Mayoral candidates speak out on Ashland economy
By Augie Kryger
Mayoral candidates Barbara Bishop and Mike Asmus last discussed their differing opinions on growth in Ashland. With growth, comes the need for an economic development plan for the city. The candidates shared some views on development, but also brought their individual ideas on how the future mayor should handle the economic situation in Ashland.
Asmus said the city is "an essential component" in economic development. He also said he thinks the city should be on the same page as groups within town.
"I think the civic or municipal aspect of the city of Ashland is an integral player." He said the whole community could help with the economic situation.
"Things like the school district and individual citizens are important in that effort," Asmus said.
Bishop said that a separate group should be created to address the city's economic needs.
"I think it's time to form a commission of elected officials, the Chamber of Commerce, groups and schools," she said.
The members of the community can also play a key role in development, according to Bishop. "We have talented residents that would be willing to give their time and effort if they saw implementation of an economic plan," Bishop said.
Development incentives can help communities grow and expand. Asmus said that they should continue to be offered and can help certain businesses. "It's important that we vie for economic development opportunities that the state offers," He said.
Bishop spoke less in favor of development incentives, such as Tax Incremental Financing. "There is a possibility that you could get hung out to dry," Bishop said. "On a smaller scale, it could be useful; on a large scale it could be dangerous."
This danger, according to Bishop, can come from towns having to compete for businesses to come. "I think you almost have business now acting like sports teams," she said. "It's a 'you don't give me bigger and better, I'll move' type of situation."
Both candidates agree that the number of people in a city largely determines the amount of businesses. "The magic number is population," Bishop said. "If you lure business in, you must have the people that will consume it."
Bishop also said she thinks part of the struggle of bringing new business comes from the location of Ashland. "The problem I see with Ashland is that we're in the middle of Columbia and Jefferson City, they can offer a lot to potential businesses," she said.
Asmus believes new business is already coming, citing Moser's grocery store, and the upcoming Dollar General as examples. He said the exponential growth of the residential population in Ashland is attracting business.
"What is driving that is some exceedingly well performing schools, which is a big interest for families with school-age children," Asmus said.
The home building industry is a major way that Ashland is getting new business, according to Asmus. "If you look at the home construction industry as a business, which it is, land prices continue to allow expansion of business development, which in this case, is the business of building homes." Asmus said.
The candidates looked at the mayor's direct role in economic development in different ways. Asmus said it's a fine line between working with paid city staff and making sure the work the city is doing keeps residents happy.
"I think the mayor specifically plays a significant role of being an emissary for the city working with different entities," he said. Asmus said he would continue to work in concert with the City Administrator. "It would be my role to assist, but certainly not to go in a different direction."
Bishop plans to take a more direct role in the city's economic development. "I would set the leadership role." Bishop said. "I would, with my talents, get all these folks together, set a goal and keep them on point."
Bishop also said that she's not satisfied with the availability of city officials. "I think it would be beneficial if the mayor and city administrator were available to businesses, instead of the city administrator relaying information from discussions," she said.
The Planning and Zoning long-range plan is an issue that both candidates agree is good for the city, and heading in the right direction.
Asmus is pleased with the maps and information gathered about the city, all a part of the plan. Asmus said he envisions mapped overlays of what builds a city. "You can react and work accordingly to where you see the growth occurring and be ahead of that curve, to where you can serve not just current, but future growth," he said.
Bishop said as mayor she would ensure the plan continues its progress. "I want look at the plan and make sure it happens as it should," she said.
The candidates both hold plans and designs for the economic development of Ashland. Asmus commended the work that has already been done.
"I believe the citizens and the people that have been appointed have provided a community that's ahead of the curve as far as planning for infrastructure and future growth," Asmus said. "And I think in the whole scope there have been a lot more successes that far outweigh any challenges we've had from time to time," he said.
Bishop, though pleased with Ashland's progress, said she would like to see some changes, but acknowledged it will time before any conclusions can be reached. "I don't have all the answers," she said. "If I did, I'd be a very rich woman."