Candidate Guide - Waynesville Village Council - Chris Colvin

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: Not provided

Current employment: Software Engineer

Office Sought: Waynesville Village Council

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

I have served on Council and have the understanding of how to effectively contribute according to the US Constitution, Ohio Revised Code and the Charter of Waynesville. Legislating and informing on behalf of people who live, work and visit the Village of Waynesville.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

Serving the people who live, work and visit Waynesville.

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

Continue of provide oversight, support and guidance to our Village Manager and Finance Director to achieve the services and infrastructure that best serve the people who live, work and visit the Village.

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: He is an incumbent.

As an incumbent you learn that no one member of Council can claim a personal accomplishment since we operate, as directed by the Charter, by committee. The Council during my time has positioned the Village to be healthy financially and functionally healthy dealing with the infrastructure and services being provided.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

Experience serving on Council to understand how local government should work and making decisions that incorporate a holistic perspective that serves the people who live, work and visit Waynesville.

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

Revenue for the municipality of Waynesville to operate is primarily income taxes though property taxes contribute to streets and police. The tax burden due to income and property taxes involves federal, state and local with the federal/state portion taking the bulk of the taxes paid. Of the local portion of property taxes the county and schools receive the bulk of those taxes. Reducing the federal/state tax burden would be the best solution to resolve the revenue issues at the local level and reduce the tax burden on residents.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

Good relationship. We have continual interaction with our state representative and senator.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

Community service decorating downtown, working with the merchants and chamber to improve the downtown, Quaker Heights activities and services for the residents, board member of ForHimMinistries.org nonprofit focused on christian artistry in the Waynesville area.

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates?

No

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

I am a team player as a member of Council and my role is not simply to legislate but inform the public on matters that concern what is in the best interests of the people who live, work and visit the Village.