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!