Candidate for
Council Member; City of Cheviot

My name is Charlie Norman, and I am running for re-election to my third term on Cheviot City Council. I wanted to take a minute to tell you about myself, and why I am running. I was born and raised here in Cheviot. I grew up attending St. Martin of Tours School, riding bikes at Harvest Home Park, and learning how to hit a curveball at the Cheviot Fieldhouse. I knew even then that Cheviot was a great place to live. When it was time for me to raise my own family I chose to stay in Cheviot. I appreciated the excellent City services, and the wonderful community environment. I believed then as I believe now that we really did live up to our motto: "Big city spirit, Small town charm".

For the past six years, I've had the honor of representing the citizens of Cheviot on City Council. It has been both one of the most trying and satisfying experiences of my life. I first ran for office because I wanted to make sure that Cheviot was a great a place to live for my son as it was for me. I believed then, as I believe now, that Cheviot has limitless potential. Nonetheless, I saw a lot of things that I believed needed to change. I saw taxes and government spending increasing, businesses and residences declining, and public safety deteriorating. I wanted to make a difference.

It has often been an up-hill struggle. I initially encountered an entrenched bureaucracy, and an attitude that said that the status-quo was acceptable. It wasn't acceptable to me. We ought to expect more out of our local government. I have been lucky to serve with a number of people on Council who feel the same way. Together, Republican and Democrat, we're getting things done. I'd like to highlight a few areas for you.

Finances As Chairman of the Finance Committee over the past two years I've led the effort to get a handle on out-of-control City spending. As a result we have gone from having a fiscal crisis each year to having fiscal stability. I'm proud to say that we are running our City like you would run your home or business. We kept government spending well below the rate of inflation this year, and I pledge to do the same every year I'm in office. I reject the notion that City tax increases are the only way to increase revenues. When City government encounters difficult financial times a tax increase should always be the last resort, and never the first. I pledge to you that I will oppose any tax increase that exceeds the rate of inflation, and I will always think outside the box to seek alternative funding solutions before going to the voters to ask for more money.

Property Maintenance We're making leaps and strides in fighting blight, protecting and improving our housing stock, and revitalizing the business district. This is not an easy task to tackle. In fact, it's a long-term process that is going to require sustained effort and constant vigilance. I assure you though; we are winning the battle - house by house and business by business. Just this past year, Council passed a comprehensive Property Maintenance Code, and designated a property maintenance officer. This year saw the beginning of a special Cheviot Property Maintenance Court to deal with our most egregious offenders. We passed a detailed sign ordinance to reduce clutter and clean up the business district. We are successfully working with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority officials to get rid of the Section 8 homes in Cheviot that are causing problems for our community. Finally, within the next several months we will pass a Nuisance Property Ordinance that I introduced as Chairman of the Building and Annexation Committee that will levy harsh financial punishments on rental landlords, and homeowners who fail to live up to the kinds of standards that we expect out of our citizenry.

Public Safety This year, we were able to set aside additional funding for public safety enhancements. We funded additional police walk beats in the business district, and patrols at Harvest Home Park. I am also helping spearhead the creation of a new Citizens on Patrol Program that will allow ordinary citizens to make a contribution to our public safety by assisting our Police Department. Steadily, we are lowering the crime rate in Cheviot. In addition, I'm especially proud of our ability to offer paramedic service, which is head and shoulders above just basic EMT service. This valuable, life-saving program is unparalleled in a City of our size and budget.

Still, a lot of work remains to be done. Over the next four years I intend to keep working hard for the City of Cheviot. I will continue to hold the line on out of control spending and waste. I will continue working to improve the business district - aesthetically through pursuing funding for major capital improvements, and also by promoting creative economic development efforts and aggressive tax incentives to attract new businesses and improve current ones. I can say without a doubt that over the next year or so you will be able to see noticeable results in this area. I will continue to support our law enforcement officers and emergency personnel in their efforts to keep us safe. Finally, I will continue to seek new ways to work with our neighbors to the east and west so that we can improve the quality and quantity of services we provide our residents.

Almost as important as the things I intend to do is the manner I intend to do them in. I am extremely proud of my ability to work across party lines to get things accomplished. We are all neighbors, Republicans and Democrats, and I believe it's not too much to expect our elected officials to act with civility and respect towards one another. Partisan politics should be put aside and we should all work together to benefit our wonderful City. That is how you get things accomplished, and that's how I have always tried to handle myself.

I am incredibly optimistic about the direction we're heading in Cheviot, and I look forward to serving you for the next four years as your Councilman. I hope I can count on your vote. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any concerns, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached at 470-4566, or at normanforcouncil@gmail.com. As always, I value your input and look forward to hearing from you.