I did a search for what one should expect from their city council person. I’ll show you the list further down, but here is what it didn’t say:

Ridicule your residents. They don’t know what they are talking about.

Call engaged residents a small loud minority. Then disregard their feedback.

Take advice only from your administration. They know what’s best.

Don’t do your own homework. Information from your mayor and law director are all you need to know. Besides, we know you have jobs outside council.

Call the question if you feel the objective is in danger. Discussion only muddies your progress.

Here is what my search said a councilman SHOULD do:

Be accessible. Provide a reliable way for residents to contact them and respond to calls, emails, and messages—even when they disagree with the resident.

* Listen before deciding. Seek constituent input before major votes rather than explaining the decision only afterward.

* Ask questions publicly. Council meetings should allow residents to understand why money is being spent, ordinances are needed, contracts are being approved, or zoning is being changed.

* Do independent homework. Read legislation, contracts, budgets, staff reports, zoning proposals, and supporting documents instead of relying exclusively on the administration’s recommendation.

* Represent constituents—not the administration. A council member can work cooperatively with a mayor and city staff while still independently scrutinizing their proposals.

* Help residents navigate government. When someone has a problem involving streets, utilities, zoning, permits, police, code enforcement, public records, or another city service, the council member should help identify the right department and follow up when appropriate.

* Explain their votes. Especially on controversial or expensive matters, constituents deserve to know the reasoning behind a yes or no vote.

* Watch the taxpayers’ money. Question expenditures, contracts, borrowing, long-term obligations, and whether projects provide sufficient public benefit.

* Protect transparency. Encourage open discussion, adequate public notice, accessible records, meaningful public comment, and sufficient time for residents to understand major proposals.

* Bring constituent concerns into council deliberations. A council member shouldn’t merely receive complaints privately; recurring or significant concerns should inform questions, legislation, committee work, and policy.

* Communicate regularly. Updates after meetings, explanations of upcoming issues, office hours, neighborhood meetings, newsletters, or social media can keep residents informed.

* Accept disagreement. Representation doesn’t mean doing whatever the loudest group demands, but it does mean taking opposing views seriously and being willing to explain why the council member ultimately chose differently.

We have election coming up. We can change our direction and keep a family oriented and fiscally sound city.

Stop electing Economic Development ,JobsOhio and RGP yes men. Vote for people who love our community and love our charming brand.

Data. Enter discussion MARION township

1. This post is not a mega Data Center - the parcel is only 2.633 acres - it may be a booster facility but the goal to my understanding was this is a connector to get to Columbus
2. My understanding is “they had to have” which is probably why they paid $323,000 for 2.633 acres
3. The new owner is US Signal Properties LLC out of Grqnd Rapid MI and they are a data center business
4. FINDLAY HANCOCK CO Economic Development put this deal together - remember the are a PRIVATE BUSINESS
5. NEIGHBORING communities especially those heading down 23/15 to Columbus have your ears perked for a Data Center conversations or more smaller boosters

Thank you to Economic Director Matt Cordonnier for encouraging city council members to table the zoning code proposal until the October meeting. Safety Service Director Rob Martin, Councilmen Wagner and DeArment along with Mayor Muryn wanted legislation in place before October. Since there is a moratorium on data centers until April of 2027, THERE IS NO RUSH.

As existing data centers around the state expand, cities are tightening their rules. Findlay benefits by learning from the weaknesses found in other zoning codes. That is a great use of the moratorium,

Many amendments have been added to the proposed Findlay data center zoning code. Important protections have been added and some language has changed from MAY to SHALL so there is less room for favors. Mr. Cordonnier even explained to the committee members that this conditional use gives council an easy way to say NO to an unwanted development.

The comprehensive proposal will be discussed at the Data Center Zoning Town Hall, September 22nd at 6pm at Goose Hall Event Center. Hosted by Put It On The Ballot Findlay. Please plan to attend.

For now, we have a short pause as the public learns more as well as our elected officials and city administrators.

Updated code:

https://www.findlayohio.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/19631