UA City Council Candidates Announced!

David DeCapua

As a third generation Upper Arlington resident, local business owner, and volunteer coach, David DeCapua has been deeply entrenched in our community his entire life. David and his wife Jenny reside on Yorkshire Road with their three children, all of whom are students at Barrington Elementary School.
David and his brother Chris are second generation owners of Dawson Resources, a business of 42 employees specializing in search, recruiting and staffing to connect job seekers with employers. Prior to purchasing Dawson in 2001, David was a regional sales representative for Physicians Sales and Service, a company that specializes in pharmaceutical and medical equipment.
David has been active for the last several years in conducting Internet polling of Upper Arlington citizens to gauge their opinions on such things as trash collection, sidewalks, Kingsdale, taxes and development issues.
David coaches UA Bear Cub Coach-Pitch Baseball, Northam Park Football, UA Youth Lacrosse and Soccer. He is a 1986 graduate of Upper Arlington High School where he played football and lacrosse. He received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Kentucky in 1990, majoring in communications. David and his family attend Our Lady of Victory and he grew up as a third generation St. Andrew’s parishioner. He is also an active member of Upper Arlington Rotary and YEO Columbus.

If elected to Upper Arlington City Council I will provide thoughtful, friendly common sense leadership to provide solutions to our community’s mounting challenges. In particular, these issues will be the hallmarks of my service on Council.
Economic development – It is critical that we create the conditions for job growth and economic redevelopment in our city that will help alleviate the tax burden on our citizens by diversifying the city’s tax base. I will do everything possible to help UA land new businesses! As a small business owner myself, I understand the unique challenges facing owners of the small businesses our city needs to attract. I plan to focus on innovative solutions to redevelopment. I believe a collaborative effort between business, government, and community organizations is the key to addressing local challenges.
Fiscal integrity - Reigning in wasteful government spending and making government more efficient will help alleviate some of the tax burden on our citizens. While maintaining the outstanding community services our citizens expect, we need to find common sense solutions to make the most efficient use of our tax dollars. I promise that I will be your watchdog on Council to be sure your tax dollars are being spent wisely. Further, I pledge to work constructively with my fellow council members and the administration to make prudent decisions when allocating our treasured resources.
Responsive constituent services – As your city councilman I promise to be accessible and responsive to your needs. As I have done in the past, I will continue to engage in Internet polling to help gauge the opinions of our citizens. Further, I vow to be your advocate to help navigate city government when you encounter issues with the city.

Debbie Johnson

For 17 years, my husband, Mark, and I have made Upper Arlington our home. Coming to central Ohio to attend Otterbein College, we saw that this region of the state offered the best career opportunities, and we discovered that Upper Arlington offered the quality of life we wanted for raising a family.

I am a long-time community volunteer and citizen advocate and bring a wealth of community service experience to this elected position.
-I served on school levies since moving into the district in 1992 and co- chaired the successful 2007 school levy campaign.
-I held numerous PTO leadership positions.
-I served as an Upper Arlington Booster Club officer.
-I organized the Windermere Gymnasium Initiative.
-I was involved with the Windermere Elementary Intergenerational Arts and Learning Space committee.
-I currently serve on the Youth Council at First Community Church, and have served on other church councils, as well.
- I also participate in the School District’s Revenue Review Committee as we look at the State’s school funding proposal and find the best revenue stream for our schools.

My career is focused on leadership, as well.
· I am a Leadership Development Consultant with the Franklin University Leadership Center, implementing leadership training programs for corporations, associations, and non-profit organizations throughout central Ohio.
· I served as Account Executive with Pierce Communications, where I planned public information campaigns.
· As a recent Leadership UA graduate and Art of Hosting participant, I continue to be involved in critical discussions about issues facing our community.

My extensive leadership and communication experience will be put to good use as we move our City forward in the 21st Century. When elected, my primary focus will be to initiate positive, meaningful discussions among residents, Council members, City administration and staff, as well as with organizations in our community. Together we have the passion and wisdom to ensure that Upper Arlington continues to serve its citizens today — and well into the future.

After speaking with residents about their vision for Upper Arlington, I heard common issues and concerns that deserve to be addressed by elected leaders:

-Financial Responsibility

-Commercial Zones

-Infrastructure

- Communication

If we work together to build a stronger UA, I have no doubt that we will remain a premier central Ohio suburb. I am committed and ready to serve the citizens of Upper Arlington on City Council.

