From Mayor Bob Genet's Office

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of my activities so far this year. The first two+ months have been very busy and the days are never long enough. But many things have been accomplished and I

would like to expound on some and highlight others.

I took a team of community leaders to Cleveland and met with Fanny Lewis and her staff. Our goal was to find infomation regarding the redevelopment of the Hough Neighborhood and how we can apply it

to our neighborhoods. She has offered to send members of her

"think tank" to Barberton to address the needs of the community.

My staff and I met with Russ Pry, Summit County Executive, Greg Bachman, Summit County Engineer, and Congresswoman Betty Sutton's Chief of Staff to discuss the flooding issues in Barberton. We have determined that a regional solution must be developed. The flooding control mechanisms outside of Barberton need to be fixed to relieve the the problems in our City. This problem affects many of our residents and it is a priority of my administration to work to find and implement the needed solutions.

Many residents are aware the Ohio National Guard Armory on Norton Avenue is no longer in use. The City showed interest last year in purchasing the nine-acre site. It was offered to the City at the appraised value of $750,000. I do not believe it is worth that much, but acknowledge that the site is a valuable parcel for economic development. My staff researched the site and found that the City donated that parcel to the State of Ohio to be used for the Armory in 1949. I requested that the State begin proceedings to donate it back to the City. A packet of information with this request went to many elected officials, including the Lt Governor. I expect a resolution in the next few months.

Here are some other points of interest ...

.   Met with Mayor Dave Koontz of Norton and Mayor Al Bollas of New Franklin to discuss ways we can

    jointly benefit the area.

.   Provided the 2008 budget workbook to City Council.

.   Worked on the passage of Issue #2. Thank you to all who voted March 4.

.   Met with Russ Pry to discuss economic development in Southern Summit County.

.   Beginning the process for one-on-one business visits.

.   Preparing a five-year Capital Budget.

.   Working to enhance our website.

.   Preparing new procedures for towing unlicensed vehicles.

.   Preparing new procedures for property maintenance enforcement.

Click here to Meet My Staff

Summit County Board of Election voting machine demonstrations and registering voters for the upcoming General Election schedule

View some of the frequently asked questions I receive.