My thoughts on Big Boxes.....

The question from a resident was:  "Gary, are you for or against the rumored Wal-mart interest in that area?"  That area being the corner of Refugee & Pickerington Roads.  I think this is a good question & worthy of a response to all interested in this subject:


First of all, if you're talking about the property on the Southeast corner of Refugee Rd and Pickerington Rd., it is a mute point because this property has already been annexed into the City of Pickerington. You will recall that the original plan was to annex the entire North PLSD complex in addition to the subject property, which was successfully resisted by cooperative effort of the Township, PLSD school board, PEA and citizens. Subsequently, an annexation agreement was reached between the Township and the City for this subject property including a bridge across the Rickett's property. This means that the City's commercial zoning regulations of C2 & C3 apply which permits high density housing, apartments, condos and big box stores, etc.

I was the only Trustee to vote against this agreement.

If you're referring to the property on the Northeast corner of Refugee Rd and Pickerington Rd, to specifically answer your question, I oppose any big box store at this location because of the woefully inadequate existing infrastructure, especially roads, the traffic controlled devices, the poor road alignment and the location adjacent to a large school complex. Do you really want to have additional significant traffic increases in an area that's already heavily travelled by younger drivers? I DO NOT!

I support responsible economic development in the Township where the related infrastructure improvements do not result in increased taxes for our citizens, such as, offices, assisted living facilities and etc. I have consistently asked for and sometimes obtained cost offsets from our developers for our schools even though the Ohio Revised Code does not permit this to be required. 

Thank you for your interest and inquiry, if there is any other information that you would like please contact me.

Please remember to vote on November 3rd and I will be honored if you vote for me.

Sincerely,
Gary Weltlich

Vote Weltlich on November 3rd!

Violet Township is a 42-square mile urban/suburban community located at the southeast corner of the Central Ohio Metro area has more than 36,000 residents. The township is the largest and fastest growing area in the Fairfield County region.

If you live in the city of Pickerington, you also live in Violet Township and you also VOTE for Trustees.

Gary has worked hard for the residents of Violet Township & will continue for the next four years with your help!

Be sure you're registered to vote and that you know where your precinct casts a ballot.

Board of Elections

Visit the Fairfield County Board of Elections main page for up-to-date information about current elections.

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Get an absentee ballot mailed to you by clicking here, the regular Absentee Ballot form is the third one down.

For mailing purposes, the Board of Elections must receive the request by noon on October 31st (or in person at the Board Office before November 3 by 7:30 p.m.).

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Endorsement from Brian Sauer, former Pickerington City Councilman & current Violet Township Fiscal Officer

I have been a member of Pickerington City Council from 2007-2013 and am now serving as your Fiscal Officer in Violet Township. I have worked with Gary Weltlich on many issues during this time. He has proven his leadership to me many times over. He has thus earned my endorsement.

Gary Weltlich had the foresight to approach Canal Winchester and Pickerington in a joint venture called a CEDA. This is Canal Pointe which provides Violet Township approximately $275,000.00 annually in revenue that is tax free to Violet Township residents.

Gary Weltlich, in 2008, when the City of Pickerington was looking to scrap the annual 4th of July celebration due to budget constraints worked with me by volunteering Violet Township as a partner with the city to cover half the cost of the festivities so it would not be canceled. This has continued to this day.

Gary Weltlich has also led the charge in lower density housing and encouraging new developments coming into the community to make a donation to the school district in either a monetary or in-kind manner.

Gary Weltlich also stood up for the rights of Violet Township when standing against the efforts of Mayor Lee Gray and Councilman Jeff Fix when they tried to annex Pickerington North High School and slap a 1% tax on each of the teachers. The PLSD School Board spoke very clearly when it rejected the city’s efforts. Without Violet Township filing a lawsuit, it is likely this annexation would have taken place and many more like it. It was not until after this that Mayor Lee Gray and Councilman Jeff Fix decided to come to the table to work with Violet Township.

I urge you to support Gary Weltlich in his re-election to Violet Township Trustee on November 3.

Brian Sauer
Violet Township Fiscal Officer

Re-Elect Weltlich for Trustee

Letter from Lisa Reade, Please Vote on November 3rd

Letter from Chris Logsdon, Violet Township Resident

Letter from Blaine Rose, Violet Township Resident

Letter from Robert Carlisle, Violet Township Resident

I am humbled to share some kind words from folks in our Community - if you have any questions on my positions - contact me 

Ohio Health and Gary Weltlich

Gary presented a proclamation on behalf of Violet Township recognizing Ohio Health, Pickerington, Ohio for the “Breast Cancer Awareness” effort, seminar and programs to Rob Davies, Director of the Medical Campus.

