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Officials lobby for funds on D.C. trip
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - June 23, 2010)
Officials lobby for funds on D.C. trip
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chardon City officials traveled to Washington, D.C., last week in hopes of finding federal money for local projects.
Mayor Philip King and city Manager David Lelko drove to the nation's capital, with three city projects on their minds. They also went with the hope of finding representatives who would provide the money for the projects.
Mr. King said the trip was part of U.S. Rep. Steven LaTourette's, R-Bainbridge, 16th annual elected officials conference, which brings local officials from across northern Ohio to meet with him to discuss their needs.
Mr. King said officials from South Russell, Chagrin Falls, Mentor, Hudson, Willoughby Hills, Kirtland and Concord were represented. All are competing for the same funds, he said.
Mr. Lelko said he and Mr. King also set up appointments with U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in hopes of acquainting them with the city's needs.
"It gives them insight to what's critical in our city," Mr. Lelko said.
Finding outside money will allow the city to take on some larger projects without relying on taxpayers.
Mr. King said the city was seeking money for a realignment of Park Avenue at Wilson Mills Road. The project also includes plans to shave the hill to the west of Park Avenue to increase sight distance and create a safer intersection.
The pair also sought money for a comprehensive plan for a bike path in the city as well as money to fill in gaps in the sidewalk network.
Mr. King said he and Mr. Lelko went to learn the best approach to winning federal dollars.
For Mr. Lelko, the trip was the fifth to Mr. LaTourette's conference.
The trips have proved profitable, he said. A few years ago, he said, the city received $1.5 million for a new water-treatment plant.
Mr. Lelko said the trip affords officials, locally and in Washington, to get to know each other better. "It's helpful to have a name and a face that you're dealing with," he said.
Mr. King said the trip was successful because officials came away with a feeling they can deal directly with their representatives.
"It was informative, beneficial and encouraging," Mr. King said. "They did what elected officials do, they listened."
Mr. Lelko said it may be months before city officials know whether the trip was financially successful, but they will keep in contact with those they met to keep them abreast of how the funding is proceeding.
Officials also heard from speakers and got a tour of the Capitol from Mr. LaTourette.
Mr. Lelko said one speaker, talking on the new health-care law, also piqued his interest on one issue. Under the new law, he said, the city may be obligated to provide health care for part-time employees or face a fine. He said he is investigating whether that applies and what its impact may be on the city.
Mr. King said the two also got a chance to see some of the sights during the trip. He said both, on their own time and money, toured Ford Theater, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
Mr. Lelko said expenses for each person on the trip were allocated for $600. He said both stayed under that amount.
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