mincow 02-03-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

It was positively noted that Mr. Wise attended a conservative college where he learned to make friends with people from different backgrounds and beliefs. In response to a question from Councilmember Rader about what cities should do to become more sustainable, spoke about his role staffing the Alternative Energy Committee in the Statehouse and the breadth of knowledge he gained from that experience. He spoke about his role, participating in very early discussions about the plastic bag ban. A lesson from both is that good ideas often take a very long time to succeed, but that they can through incremental progress and collaboration. In response to a question from Vice President Litten asking if he will run for election if appointed and what he believes Council's priorities should be, Mr. Wise expressed a commitment to running if appointed. He stated that Council's priority should be to reduce the poverty rate in Lakewood to make measurable change in people's lives and to implement the Community Vision in an actionable way. Councilmember Bullock expressed confidence in Mr. Wise's capability to serve well and thoughtfully, noting his background as a state house staffer and realtor. Councilmember Shachner referenced a political forum in which Mr. Wise was asked if a losing candidate should be appointed and asked him to explain his answer. Mr. Wise replied that at the time he interpreted the question to be related to the Mayor's race. He stated that he thinks his experience running a campaign is an asset because he earned the trust and respect of many voters. In closing, Mr. Wise stated that the City's best days are ahead and that he would appreciate the chance to be a colleague on Council to work with everyone to make the City proud. Kyle Baker Interview Mr. Baker delivered an opening statement in which he outlined his experience and qualifications including professional experience at the state house and state Supreme Court. He discussed representing the City of Akron in their lawsuit with the EPA over the City's sewers and how this would provide an important perspective to Lakewood. He spoke about his current professional role working for the Metroparks and service as Chair of the Planning Commission. Councilmember Bullock noted that Mr. Baker's service on Planning Commission is consistently thoughtful and courteous and that he has experience handling the feedback and criticisms of residents. He engaged Mr. Baker in discussion regarding the sewer lawsuit ongoing in the City of Akron and possible lessons for Lakewood. In response to a question from Councilmember Rader about what cities should do to become more sustainable, Mr. Baker suggested that when the City bids projects that it sets standards for environmental sustainability. He also discussed the Public Works operations of the City taking a sustainable approach and provided examples from the Metroparks. 3