Magic City Neighbors Episode 2 - Mayor William Judge

Welcome to the Magic City Neighbors on the Mic Episode 2. When he heard about the podcast, Barberton Mayor William Judge instantly called us wanting to have the chance to sit down and talk.  So, we took him up on it.  As lifelong resident and the mayor, he's got an interesting perspective and love for the city. We talked about everything from roads to bowling balls and had a lot of laughs in between. We hope that you enjoy this conversation just as much as we did. 
   
Thanks to Pedal Stomper Productions  for sponsoring this episode. 
www.pedalstomperproductions.com
If you'd like to sponsor an upcoming episode, let us know with a comment or through the Pedal Stomper Productions website. 
Who do you think we should have on as our next guest?

Transcript

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Hey, everyone. Welcome back to Magic City. Neighbors on the Mic. I am Josh I’m Jack And this week, our guest is the mayor of Barberton, Mr. William Judge. We'll be back in a second. We're going to hear from him. We got a lot of great stuff for you. Hey everyone, welcome back. As I said, we're super excited for this episode. This is going to be a lot of fun in this. This weeks sponsor is once again Pedal Stomper Productions, anything from senior portraits to corporate videos to yes, even video podcast studios like Right in Here, Pedal Stomper Productions is your photo and video partner visit WWW.PedalStomperProductions.com today for more information and we'll have their link in the description or show notes of today's show. So as I said, I am Josh Troche I'm the owner of Pedal Stomper Productions and one of the hosts of Magic City Neighbors on the mic. And next to me we have. I'm Jack Hornak I'm a student at Barberton high school. I am a senior. And yeah. That's that's you. That's really that is me indeed. And across the table from us, we have Mayor Judge, thanks for being here today. We really appreciate it. And it seems like you have an affinity for Barberton. Is that is that a reasonable assumption? You know, born and raised here, love Barberton, love pretty much everything about it. That's that. That seems accurate. That seems that. Sounds like in this area. Yeah. Yeah. I will take that as a definition. That's so I mean with that you have a unique perspective and view with the city because you've been here for so long. I mean, you've been here forever, according to you, that that gives you a unique perspective from both a resident and as the mayor. I mean, whether you're mayor, police chief, fire chief, I mean, anyone in a city position has a different perspective. So what what do you see in on around the city that you think a lot of other people don't? You know, it's sometimes hard when you're from a place to when you're driving down the street and you see the same things over and over again. You know, may not recognize that things have changed or maybe you recognize that things need to change. So I like to get different perspectives and I like to take a step back and review my own perspective of what's going on. So whether that's building wise, education wise, economic development, whatever that is, and I'd like to get that outside perspective as well. So there's a lot of great things going on. And for the public, I think it's interesting and it's necessary to understand there's a process to do everything. Paving Street Streets has been an issue since I started on City Council in 2004. You know, one, we live in northeast Ohio, right? That that leads into my next question nicely, because my next question, I mean, and look, we want to highlight the positives. A lot of our roads are rapidly looking like wagon trails in the Old West is is the good example that I was giving. But I mean, I know you've had a number of announcements of paving projects coming up, which I mean is great. We want to highlight that. But we've also seen that it's taken a while to get some of those going. So what what takes some of that time with that? So, you know, looking back historically, there were previous mayors, not that beating up on any other mayor. Yeah, but previous mayors who didn't have the resources to pave any streets. And so we would go years without paving in the streets. And again, not beating up on other mayors. But we when I got in office, I understood how how the process worked to get federal grant money for our streets. Well, you have to have money kind of in the bank, a designated revenue source. So I went out to the the voters and said, let's increase the income tax and it'll go to a special fund only for our streets, not wages or anything like that. And, you know, coming out my first time as mayor and asking for a tax increase is not a popular thing right. I really do want to get reelected. But, you. Know, new taxes, new tax, Right. That doesn't bode well. But, you know, the residents passed it and so we went on a rampage, very aggressive in applying for federal grants. And unfortunately, when you get the grant award, it takes five or six years for the money to actually come into your bank account. Right. So this year is a special year because everything we applied for five or six years ago and was awarded, you know, upwards of $21 million will be spent on our roads starting this year. And typically we spend a million and a half to 2 million. So instead of complaining about potholes this year, people are going to complain about orange barrels, right? Well. Now we need something to gripe about. I mean, that's we would be upset if we didn't have something to gripe about as people. Well, the other thing is, you know, I worked for the State Department when I was in college. I worked last summer. There was an asphalt plant in South Barberton. So it would literally take you 