The Nov. 7 general election ballot for City of Marietta residents will list “For Mayor” candidates Anne Labes, no party affiliation, and incumbent Joshua D. Schlicher, Republican.
There also will be a line provided for a write-in candidate.
As with other City of Marietta candidates, Schlicher and Labes both were asked to provide The Times with information concerning their occupational backgrounds; their time in city office, if applicable; the highlights of their most recent term of office, if applicable; and their thoughts about the upcoming term.
Labes did not provide information for this story. Schlicher’s answers are below.
The Washington County Board of Elections will count write-in votes cast for Ari Gold/David Labes, as his name is listed by the board. “Ari Gold” is the write-in candidate’s legal name now. “David Labes” is the candidate’s former name, which the board of elections filing also required. No other persons’ names listed on the write-in line will be counted as votes.
Joshua D. Schlicher, Republican, incumbent, Marietta City Mayor
Work-related background
Schlicher had a 23-year career in the construction business. His experience there, as well as legislative experience on city council, were a huge benefit prior to being elected mayor, he said. “It helped me fully understand everything from the basic maintenance projects to the massive infrastructure projects we have completed or have in the works.”
It also enabled him to identify and work through the process to update many city facilities, improve operations and delivery of services, and introduce new programs and initiatives such as the ALL-OUT ROLL-OUT program and ALL-OUT CLEAN-OUT initiative to help clean up the city and neighborhoods. “I also have had amazing city department leaders and staff that adapted to the changes and are striving to always improve services for our community and citizens,” he said.
Schlicher is the treasurer of the Mayor’s Association of Ohio and on its executive board. He also sits on six other boards at state, regional and local levels.
One of Schlicher’s roles with the city was his volunteer time on the Marietta Traffic Commission. “I joined in 2005 and served eight years and enjoyed it very much. Many of the members I served with have passed away but I remember like yesterday the fine gentlemen that immediately welcomed me and taught me how to serve the city with honor, integrity and professionalism. It was such an honor to serve with them.”
He served as an at-large member of council and served three terms as president of council. “My time on council allowed me to gain insight into the city operations as well as the complete legislative process. I also was able to serve as acting mayor and broaden my experience and history with the city. In 2020 I took the oath of office of mayor and have enjoyed working for the citizens of Marietta every day,” he said.
Highlights
The best way to describe highlights from his first four-year term is “change,” Schlicher said, and some of the many internal changes he accomplished were happening for the first time in 30 years. There were policy updates, hiring the city’s first human resources director, forming the Marietta Public Works Department and updating the city’s fleet of vehicles with new trucks and equipment. “This included all new police cars in two years, something that was needed and had never happened before,” he said.
The city’s annual carryover went from an average $1.2 million to $2.8 million his first year, he noted, and higher levels occurred every year after that. Big strides were made in updating city parks such as Washington Playground, Indian Acres and Hadley Field. There was updating of all police communications and the 911 system, plus purchase of the new $1.7 million fire tower truck and new utility trucks and medic units for the fire department. The Aquatic Center was updated with new floor and equipment, the first time since it was built in 2004, Schlicher said.
The code enforcement department was streamlined with a modern reporting system, Schlicher said, and numerous improvements to the city were initiated with $9.7 million in ARPA funds. The first phase of the East Muskingum Park renovation was completed.
“I am very proud of my first term accomplishments and very proud of all the employees, consultants, contractors and volunteers who made it all possible.”
Focus on the next four
“Four years have gone by quickly…too quickly. Many of our large projects take so long to get into start mode that a four-year term is just a beginning. I feel that I am just getting started on some major transformative projects for our city,” Schlicher said.
“I was able to make monumental changes in the way the city does business in my first term.
I am running for re-election to see our massive water treatment plant construction finished and to assist with completion of about $40 million of private development that’s in the planning stage.”
In addition, Schlicher said, there is a RAISE grant (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) that has been awarded for $1 million for design and engineering for downtown revitalization, including a downtown parking garage. The city has just begun that process and selected an engineering firm. A $25 million-plus construction grant will be submitted next year.
The city is also planning for a massive Ohio River Levee project, including the Lock One Park, working with the Ohio Department of Development. The Levee and Lock One Park projects have been selected by lead applicants as part of the Governor’s Appalachian Community Grant Program. The projects are estimated to be around $15 million, Schlicher said. “I will continue to improve and address the needs of our community by proactive planning.”
A massive Americans with Disabilities Act update to the 304 Putnam St. city building and parking lot is in the works, along with an eventual Fire Station 1 addition and the arrival of the city’s new tower truck. “There are still hundreds of other smaller projects I want to see completed including infrastructure, police and fire upgrades, sidewalks and specialty needs,” he said.
A blight and revitalization program has just started this year with the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority to revitalize a large portion of certain neighborhoods.
“I am unable to list the long list of projects in the works or planned, but I am excited to continue to work for our city every day and hope to continue to do so,” Schlicher said.
Nancy Taylor can be reached at [email protected]
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