Latest news with #NewarkCityCouncil
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Licking County program takes unique approach to dealing with homelessness
NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) — Amid rising homelessness in central Ohio, Newark city leaders have introduced a new initiative aimed at helping nonviolent offenders who are experiencing homelessness. HOME court stands for Housing Opportunities through Municipal Engagement. The special diversion court is a voluntary, pre-conviction court designed to first address emergency housing, then look at services that will keep people housed and help get them back on their feet, with the ultimate goal of dismissing the charges against them. Newark City Law Director Tricia Moore and assistant law director Melanie Timmerman created HOME court after Newark City Council passed a camping ban in October of last year. New 'The Office' spinoff series to be set in Ohio 'If we don't treat the enforcement of those ordinances in a way that solves the problem, we're just moving people around and they're leaving our system the same way they came in,' Moore said. The ban criminalizes public camping, classifying it as a misdemeanor that could result in fines and jail time. That decision drew criticism from community members who argued it unfairly targets unhoused people. 'We've worked to build partnerships with almost 30 community organizations who have said, 'Yes, we want to partner,'' Timmerman said. 'So, we try to connect that individual through their action plan with services that they need that are identified as being beneficial for them to address some of the issues that led to their being homeless.' Magistrate Teresa Liston oversees HOME court cases. She comes from an extensive background in eviction court. 'People leave here with children, pets, their possessions and have absolutely no place to go,' Liston said. 'You then come to understand homelessness in a very different way.' Liston took on extra work with HOME court because she said she believes in it. 'Here's an opportunity where we can take criminal justice,' Liston said. 'The players within criminal justice and turn this into an opportunity for the community's general health.' Ohioans get green light to collect signatures to get property tax issue on ballot In Liston's second-ever HOME court case Wednesday morning, she asked the program participant if she wanted a lawyer. 'She said 'No,' she was totally comfortable with the team, and she felt totally confident that this process would give her what she needs right now,' Liston said. 'This is a mother of four who has no home.' That was Moore's goal for the program. 'I want to restore humanity,' Moore said. 'I want to restore dignity, and I want to restore them back into our society in the manner that they deserve to be restored to.' HOME court doesn't use probation officers. Instead, it looks at each individual case to tailor the program to that person's needs. 'We're trying to avoid the appearance of criminalizing or penalizing people for being homeless,' Moore said. 'So, we're using someone who is more like a social worker to monitor their progress so it's less intimidating.' According to leaders, since it's expanded countywide for the first time, HOME court will be able to provide real data on homelessness, something the county lacked before to the program. 'That can help the leaders in this community make decisions for the future of a community that is growing rapidly, and they need that information to make the decisions the public can trust them to make,' Liston said. Leaders hope this shows people the criminal justice system is not an enemy, but an ally. 'We know that the work ahead of us is large, and we're not going to be able to save everybody,' Moore said. 'But if we can change one person, it changes the whole community.' HOME court is held every Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Licking County Municipal Court. Each participant also receives a free boxed lunch. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former longtime New Jersey mayor who was convicted in corruption probe dies at 89
Sharpe James, the charismatic, longest-serving mayor of Newark whose political accomplishments were marred by a corruption conviction, has died. He was 89. James died Sunday evening, according to his son, John Sharpe James, a former Newark City Council member. After entering politics, James never lost an election. The Democrat was first elected to public office in 1970, winning a Newark City Council seat. He won the mayor's seat in 1986 by beating Kenneth Gibson, who had held the post for 16 years. James was reelected four times, serving 20 years overall as mayor before deciding not to run in 2006 after initially saying he would. That decision came four years after his contentious but successful mayoral run against then-City Councilman Cory Booker, which was chronicled in the Oscar-nominated documentary film 'Street Fight.' As James' political career wound down, he became the focus of a federal investigation and was convicted in 2008 on charges that he abused his mayoral office by steering city-owned land to his girlfriend. He served 18 months in federal prison. Booker, now a US senator, replaced James as Newark's mayor. 'Sharpe James was a beloved pillar of our shared community, serving the City of Newark for two decades as mayor and giving nearly four decades of his life to public service. I am deeply saddened by his passing,' Booker said in a statement. As mayor, James became a larger-than-life figure and one of the state's most powerful politicians. He led high-profile efforts to attract development to downtown Newark and supported building an arena in Newark. The arena plan eventually came to fruition when the Prudential Center opened in 2007. Critics called James flamboyant, citing his brash behavior and desire to draw attention to himself. They also claimed that he lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of taxpayers, noting accusations that he racked up thousands of dollars on city credit cards for personal expenses and travel. James strongly denied claims that he led a corrupt political machine. He had repeatedly faced allegations of questionable campaign tactics, including alleged use of the police force for his own purposes and intimidating supporters of his opponents. While still serving as mayor, James was appointed to the New Jersey Senate in 1999 following the death of Sen. Wynona Lipman. He won an election later that year to complete her unexpired term and went on to win two full terms. James remained as Newark's mayor while serving in the Legislature. Supporters noted that holding the two posts was allowed under state law.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Former longtime New Jersey mayor who was convicted in corruption probe dies at 89