Do you know you can schedule a Mammogram at Ohio Health Pickerington by calling Ohio Health Pickerington to schedule an appointment?  Walk In Appointments are available as well.  Ohio Health has the most current diagnostic equipment at the Pickerington site.

Make that call today or encourage the women in your life to do so!

Pickerington Chamber of Commerce Speech

PACC Presentation 10-15-15

Thank you for the invitation.

I am the incumbent have lived here with my wife for 30 years and had the honor to serve for over 15 years. I consider this to be the 3^rd highest honor that someone could achieve with the: 1^st being in the military and 2^nd being in Public Safety (1^st Responders)

To those of you who don’t know me, here is some history.

·       Over 16 years ago (before becoming a Trustee) a neighbor visited me asking for help opposing a high density and moderate home cost development in our area which at that time was very sparsely populated.

·       After much research this neighbor and I formed a grassroots citizen’s organization- Residents attended many, many, many testimonial appearances in opposition during zoning hearings and Trustee meetings.

·       Eventually after meeting with the developer and their legal rep. the sub-division was developed at a much lower density with high end homes.

·       Ironically this premier Township sub-division is Violet Meadows where the other candidate resides. You are welcome Darrin!

After seeing the difference I could make with grass roots support, my background as the head of several private sector manufacturers had me believing that I could make major changes as easily and quickly in Township government. I admit now that I was a little too optimistic and naiive (Senior Trustee Mr. Dunlap educated me) 

·       My first unforgettable shock was running into the two brick walls called State regulations: the ORC and the Sunshine Laws as applied to Townships. 

o   The ORC is written so that if a Township is not explicitly allowed to something, it is not allowed!  Counties and municipalities have much more latitude.

o   And - the Sunshine Laws dictate that if 2 Trustees are together the public must be formally notified in the Press and no business can be conducted unless in a formal public forum.

How is that for restriction? All newly elected Trustees go through the same shock and learning curve which is why my experience makes me the better candidate. I understand what needs to be accomplished, and what restrictions there are on how it can be done. There is no learning curve for me. It takes experience, creativity and diligence to survive in the current environment.

It has taken our team of Trustees over 15 years to remove some of these bricks in the ORC wall. Quite a contrast to the private sector! During my tenure we

·       Became “Home Rule” through a ballot initiative approved by our voters 

·       Formed a CEDA with Canal Winchester, Canal Pointe and Violet Pointe more than a decade ago that created jobs and increased revenue for both parties

·       I continue to seek new revenue sources without property tax increases, to protect our community by asking residential developers to offset the negative cost impact to our schools. I ask but cannot demand this per by the ORC. The last win was Heron Crossing a couple months ago where the developer agreed to build a road at the Toll Gate school complex that the school would have had to pay to build.

·       Additionally we have had our general revenue cut from state funding over 35% from sources that Ohioan’s approved many, many years ago. The State balanced their budget off the local governments and now has a huge surplus.

Looking forward, a critical issue I plan to address is our road infrastructure which is in jeopardy. It is like a rubber band about to break. Once broken, it will cost more to fix than our community can afford.

·       We have invested over $82 million in our road infrastructure since starting to pave. Cost of materials increases have far out-paced our ability to fund paving and so we pave far fewer roads every year than 10 years ago.

·       In response to this impending crisis, we are in the process of contracting with a single trash hauler for the unincorporated portion of the township. This would reduce the heavy trash trucks travelling our roads lowering your cost and helping the roads live a little longer. 

Being a Violet Township Trustee has been a challenging but rewarding endeavor. I have been honored to serve as your Trustee and would appreciate the opportunity to continue protecting your property values, property rights and property taxes through creativity, persistence and integrity. Please vote for me for Violet Township Trustee.

Pickerington Education Association Meeting

I had the pleasure of being invited to speak to the Pickerington Teachers Monday evening. Below is the context of the speech given that night.

I'm very proud to have these hard working talented men and women working with your young people everyday!

Thank you for inviting me to your meeting.

     I would also like to thank you for supporting our recently passed fire levy.

     More significantly, I would like to thank you for your support in the recent effort to resist the annexation of the Pickerington North complex.

     Because of my consistent concern for the schools and its employees, when I first learned of the city's plans to annex the school complex and the surrounding land, I met with Lisa Reade and subsequently we held an informational meeting with your organization and then worked closely with the school board to address this hostile annexation.

