Jun 07
Interview with Columbia City Republican Mayoral Candidate Ron Glassley
Interview with Ron Glassley:
What have you been up to since leaving office as Columbia City’s Mayor nearly four years ago?
After leaving office on December 31, 2003, I left Indiana and moved to Arizona in June of 2004. I took a position as an apartment manager. Using some of my other acquired skills, I also did maintenance work at another apartment complex. While it was certainly warmer there year round, I had a feeling of unfinished work back in Indiana. After much discussion with my wife we decided to move back home to Columbia City in July of 2005. I took on another job at an apartment complex in Churubusco.
What do you consider to be your most important accomplishments in your first term as Mayor?
The most important accomplishments during my first term as Mayor, was working out
the final agreement with S.D.I. on sewer and water to bring them and their tax revenue to Whitley County. This continues to directly benefit all Whitley County taxpayers. The Line Street and Jackson Street replacement sidewalk and water line projects were completed. We were able to maintain and increase service levels without raising taxes and the cost of utility bills.
What will be your top priorities in a new Glassley Administration?
Some priorities I will focus on will be:
Working with the business community, County Government, and the E.D.C. ( Economic Development Committee ) to bring more jobs, and businesses to the Columbia City Community. Columbia City needs to be forward thinking in our approach to what image we present. Innovation not stagnation!
Spending our tax dollars wisely. Taxes are a part of being a citizen, but unnecessary spending is wasteful and does not contribute to well run government. We can manage resources and keep costs down for the citizens of Columbia City.
Make department heads accountable for their spending of taxpayer and utilities money.
Maybe quarterly reviews in a public forum would give us all a better understanding of departmental activities. Restore discipline within the city.
Be available to the citizens and be responsive to their concerns.
What best prepares you to serve as our Mayor?
I’ve been a blue-collar worker my entire life. Working for 22 years on the city police department prepared me for the office of Mayor. Being Mayor for 4 years and gaining that experience, has made me more aware of where the focus should be. I understand how hard it is to try and save money and pay bills.
What advice do you give to young leaders who might want to be Mayor in the future?
The best advice I can give is to get involved in community activities, go to council meetings and don’t be afraid to question the actions of your elected officials. Get involved in either political party. Listen and understand the concerns of the community, and then decide a course of action.
Who do you consider to be your heroes?
My heroes: My mother and father who always taught me to treat people with respect, and Ernie Banks of the Chicago Cubs who no matter how bad things were, kept a positive attitude. It got him to the Hall of Fame!