Today we’re diving into a topic that affects every single home, business, and drop of water in our community. We’re calling this episode ‘H2Overhaul’ — because we’re talking about replacing broken and outdated water meters across the city.

These upgrades aren’t just about fixing what’s broken. They’re about improving accuracy, efficiency, and making sure you only pay for the water you actually use.

Joining me today are two people who know this project inside and out — quite literally — our City Utilities Director, Aaron Reinhart, and Assistant Utilities Director for Distribution and Collection, Josh Beltz. They’ll walk us through why these changes are needed, how the new system will work, and what it means for you as a customer. 

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

Ohio HB 335 threatens to eliminate inside millage — the guaranteed funding our city uses for streets, safety, and services. This bill undermines the Ohio Constitution and puts local budgets in jeopardy. Listen now to understand what’s at stake and how you can help protect Mount Vernon.
 

#MayorMatt #MountVernonOhio #HB335 #LocalGovernment #InsideMillage #OhioLegislation

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

In this episode of Chat with Mayor Matt, I explain how SB 104 would take away our ability to regulate short-term rentals — and why that matters to your street, your safety, and your city.

This bill puts investor profits above community stability. We can’t let that happen.

Listen now and learn how to take action: Chat With Mayor Matt
#MountVernonOhio #MayorMatt #SB104 #ProtectHomeRule #ShortTermRentals #CommunityFirst #LocalControlMatters

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

Why HB 113 Threatens Mount Vernon’s Future
In this episode of Chat with Mayor Matt, I break down how House Bill 113 could halt Mount Vernon’s ability to grow — even when landowners and developers want to partner with the city.

This bill weakens local control, stifles regional growth, and sends the wrong message to businesses and families looking to invest in Knox County.

Listen now to understand the stakes — and how you can help protect our future: Chat With Mayor Matt
#MountVernonOhio #MayorMatt #HB113 #LocalControlMatters #SmartGrowth #KnoxCounty #CentralOhioGrowth #EconomicDevelopment

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

In this week’s Chat with Mayor Matt, Mayor Matt Starr of Mount Vernon breaks down why House Bill 92 is a bad deal for our city and others like us. The proposed bill protects negligent landlords and sticks responsible residents with the bill. We can’t let this happen.

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

There can be a special relationship between the arts community and the local government. In previous episodes, we have spoken about the performing arts. This episode focuses on the visual arts in our community.

Our partners at Kenyon College and Gund Gallery sat down with Mayor Matt in City Hall to talk about the creative avenues Kenyon, The Gund, and The Annex are providing  residents to exercise their creative muscle.

Guests include Daisy Desrosiers who joined The Gund as Director and Chief Curator in June 2021 often collaborating with faculty, students, and staff to offer programs and exhibitions that foster curiosity toward new ideas, people, and experiences. Daisy earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from the Université de Montréal and a master’s degree in art history from the Université du Québec à Montréal. 

Also, Wynne Morgan brings a passion for community organizing and contemporary art to her role as Coordinator of Engagement and Public Programs for The Annex. She facilitates programming at The Gund’s experiential arts-learning space in downtown Mount Vernon and fosters collaborative connections between local partners, Knox County residents, and the Kenyon community.

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

Continuing with our series on the Arts in Mount Vernon and more importantly, the relationship between the arts community and local government, we focus our attention on a brand awareness of entertainment known as Mount Vernon Presents.  

The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium (MVAC) team members discuss the ins and outs of developing, producing, and partnering with others to plan our 2024 Mount Vernon Presents season. 

Our guests are Martin Booker who is the Executive Director, Megan Evans serves as the Marketing and Administration Manager. And Ian Fraser Ernsberger serves as the Productions and Operations Manager.

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

The relationship between the government and the arts is a crucial one for thriving communities, and there is something very special happening in the City of Mount Vernon. This relationship has the potential to stimulate 

• creative problem-solving, 
• provide meaningful and authentic community engagement, and 
• increase a sense of belonging. 

One company who has been doing this for a long time in Mount Vernon is MTVarts' Producer and Business Director, Janis Stone, and Creative/Artistic Director, Bruce Jacklin .

Today's discussion: 

• why the arts are so important to our community, and 
• what opportunities are there to get involved in the arts 

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

Mayor Matt chats with Ora Smith and Afet Kilinc of the Freedom Center in Mount Vernon.  The Freedom Center provides quality behavioral healthcare, and prevention education for children, adolescents, and adults.  

Addiction and mental health are two issues that are interrelated.  Persons experiencing trauma on top of these other two issues requires a community to come together for solutions.  

Recently, the Freedom Center purchased a building downtown in Mount Vernon and plans to move therapy and education sessions to that location while renovating their current location to a recovery house.  To do so, the Freedom Center is accepting tax-deductible donations to cover a matching pledge up to $300,000 for the costs.  

Interested parties may visit https://freedomctr.net to make donations.

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.

Nanette DuMont is a transplant to Mount Vernon and a volunteer with Dogs of Knox Fund which helps raises funds for the Knox County Dog Shelter.  Denise Gamez is a 1988 graduate of Mount Vernon High School and is part of a foundation she and her husband, PGA Golf Pro Robert Gamez.  Team Gamez Foundation helps support scholarships for different charities supporting children and animals. 

July 30, 2022 marks the 2nd annual Puppy PAWlooza event at BDK Event Center east of Mount Vernon on Coshocton Road.  The event hosts a musical line-up of local and national artists along with a silent auction.  

Nanette and Denise discuss why the Dogs of Knox County fund is so important to the both of them.  Also, they get into how the commitment, dedication, and love the volunteers have of the Knox County Dog Shelter can boast such an impressive success record of adoptions.  
Their purpose is to provide the Knox County Animal Shelter with support in rescuing unwanted, abused, and neglected dogs and to provide for their medical needs so they will not be euthanized. Dogs of Knox Fund Inc. locates rescues for unwanted stray, neglected and abused dogs and assists in providing shelter, food and care for their needs until the dogs are placed in homes through adoption.

Relevant information for the event is:

https://teamgamez.org/events/puppy-pawlooza/

Facebook:  2nd Annual Puppy PAWlooza Music Festival

Online Auction:  https://app.galabid.com/puppyPAWlooza22

In addition to providing commentary on state and local issues, Mayor Matt Starr visits with different community leaders in Mount Vernon, Knox County, and within the State of Ohio to discuss issues relevant to the quality of life and the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of the community.