The November election is fast approaching and the race is on for the Cadiz Mayor seat. This year, there are four candidates vying for the chance to serve the community of the county seat. The News-Herald reached out to each cnadidate to ask a few questions about topics that are important to the county and community. Below are theire responses.
John Migliore
Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If no, what would you do to change that? If yes, what will you do to maintain the current success and encourage more?
I think the existing businesses that are in our uptown are successful and are doing well. However, there is much need for improvement in our uptown business district. In a recent survey of the uptown, it was discovered that there are seventeen empty spaces for retail or office available. However, we have hope for optimism. In the recent month, a group of volunteer’s citizens have been formed to improve the uptown area. The name of this group is Cadiz Preservation Revitalization Society. I feel that with their hard work things will improve. Also, we are waiting to get grants through the Governor’s Appalachian Grant Money for the uptown area.
What’s more important for our village right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
I think that it is always good to get new commercial space in our village. To employ more and to build up our tax basis. We will soon have a new commercial building on the last lot on the old O.D.O.T Property, Family Dollar-Dollar Tree. After that we will have the Ferguson property to develop for Commercial Building. We in our Village have always been land locked for residential development. I have always encouraged property owners to rehabilitate their existing homes and storefronts.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our village?
When we have an issue that involves all of the residents of our village, we will hold special council meetings to be sure that all sides are heard.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for Cadiz any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I would spend it on continuing to upgrade our infrastructure to include our streets. By spending it on infrastructure, it will help keep our Water & Sewer bills stable.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I believe my hard work and Mayoral experience sets me apart. For the first time, we now have four candidates running for the office of mayor, which I think is a positive environment for our village.
What are Cadiz’s biggest challenges? How will you overcome these in the coming years?
I think I have already spoken about a lot of our challenges in this questionnaire. However, we still need to continue to work on our sewer lines and sewer treatment plant. To comply with the E.P.A. regulations. We still have thirty-seven homes and businesses that are not on our sewer system in the corporation limits. I will continue working with our engineering firm and with Congressman Bill Johnson Office to secure grants to help make it possible for our village. In addition, we are about to bid for our Phase II North Trunk Collection Lines which is a 5.5-million-dollar project completely funded by grants from E.P.A. Army Core of Engineers and Congress Bill Johnson Office.
Do you have a plan to address the ongoing illegal drug problem in Cadiz?
Every community has an ongoing illegal drug problem. In the past year, our Police Department has made seven felony drug arrests for illegal drugs. In March of 2023, there was an arrest made involving several types of illegal drugs. In the near future, the village will be bring back, with help of donations, a fully funded K-9 unit which will aid our Police Department in illegal drug detections. Our police department will continue to be proactive in getting illegal drugs off our streets.
Is there anything else you would like the community to know about you?
First off, I would like to thank you for the pleasure of being your Mayor for the past four years. We have a lot of good things coming in our future that was done under my leadership. In the spring of 2024, O.D.O.T. will be lighting up the exit ramps at Rt. 22 & Rt. 9. Also in the Spring of 2025, we will be getting new sidewalks from Stanton Avenue to McDonald’s with a crosswalk to McDonald’s and in addition we are working on a sidewalk project from Bingham Terrace to the uptown. Also, we are working on a grant to get a sidewalk from Liggett Lane to St. Clair Avenue through safe route to school. As your Mayor to get projects completed, it is important that the Mayor and Council have a working relationship, which I am happy to say we have. So in closing, I would appreciate your vote on November 7th, 2023.
Terry Capers
Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If no, what would you do to change that? If yes, what will you do to maintain the current success and encourage more?
I do think existing business uptown is healthy, however there is always room for improvement. We can hold more uptown events/functions that would draw more people to our downtown location. This would create additional foot traffic and patrons to existing businesses. We currently have uptown commercial space available for new business or existing business to expand.I will work with the village council, administrator and Cadiz CIC to identify new business opportunities and ways to prompt existing businesses in our village.
What’s more important for our village right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
I believe rehabbing and better utilizing existing homes and storefronts is the blueprint for growth. Growth would then lead to the need for new homes and commercial space. Both are vital in helping our village prosper.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our village?
There are several ways of involving residents in decision-making. I currently do and will continue to attend many functions in the village. I always welcome input from our residents.
Social Media: The village currently has a Facebook page and a website. This would allow any residential input listed to be reviewed and considered.
Committees: I encourage our residents to join existing committees, and or, create new committees. Input from our residents leads to better decisions and solutions.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for Cadiz any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I’d suggest that my office survey the public to get their input on how best to use grant funds. I believe our residents will identify projects such as road repair, demo and remediation of dilapidated structures and the support of uptown revitalization projects.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
Experience. I have been Director of Operations for a multimillion dollar company for over 20 years. I also have a decade of experience working with local first responders and village committees. I’ve established a very good working relationship with members of Cadiz CIC, and our county commissioners. I am dedicated to making Cadiz the best it can be.
What are Cadiz’ biggest challenges? How will you overcome these in the coming years?
Funding, job creation, infrastructure upgrades, road repair, complying with EPA regulations on water and sewer line projects, and attracting new business.
I will work closely with Cadiz village council and the administrator to manage our finances and apply for all available grants. Develop an ongoing focus on population retention and improvement of our infrastructure, streets, water, and sewer projects. Working with EPA officials to ensure all projects are complete and in compliance with state regulations.
Working directly with Cadiz CIC on attracting new business and helping existing businesses prosper. It’s imperative that we commit to retaining our youth by offering competitive wage opportunities within the area.
Do you have a plan to address the ongoing illegal drug problem in Cadiz?
