Why do you want to serve on council?

Ciotola in 2005:

New and innovative methods of financing the city of Upper Arlington must be found in order for our city to flourish. I have a strong business background and I feel this knowledge can be of great value to the city of Upper Arlington. It is time for me to give something back to the city I have known and loved for so many years. Working on City Council offers me the opportunity to do just that and to help ensure the city's growth for years to come.

Heath in 2007:

We must find new and innovative methods of financing the city of Upper Arlington in order for our city to flourish. As a longtime Upper Arlington homeowner and a former Business Development Manager for a Fortune 500 Company, I am uniquely qualified to see both sides of a redevelopment issue. Working on City Council would offer me the opportunity to give something back to the community my family and I have come to know and love as well as the chance to help ensure the city’s growth for years to come.

What qualifications do you bring to the position?

Ciotola in 2005:

As a graduate of The Ohio State University, I have owned a business in the City of Upper Arlington for over twenty-three years. While living in Upper Arlington for the past twenty-nine years I have been a ten year board member and State Chairman of National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). I was the Ohio Recipient of NFIB Ohio Champion of Small Business Award and NFIB Midwest Region Champion of Small Business Award. In addition, I am a member and supporter of the Upper Arlington Civic Association and the Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce.

Heath in 2007:

As a graduate of The Ohio State University and a longtime resident of Upper Arlington, I have been afforded years of opportunity to watch our city grow and prosper. I have also worked for 2 Fortune 500 Companies including 9 years as a Business Development Manager responsible for over $68 million in sales. I am a member of the Upper Arlington Women’s Club, the March of Dimes

Women’s Board, and a supporter of the Upper Arlington Civic Association. Lastly, with four children in the Upper Arlington public school system, I have strong insight into the necessities of our schools.

What is your vision for the city in the next 3 to 5 years?

Ciotola in 2005:

In order for our city to prosper we must increase our commercial tax base so we can ease the burden on the citizens of Upper Arlington. However, this must be accomplished by maintaining the neighborhood values we all share. This increate must be achieved in a manner that is responsible and fair to both the citizens of Upper Arlington and the business community. Many steps need to be taken to guarantee the citizens of Upper Arlington that their community will grow while we hold on to the strong friendly atmosphere that is Upper Arlington.

Heath in 2007:

We must increase our commercial tax base in order to ease the burden on the citizens of Upper Arlington if we expect our city to continue to prosper. However, this must be accomplished by maintaining the family-friendly community we have all come to expect in Upper Arlington. As a member of Council, I will look at each redevelopment proposal carefully to find fiscally responsible economic development opportunities that provide important jobs and tax revenues for our city and schools while protecting the character of Upper Arlington.

What are the top three pressing issues that City Council should address?

Ciotola in 2005:

The most pressing issue is increasing our commercial tax base to allow our city to run at its optimal level. This can only be done by looking at redevelopment. Every redevelopment issue must be looked at separately. We must balance the pros and cons of each scenario so we can make the best decision for the city of Upper Arlington. Also, we must make sure the city is running on a fiscally sound basis. Measures need to be taken to ensure the residents of Upper Arlington that every tax dollar spent has a true and valuable purpose.

Heath in 2007:

1. A large portion of Upper Arlington’s funding is raised through residential property taxes. These taxes help us provide some of the best schools and public services in the area.

2. However, as the cost of these services increases, we must help ease the burden on our residential citizens by increasing our commercial tax base. This will ensure our great community does not become too expensive for senior citizens or young families to call home.

As a member of Council, I will use my extensive business background to develop new and responsible ways to make our city more attractive and competitive to new businesses while maintaining our family-friendly community atmosphere.

What are your perspectives on business development and the City granting incentives to attract new businesses and/or encourage growth of existing businesses?

Ciotola in 2005:

We must keep our eye toward the fiscal strength of Upper Arlington. Any incentive offered to new or current businesses must offer the city a financial return. These incentives must be reviewed separately while carefully weighing the benefits for the public and private partnership. While I believe commercial growth is integral to the growth of Upper Arlington, we must proceed in a way that is safe for the Upper Arlington citizens and the well being of the community.

Heath in 2007:

Upper Arlington’s fiscal strength must always be on our mind when we determine the usefulness of any incentive we may offer to businesses. If we offer an incentive then it must also offer a financial return to the city. We must review each incentive proposal separately by weighing the benefits for the public and private partnership. While I believe commercial growth is integral to the growth of Upper Arlington, we must proceed in a way that is fiscally responsible for Upper Arlington, its citizens and the well being of the community.