20 minutes to load up a box of asphalt to go patch holes. Now, that has closed, you know, that's been closed for many years. We have to go to North Akron or down to Marshall Ville. So now that trip is an hour, hour and a half. So that adds to the length of time it takes just to repair the roads. So and we want to make sure that we're making the right repairs. We're not just not just not making it, you know, flat and smooth, but we're making sure that the underground utilities are taken care of as well, which can take more time. Yeah, but we're going to see a transformation this year that's not going to cure every road. It's not going to. But there's going to be a transformation this year. And Uncle Sam's picking up about 80% of the cost. That saves tax dollars for people. So if it's a $10 million project and they're picking up, 80% of it can't go wrong. Now, that's that's and to me, that's that's what's interesting to me is because so much of that is coming from funds from outside of Barberton. I mean, we're getting new roads without necessarily having to foot the bill for them, but we had to have some money in the bank first to show that, hey, yeah, we can afford to do this right. And this these grants are competitive so they're not guaranteed. And so, you know, this, this agency and these get grant programs have been around since 1977. Oh, wow. And so from 1977 till 2011, the city received about seven and a half million dollars in federal grants. I came into office in 2012 and since 2012 to what's been awarded to us, but maybe not received right, you know, closer to $20 million. That's a chunk. Yeah. Yeah, a. Much shorter amount of time. Yeah. That's a chunk of change that I mean, to me that that's a big difference. That's I mean when we're able to get roads without paying for them fully, but we just got to be a little bit patient. That's what it sounds. Like and it's tough. How do you how do you go out to residents say, hey, we're going to fix that road that we know is bad in five years? Yeah, it doesn't make sense. Yeah. And that's why I tell people this makes zero sense to you, makes zero sense to me. But these are the rules we have to play. If if you if you want to pay for it, we can fix it next year. If you want someone else to pay for it, it'll take us four or five years. Well, and so the city of Akron and I'm not beating up on Akron, but this is a fact, right? They increased their income tax for roads as well. Okay. But they still assess residents. So if you live and work in Akron and they're paving a road, you're paying twice. Ouch. So we don't assess our residents. And I told council, hey, if that's the direction you want to go, I'm not in favor of that. But yeah, you'll get more roads done. But double taxation. Oh, so yeah, no thanks. Yeah. Yes. Avenue was cruciate. It. That's a hard pass for me. That's, that's a that's a hard pass. Jack, you've got some unique. Perspectives here where I am. Yeah. Like in the school as a senior barber did. And what was it like for you, like, when you were a senior? Well, Jack, that was so long ago there. Dinosaurs around outside. And I was in the dinosaur Dinosaur high school. But we had a tunnel underneath the street connecting the two schools. It was cold in the winter time and hot in the summertime. Uphill both ways, I'm assuming. Yes, Yes. Purpose. So, you know, it was great. You know, there is the pride is huge in Barberton, whether that's in an athletic event or a club or theater or something like that. And that pride is still there. And what I love about that pride in Barberton and being through going through the schools and playing sports and being in Key Club and all that is, you know, I'll go all over the place Florida, Michigan, within the state, outside of the state, and people know Barberton and I don't think that's true for a lot of communities. Yeah, that's big. And I always call Barberton a community. That's a city. Right. And just just great stories went to school, some great people that have done some amazing things. And that's one reason when I got in the mayor's office, I wanted to start a Walk of Fame over by the theater because there's Barberton fans who've done amazing things for the betterment of people's lives. And let's recognize and let's not focus on the negative all the time, right? Yeah, No, that makes perfect sense. And then another one like topping off on that. What are your favorite qualities about Barberton? It stand out like your specific alley in our community compared to other cities or communities. You know, the grit and determination, the hard work effort. That's always been a part of our kind of bloodline here in Barberton. There's something special about Barberton people, whether it's the purple or it's in the water or whatever you want to call it, that grit, determination. So it's in the water and the water hasn't I haven't seen purple water yet waiting on. It's still it's coming soon. You know, for the 130th anniversary, we try to get purple water. We talked to the same company that does the green water up in Chicago for the St Patrick's Day parade. Yeah, and the formula just didn't work in Lake Ana. Yeah, Really? Yeah. Just keeps going to the bottom. It's bottomless, right? It's going straight through, going somewhere. It's Lake Erie or somewhere, Right. That will end up in that cloud that you bolt. Yeah. We don't want that. Something like that that No Dave Placek mentioned That's, that's an interesting one. So we've got some more rapid fire questions for you too, that these will maybe elicit some different responses and probably some laughs one way. Okay. Okay, you ready? Good. Good to see if you need to stretch. We're good. So that age thing. Yeah, right, Right. Yeah, You'll understand. Take a nap here in a minute. Get worn out.