Working with substance abuse centers to help educate our youth of the dangers of drugs and drug addiction. I will also work closely with law enforcement to help identify and crack down on all illegal drug offenders.
Is there anything else you would like the community to know about you?
My wife and I have raised our children here. Our children are now raising our grandchildren here as well. We wouldn’t want it any other way. I love my town and will work tirelessly to make it the best it can be.
Daniel Ossman
Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If no, what would you do to change that? If yes, what will you do to maintain the current success and encourage more?
I definitely applaud all the current business owners for successfully standing strong during these hard economic times and keeping up the appearance of their buildings.We definitely have an opportunity to grow the business section of Cadiz.There are a lot of empty storefronts to bring new business to.It may never be bustling like it was in the 60’s and 70’s, but we can revitalize this town as a place to visit and live. I think we can learn a lot from other surrounding successful areas, one being Carrolton.The area has all types of businesses that bring in customers from all areas.By talking with the city officials and local business owners, we can learn how they have been able to continually change with the times and attract new business.There are store owners that have been through decades of ups and downs and we can learn a lot from them.
What’s more important for our village right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
I think they are both equally beneficial to the growth of our village.Building and bringing in new businesses provide growth while rehab of current buildings preserves the village’s heritage.I love seeing old homes being rehabbed, but if they are not salvageable, they need to go.This then makes another empty plot of land and we have many. These can be spaces for new homes, businesses, or community spots like gardens or gathering areas.Mattern Tire and NAPA are both great examples of businesses who have aided the community through reclaiming unused areas to grow their businesses.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in our village?
There are a lot of amazing people in our town and I want to create ways for them to be heard and help make a positive impact to our community.Over the last 20 years I have been in many committees, but one thing we were missing was a community town hall.Having these monthly will allow residentvoices to be heard, ideas to be shared, and decisions to be made.New subcommittees involving the residents would also be made allowing them to be a part of making a difference in our community.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for Cadiz any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
Don’t get me wrong, I am very thankful for the great local restaurants we have in town as they are important staples, but I would love to ask the Council to take some of the money to entice a big named restaurant to build by Johnny D’s and Trinity Express.I believe this would lure more people off the highway into Cadiz thus exposing them to what our great town has to offer and generating more revenue.We need to look into a steady Grant Writer to help with future opportunities. I would also use some of the money to continue to rehab the downtown buildings and look into opportunities at the old rec center.It would be great to make a family fun center in town so families didn’t have to go so far for entertainment.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I was born in Cadiz and have always lived here so I know the history of this town and know many of the residents.I was fortunate to be on the Council for 20 years.Because of that, I have had the benefit of a lot of networking and have vast insight to the needs of our community and its residents.I have a proven track record on always following up on community concerns and addressing their needs.I have also managed the car wash intown so I understand what they go through and how support from the town is important.
What are Cadiz’s biggest challenges?How will you overcome these n the coming years?
Sadly we have a lot of businesses that come and go.I am so very thankful for the businesses who have stuck around and flourished.Our challenge is to bring in more business to service our community, support new jobs, and increase growth opportunities.We need to take a look at past businesses to see why they are no longer standing.We can use that information to gain insight on the issue.We will meet with building landlords to discuss fair rental pricing for businesses.We will work on filling up the empty buildings on Industrial Parkway.This again means more jobs, more industry, more revenue for the community. It is all reciprocal.
Do you have a plan to address the illegal drug problem in Cadiz?
I will definitely address the drug problem in town.Unfortunately it will be hard to completely stop it, but we can put in measures to help combat it.We need to get more police involvement, locate major sources, and do more busts.We need to stop slapping the hands of offenders and actually give them a sentence.Offering more kid-friendly community programs/activities will allow our youth to choose healthy and fun ways of occupying their time with friends instead of experimenting with drugs.
Is there anything else you would like the community to know about you?
My kids and grandkids live in Cadiz so I have a deep-rooted concern to make this town the best it can be for generations to come.I am a 20 year Council member and 11 year board member for my church.As a retired coal miner I know what hard work is and how to get things done regardless of difficulty.Growing up, Cadiz was my Mayberry and I will strive to get it there again.
Kevin Jones
Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If no, what would you do to change that? If yes, what will you do to maintain the current success and encourage more?
I feel that our Main Street/downtown is not healthy and successful. I would restore and revitalize our uptown area.I would apply for grant monies for this project.
What’s more important for our village right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
Our existing homes are past restoring, and our commercial spaces can be restored and repaired. Our housing situation is poor at best. I would create new developments to make our town more appealing for families that would like to relocate here because ofwhat we have to offer, such as our new school, hospital, park, and airport.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in our village?
I would like to return to the basics, and have more town hall meetings for the people to plan the process together. This will help with the revitalization of our village.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for Cadiz any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I would restore the roads, curbs, and sidewalks in Cadiz.For example, I would put a sidewalk from the square of Cadiz to our government facilities on the North Main Street extension, to guarantee safety for our residents.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I am the most experienced candidate for this job because I have 40 years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial development.
What are Cadiz’ biggest challenges? How will you overcome these in the coming years?
There are several challenges in our community.Here are a few examples,the water and sewage charges, the condition of our streets, and restoration of the old bank building.I will review and reveal my plans once elected.
Do you have a plan to address the illegal drug problem in Cadiz?
Yes I do, I will make it extremely difficult for the drug users in our community, and strengthen our drug taskforce.
Is there anything else you would like the community to know about you?
I have lived here all my life, my heart is here, and I believe I can remedy the issues at hand in a positive manner.
