JOHNS CAMPAIGN PROPOSES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IDEAS FOR HEATH

Heath Mayoral Candidate Mark Johns outlines proposals to increase jobs in Heath and promote better communication between Heath city government and businesses

HEATH, Ohio – Mark Johns, candidate for Mayor of Heath in 2009, is proposing two economic and business development ideas he will work to accomplish as Mayor of Heath.  One idea focuses on attracting new jobs to the city, and the other looks to address the city’s need for better communication between Heath city government and the city’s businesses.

As mayor, Johns will explore the establishment of an economic development fund for the City of Heath.  Similar funds exist in other cities and counties in Ohio, including Licking County.  Johns has had conversations with economic development consultants and other Ohio city leaders regarding how such a fund can be established.  As mayor, he will propose that a portion of the funds obtained in 2009 from the photo traffic enforcement program in the city’s General Fund be used to establish this initiative.  In the 2009 City of Heath budget, it was estimated that the city would receive $100,000 from the program this year.

“There likely will be a much larger amount of money collected from the program in 2009 than what was budgeted for,” Johns said.  “I propose we use a portion of that money to help provide the tools our police and fire departments need to protect us.  And, I also believe a portion of that money should be invested toward the long-term growth of good jobs in Heath, and the increased payroll tax base for the city that such growth would provide.

“An economic development fund for the City of Heath would be another feather in our cap as our city competes with other areas for future job growth,” Johns said.

The purpose of this fund would be to assist companies looking to locate in Heath, or existing Heath businesses looking to expand, by providing low-interest financing to assist them with their plans.  Johns proposes that members of the city’s financial, business and community leaders partner to form a board which would review loan applications submitted by interested businesses.

Working in conjunction with the Heath-Newark Licking County Port Authority and others, the establishment of an economic development fund for the City of Heath would help to once again attract strong businesses and good-paying jobs to the city.  As mayor, Johns will work with city council and city business leaders to bring this concept to reality because he recognizes that economic development and job growth are essential for the city’s future financial strength and to ensure city government is able to provide quality services to the residents for years to come.  Johns will explore every advantage for the City of Heath to grow and diversify its jobs base.

The second proposal is for the establishment of a Heath Business Association by local businesses, with the assistance of the mayor and city government.  Such an organization of the city’s businesses, meeting on a regular basis with the mayor and representatives of city council, would promote proactive communication between government and businesses.  Both these groups will better understand the issues and problems facing the other and share ideas on how they can be addressed.  Such cooperation can foster more successful businesses in Heath and look to better implement within the city any initiatives of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce.

“Our city’s businesses need to understand that we value what they bring to our city,” Johns said.  “As mayor, I will work to provide better proactive communication between our businesses and city government.  Together, we will work to grow their businesses, grow our local economy, and grow the economic strength of Heath for years to come.”

Johns is optimistic about the economic potential for the City of Heath.  But without better ideas, better approaches and better communication, he believes that potential could be squandered.  As mayor, he pledges to work hard to ensure a strong financial future for Heath.