Frank Ciotola

I have been a resident of Upper Arlington for over 33 years. I graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1981 and from The Ohio State University in 1985. I am and an independent financial advisor and former small business owner in UA. My wife Carrie and I have two children, Alisa and Giuliana, in the Upper Arlington school system.
Owning a business in Upper Arlington allowed me to gain a unique insight into our community’s business climate and the state policies that sometimes hinder economic development. I have served as a board member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) as an advocate of small business on issues related to workers compensation, tort reform, health insurance, and taxes. I have also been honored to serve as the State Chairman of the NFIB.
During these past four years on Council, I have used my business experience to help inspire responsible economic development in Upper Arlington. As a homeowner and a former business owner in UA, I am in the unique position of being able to see both sides of our redevelopment challenges. I have firsthand experience as a commercial property owner that has worked with the City on redeveloping land in accordance with the Master Plan. I have also lead council in an effort to find other fiscally responsible economic development opportunities that protect the character of our community, while providing important jobs and tax revenues to our city and schools. The most recent venue of success is the movement on Kingsdale's redevelopment. I am proud to have helped lead a collaborative effort to make Kingsdale once again be recognized as a positive landmark in Upper Arlington. On August 20th we saw the first finite steps as the demolition began in a ceremony preparing Kingsdale for its future.
Redevelopments like Kingsdale help our city by broadening our commercial tax base allowing us to shift the tax burden off homeowners and achieve a better balance with our corporate citizens. Kingsdale, alone, should provide approximately 350 jobs and roughly $800,000 in revenue for our city and schools. It is critical that Upper Arlington not become too expensive for young families and our senior citizens to call home.

If re-elected to Council I will continue the endeavors we have fought for over the last four years. This includes continually seeking out fiscally responsible economic redevelopment opportunities that can properly co-exist with our community atmosphere, serving as a fiscal watchdog to ensure our tax dollars are being spent effectively and working with our police to make sure they have all the necessary tools to keep our families safe. I have enjoyed raising my family in Upper Arlington and look forward to our community’s bright future. It is important that we make smart decisions about our future, and I believe my experience and background makes me well suited to continue as your voice on Council. It has been my pleasure to serve you these past four years and I hope you will send me back to Council for four more years. I ask for your vote and support on November 3rd.

Frank V. Milillo

Home life - Frank moved to Columbus from Fairfield, OH, in 1983 to attend the Ohio State University, where he majored in Journalism. Frank is married to his lovely wife Raychele and they have three children that attend UA schools (Kaity – Junior – Choir, Joey – Sophomore – Choir, Soccer team, and Sofie – 6th grade at Jones and is a Bartelt Dancer). Frank, Raychele, Kaity, Joey, and Sofie along with their two dogs and a cat have been very happy in this wonderful community for over 10 years.

Professional – Frank is President/Managing Consultant of ZOEMedia, LLC. The ZOEMedia team brings unique skill sets and business value to the e-learning industry, allowing collaboration on a wide variety of projects. Frank has over 20 years experience in technology sales, sales management, organizational development, and product training in manufacturing and reseller environments. He is a strong, results-oriented leader with extensive experience in managing complex projects, identifying and documenting business processes, and negotiating contracts. He has created domestic and international self-paced and instructor-led solutions from audience analysis through course delivery.

Giving Back – Frank is an active member of St Agatha’s parish, Chancellor and membership director of the Knights of Columbus Council 11311, chairman of the local K of C Free Throw Championship and raffle chairman. Frank volunteers as the UA soccer field coordinator and as a fund raiser for the Volunteer Fireman’s Resource Organization. The Milillo family supports the UA Civic Association and has participated as fund raisers in The Walk and many UA school and athletic related funding efforts.

As a member of Upper Arlington City Council there are four points that I will always keep in mind.

1. I will work to expand citizen participation by promoting eDemocracy. To do this, we will need to update our website, www.ua-ohio.net, so it becomes the interactive hub for events and information in UA. This day-to-day connection to UA government will enable every resident to be just a click away from city news, event calendars, city resource information, advertising from local vendors, public opinion polls and surveys, public meeting minutes, live streaming video of council meetings, and forums for open discussions. Citizens will have the option of signing up for email notifications of public announcements, meetings, and important dates or they can continue to use the local paper.

