAC's (Political Action Committees) and Unions contributing to your campaign?
Response from Steve:
Thanks for your question. These are important questions to ask of any candidate. Funding a campaign is a big part of running for any political office. Much can be learned about a candidate from their funding sources. I'm proud to say I receive no funding from any PAC's, Unions or Special Interest Groups. This is a grassroots campaign that is 100 percent funded by myself along with contributions from individuals. We have united as a true community coalition for change. Voters may view campaign finance reports of any candidate by visiting the following website: Campaign Finance Search - Lucas
Question:
Do you support the Oregon Senior Center, and would you support a new tax levy for the center?
Response from Steve:
Thanks for your question. I absolutely support the Oregon Senior Center. The Senior Center provides valuable services to our community members. We are an aging community and demand for services will only continue to increase in the years ahead. I feel we need to work together with the Senior Center Staff to evaluate the current services provided and discuss any potential areas where we may be falling short of meeting our Seniors needs. My plan is to also partner with them to explore any potential sponsorship and fundraising opportunities that may be available. I believe that by working together we can ensure the Senior Center can fulfill the needs of our growing aging population. I do feel there was some voter confusion with the last levy that was rejected by Oregon voters since a County and City Senior Levy appeared on the ballot simultaneously. Ultimately if it is determined a levy is needed, I would support it going to the voters to decide.
Question:
Why are running as an independent?
Response from Steve:
Thanks for your question. Elections on the local level in Oregon are nonpartisan. A nonpartisan election is characterized by the absence of political party labels next to candidates’ names on the ballot. The core philosophy behind this system is to encourage voters to evaluate candidates based on their individual qualifications, policy positions, and relevance to local issues, rather than relying on party platforms. The intent is to foster a focus on specific expertise and community needs, rather than principals aligned with a political party. I believe that political party affiliations may lead to some expectation of obligation to that specific party or special interest group. I prefer to focus on a Citizen First approach where all citizens receive fair and equal representation, free from obligations or commitments to any political party affiliation.
Question:
I am unhappy that TARTA busses now provide service to Oregon. How did TARTA service come to Oregon?
The upkeep of the bus stop areas has been a concern expressed by many Oregon residents. I continue to push for proper maintenance of these areas. I am also actively involved with teaming with local volunteers conducting community cleanup efforts along Navarre Ave. You can learn more about TARTA by visiting; Toledo Transit Made Easy | TARTA – Routes, Schedules & Real-Time Updates
Question:
Where were you raised and what is your educational background?
Response from Steve:
Thanks for your question. I was raised in Elmore, just south of Oregon and graduated from Woodmore High School. I attended Kent State University and completed my Business Administration Degree from The University of Toledo.
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