Lima mayoral candidate Keith Cheney spoke before a large crowd at a town hall meeting at Second Baptist Church in Lima Thursday night.
The long time chairman of the Allen County Republican Party was the third of three candidates scheduled to speak in a series of town hall meetings held at the church.
Cheney was asked what he sees as the biggest issue facing Lima.
“The most critical issue which spans throughout whether it’s economic development or the safety of the citizens crime is certainly the number one issue in Lima and we rank amongst one of the most unsafe cities in the state of Ohio. We have to address that,” said Cheney.
And Cheney says the Lima Police Department staffing needs beefed up to address the crime issue.
“First and foremost, our staffing levels at our police department have not been at authorized strength for a vast number years. Secondly you know we are currently operating a detective bureau that quite frankly is at a 1950’s level. That has to change. You know we have to provide our officers with the equipment they deserve and need,” said Cheney.
The questions asked Cheney were submitted in advance by the groups sponsoring the evening.
Cheney talks about how important communications would be in his administration.
“Communication is quite frankly job one. I mean you have to have communication. You have to have inclusion and I’ll be a mayor for all people. I’ll have an open door policy. I believe in listening which is certainly a lot better than talking on many occasions,” said Cheney.
Cheney will face off against Derry Glenn and incumbent mayor David Berger in the May 2nd primary.
