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Name: Matt Skelly
Age: 43
Years of residency in district: 14
Occupation: Foundation Regional Director
Previously elected positions: none
Contact information for voters: mskelly.ottawa@gmail.com
Why have you decided to run for commissioner and what major goals do you plan to work towards?
Since my wife and I moved to Ottawa and built our home and now have a family, we have been involved with many aspects of the community. I have been impressed by the people and community of Ottawa as well as the direction we have been going in as a region. With this election I want to be a fresh voice for Ottawa’s future, continuing on the foundation and vision established by Mayor Bob.
What sets you apart from your opponents?
Not being from Ottawa might seem like a negative to some, however, I assert it as a positive. While I didn’t grow up here, in my 14 years I have proven to be a contributor of Ottawa’s future. I bring experience in nonprofit management, board leadership and volunteer recruitment and development. From my time with Starved Rock Country, where it was my role to create the brand now identified with our region, I forged many partnerships with cities and organizations to do some amazing things, not the least of which is the Starved Rock Country Marathon, which is now in its sixth year. I have the positive outlook for Ottawa’s future to move our community forward.
Do you feel there is a fair balance of focus between attracting visitors to Ottawa and maintaining a solid, quality life for residents? If not, which way should the scale tip?
Yes, the wonderful thing about events that attract visitors is that residents can benefit and participate as well. When we moved to this area we looked for things to do and in the first few years found ourselves going elsewhere for variety in restaurants and activities/festivals, etc. Now with a few exceptions, the diverse and ever-growing restaurant options as well as festivals provide options for our family to enjoy. The idea of more restaurants, shopping options and activities only solidifies our family’s choice to move here and stay.
On a scale of A to F, how would you rate the current city council’s handling of the budget? If low, where do you feel the city could do a better job of cutting expenditures or finding new revenue?
B. Budgets are defined by the taxes collected from the citizens. Any city, Ottawa included, has an obligation to provide fair compensation to its employees, provide safety via the Police and Fire departments and maintain the infrastructure of the city. While at the same time working to promote the city to potential new businesses, industry and residents. No one wants to raise taxes but raising funds for things like roads, new safety equipment or infrastructure can also be a function of reducing expenses. Working with our staff and citizens we can come up with new and innovative ideas to bring in more funds to be used and shore up the budget, while also fulfilling the financial commitments of the city.
What are your current thoughts on the city’s proposed waterfront development plan? How important will forward momentum on that project be during your term?
I am excited about the waterfront project. We must keep moving forward. To slow down or stop any activity would deliver a huge blow to our city. Economic development is a long process; it takes patience and constant attention. With one development, more will come. Look at our downtown, it took those brave souls to open new retail in downtown and take a chance, once one store opened, more came.
Are you supportive of Jackson Street being turned into a plaza? If not, what are your reservations? If so, what do you hope to see at the site?
I am supportive of the concept. I attended the public night, and yes there are some amazing thoughts and ideas. Does more input need to be gathered, yes. My personal tendency is for a plaza that is decorative and inviting, both architecturally and functional as a road for maybe the winter months, and as a community plaza for concerts, dining, markets and fairs during the spring through fall months. That said, something new to the downtown like a plaza will certainly add to the character and functionality of our city events.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing Illinois & Michigan Canal rewatering?
I have said before, I support the rewatering. The project I feel will pay off in many ways, from recreational opportunities of residents to new businesses along the scenic waterways like entertainment, retail and restaurants.
Would you support a 1 percent downtown sales tax to support future development and maintenance downtown? Why or why not?
Yes. I support the tax as long as a proper vetting is done for the businesses in the defined area. The idea of the tax is a good one if it will support things like snow removal, landscape upkeep and improvements, wayfinding in the downtown, and other possible future ideas.
Of the topics discussed at the city’s “Top 10” town meeting in October, which one or two are you strongly in support of and what do you plan to do to help achieve their success?
I think the number one item, community recreation center is a great top choice. I would work with the groups involved and see where the city could help and how the citizens would benefit. The city has resources that may be of help and would certainly work to leverage those in support.
How many city council meetings or town meetings (i.e. Jackson Street Plaza discussion, top 10 Ottawa goals meeting, etc.) have you attended recently?
Since putting my paperwork in to run, I have attended all but one regularly scheduled council meeting. I have attended the downtown business meeting as well as Jackson Street meeting. I was honored to serve as lead facilitator for the town hall goals meeting and from that was encouraged to see the citizens come out and it was that event that helped me make the choice to run.
What are your thoughts on the city’s current lineup of events? Should more be added, if so what kind? Should others be canceled?
I think conducting events for the sake of having an event or just because we always have is a waste of resources, however, if there is value added to the community by having the event then yes we should keep them. I like that we have a wide range of events, many are not city-sponsored, but certainly, the city has a role. I think there can be some new life breathed into events like Riverfest. Asking how we can attract more of the population to the event, what worked in the past and what did not? Is the location the right place? Who is the audience we want? I feel that having events adds to the vibrancy of our community and if appropriate adding events is a good thing as well.
How do you expect the discussion regarding pensions to affect Ottawa in the near future?
We owe it to our employees to fund this promise we made to them. Will there be easy choices? No. We will need all sides to come to the table with open minds and ideas how to work together to get to a fully funded pension. There is not a good short term solution I have heard, we have to start a long term process to ensure pensions are funded as we have committed to. I do not know the answer, but I know other communities around the country and state are looking at the same issues and we are not alone and can learn together on how to solve this.
Other than for family or health reasons, why would you leave your position mid-term?
I can only think of one instance, a possible change in career, that I would consider leaving. But I have no intention to leave my current position and if something did happen, would first work to make serving still an option. I am committing to four years of service to my community.