Candidate - Barry Porter

By Barry S. Porter

Reasons and qualifications for being a Councilmember.

The majority of my business career was as treasure and Chief Financial officer of Ohio Casualty Insurance Company. I was responsible for it's tax, accounting, payroll and benefits departments. In addition I was involved in overseeing the investment function, which consisted of a 4 billion dollar stock and bond portfolio. In addition, I served as Chairman of the Board, First Financial Bancorp, as well as a Board member of First Financial Bank. I have also been a director for several non-profit organizations, most recently as a member of the board of Maple Knoll Communities in Springdale and the Dan Beard Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

When it comes to public service, I have served on City Council since my appointment in May of 1984 & have been a member of 15 different Wyoming City Councils. During that tenure, I have been a member of the Law, Buildings & Equipment, and the Finance Committees; as well as a member of the Economic Development Commission.

My service on the Finance Committee began with my appointment to Council. This has allowed me to be involved in the preparation of 28 annual budgets and has provided me with the opportunity to monitor and influence the efficient use of the City's tax dollars. An affirmation of the financial strength of our City was reflected in the awarding of a AAA rating by Standard & Poors.

During my years on Council I have been guided by three mandates:

First, I want to be a proper steward of the City's resources. I want to insure that each Tax's dollar is used efficiently and wisely.
Secondly, I want to ensure the citizens have a safe place to reside and the City maintains its exceptional fire, EMS and police departments.
Finally, I wish to continue the appropriate care and maintenance of the City's infrastructure. To me, this is a priority and must be accomplished efficiently and economically.

I think I bring a broad range of qualifications to the City and to Council. I have a strong educational background, substantial business experience and a broad range of community service.

I do not have an agenda, I study each issues and base my vote or decision on what I think is best for the entire community. I bring 29 years experience and service to the City and to Council.