Where I Stand on the Issues Facing Amberley Village

By Ray Warren

• I believe in Government Efficiency. With this fiscal crisis, everything must be on the table from expenditures to revenues. Our expenditures (those that Amberley controls vs. mandates from the State) must reflect best business practices. Our revenue sources must be clear and current to identify how we compare to similar municipalities. We cannot simply tax our way out of this and at the same time make Amberley less attractive to retain families or attract new families (something we in the business world call `competition').
• I believe the best outcomes are achieved when our goals are clearly articulated and when input is encouraged from all stakeholders; residents, businesses, and our Village employees. By harnessing the imagination of all stakeholders to solve our problems and seeking the best options from everyone and everywhere, we will solve our problems and ensure Amberley Village remains among the more desirable places to live in the Tristate. Developer(s) can provide input in this process but cannot define the future of Amberley. I don't believe in pay to play government cronyism.
• Together with other concerned Amberley residents I led the fight to block some Council members' attempts (including members of the opposing slate) to void the reciprocal earnings tax credit. This would have made Amberley the most expensive municipality in the State and undermine our ability to retain residents as well as making Amberley a less attractive place to move to. There can be no tax considerations before our expenses and revenues are fully vetted. I don't believe in passing on `hidden taxes' to residents or taxation that favors one group over another, or zoning variances that unfairly undermine our property values.
• I have been accused of being against development. THE TRUTH IS I STAND FOR PROGRESS AND OPEN GOVERNMENT! And, this includes development. Development means increasing government efficiency, harnessing the power of our stakeholders, and yes, appropriate property development and zoning changes (i.e., Amberley Green, Losantiville school, the North Site). There are those who have orthodox beliefs of Amberley Green or Bust! There are those who will sell out Amberley Green at a huge discount bringing our Village to bankruptcy (estimates are that if we sold the Green today we would lose $2 million. Without a tax to the residents this would push the Village into bankruptcy.). I don't subscribe to either of these extremes. One thing I can tell you is that unlike my opponent I will not represent interest groups who will sue our village and cost village residents hundreds of thousands of dollars that we cannot afford. I believe in judicious planning that maximizes the benefits to our Village, minimizes our expenses, and maintains our attractive Village lifestyle.

2. Maintain the Village Character. I take pride in knowing our community is a special place to live. We are very fortunate to have a `small town atmosphere' with special amenities. We have an excellent police (and fire) force. We have maintenance services (snow and brush) that are the envy of most surrounding communities. Our housing stock is in excellent shape and attractive. We have access to excellent health facilities (`J') as well as our soccer, tennis, and track courses. We have access to excellent public and private educational systems and to virtually anything in the Tristate. This enables us to keep our community fresh and attractive. To be clear, none of this was handed to us on a magical silver platter. We must ensure our Village remains attractive to current residents AND be THE PLACE to move to.

As a research manager for a large corporation I know what it takes to create a successful common vision and purpose, articulate clear objectives, and engage all stakeholders to contribute to meeting those objectives. I want Amberley to be the example of how efficient regional government can work under a very challenging environment. That is what I can promise you.

I ask that you join with me in making this happen on Election Day. Thank you!