State Sen. Ben Espy says that as Columbus mayor, things will finally get done.In a Lantern questionnaire, Espy said he is running on issues that include: giving a tax rebate to families with children; looking out for “price-gouging” pharmacies that charge too much for medicines senior citizens need; quicker development of the riverfront; removal of some downtown parking meters; and, separation of city and state snow plowing responsibilities.Espy said he believes crime must be controlled in the university area and the best way to do so is to work directly with students, faculty landlords and area businesses to find workable solutions.He supports the addition of more emergency call boxes in off-campus areas.If elected mayor, Espy said he will send a message that “slum lords” will not be tolerated in Columbus and that university students and all residents of Columbus deserve help if this becomes an issue.”I believe it is important that the city appoint a liaison to work with university students to inform them of their rights under the law as well as what resources exist within the city to help them,” Espy said.Espy also said the university district must be included in a comprehensive plan to deal with Columbus’ transportation and traffic problems throughout the city.To help, Espy believes that the COTA services provided to OSU students should be expanded to provide students with more transportation options.When asked about Campus Partners and their redevelopment efforts, Espy said he agrees redevelopment of the campus area is badly needed, but does not want to see the “mom and pop” stores and businesses that cater to the university driven out of the area. He added that city officials have an obligation to participate in the planning because OSU students deserve representation like any other resident of Columbus.Espy and his wife Kathy have four daughters.While at OSU, Espy played football and was a running back under coach Woody Hayes. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the OSU Alumni Association and is the OSU representative to the Big Ten Advisory Committee.