Ferris Responds to Coleman

Statement:

Mayor Coleman's State of the City Address made it abundantly clear that Columbus faces great challenges ahead. Not only are we facing a highly unstable national economy, but we are facing major budget deficits in the state of Ohio, and our very own city of Columbus. Unfortunately, the Columbus budget "crisis" is a result of City Council turning a blind eye to wasteful spending.

While you and I are tightening our belts, in this turbulent economy, the Mayor, and City Council, both seem committed to funding more unworthy projects, instead of protecting our wallets. It seems that each new day the Mayor, and City Council, proposes another project that is touted as the saving grace of Columbus. In reality, this "build it, and they will come" mentality will only lead us to larger budget deficits.

The Mayor, and City Council, would have us believe they are awaiting the results of an economic advisory panel, before they decide to officially propose a ballot measure for a 25% tax increase. However, after last night's address, I believe the only thing City Hall is pondering, is how large the proposed income tax hike will end up being.

If we are to attract new businesses to Columbus, how can City Council even consider increasing the burden on potential employers? If the city of Columbus wants to attract new residents, then why would they make it more expensive to live here? When will City Council stop doing business as usual, and address the real causes of our problems?

A friend of mine used to say, "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got." It is time for us, as residents of Columbus, to stop choosing between bad and worse. It is time to give the residents of Columbus a meaningful alternative to the disastrous decisions that have been made over the last 8 years. I intend on providing that alternative. In fact, that is why I'm running for Columbus City Council.

The people of Columbus deserve better. The time has come for us to take our city back. I hope you will join me in rescuing the city that we all love, and I hope you will help me in promoting a new direction for Columbus.