By Rachel Scofield

Incumbent Ted A. Berry is seeking reelection on Grove City Council. He said he chose to run again because “the perfect revenue storm is brewing due to the Ohio Legislature changing how cities, libraries, and schools are funded, which can and will lead to a major financial crisis for our community.”

Berry points to his record of fiscal management and resident-focused leadership.

“I am the only candidate who has balanced city, state and private sector budgets,” he said. “I have always put our residents first and will always do so.”

He notes he has supported two tax cuts, sponsored Grove City’s first scholarship and skilled trades program, and added more than 100 acres of parkland and bike paths.

Berry also has created a Grove City CARES grant to assist local business with a gap program for part time employees (pending Council approval).

“A focus needs to placed on helping local small businesses and maintaining and attracting employees to support them”

Berry says his service extends beyond fiscal policy. “I communicate via social media, newsletters, and by listening to our residents through surveys and neighborhood meetings, I give my cell number to everyone” he said. “I have led the effort to add more police, and I faced down a lawsuit to protect dogs against cruelty and overbreeding.”

Berry previously worked as a senior legislative and budget aide in the Ohio Senate and as director of government relations at the Ohio State University.

In his council role, he sponsored the Home Town Dollar program and matching grants initiative, and the Town Center million dollar loan program, to revitalize Town Center, as well as the Grove City Higher Education program. Berry also introduced, passed and led the ballot initiative for Grove City’s Electric Aggregation program that has saved residents thousands on electric bills by utilizing renewable energy.

When asked what the city does well, Berry praised its employees. “Our service, parks, fire, and police departments are second to none,” he said. But he added, “What we do need is more green space, natural areas, a recreation center that we can afford, and more connective bike paths.”

Traffic and development remain top concerns in his ward. “One of the biggest issues we have is traffic during peak times,” Berry said. “I have said no to more warehouses and developments that do not pay for road upgrades. Putting our current residents first is my priority. They are the ones paying the taxes.”

Berry said he is willing to be the lone dissenting vote when necessary. “We don’t need to be the fastest growing city in Franklin County. We need to make sure developments complement our city. For these reasons I have had no problem being the sole no vote on many projects.”

In the community, Berry hosts the annual 5K9 event for local dog rescues and the “100 in 30 Challenge” to benefit suicide prevention programs. He also funds a scholarship for Grove City students at Ohio State and recently made the lead contribution toward the city’s first nature preserve.

“Paying it forward is a priority for me and my family,” he said.

Berry is also an active officer in the Ohio National Guards State Defense Forces.

Berry has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and says he is the only Grove City council member to receive an AFL-CIO endorsement.