Local Jewish News

My name is Phil Atkin. I am running for Mayor of UH.

I have been a member of the Shteibel, and Chabad. I have lived here in University Heights 30 years amidst a sea of beautiful homes. All those years I watched the major issues- high taxes and the expensive failing public school system, remain the same, never addressed, always ignored, only getting worse.

Miraculously, about 5 years ago everything changed when the state of Ohio inaugurated the voucher system for districts with failed school systems. Soon, people started moving here from all over the US and abroad to take advantage of the program. Then I’d see houses being enlarged, or upgraded, even brand new homes built. Home values appreciated. Restaurants and groceries opened. Formerly empty streets became full of children.

Even with this radical change, there was still no involvement by the Mayor or council. No one took a leadership position favoring the revolution going on. No one advocated guidance or expansion of the program. NO LEADERSHIP came forward for the most important factor in the life and growth of the city. No one advocated programs for the children mired in the failing school system. No one demanded improvement or alternatives for schooling, as we watched our tax rates reach near the top of the nation. No one advocated that empty schools be used by packed parochial schools, who didn’t have room to accept more students.

When the education committee of the Ohio Senate held hearings on the voucher system this past spring, they came under attack by greedy teachers unions and Public School advocates (like the Mayor). Where were our elected leaders then? Were they in Columbus touting the enormous benefits of the vouchers on our city and how there would be even greater benefits if the voucher program and school choice was expanded …. The Leaders were not there!…None of them! We almost lost the vouchers !

We need leadership to represent our needs, – not make excuses, not ignore them. THE RESIDENTS OWN THE CITY, NOT THE OFFICE HOLDERS OR THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. RESIDENTS NEEDS COME FIRST! The Mayor’s job is to fight for the needs and rights of the residents.

I have a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning and went to architecture school. I worked as a senior planner for the Buffalo area regional planning board, was Director of Urban Design Services for a large engineering firm, was the planning and zoning consultant for municipalities in Western N.Y., and consultant for the Seneca Nation of Indians. I have been an award winning builder in N.Y. and Ohio. I designed and built the Chabad Center in Beachwood, condos in Clev.Hgts., Renovations in Ohio City and much more.

I want to address the important issues I mentioned, as well as bring some professionalism to the conduct of the city for the benefit of its residents. I would work with city staff to review and upgrade services. I would support our police department. I would happily work with council to respond to resident’s needs – Turning Difficulties Into Opportunities.

My website – Phil Atkin For Mayor is https://100580.campaignpartner.net. my email is atkin4uh@gmail.com