Commissioner Update - October 25, 2009

October 25, 2009
Licking County Update
From…
County Commissioner Tim Bubb



Etna Township Trustee Paul George
Remembered as a genuine Public Servant

Reflecting on the recent passing of a friend and fellow public servant, Paul George, I would like to share a couple of thoughts, as well as details of a tribute service planned for this Tuesday evening.
As a Commissioner I always enjoyed working with Trustee Paul George because, simply, he was all about doing the right and best things for the community he represented! Whether we agreed or disagreed on a point, there was never a doubt in my mind that Paul’s positions would be well developed and strongly presented. The new Etna Township Building is just an example of his focused and determined approach to working through difficult issues to bring about positive results.
In my view Paul George was classic ‘old school’ in that he advocated for his community, and worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents. And, even with health issues slowing him down, Paul was working hard to gain reelection to continue serving. Paul George will be missed in Etna Township and Licking County!
Due to a previous commitment to moderate the Buckeye Lake Chamber of Commerce Candidates Night this Tuesday evening I will be unable to attend Paul’s Tribute Service, however I will be asking Commissioner Doug Smith to speak on my behalf!
This Etna Township Tribute in Paul’s memory will be Tuesday evening (October 27th) from 7:00 till 9:00pm at the new Etna Township House. Paul’s family will attend, and a number of friends and public officials will speak. The public is invited to attend.


Election Day Just Over a Week Away…

On Tuesday, November 3rd Licking County’s polling places will be open and well staffed, from 6:30am till 7:30pm. You can vote on the ‘touch screen’ machines, which is easy, or use a paper ballot. There are a number of important local issues including school levies.
The Licking County Board of Elections works hard to insure a fair and well run election, and I would remind all registered voters to go to the polls on November 3rd – if you have not already voted early in person at the Board of Elections downtown or are planning to vote absentee by mail.
If you have election related questions please call the Board of Elections at 740-670-5080 or visit their information on the Licking County Government Website ... www.lcounty.com.


Support the Senior Levy –
Issue #4 on the November Ballot

The Operating Levy for Seniors Citizen Services will be on the ballot and I would ask you to consider supporting this again! Every five years your Commissioners bring this levy in support of the twenty senior service providing agencies across Licking County.
This modest 1.2-mill request is enough to fund the senior services needed in our community for the next five years. Services such as delivery of meals to the homebound, home health care, respite care, transportation to medical appointments, home health aides and much more!



County Government Notes…

Plans developing quickly for the new Licking County Department of Building Code Enforcement.
In response to the City of Newark’s plan to abolish their building code enforcement department, your County Government is stepping up to fill the void. The County is working closely with the City to ensure a smooth hand-off of this important function, and to assure quality service to local builders and the public.
Since my last newsletter the County has approved job descriptions for the four core employees for the new department and has advertised the positions. In addition representatives from the Board of Commissioners and the BIA (Building Industry Association) are planning to visit local Village and City councils, and administrative leaders to ask them to consider affiliating with this new local code enforcement function.
The County is keeping the staff small and the department lean, considering the economy, and it is hoped the department will be a pay as you go effort based on fees for service.


Retention and Expansion Program continues to pay dividends.
Some four years ago, in conjunction with the Greater Licking County Chamber of Commerce and other community development partners, the County Economic Development Department led the charge to implement a comprehensive R & E program in Licking County.
The premise is simple. Established businesses in our community represent the greatest potential for additional investment, expansion and job growth. My recent participation in one such visit reminded me of the importance of this process! Each year some 50 to 75 interviews are conducted by teams of trained members of the County R & E Council.
This successful R & E Program uses a proven questionnaire and a related computer based information system to keep the information confidential, and also to look for trends both plus and minus. The goal is to seek areas where local leaders can assist established local business to grow and thrive here.
The County’s Economic Development team of Rob Klinger and Racie Careins work with this program on a daily basis.


Some Community Notes of Interest…

Let me share a quick word about a community asset now in its 25th year – the Heisey Wind Ensemble (HWE).
As the name implies this is a community orchestra with only wind instruments and percussion.
Made up of local talent, men and women from all walks of life, the HWE performs a program of four concerts each year at the Reese Center on the Newark Campus. Upcoming events include…December 12th their Christmas Concert, February 20th the theme is The Sound of Music, and next April 24th a Happy 25th Anniversary HWE is planned.
Dr. Russel Mikkelson, of Ohio State University, is the highly regarded conductor.
It is that time of year when the group renews and signs up new patrons. I would highly recommend their concerts and consideration for adding your support!
Their website is www.heiseywindensemble.org or contact Doug Moran at 740-344-8333 for information.


The annual Campaign to decorate and light the Licking County Courthouse for the Holiday Season has been extended until Friday, November 13th. To date the community fundraising effort has raised $13,875, or about 75-percent of the goal of $18,500.
This year the committee has begun a multi-year program of converting the incandescent light bulbs to new LED bulbs. This LED conversion will be a significant financial investment (incandescent bulbs $0.20 / LED bulbs $1.19). However, the LED bulbs last much longer and use much less energy.
Contributions may be sent to Courthouse Lighting, P O Box 292, Newark, Ohio 43055-0292.
If successful, 2009 will be the 61st annual Christmas Courthouse Lighting. For more information on the project please visit www.courthouselighting.com.



Halloween is just days away! So you won’t be fooled by the little ghosts and goblins – here is a list of the local ‘beggars nights’ upcoming…

Alexandria: October 29 – 6-8pm
Buckeye Lake: October 29 – 6-7:30pm
Granville: October 29 – 5:30-7pm
Hanover: October 29 – 5:30-7pm
Heath: October 29 – 5:30-7pm
Hebron: October 29 – 5:30-7pm

Johnstown: October 29 – 6:30-8pm
Kirkersville: October 29 – 6-7:30pm
Newark Downtown: October 29 – 5-6:30pm
Newark Neighborhoods: October 29 – 5:30-7pm
Pataskala: October 29 – 6-8pm
Utica: October 29th – 6-7:30pm


Feel free to e-mail any questions to…

(Home) timbubb@roadrunner.com

Or (work) tbubb@lcounty.com.


Best Regards…Commissioner Tim Bubb