     Carla Fultz, Patti Morgan and Lisa Reade courageously testified at a city council meeting especially considering the Mayor's reaction.

     Ultimately as a result of this unified effort, Township, School Board, the PEA and citizens, the city withdrew their petition at the last minute which saved thousands of dollars in cost including income tax, water runoff fees, infrastructure charges, etc.

     In the above scenario experience in dealing with the city on these kind of issues paid off handsomely.  Moreover I am the only Trustee that has consistently asked residential developers in the Township to offset the negative impact on the schools, in spite of not having the ability to demand this per the ORC.  I have won some and lost some.  The recent one for Heron Crossing was successful - with the result being an in kind contribution of service of building a road for the Toll Gate School Complex that the school would have had to provide.

     I am certain my opponent will be sensitive to school issues, but he has a huge learning curve addressing these types of issues.  That being said, I look forward to another Trustee joining me in working for the schools an hope he decides to run in two years.

     I look forward to answering your questions about my positions on any issue.     

Come and Meet Gary!!

Stop by the Violet Township Fire Department on Sunday, October 11th - participate in some great family activities & visit with me, I'd love to answer questions & show you around the Fire Department we are so proud of!  See you on Sunday!

VIOLET TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

Open house to showcase services

By MICHAEL HAYESWednesday October 7, 2015 6:54 AM

The Violet Township Fire Department will be hosting its annual open house Sunday, Oct. 11 at Station 592, 8700 Refugee Road in Pickerington.

The free event, which will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., has consistently drawn large crowds over the years, said Violet Fire Chief Mike Little.

"If it's a nice fall day, we'll see anywhere from 700 to 1,000 people come through for the two-hour program," Little said.

The open house will feature an array of activities for young and old alike, including the always popular fire safety house, whereupon children get to experience first-hand a non-hazardous smoke-filled environment.

Children can also dress up in fire gear and have a picture taken as well as sign up for a Child ID.

Older attendees can bring in their fire extinguishers to get them checked out and possibly serviced by fire department staff members or purchase a second-floor escape ladder.

Representatives from OhioHealth's Pickerington Medical Campus and the Diley Ridge Medical Center will be on hand to "share with the public what they have to offer from their institutions," Little said.

He said the event is a great way in which his department can convey the importance of fire safety and have some fun in the process.

"It gives us an opportunity to get the fire prevention message out and also showcase our vehicles and it allows people an opportunity to speak to our personnel," Little said.

This year the focus for 2015 Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10) is on home smoke alarm safety.

Specifically, Violet Fire officials want to educate the public that location matters when it comes to placement of home smoke alarms.

"We want them in every level of the house and we want them in every bedroom," Little said.

To that end, the Violet Township Fire Department is joining forces with the non-profit National Fire Protection Association to remind area residents of the importance of smoke alarms, he said.

"We want to make sure everyone has working smoke alarms and that they are in the areas they need to be," he said.

Township fire officials will drive home that message as part of the open house.

Little said he also hopes to see some new faces at the event, which he said has been going on annually for at least 22 straight years, ever since he came on board in Violet Township.

"I think we'll see a lot of repeat (visitors) but every year there are new people moving into the community who bring in a lot of school-age kids," he said.

Grange building razed

Those driving on Lockville Road in downtown Pickerington might have a feeling something is missing.

To make way for what will eventually be staff parking for the future new Violet Fire Station 591 in downtown Pickerington, the former Violet Grange Hall building was razed Sept. 28.

"Things are moving forward," Little said.

"The Grange building is gone, so now it's just compacted soil and gravel," he said.

The building on Lockville Road, built in the 1950s, was purchased by the Violet Township Fire Department in 2010 for $75,000, according to township records.

Q & A with the Columbus Dispatch

I recently sent an answers to be included in The Dispatch Voter Guide - below is the Q&A, I want to share my views with you.

If you have any questions about our Community or my views contact me at garyweltlich@gmail.com

1. Why are you the best-qualified candidate for this position?

My background as a senior executive for over 46 years in the private sector and over 15 years as Trustee allowed me to acquire unique leadership skills. Among these are the ability to solve complex problems, to build consensus collaborations, to make cost effective objective decisions in the face of financial pressures and to increase fiscal effectiveness.  My skills in team building and leading with effective communication with associates and citizens have led to the organization being world class. 

Townships face difficult financial challenges and other issues that must be addressed and resolved expeditiously without a significant learning curve for anyone new in the position. Since entering public service as a TRUSTEE, I have demonstrated the ability to adapt the best principles and practices of the private sector to Township government. With the warmest regards I have endeavored to SERVE the community and my neighbors to maintain their wonderful township.

