Letter to the Editor
The Repository
Canton, Ohio
January 4, 2005
The idea to create the position of economic development director for the City of North Canton began during the months leading up to the fall 2003 elections. Economic development is important to any community and it was certainly the popular thing to discuss in last fall’s campaign, given the ongoing exodus of the Hoover Company. Just about every candidate jumped on the economic bandwagon, and endorsed the hiring of an economic development director.
What would an individual demand in compensation to head up economic development for a city the size of North Canton? The City of Canton used a search firm to spend upwards of $50,000 to find a qualified individual who is paid $80,000.
But North Canton faces issues far different from those faced by Canton. North Canton has no vacant industrial parks. It has no industrial park. Without expansion of its borders, there is no possibility of anything resembling an industrial park or an office park, so what would you expect from a full-time economic development director? Given the lack of real estate in North Canton for development, the city’s only option is to enhance its retail business on Main Street.
Given North Canton’s efforts in this regard, I propose the following:
First, North Canton should fund its economic development efforts through the North Canton Chamber of Commerce with financial support authorized by city council.
Second, I would highly urge that the office of mayor be made a full-time position. With a full-time mayor, the city gains additional prestige and the citizens gain a mayor who would be made more accountable. Economic development for any city should begin with a mayor who is ready to focus all his time and energy for the city he is expected to serve.
Chuck Osborne
Resident
City of North Canton