To further expand participation I would promote the open recruitment of citizens to serve on all committees. The citizens of UA should be considered primary resources for new projects.

2. I will promote proactive governing, accountability, professionalism, and respect for private property. When you contact me I will respond. Innovative city planning and services are keys to the future of UA. People stay in UA because it is a great community. People move to UA because of schools, parks, and services. These need to continue to be maintained and enhanced.

I will:
· Re-evaluate the Master Plan to keep pace with changing times and ideas
· Investigate city-wide WiFi to provide inexpensive high-speed internet access to residents and businesses
· Launch emergency cell phone call lists for natural disasters and Amber Alert situations
· Ensure that if Light-rail happens in Columbus, UA is connected

3. I will focus on responsible economic development and ensure fiscal responsibility. All the numbers must add up and all projects should go through a competitive bidding process. I will be a good steward.

4. I will listen. Two-way communication makes the difference. With me you will get a call back or a response to your email. You will know that I have heard and understand your position on the issues that affect all of us here in UA.

Mike Schadek

As a lawyer and small business owner, I offer a unique skill set that can benefit the residents of Upper Arlington. My wife Debbie and I have two boys at Barrington elementary and we attend St. Agatha parish. If elected to City Council, I promise to work for three things: Responsive City Government, Increased Citizen Participation and Responsible Economic Development. Please visit my web site at http://www.blogger.com/www.voteschadek.com to learn about my entire platform.

Vernon Morrison

The Ohio State University, BS, Finance and Economics in 1984; graduate, The Academy of Financial Executives at The Ohio State University. I am a 16+ year UA resident and have lived my entire life in Central Ohio.
I began my 25+ year financial management career in 1984, joining UA business Lighthouse Mortgage Services in 1999, becoming its President. Lighthouse Commercial Mortgage was formed in 2004, and I am also its President. Both are located on Riverside Drive. Previously, I have served at 3 Central Ohio banks and was an executive at the last two. I was also an outside director at Lenox Savings Bank (Cincinnati) and I am an active real estate investor. I am a member of the 2009 Upper Arlington Schools Strategic Planning Committee, a board member of the commercial mortgage professionals organization in Central Ohio, a past coach in UA Parks & Rec softball and GBBC girls basketball, and a school volunteer.

Platform:

My "smart" platform is focused on three areas: First, I am a fiscal conservative. I believe in "smart" financial management, transparency, and frugality with taxpayer funds, seeking additional sources that do not burden our residents with additional taxes and fees, particularly our seniors. Second, I believe in "smart" development. The next few years are going to be critical to Upper Arlington with the development of the Kingsdale Center. Specifically, opportunities to draw professional businesses in natural in-fill and build-out exist in many UA locations that will bring needed services to UA residents without impacting the neighborhood, while drawing spending from non-UA residents into the area. The recent increase in Columbus income taxes presents an opportunity to draw business employers into UA, much as Bexley has already announced it intends to do. Finally, if elected, I believe in teamwork and I will work cooperatively with other members of Council, but I will always be a voice for the voters and residents of UA.
Please let me know if there is anything additional I can provide. Again, thank you for the request and the opportunity. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Wade Steen

Education and Background
President, Steen & Company, Certified Public Accountants, Business and Government Consultants
Member of Upper Arlington City Council since 2006
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Graduate of Ohio State University, Honors Program
Married to Marty with four children: Zach, Emily, Erin and Taylor
President, Upper Arlington Education Foundation
Former Director, Upper Arlington Civic Association

Major Accomplishments of City Council since 2006

Redevelopment of Kingsdale
The City’s AAA Bond rating
Creation of an audit committee for the City
Effectively managed spending and balance every budget


Issues and Platform

Stagnant, declining and unpredictable revenue sources combined with increased operating costs and “capital” needs pose the greatest challenge to our City. We must also address funding cuts and increased mandates from the state and federal governments. As a council member over the last four years I have used my background and experience as a CPA to help the City effectively manage these challenges, while maintaining the highest quality services for our residents. Upper Arlington is one of only three cities in Ohio to enjoy a AAA Bonding rating. We have reduced expenses to balance every budget. We have also brought to fruition the Kingsdale redevelopment, using a TIF, which will mean more than $800,000 in revenue for our City and schools.