Yeah. Ready for my 4: 11:13

00 dinner? Right. Right, right. We got to get the early bird specials. Yes. Will Chicken Fest return? No, because Chicken Fest is actually trademarked. No kidding. Really? Never Would a guest, huh? No. So we're working on a festival for the spring. We can't call it Chicken Fest because that's trademark. And that happened. I think the city had Chicken Fest back in the nineties and that kind of went away and someone had the thought bright idea and fortitude of Let's trademark this. So we can't do that. But I think something will return. Interesting. Interesting. So chicken palooza, I don't know. It's sounds good to me. That sounds like somewhere I want to be at and then with Dagger Park so getting a new skatepark in the new restrooms, would you do a kickflip for us and skate there? So we have been looking at this since 2012 when I became mayor and there's a lot of twists and turns and things like that that that happened, but it's come to fruition now. I had told the kids at the time, at that time, 12 years ago, yes, I would get on a skateboard. A little bit different now. For many reasons. I don't currently use a walker. I don't want to use a walker to get financing. But, you know what? I'm always up for a challenge to. A Yeah. I'll get on one. If you get on one. Might have to make it happen. All right. Do you already skate then? No, I never have in my life. And I've been too scared to ever touch a board, so I probably. Should have asked that before I committed to it. Yeah. No. Now I'm going to have to teach myself how to. So we both can. I was about to say we will call Dave Polar, check back and tell him. Dave, you need to have two ambulances ready. Yes, yes. Yes, I agree. So in this area, summer, winter, spring or fall? My favorite. Yeah. Every 5 minutes is different. It's a new every day. Yes. And I mean, we're talking about this in the spring, so I get that. But if you had to pick one. You know, I love the snowfall. I wish you it snowed like for my kids now, like it did when I was a kid. Again, walking up the hill, you know, two miles both ways. I love the heat. I love being outside and being active. So I'm going to go with Summer. Good call. I'm with you. I am, too. Yeah. Yeah. But again, I mean. That's why we're under this light. It's like 800 degrees in here. And so we're. Good. We like our feels. Yeah, right, Right. And, um, also, again, touching with my age and stuff. What would be your fondest childhood location, do you think, in Barberton when you were growing up? Yeah, I grew up at the park. My bicycle was my freedom and we would go from park to park playing sports and just hanging out and having a good time. But Lake Ann has always been kind of that destination and where, you know, I still go there to work to run and I learned to fish there. But it's great just to sit on a bench and just watch it, you know, enjoy it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's so. And I tell everybody how great our original roundabout is, You know, we're the original founders of the roundabout, right? Nobody knows us, right? And just, just it's a natural glacier lake, you know, which is pretty unique. Yeah. But yeah, we're very fortunate and Lake Ann is just kind of been that spot. Nice. Nice. Yeah. We have our questions now that we're asking everyone. And the one I'm always going to ask is what is your favorite Barberton folklore slash tall tale slash rumor? Dave Check. He was the last one and he said that there is a German U-boats in the lake and somewhere because it's bottomless. That came over. So what is your favorite tall tale from Barberton? I don't have a favorite tall tale, but I know a truth about Lake Allen. Let's hear this. We're game truth. As I know it. Right? So bowling has always been real big in this region. Yeah, right. Huge. So I heard a rumor that. And it makes zero sense that if you scored a 300, rolled a 300 game, you would throw your ball in Lake Emma, which makes zero sense because, you know, most. People are like. Superstitious. Exactly. So there could be a bunch of bowling balls in that U-boat. I don't know. That sunk it. That's why we can't see it any. More than. That. We're on the money. It's exactly what happened. Yes. So there's a bunch of bowling balls in a U-boat. U-boat in the bottom of lake in is what I think we just started. You just started something new for the podcast in saying we are going to have to combine all of the folklore slash rumors. On top of each others. I think that's going to be our new thing. So I think you just started that. For us, right? I am of the generation. I'm of the age that you could swim in Lake Ghana. Really? I was that. I never saw any bowling balls. I never went down deep enough. When I did go underwater, I did always come up good in Barberton. I didn't show up in Lake Erie or Portage Lakes or something. Just across the world. Yeah, that's good. And you know, but health wise, everything's fine, you. Know, Love it. And what do you see as a future for Barrington? So and like, what do you think the bright spots are and like where we're headed in the next 10 to 15. Years, you know, downtown is really taking off. I mean, who thought that we would have a podcast in downtown, right? Yeah. The arts entertainment district is growing. You've got a coffee shop that is just bustling. You've got breweries, you've got restaurants, you've got unique shops, and there's a lot more on the horizon that's going to happen starting this year. So it's a very exciting year and we're looking at more downtown living. We are on the radar for developers from all the way, you know, south of Columbus from other states north the Cleveland and everyone around here. And so it's an exciting time right now, a real paradigm shift. And we're trying to make the best decisions that we can. And we're getting a lot of input. But, you know, one thing is I'm not getting younger. I don't want to shock you. I'm not getting younger. But we need young people like you to to stay here in Barberton, right? This isn't Florida. It's not a retirement community. We are an age friendly community, but we are. We need young people here. I'll be here until my parents kick me out. Well, you know. And I know they watch the podcasts that that could have made that sooner. Yeah, that could be tomorrow. That could be. Sorry, Mom and Dad. I love you guys. A little too late. Yeah, that's. We got to cut. That right now that stay there. But on that note, to me, that seems like a great way to end that. I really want to thank you for spending the time with us today. We both. Appreciate it. Thank you. Yes, you we're we're looking forward to seeing more. Once again, guys, make sure you subscribe, make sure you like this. Share this with all of your Barberton neighbors or any neighbors or just any friends you may have. We don't have any friends, so go ahead and share them with yours and we will see you guys very soon. Thanks again. Thanks.