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Sharpe James, the charismatic longest-serving mayor of Newark whose political accomplishments were marred by a corruption conviction, has died. He was 89. James died Sunday evening, according to his son, John Sharpe James, a former Newark City Council member. After entering politics, James never lost an election. The Democrat was first elected to public office in 1970, winning a Newark City Council seat. He won the mayor's seat in 1986 by beating Kenneth Gibson, who had held the post for 16 years. James was reelected four times, serving 20 years overall as mayor before deciding not to run in 2006 after initially saying he would. That decision came four years after his contentious but successful mayoral run against then-City Councilman Cory Booker, which was chronicled in the Oscar-nominated documentary film 'Street Fight.' As James' political career wound down, he became the focus of a federal investigation and was convicted in 2008 on charges that he abused his mayoral office by steering city-owned land to his girlfriend. He served 18 months in federal prison. Booker, now a U.S. senator, replaced James as Newark's mayor. 'Sharpe James was a beloved pillar of our shared community, serving the City of Newark for two decades as mayor and giving nearly four decades of his life to public service. I am deeply saddened by his passing,' Booker said in a statement. As mayor, James became a larger-than-life figure and one of the state's most powerful politicians. He led high-profile efforts to attract development to downtown Newark and supported building an arena in Newark. The arena plan eventually came to fruition when the Prudential Center opened in 2007. Critics called James flamboyant, citing his brash behavior and desire to draw attention to himself. They also claimed that he lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of taxpayers, noting accusations that he racked up thousands of dollars on city credit cards for personal expenses and travels. James strongly denied claims that he led a corrupt political machine. He had repeatedly faced allegations of questionable campaign tactics, including alleged use of the police force for his own purposes and intimidating supporters of his opponents. While still serving as mayor, James was appointed to the New Jersey Senate in 1999 following the death of Sen. Wynona Lipman. He won an election later that year to complete her unexpired term and went on to win two full terms. James remained as Newark's mayor while serving in the Legislature. Supporters noted that holding the two posts was allowed under state law. ___ Associated Press reporter John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, contributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voter Guide: Meet 2 candidates for Newark City Council's Ward 3 in May 6 Republican primary
Incumbent Jeff Rath faces Molly Ingold in the May 6 Republican primary for Newark City Council's 3rd Ward seat. The winner will face Democrat Marci Fones in the general election. Rath has represented the 3rd Ward since 2010 and chairs the council's Service Committee. Ingold has no experience on the council but has been president of Hospice of Central Ohio, United Way director, a Newark school board member, Newark Rotary Club president and Licking Memorial Hospital human resources director. Ohio's primary election is May 6, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. Age: 74 Campaign website: Facebook Key issues: Community engagement where voices are heard and respected and action is taken; smart growth in the 3rd Ward; and strategic planning for Newark. Background: Director of City of Newark and Licking Memorial Hospital. Vice president of Hospice of Central Ohio. Superintendent of Bayer Polymers. Self-employed human resources consultant. President of Licking County Foundation, Newark Rotary Club, Kendal/Otterbein Senior Living, Cecil Mauger Charitable Trust, Newark City School Board and United Way of Licking County. Woman in Non-Profit Leadership facilitator. First United Methodist Church leadership. Elected positions include Newark Charter Commission and Newark City School Board. Master of Arts in student personnel and Bachelor of Science in Russian and secondary education from The Ohio State University. Why are you the best candidate? "My background has prepared me for the duties and for the required leadership for the 3rd Ward representative of the Newark City Council. "I will be accessible and engage directly with the residents of the 3rd Ward and Newark as a whole. My past work has proven I am committed to responding in a timely manner to those who reach out to me, to listen carefully, to help with their issues and to use their thoughts and ideas to help make decisions for the city. "I am the only candidate that has both elected (Charter Commission) and appointed (human resources director) experience with the city of Newark. My knowledge of and my hands-on work with the city has assisted in my preparation for this position. "My involvement in Newark and Licking County organizations and events provide me with a strong background and current information regarding community issues to make smart decisions that are best for our community. "My proven leadership skills and knowledge of human resources has provided me with strong people skills. My strengths are collaborating with others, supporting others, serving as a positive role model and working as a member of a team." Age: 62 Campaign website: Facebook Key issues: Maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood; supporting safety forces; and maintaining and monitoring the city budget. Background: Currently works for Spectrum as a senor residential connectivity specialist focusing on new residential customer relations. Has been in the field of sales for 20 years. Why are you the best candidate? "I am a conservative that believes and acts on conservative values. I will have 16 years of experience and history once reelected. I have lived in the 3rd Ward for 37 years. I have always been committed to serving my community in any way that I can, and I love Newark. I have been and will always be one of Newark's greatest cheerleaders and promoters. I work well with the current administration, and I am supported by them." This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark City Council's primary election features two candidates
