ABOUT KIM KEETHLER BALL
My journey in Granville began over 25 years ago when my husband and I moved here for his role at Denison University. We fell in love with this village and chose to raise our four children here, watching them grow from kindergarten through high school. That deep-rooted experience as a parent showed me what makes this community so special. As the owner of Readers’ Garden Bookstore, I live the reality of being a local business owner every day. I am passionately committed to fostering a Village government that supports entrepreneurs and enhances the unique character and vitality of our downtown. My involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Explore Licking County, and Granville Pride stems from a genuine belief that we are stronger when we work together. I’m not just a council member; I’m your neighbor, a small business owner, and a mom who is invested in Granville’s future.
On The Issues
What is the biggest problem facing this village today, and how would you address it?
The biggest problem facing the Village is how to manage growth in housing and school enrollment. I don't think we should be the Village of "no" so therein lies the challenge. We need to work on diversifying our tax base without losing the character of what makes Granville a great place to live. While our Village infrastructure is getting better, I do believe there is room for improvement and we should approach the work creatively and constructively. As a business owner, I want our Village to be supportive to local businesses and entrepreneurs and strive to improve the variety and character especially of our downtown.
Describe particular experiences and skills that have prepared you to serve on Council.
I have lived in the community for over 25 yrs. I moved here with my now husband when he accepted the job as Director of Religious Life (Chaplain) at Denison University. (He now practices law here.) We have raised four now adult children here K-12. Years ago, I came from Columbus to make a new start along with my older two children. I know what it's like to live on the edge financially and socially coming to a new place. Dave and I married at the now United Church of Granville, had our wedding reception at the Denison Student Union, and spent our honeymoon at the Buxton Inn. I have the depth of experience living in Granville and raising children here that makes me understand and value the unique life of this community. I have worked in church life, the Granville schools, and now I am a business owner. My approach will be to mix what is good about this community with what we need to move forward to a strong future. Excellent quality of life is why most of us are here in Granville!
Elaborate your answer about the public's knowledge about and engagement with Council.
I think that residents of the Granville Village pay attention to what happens in Village Council. The public postings outside the Village offices are available, and the Village uses social media to get out information. A fair amount of information passes word of mouth as one would expect in a small town. In my experience, the information flow is open and truthful even when everyone has an opinion. The public is able to engage with Council in multiple ways - in person, via email, attend meetings, approach council members and Village staff. Tune up needed - information flow from council to the public and vice versa. I will be a good listener and strive to be a good explainer - government should be open about reasons, process, and decision-making.
2021 LCLWV/GACC CANDIDATES FORUM
