REPORT CARD: Dr. David Licate - Council At-Large

A Level of Professionalism More Could Emulate

NOTE: The article below was published on Oct. 9, 2023, in advance of the Nov. 7 election for Stow City Council. Licate lost his bid for a second term to City Council At-Large by a margin of 164 votes (5,621 vs. 5,457) to Jeremy McIntire, who was seeking his third term. Since then, both men have announced their candidacy for Summit County Council in Nov. 2024. Licate will run unopposed as the Democratic candidate. McIntire filed to run for the Republican nomination, for which he will compete against long-time incumbent District 3 County Councilwoman Gloria Rodgers, in the March 19, 2024, Ohio primary.

David Licate is the consummate professional in City Council meetings. He focuses on practical issues that improve the quality of life for citizens of Stow. It has been challenging for him to advance legislation with the current political makeup of council, however, he has several wins that characterize his approach to the office:

Prior to being elected to City Council, Licate was instrumental in organizing a grassroots effort to educate the public about the plan for a regional dispatch center, before the city’s vote on a charter amendment to join it. He continued his advocacy of the center while on council, making impassioned pleas two years later that council had more than enough information to move forward with the plan.

See his comments during the Jan. 27, 2022, meeting prior to council's 5-1 vote to approve joining the regional dispatch center:

Once on council, he co-sponsored legislation that removed the requirement that individuals seeking a zoning accommodation would have to reveal disabilities or sensitive medical information. For example, if you are modifying a house with a ramp or fence to keep in a special needs child who may run into the street - you no longer have to list sensitive information on a public document. This increases the dignity of individuals and families who face these types of challenges.

Co-sponsored legislation that created a more efficient process for dealing with nuisance properties. The old method required criminalizing people who were not maintaining their property. This was a lengthy and inefficient process. The goal is to get people to clean up their property, not punish people through the courts. Using the new administrative process allows the city to work with the homeowner to solve the problem. The city can now directly contact homeowners and take action to mitigate the nuisance much more efficiently.

Sponsored legislation to trim trees on the tree lawns. In several neighborhoods, trees are hanging down and pedestrians have to bend down to walk under them on the sidewalk. Kids are getting knocked off of bikes due to the low-hanging limbs. Garbage trucks are pulling the trees down. Unfortunately, Stow does not have the staff to cut the trees. Licate worked with the Urban Forestry Commission (they unanimously supported the legislation) and the city arborist to develop a three-year program to pay for crews that will trim the trees to high standards (city officials will supervise).

Sponsored a revised noise ordinance that is currently in committee. Licate researched several well-planned cities and found that Stow’s noise ordinance is outdated and ineffective. He wrote a noise ordinance based on best practices and held several meetings with administration officials from planning, law, and police.

See Licate’s explanation of this ordinance:

Licate also voted in favor of the Parks and Rec Master Plan, the Connectivity Plan and a plan to systematically upgrade roads.

Licate has been a strong advocate for revising the compensation plans for non-bargaining city employees including heads of departments, like the police chief and fire chief, who haven’t had a merit raise in 15 years. He pushed back strongly against council leadership’s continued micromanagement and delay of this proposal.

See his comments during the July 13 meeting:

He voiced his concerns over the three charter amendments that will be on the ballot in November and why council prioritized those over other issues.

See his comments about the charter amendments during the July 13 council meeting:

And, on Sept. 28, Licate advocated for legislation he, Police Chief Jeff Film and Law Director Jaime Syx co-sponsored that would establish a program for substance abuse counseling and drug addiction prevention for youths through Stow Youth Services. The proposal passed 5-1.

See his comments explaining the value of this type of the program:

When Licate speaks at council meetings, you can tell he has come prepared. His questions and comments are well-researched: he gains insights from discussions with the administration, law department, other council members and members of the community.

Licate avoids political infighting and seeks resolutions that benefit the city and its citizens. As an example, Licate voted to retain the council president even though his behavior did not warrant re-appointment. He felt it was more important to project unity to the community, than to satisfy his own ego with a protest vote. He believes that public service requires being willing to give some ground and that there is no room for inflexibility and intransigence if you want to get things done. When he disagrees with other points of view, he explains his thoughts in a direct, yet respectful, manner.

Finally, Licate makes an effort to be accessible to Stow residents. He and Council At-Large Cyle Feldman hold office hours almost every month to meet with constituents. He responds to calls, emails, and texts and oftentimes makes on-site visits to gather additional information.

Licate conducts himself with a high level of professionalism, he articulates a vision, practices positive leadership, engages in a high degree of collaboration, actively works on practical problems that impact citizens and makes himself available to residents.

He deserves a second term to continue advancing laws and programs that have a positive impact on the lives of Stow residents.