If elected to a second term on Council my promises will be the same as they were four years ago. I will continue to emphasize fiscal discipline and long range planning. I will focus on high-value redevelopment opportunities that do not disrupt the residential character of our community. Lastly I will continue to be accessible and available to any resident that has a concern or problem.

To advertise or not advertise.....

To advertise or not advertise...
After doing a lot of reading and research, I have discovered that less than 50% of U.S. adults believe that a lack of advertising during a recession indicates the business must be struggling. We might then assume as consumers that the vast majority of us perceives businesses that continue to advertise as being committed to doing business and be business savvy.

I can speak from experience that when I pulled back and stopped my traditional ways of advertising as sales volume fell, rumors spread around town that we were going out of business. Advertising appears to play a key role in consumers' view of how a business is doing. By not advertising, businesses might be signaling to consumers a warning signal about the health and viability of that particular business.

In today’s current economic climate, it is critical to advertise to maintain long-term positive consumer perception of your brand. Advertising assures consumers of a business' reliability, and can often be used as a competitive advantage in projecting the product, service or store to stick with in good times and bad.
So now that you are committed to advertising, where do you turn? The following show today’s consumer behaviors.
· Most consumers are as willing or more willing to pay more for what they perceive as a
“quality” product more than they were a year ago
· Nearly 40% of consumers use coupons more now than a year ago
· When big ticket items were deeply discounted consumers made this their number one
reason to purchase when making their buying decision.
· Consumers often take action within 30 days after hearing or seeing a promotional piece by
TV, newspaper, direct mail, and Internet.
· Store Web sites ranked second only to search engines as the way consumer’s research
products and shop online. 80% of all consumer now Google when looking to buy.

The Internet is a vast space, and your online visibility doesn't stop at your Web site. New technology, a growing online audience and Web at our fingertips make it imperative for your business to develop a progressive, interactive presence online to help grow your company and your client base exponentially. Using interactive tools like videos, podcasts, games and other custom technologies, can effectively help build a multimedia marketing strategy for your business.

As with Ohio State University’s recently improved athletics Web site, the Chamber office will also continue to make advancements in our Web site to assure that our membership has the highest visibility possible in the market place.

“In tough economic times we know we have to optimize our marketing efforts”

Becky Hajost

Great Opportunity to work with Upper Arlington High School Students!

Here at the Chamber we wanted to pass along some info about a great opportunity for businesses to pair up and work with current Upper Arlington High School Students.

Please see the note below, and feel free to contact if you have any questions

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jennifer Brenning and I am a business education teacher at Upper Arlington High School. This year’s Entrepreneurship & Management class will be participating in a Business Plan competition during the first semester of the 2009-2010 school year. We will be partnering with Becky Hajost, Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce President, and Matthew Shad, Deputy City Manager-Economic Development. Together we hope to make this an authentic learning experience for the students.

To give you a little background about the class, students will be developing a business idea and will create a business plan based on their idea. Students will work on the business plan throughout the entire semester. At the conclusion of the semester, students will present their ideas to their peers. From there, the top 3-6 students will present their proposal to a panel of Upper Arlington area business members. These students will be recognized at the Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce Business Expo dinner on January 31, 2010 at Hastings Middle School.

The reason I am contacting you is to see if you would be interested in assisting our class in making this year’s competition an even greater success. We are seeking professionals in the Upper Arlington area who are small business owners or employed in the banking industry. Below, you will see a timeline of tentative dates, events, and commitments should you decide to be a part of this wonderful experience.

1. Week of September 14th OR 21st- initial face to face meeting at UAHS with assigned student to discuss business opportunity (class meets at 8:59-9:47 am)
2. September through December-one contact each month via email or phone to address ideas, issues, problems, or concerns about business plan
3. October-student initiated visit to place of business (service day) for a minimum of two hours. This will take place outside of school hours.
4. Week of November 30th OR December 7th-final face to face meeting at UAHS to discuss any final issues regarding the project
5. December 21-January 6-available to read rough draft business plan so feedback can be provided to student for final compilation of business plan. Feedback will be via phone or email.
If you are interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity, please contact me at 614-487-5240 ext. 193 or jbrenning@uaschools.org
Sincerely,

Jennifer Brenning
Business Teacher
Upper Arlington High School