I have had the pleasure of working with Mayor David Berger for over 20 years as an economic development staffer serving Governors Voinovich and Taft. A highly respected member of their administration once said to me, “Lima has the hardest working mayor in the State of Ohio — and I’ve met them all.”
I take issue with those who say, let’s give someone else a chance. Change for change’s sake is seldom a good idea. Why would we want to trade a skilled public executive for someone whose abilities are unknown and unproven? David has proven himself. Despite the Great Recession, he and his team have kept the city’s budget under control while continuing to provide essential services. The city’s finances are now strong, as the community experiences its best economy in the past 40 years. We actually have a surplus of jobs!
Further, he has worked behind the scenes to continually improve the appearance of the city. For years business leaders said Lima needed to improve its entrance corridor. David listened and encouraged school officials to locate the new Lima Senior on Bellefontaine Avenue razing the city’s worst neighborhood. He installed new decorative lighting along the corridor. He then began working with a local business owner and philanthropist to develop the beautiful new Lima Stadium Park. He is not stopping there. His team has been working to bring an Eastside underpass for decades, and that $20 million project will begin construction in early 2018. All these projects are transforming Lima’s main entrance into a wonderfully attractive and impressive route for everyone, most especially out-of-town visitors.
I ask you all to search your conscience before voting in the mayoral election. Let’s stick with the proven winner and keeping Lima growing and prospering.
Judith M. Cowan, Lima
