Economic Development

Progressive economic development is the lifeblood of a municipality. Without an overall direction and focused effort in this area Ravenna is relying on individuals’ connections and a bit of luck. For Ravenna to make money from business and grow the overall income tax base, we will need to spend money to recruit and retain them. Recruitment and retention are very long term goals with substantial payoffs if done properly. Ravenna is in an economic competition with other surrounding communities. These communities have economic development departments with established incentives and long term plans and goals. Ravenna needs to take the leap and create an economic development department and set clear direction and expectations for its staff with milestones along the way. The longer we wait the further behind economically Ravenna becomes.

Fantastic Planning ODOT

I was utterly astonished to travel home Tuesday down Route 44 South from the Ohio Turnpike in turnpike into Ravenna to see construction signs being posted. Apparently ODOT decided to resurface Route 44 between Ravenna and Shalersville at the exact same time that State Route 14 between Ravenna and Streetsboro is closed. I can understand the need to resurface Route 44, but who in their right mind would schedule the work to be done at the same time as the Route 14 closure? ODOT posted Route 44 as the detour for Route 14 which increased the traffic load considerably between Ravenna and Shalersville. So today on my way to the Ohio Turnpike I sat, along with the additional traffic from Route 14 for over 10 minutes while the construction continued. We were all late for work. Excellent planning!