Latest featured videos from DaytonDailyNews.com
View All

Top Jobs

Voters' Guide: City of Clayton

Information compiled by the Dayton League of Women Voters.

Back

Candidates for Council City of Clayton

Race Information:

Elect 3

Candidates are displayed in random order

Name: Robert Peters
Residence: Clayton
Incumbent: Yes
Experience:
On Clayton Council for 28 years, having served on the old Village council. Previously, I was owner of Peters Excavating and served the Army during the Korean conflict. Active in Antioch Shrine and Happy Corner Church. Married 55 years.
If the recession continues, what impact will that have on Clayton's budget and what proactive measures should the council be making to assure that essential services continue for Clayton residents?

Our City must continue to carefully watch how to spends money. We have been entrusted with the public's money and must make sure it is always spend on essential services like fire, police, EMS and roads. I consider myself an excellent watchdog of our funds and will continue to do so if re-elected.

Name: Craig Kenley
Residence: Clayton
Incumbent: No
Experience:
Lifetime Daytonian, Seasoned business professional with both private and public work experience. I have served on numerous boards and commissions, elected to New Lebanon Village Council for three terms, earned national and state recognition for leadership and economic development activities.
If the recession continues, what impact will that have on Clayton's budget and what proactive measures should the council be making to assure that essential services continue for Clayton residents?

City Council has the responsibility to pass a balanced budget, there is a projected short fall in 2010. Business as usual will not produce an effective outcome, we must review all operations looking for economies and more efficient ways to deliver service. Some activities that have produced results is working with vendors to reduce expense, cooperating with other entities to reduce duplicate and overlapping services, and working to increase productivity of each worker.

Name: Allen Dixon
Residence: Clayton
Incumbent: Yes
Experience:
I have been a Randolph/Clayton resident for 24+years. Married to Karen for 29 years and have two children. I am a retired business owner. I have served on Clayton City Council for 2+ years (first elected to council in 2007).
If the recession continues, what impact will that have on Clayton’s budget and what proactive measures should the council be making to assure that essential services continue for Clayton residents?

We on the Clayton Council have taken and continue to take measures that no services need to be cut even with the downturn in the economy. We diligently search out and welcome new businesses while supporting those already here. We not only stay within our budget, we do NOT believe it is our duty to spend every dollar allocated to us as one of my opponents feel.

Name: Greg Merkle
Residence: Clayton
Incumbent: No
Experience:
NHS Class 1974, OSU & WSU graduate. Resident of Clayton/Randolph Township for 40 years. Worked at Merkle Pharmacy while in school. Employed at WSU 25 years in area of Health and Safety. Regular attendee at City Council meetings for 10 years.
If the recession continues, what impact will that have on Clayton's budget and what proactive measures should the council be making to assure that essential services continue for Clayton residents?

The City finances are dependent on the collection of property taxes and the income tax from within the City. With potential decrease of revenues from tax collections the Council has to be proactive identifying priorities and to support core services. The Council needs to monitor the level of spending with their available revenues. The City should contact the County Auditor for input on anticipated tax collections so budget planning can be adjusted as needed.

Name: Beverly Smith
Residence: Clayton
Incumbent: No
Experience:
Member of Clayton City Council 2000-2005; retired teacher, MVCTC, Northridge , and MRDD; graduate of Ohio University and UD, Clayton resident for 21 years, married to Brad and mother of two adult daughters, Katherine and Elizabeth.
If the recession continues, what impact will that have on Clayton's budget and what proactive measures should the council be making to assure that essential services continue for Clayton residents?

A continued downturn would mean proportionately decreased revenues in Clayton. Council must control costs by funding only necessary projects, evaluating staffing levels, considering a hiring freeze, and/or deferring equipment purchases. City staff must be aggressive in seeking grant funding and economic development for the city to increase revenues. Discretionary budget priorities remain road repair and oversight of vacant properties.