GAMBIER — Two new members will be welcomed to the Gambier Village Council after voters decide Nov. 5.
Three residents are running for those open spots on council — Harold Ballard, Morgan Giles and Barbara Kakiris.
He feels that background will help him bring “reason and logical decision making” to council.
The biggest issue he sees facing Gambier is a plan for the future, especially when it comes to zoning. The village strategic plan committee has been working to develop a plan and are currently in the final stages of the first phase of that plan.
“I would build on these efforts to develop a plan that protects important characteristics of the village and addresses current and future needs of the village,” he said.
Giles hopes to see the future bring “A flourishing small village that is attractive to residents, college students, tourists and small businesses. A community that embraces the arts and outdoors.”
Kakiris is a Kenyon graduate who has worked in public affairs and event management for the NASA Glenn Research Center. She moved back to Gambier in 2012 and has been active in many boards, including New Directions, Living United and NAMI.
“I believe being active in the community is the best way to live,” Kakiris said.
She said quality of life is the biggest issue facing Gambier residents.
“We have people raising families and we are becoming more diverse. I want to make sure the amenities that everyone needs are here,” she said. “I’d like it (Gambier) to not be the best kept secret and I’d live to see Gambier and Knox County and Mount Vernon have a better economic engine.
“We have a lot of things that are attractive to visitors and businesses. We could work smarter and better, letting others know about it.”
Ballard, currently a member of the Gambier Village Council, was unavailable for comment.
