Friday, August 20, 1999
Middletown will elect new leaders
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — Just as the city is facing one of the most crucial issues of the decade — the City Centre Mall project — nearly half the experience on city commission is about to be lost.
Commissioners Paul Nenni and Jim Armbruster, who have served eight and six years, respectively, are not seeking re-election Nov. 2.
Earl Smith, who is completing a four-year term, will be on the ballot. Mr. Smith, a former police chief, was among nine candidates to pick up nominating petitions at the Butler County Board of Elections. Of those, eight filed their petitions by Thursday's 4 p.m. deadline.
They are: Larry Getz, Christopher Halsey, Gary Kaup, Anthony Marconi, Mr. Smith, Arthur Ulrich, Robert Wells and Laura Williams.
The commissioners who are not up for re-election have a combined total of 16 years experience — nearly six each for Robert Hill and David Schiavone, and two for Jerry Banks and Fred Sennet.
Despite the large slate of candidates with a variety of life and business experiences, only one, besides Mr. Smith, has political experience, said Bob Hayden, a lifelong resident who is close to political circles. Mr. Kaup was a commissioner for nine years, ending in 1993, said Mr. Hayden, who will become president of Downtown Middletown Partnership in November.
The decision by Mr. Nenni and Mr. Armbruster not to run is a loss for the city, Mr. Hayden said, but the roster of candidates will give voters choices.
“My biggest hope is that these people bring fresh ideas to the table,” Mr. Hayden said. He added that he fears the commission could wind up with too many graying members, and that could result in old ideas. Most current commissioners and those running are 50 or older.
Regardless of who is elected, a major issue is the mall project. Earlier this year commissioners agreed to rip off the roof and restore Central Avenue to traffic. But many issues remain to be decided, including whether to try to save some of the historic buildings and how much the city would spend for that purpose.
Some residents say changes on the commission might affect the project.
Mr. Armbruster said the existing commission lacks focus on the mall. And while the slate of candidates is strong, most are political newcomers. “So you'll have these new commissioners who will be so far behind on the learning curve, it will slow the process down,” he said.
Virginia Ritan, executive director of Middfest International, agreed that decisions may be delayed while newly elected members get up to speed.
“I don't know if they will say to the city administration, "The ball's in your court, go with it.' Or ask for more information regularly which could mean more delays,” Ms. Ritan said.
While Mr. Hayden thinks the changing commission will likely affect mall decisions, he expects no significant delays because the current commissioners are moving ahead.
Mr. Nenni said he'll be watching, but he's optimistic the project will proceed.
“I don't think the city manager (Ron Olson) will let commissioners lose sight of the importance of the mall issue,” he said. “Anyone being elected will surely realize the importance of moving ahead with this. If not, then by golly I may just run again in two years.”
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