Jul 07
Interview with Columbia City Councilman Doug Fahl
Doug Fahl currently serves as the City Councilman for Columbia City’s Southwest District.
What is the single most important issue facing Columbia City today?
Finding creative ways to provide quality city services without raising taxes or utility rates. This is especially critical with the current increases in property tax assessments and payments our citizens are enduring.
What do you enjoy most about serving as a City Councilman?
Responding to the concerns of citizens. Reviewing budgets and preparing policies are important, but nothing is more enjoyable to me than responding to a constituent’s concern and helping them with whatever issue prompted them to call or visit me. I truly enjoy the one-on-one contact with the folks in my district. That’s what prompted me to run for office in the first place.
You also serve our country as a JAG officer in the National Guard. Please tell us about more about your service to our country and your thoughts on whether we are winning this global war on terror.
I am proud to say that I am a member of the Indiana Army National Guard and have been so for nearly 17 years. My service in the military has instilled me a sense of duty and commitment. This sense of duty has shaped many of my opinions on council, most notably, my feelings on elected officials receiving salary increases. We should not be asking for more when our employees and citizens are receiving less.
I correspond almost daily with friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. They all tell me about the gratitude of the people there for protecting them and allowing them to enjoy freedoms that we take for granted. You don’t see it in the news, but many of these folks tell my friends daily about the abuse and oppression they endured. Whether someone agrees with the war in Iraq or not, I think we all agree that we have to continue to push the enemy overseas, so he can’t have the time or the resources to attack us here. I am fully prepared to do my part overseas, if necessary, if it means my friends and family can remain safe here at home.
What makes Columbia City great?
The people. When I graduated High School I never thought I would want to come back to my sleepy little home town. However, having lived in many other cities I have learned how precious the people of Columbia City are. I see my daughters interacting with my neighbors in a way that could never happen in a large city. I am very grateful that they are able to enjoy their childhood in such a wonderful town.
Where do you see Columbia City in 10 years?
As long as we continue to demand good leadership, I see Columbia City as a vibrant, self-sufficient community in which to live. Almost my entire family worked at Dana and many of my friends’ parents worked at International Harvester. When things were good at those companies, things were good in Columbia City. When those companies struggled, so did Columbia City. I want a community filled with strong economic development and thriving small businesses, so that we are not dependent on one or two large corporations for our economic health and prosperity.