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Newark City Council 3rd Ward GOP primary candidates Jeff Rath, Molly Ingold talk housing
NEWARK − Candidates always cite their experience, but the question in the Republican primary election for Newark City Council's 3rd Ward will be what type of experience voters want. Incumbent Jeff Rath faces Molly Ingold in the May 6 primary election. The 3rd Ward is on the city's west end, south of State Route 16 and west of 30th Street. Part of the ward is in the Granville Exempted Village School District. Rath emphasizes his experience on Newark City Council, where he serves in his 16th year representing the 3rd Ward and chairs the council's Service Committee. He said he's familiar with issues such as the city budget, firefighter overtime, homelessness, growth and development. Ingold, who has no experience on city council, cites her experience in the community, which includes vice president of Hospice of Central Ohio, United Way director, Newark school board member, Newark Rotary Club president and Licking Memorial Hospital human resources director. She said development issues are critical in the 3rd Ward, which she said needs stronger representation. Rath has represented the city's 3rd Ward since 2010, after winning his first election in 2009. 'There's a lot of growth going on in the 3rd Ward,' Rath said. 'This neighborhood deserves somebody who is a resident and lived here a long period of time. Experience is very important. 'They say the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but the squeak doesn't matter if the right person doesn't hear the squeak.' Ingold said she has been meeting with 3rd Ward residents and listening to their opinions on issues affecting their area. 'I've done some meet and greet gatherings and (am) really enjoying that,' Ingold said. 'The 3rd Ward is growing — probably one of the fastest-growing wards in the city." Both candidates said the possibility of an apartment complex near West Main Street and Thornwood Drive has residents concerned. Vista Residential Partners is already constructing a 10-building, 308-unit apartment complex called Trailhead Vista on West Main Street, between Thornwood Drive and Coffman Road, north of Builders Drive. What comes next is the issue for residents. A year ago, Scott Hartley, managing director of capital markets for Vista Residential Partners, said Vista had about 42 acres under contract, extending from Trailhead Vista west to Thornwood Drive, then north, along Thornwood Drive to The Overlook, a 66-lot residential subdivision under construction on the west side of Cherry Valley Road. 'Phase 1 (on West Main) people are somewhat receptive to, but Phase 2, I'm not sure,' Rath said. 'The (road) infrastructure will be a nightmare.' Ingold said of Vista's complex under construction, 'That doesn't seem too bad, but I'm concerned about traffic.' She said people are concerned about a potential second housing development closer to the West Main-Thornwood intersection. On River Road, which includes Park Trails and Park Ridge housing subdivisions and Willow Bend under construction, Granville school officials have expressed concerns about significantly adding to their enrollments. Rath said the city of Newark needs to keep Granville informed about any possible changes to the area.. 'There's no development on River Road that should be a surprise to the village of Granville,' Rath said. 'I know Granville is hurting for schools, and that's something that needs to be addressed.' Both candidates praised the Housing Opportunities through Municipal Engagement Court program to help people charged with camping on public property. Ingold said it's good to see 18 to 20 organizations lined up to provide support. 'The people that want the help will be able to be part of the HOME Court program and get help with mental health issues or drug issues,' Ingold said. 'Not all will take advantage of it. 'I think that's a good step. Nonprofits are kind of excited to be involved with it as well, and they have to be, or it's not going to work out. I really think we have to look at this problem as a long-term problem, not just a problem of where people sleep.' Rath said council's passage of an ordinance to outlaw camping on public property has already had an impact. 'It's absolutely had an effect," Rath said. "We see a lot less of it going on right now.' Rath said he supported the ordinance because he knew the law director was working on the HOME Court plan. 'That's the main reason I agreed on the camping ordinance: to get people into a system to get help," Rath said. "They'll have a team of people to help them in any area they need help. 'No one thing is going to solve homelessness. It's got to be a multipronged approach, and this is one of those prongs. Election Day is May 6, when polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early in-person voting at the Licking County Board of Elections office begins 8 a.m. Tuesday. Early in-person voting at the Licking County Board of Elections Office, 20 S. Second St., Newark, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21-25; 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 28 and 30 to May 2; 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 29; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3; and 1-5 p.m. May 4. kmallett@ 740-973-4539 Twitter: @kmallett1958 This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark City Council GOP primary election: Jeff Rath vs Molly Ingold