2. What are the major issues you would face if elected, and what would you do about them?

Economic challenges, public safety, schools, smart development and infrastructure.

I will continue to supporting:

·       “Safe Routes to School” projects and continue requesting developers to economically offset their negative cost impact of upon our school districts.

·       Safety improvements that I introduced such as the process for investigating all accidents, resulting in a 60% reduction in injuries and accidents AND a 40% reduction in insurance cost

·       Working with State Representatives to restore lost revenue by demanding partial restoration of the many State reduced funding; and, employ “continuous improvement” to do more with less.

·       promoting our “Port Authority and Canal Winchester/ Pickerington JEDD  to achieve increased income generation

·       our Sheriff law enforcement partner’s programs such as “Community Watch”  resulting in lower crime rates and increased safety

·       citizen education to gain financial support for our infrastructure

         

3. What else would you like to say to the voters?

           

It is no accident that I am the chairman of our board of trustees; and, experience is EVERYTHING in this position. Clearly, in every arena I am eminently more qualified than my opponent to continue to lead, serve and protect Violet Township and its residents.  I am proud and honored to have been a TRUSTEE of the township for over 15 years—having an integral role to maintain the balance between the quiet, rural heritage of our township and the impact and pressure of urban sprawl. Through world class grass roots governing I have worked WITH the wonderful citizens and business owners of Violet Township to build a thriving community. I have been a financial watchdog—spending our township dollars FRUGALLY to provide our residents with one of the best equipped fire departments the state.  Together with citizens, we have developed responsible zoning regulations that protect property values and insure high quality, low density residential developments. Life is GOOD in Violet Township!

Safe Routes to School

One of my passions is making sure our Community is one where folks feel safe.  A vehicle we use to do this for our youngest citizens is Safe Routes to Schools or SRTS - many areas in Violet Township don't have sidewalks.  In 2006 we partnered with the Pickerington Schools ad the City of Pickerington to utilize a Federal Grant Program to increase safe routes for our area children to walk to school - below is an article written a few years ago by our Township Engineer that explains the program well.  I hope this is a program I can continue to support for the next four years with your help.  

Vote for Gary Weltlich for Violet Township Trustee on November 3rd!

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Greg Butcher, PE

Many of us remember a time when walking and bicycling to school was a part of everyday life.  Data from the Federal Highway Administration revealed that in 1969, about half of all students walked or bicycled to school.  Today, however, the story is very different.  Nationally, fewer than 15 percent of all school trips are made by walking or bicycling, one-quarter are made on a school bus, and over half of all children arrive at school in private automobiles.

This decline in walking and bicycling has had an adverse effect on air quality around schools, as well as pedestrian and bicycling safety,  Additionally, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has gathered evidence that children who lead sedentary lifestyles are at risk for a variety of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The purpose of the Federal Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Program is to address these issues head on.  The SRTS Program empowers communities to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and routine activity once again.

The Pickerington Local Schools SRTS Committee was formed in 2006.  It is a grass roots committee comprised of staff from the Pickerington Local School District, Violet Township, the City of Pickerington as well as residents from our community.  The local program’s goals are to address parents’ safety concerns, educate children and the public on walking and bicycling safely, partner with law enforcement and develop plans to create safer streets.

The Pickerington SRTS committee has been instrumental in securing nearly $1.4 million dollars in federal funding since 2008.  The table below summarizes the funding received.  

Year	Grant Funding
2008	$292,000
2009	$330,000
2010	$300,000
2012	$460,000

The grant funding has allowed for the construction of sidewalks within the Summerfield subdivision around Fairfield Elementary.  Three other projects are in various stages of planning and design.  These projects are near Violet Elementary School in the Chevington Village subdivision, along Long Road near Pickerington Elementary and near Harmon Middle School along Harmon Road and within the Woodsfield subdivision. 

Furthermore, the local committee has sponsored several educational and safety events over the last 5 years, including Walking School Bus Demonstrations, Walk To School with Police and Military Personnel Day, and Bike to School Day.  Additionally, the committee has produced and distributed fliers to students describing the health benefits of walking and bicycling to school.  During the 2012-2013 school year, bike helmets will be provided at no cost to all Pickerington Local School District students in grades 5 and 6. 

Citizenship in Action

Loved having the Girl Scouts from Troop 677 from Pickerington Elementary School lead the pledge at tonight's Violet Trustee's Meeting.  Thank you girls for coming out tonight!