Highland Heights Council Election 2011: Ed Hargate

Editor's Note: As part of Hillcrest Patch's election coverage, we will provide profiles of each of the candidates running for local office. These profiles will offer biographical and issue-oriented details about each of the candidates to help you, the voters, make more-informed decisions at the ballot box. Stay tuned for more coverage of the election.

Name: Ed Hargate

Age: 53

Occupation: Attorney for 26 years

Education: Mayfield High School, 1976; Grove City College, 1980; Cleveland-Marshall Law School, 1983

Political affiliation: Republican

Office sought: Highland Heights City Council at large

Previous political office sought or held: Highland Heights City Council at large – 24 years

Statement: Many communities are struggling to balance budgets, even after laying off police and fire personnel and charging for basic services like garbage collection. However, Highland Heights enjoys a strong financial position with a balance budget and a $6 million surplus in its general fund. Consequently, we have been able to purchase new fire trucks and fire vehicles, and equipment for our brush, leaf and snow removal programs.

CNNMoney reviews information and statistics of America's small towns, ranks them and publishes a list of the 100 best places to live in the country. Our community routinely appears in the top 30 communities. CNN always notes our low property crime rates and outstanding recreational facilities.

I'm excited about our community's future. I look forward to representing you for another two years.

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