Fill in the Blanks!

Wherever you look around Canton, you will find empty or abandoned businesses, “for lease” and “for sale” signs.  It does not matter whether the property is located in Canton’s historic downtown or in one of the newer retail developments such as Canton Place or Riverstone. And let us not forget about South Canton, although this area of our city often goes unnoticed.

As the economy continues to recover, Canton has a unique opportunity to fill these empty commercial spaces with unique new shops, restaurants and service related businesses that appeal to our citizens’ best interests.  

In my opinion, Canton should take a proactive approach to economic development. I’ve often stated if we do not devise and implement a strategic plan for our city, one will be created for us. It is imperative for the Canton City Council to compile, approve and adhere to a sound general plan. Most successful cities have a general plan, and it is their business plan for calculating trade offs and priorities. Once approved by the entire Council, the city can move forward in a unified manner by vetting decisions against the approved plan. This does not imply that mid-course corrections or special circumstances will not occur, they always have; they always will. These unknowns require reserve funds, and the current Council has done a great job at building our reserves.

A strategic plan will allow Canton to prioritize all of our “needs and wants,” and it will ensure that we move forward in a proactive, not reactive, manner. At my firm, Grant Design Collaborative, we spend a lot of time developing sound brand strategy for Fortune 500 companies as well as local entrepreneurs. We refer to them as business roadmaps, and they are designed to, as Jack Welch states, “see the environment as it is, not as you wish it were.” I would welcome an opportunity to champion a strategic plan for the City of Canton and work closely with the Mayor, Council, City Manager and, most importantly, the Citizens of our great city. Only by working together and in unison will we design the city of our dreams.

As my campaign unfolds, I look forward to listening to your ideas and opinions about how to “fill in the blanks” with new businesses that will cater to the wants and needs of our families, children, young adults, senior citizens and all others who desire to see the City of Canton fulfill its true potential.

For more information, visit www.grantforcanton.com, or like my Facebook page, “Grant for Canton.” Thank you for your consideration, and I kindly ask for your vote on November 5.