Values
Guiding principles for how Jon would represent Ward 2
We can’t know what votes will come before Council in the next two years, but you can know the things I value. If you see yourself reflected in the statements below, then please vote for me to be your Ward 2 representative on Council.
Families First
My “North Star” for any decision will be: Do I think this will make Norwood a more family-friendly place where kids can have an independent childhood and adults can age gracefully in place?
It’s a simple question, but there’s a lot baked into it, including:
Public safety
Walkable amenities
Strong social fabric
Fiscal sustainability
Great schools
and so much more
Watching dozens of Council meetings over the years, I’ve always felt like the city lacked a North Star for decision making, so I want to be clear about my compass.
Playing to Norwood’s Strengths
Our gem of a community has an abundance of assets, including:
Central location
Gorgeous homes
Passionate, caring residents
A thriving university
Wasson Way and the potential to expand it
Destination shopping and dining (Rookwood + Factory 52)
Robust transit
and the list goes on…
That said, sometimes I feel like we miss chances to integrate these assets and find the 1+1=3 opportunities. I want to be intentional about maximizing all of Norwood’s abundant gifts and doubling down on what’s already working well.
Being true to Norwood’s DNA
Norwood’s built environment goes back to the late 1800s and early 1900s with many homes built before the mass adoption of cars. As a result, we have a close-knit community, literally and figuratively!
According to WalkScore.com, Norwood is the #2 most walkable city in the State of Ohio.
Believe it or not, of the 900+ municipalities in Ohio, Norwood ranks in the top-10 for population density ahead of big cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. In fact, Norwood is 3x denser than suburbs like Mason, West Chester, or Milford.
To summarize: Norwood is more of a “near-in neighborhood” than a sprawling suburb. I will lean into and celebrate Norwood’s density and work to strengthen its identity as a near-in neighborhood.
Norwood Pride
The Gem Of The Highlands nickname comes from the great natural beauty that was found in Norwood in the late 1800s, especially in contrast to the hustle, bustle, and pollution of downtown Cincinnati.
In this spirit, we must aspire to be a municipality that IS and DOES everything the City of Cincinnati cannot: Be small, agile, responsive, relational, caring, and accessible. Our contrast is part of our brightness!
Pursuing Prosperous Partnerships
As our shine draws attention from others, we must remember this:
Just because Norwood is its own city doesn’t mean we have to do things on our own. When there’s an opportunity to engage with the OKI Regional Council of Governments, SORTA, Xavier University, Alloy Development Co., The Port, Cincy USA Regional Chamber, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, etc… I want to proactively seek out those connections. Although relations have improved in recent years, Norwood took an isolationist stance for far too long.
Local Solutions
I believe in local and regional solutions as an antidote for a chaotic national political climate. Since 96+ percent of my time is spent within a three-mile radius of my home in Norwood, I think that 96+ percent of our energies should be put into the things we CAN accomplish in our communities with our neighbors.
Engaging the local electorate
The last time Norwood had a non-mayoral election, fewer than 20% of registered voters cast a ballot. Building on the work I did with the Move Norwood Forward podcast, I hope to continue to engage and educate residents about local government and topics such as:
What local government is responsible for
Why our city government is set up the way it is
Who does what and in what capacity (part-time electeds vs. full-time employees)
How to get involved
A welcoming community
I love that Norwood is a real place with real people. I value that my kid isn’t going to grow up in a bubble, but on a street that has empty nesters, young families, Spanish speakers, renters, engineers, devout Catholics, neurodiverse kids, multigenerational residents, Fortune 500 employees…you name it. And because of that diversity, he’s going to be better equipped to navigate the world as he grows up. I hope that for every Norwood resident, regardless of their age, background, and abilities.
Enabling the American Dream
Within reason, people should be able to live life on their own terms and pursue their version of happiness. I wouldn’t want Norwood City Council to govern like an HOA that nickel-and-dimes people with petty rules. I aspire to find a balance between preserving individual liberties and protecting the public good, community assets, and our collective wellbeing.
Robust Police-Fire Relations with the Community
In order for residents to pursue their dreams, they have to feel safe. Norwood makes a huge investment in public safety, spending 65.74% of the 2024 municipal budget on those services. I want to be proactive in working with Fire Chief McCabe and Police Chief Sumner to foster the most productive working relationship we can. In fact, I have already spent time at the Fire House and the Police Station to learn first-hand about the work these departments do.
A Healthy Environment
Part of the “Gem of the Highlands” nickname has to do with Norwood’s trees and great natural beauty.
I will be a champion for trees, parks, clean water, litter reduction, healthy soil, and spaces to walk and exercise.
Paid for by Moore For Norwood, 2219 Adams Ave, Norwood, OH 45212. Content created by the candidate.