2025 Candidate Questionnaire on
Environmental Sustainability

Candidate Responses:  Chris Smith
[email protected]

  1. Background
    What would you like Grandview residents to know about your background, as it relates to the environment, climate, and conservation?  If applicable, please describe any  relevant educational, career, or service experience you have.

    I have been an advocate of environmental issues since being on Grandview Heights City Council. Most notable, I was a co-sponsor of energy aggregation legislation we passed in 2023. I have also advocated public transportation in Grandview Heights as COTA Liaison, helping to reduce greenhouse emissions.

  2. Priorities
    If elected, what are the top environment-related priorities you will pursue, if any?

    Continuing to advocate for green energy investment and purchases by the city as well as working to ensure the city’s energy aggregation program.

  3. Climate Action Plan
    Several cities/municipalities across Central Ohio have adopted climate action plans, which principally are done to assess their greenhouse gas emissions, identify steps to mitigate these emissions, and enact a plan to implement those steps.  Should Grandview pursue a climate action plan?  Please elaborate on your position.

    I would be open to such a program. The purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles for the city, when feasible, would be another good strategy.

  4. City-Resident Partnerships
    How well does the City work with residents to source community input in guiding policies and programs relating to sustainability?  As a councilmember, would you seek any changes in our current partnerships?

    I have always sought community feedback in this area. I first learned of energy aggregation from a resident when running for re-election in 2021. The city has also reached out to the community to have residents participate in composting, and I support that.

  5. Renewable Energy Aggregation
    In November of 2023, Grandview Heights voters passed Issue 23, which authorized the city to implement an electric aggregation program for residences and businesses, featuring 100% renewable electricity. Do you support the continuation of this program, and would you make any changes to it?

    I would support its continuation. As stated above, I was a co-sponsor of the legislation. I am not sure of any changes at this time, in light of legislative measures that have been taken in recent years in the Ohio General Assembly regarding the production of renewable energy.

  6. Biodiversity Loss
    Many residents are concerned about biodiversity loss and wildlife decline.  For some examples, it has been estimated that birds have declined by about 30% and insects by as much as 75% in the past several decades.  Do you believe that Grandview Heights can or should take part in addressing this issue?  If so, please elaborate.

    Grandview Heights should take steps to address biodiversity. This may be more of a regional issue where municipalities can work together.

  7. Plants
    Related to Question 6, a growing scientific literature has demonstrated the importance of native trees and plants in supporting our ecosystem, while exotic invasive species pose significant threats.  What steps, if any, should the City take to promote native plants and control invasives, both on public and private property? 

    The city has done a good job every year in planting trees, including donating them to those interested in planting them. There has also been significant tree-planting in Grandview Yard. I would be interested and open to various other programs in this area.

  8. Walking, Biking, and Transit
    Do you believe Grandview is a safe and easy place to walk, bike, and take public transit?  Should we take steps to provide safer routes for walking and biking?  Should we work to broaden public transit options?  Are you happy with our sidewalks?  Who should be responsible for maintaining sidewalks?  What is your position on e-bikes and scooters? 

    Grandview Heights is a very walkable community. With our sidewalk program, we have taken steps to increase safety for runners and walkers. Maintenance of sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner, according to law. As I mentioned above, I have been a strong advocate for public transportation in the city as the COTA Liaison. When the #75 route was threatened to be eliminated, I advocated and worked hard to keep it. E-bikes and electric scooters can help reduce greenhouse emissions. However, I feel that scooters should not be left in public sidewalks and rights-of0way, which is prohibited by the city.

  9. Waste
    Is Grandview doing well at diverting waste from the landfill?  Should we try a curbside compost pilot program like other cities have done?  Please elaborate on your positions.

    Grandview Heights is the smallest, full-service city in the state, with curbside recycling always being a part of that. The city does provide composting opportunities at a composting station. Anything that can be done to encourage participation, I would be very open to.

  10. Lawn Care
    Quite a few of our members want to know your thoughts about gas-powered lawn equipment, particularly leaf blowers.  It has been estimated that using a gas-powered leaf blower for 30 minutes produces about the same pollution as driving a large pickup truck from Texas to Alaska.  They are also loud, often exceeding 90 decibels.  Since 1990, leaf blower usage has doubled, and there has been a trend toward more powerful models.  Some of our members state that they cannot enjoy outdoor spaces during the day due to the air and noise pollution.  For similar reasons, over 100 cities in the US have enacted bans and/or restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers.  Please share your thoughts about this issue.

    I would be open to such legislation. How it would be implemented is the issue. Abating air and noise pollution would be something I would be interested in exploring.​