Home | Yearly News Archive | Advertisers | Blog | Contact Us |
|
Thursday, October 31, 2024 |
|
November looms large |
Post Reply |
Author | |
Mike_Presta
MUSA Council Joined: Apr 20 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3483 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: Feb 16 2011 at 7:57am |
November looms large here in Middletown and may be our fair city's very last chance to pull back from the edge of doom.
Although he doesn’t specifically mention it, VietVet brings up a good point in the “Middletown Community/News Stories/Things Are Heating Up…” thread: If Councilman Smith does happen to resign, it will be up to the remainder of council to select another elector from Ward Two to fill his seat, as they did with the Ward One seat upon Councilman Armbruster’s untimely demise early last year. However, as also is the case with the Ward One seat,:
Mr. Allen’s appointment expires this November, as would any other new Ward Councilperson, should it become necessary for one to be appointed!!
Just to recap, this November the following seats will be up for grabs:
FOUR new council members could mean a whole new direction for our city.
|
|
“Mulligan said he ... doesn’t believe they necessarily make the return on investment necessary to keep funding them.” …The Middletown Journal, January 30, 2012
|
|
swohio75
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 13 2008 Status: Offline Points: 820 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I think the prevailing thought was that Anita Scott Jones would run for mayor. My guess is, considering she just step down from the VM post, that is looking to be unlikely.
Predictions:
Mulligan will run again. Allen and Becker sit this one out.
|
|
spiderjohn
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
AJ has created his own situations, and must deal with them.
However none of his issues involve his decisions or actions during Council business.
As a contributor to his campaign, I know that he did not accumulate any great amount of funding(nowhere near the $30,000+ donated to Mayor Mulligan and Councilmember Becker for a $5000 per annum position). AJ $$ came from individuals simply wanting a change from Ms.Ford in ward 2.
I worry more about what Councilmembers and Admin do on our time, as opposed to their personal time or campaigning. I think that if the Cincy St.deal falls through, Mayor Mulligan should also be asked to resign. Instead of waiting for a final detailed specific deal involving the former Manchester Inn property(the cornersone of this potentially great project), he rushed in as emergency to first purchase the Cinergy building and the two former bank buildings, which are to be "mothballed" and were honestly never in the plans of Cincy St. We still have no deal on the Manchester Inn property, and the thought of anyone financing somewhere between 6-12 million $$ to bring it up to required/desired specs is not realistically cost effective or sensible.
So--we now own two more out-dated downtown properties + maintenence/upkeep to go along with the former Studio theater and former cabinet shop behind. The city purchased the adjacent properties and had them demo'ed, yet the Studio and cabinet site(the reason for the adjacent purchases and demo) still stand with no specific timeframe for their de-contruction(to my knowledge--please correct me if I have this wrong). From what I have seen of the PAC project, it is running far behind, with no local employment created, and little to none of the work there being done by local firms. Is there a family business connection between Mr.Verdin and the firms doing the work there? Seems to me that the focus there might shift from art to a banquet facility(which is not all bad--it would probably create more local employment), and may well cost the taxpayer additional $$ to bring any immediate conclusion.
Once again--the former downtown area has become a lead weight on the citizens and theitr govt.
I believe that with the current city ownershipof these additional properties, we will lose property tax $$ from their prior private ownership status. This puts additional burden on the local taxpayer for school funding etc.(please correct me if I am wrong here).
Face it--the area is worse than ever. If you are under mid-50s in age, you have no attachment to that area whatsoever, because their has been literally nothing there during your lifetime. As I mentioned prior, you could probably level every building on S Main from Manchester Ave to First Ave with no real loss to anyone other than those at Hope House. Level the area and leave the total downtown project on the backs of the current property owners for private sector re-development as modern condo/apt.residential(which would create the need for related service/convenience business for those with means to support such efforts). The result probably couldn't be any worse than what has transpired over the last 30 years.
If we are going to pressure AJ Smith for his repeated but minor indescretiomns, let's also clean house entirely of those who have failed to produce, and quite possibly have over-spent and taken us backwards.
There is SO much more to this city than a decades-long dormant area on the far west end. Actually--that is why we have the Council election process--to take care of these situations by will of the public--NOT at the discretion of 4 Councilmembers.
jmo
|
|
Are You Kidding Me
MUSA Resident |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
So according to your logic Mr. Spider, if a council member or a city official goes out and gets drunk and drives home, calls woman foul names, gets in fights on the street with women and don’t forget the I am law comments. All that is ok with you as long as he shows up twice a month and sits there all proper and is willing to ask a few questions (some that don’t even make sense) we should just overlook the other stuff because it is not on city time. That is good to know. Would you feel any differently if he walked into your business and acted the way he does when in public? We overlook those actions because it was on his private time, or would you be on here talking about how you can’t believe a person that is elected to represent our city acted in your store? I think we all know that answer to that question. I personally think you have a vested interest in Aj and him being on council. |
|
Hermes
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: May 19 2009 Location: Middletown Status: Offline Points: 1637 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Good comment spider. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not we all know the real purpose of the purchase of the building's from the Thatcher estate,these people are not idiots,even though I like to think of them as such.That was nothing more than a sweet heart deal for the estate to unload properties that it had no use for and they knew there was no future for them.
The city is blowing tax dollars like there is no end.Whether it's local tax money or money coming from the fed it's still tax dollars.And apparently some of that tax money is dwindling hence the $150 per day fine proposal for failure to maintain property.The city hopes this legislation will bring in money so it's not about them caring what the neighborhood looks like.It's always about money,bottom line.
I agree with spider,a house cleaning is in order for every council person and every member of city staff.And until the ties are severed with the influences that are controlling the process of running this town you are not going to see any change in the daily routine.It will continue and no doubt get worse.
As for this thing with Smith he has shot himself in the foot.Smith should know that as a council member he is under the microscope and would be held accountable for everything he does and says.I really don't think AJ has a good grasp on everything that is required of him.Perhaps he thinks his personal life is seperate from his public life,I don't know.
|
|
No more democrats no more republicans,vote Constitution Party !!
|
|
Vivian Moon
MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Spider
You are right on the money! We had better keep our eye on this downtown deals. |
|
nexus
MUSA Resident |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
spider is on the money again. The city and council use every possible smoke-screen to divert from their failures. Which is more serious if true- [edited] taking kickbacks or AK Smith and his treasurer not filing a campaign fund statement? I believe what happened to him, while negligent, is an easy fix. He needs to prepare his statement, get it to Columbus, and its done. I don't believe he was accused of spending $42,000 of HIS Campaign Funds on himself or others was he?
And which is the worse offense- council allowing the expenditure of the funds to the Thatcher buildings with no guarantee nor assurance of a return ($500,000), and where is State by the way, still doing "due diligence", or AJ Smith's neglect to not get his statement to Columbus in time?
I see the smokescreen, and while not a fan of Mr. Smith, a lessor fan of those unleashing the smokebomb, pre-occupying residents while C Stategoes down in flames apparently, and PAC is still trying to get more than 5 tenants.
You could level the entire downtown, and it would not matter to development or attracting business or residents to the city.
|
|
Marvin Gaye
MUSA Resident |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Because Mr. Spiderjohn doesn't agree with you, he has a vested interest in AJ Smith and having him on council? Oh sure he does. AJ brings in about 5000 customers daily into the business. This site is really going down fast. Not quite as bad a plunge as the Middletown Journal, but really entering a death spiral. Just because someone doesn't agree with your position does not mean they are subject to attack for "special favors."
As Middletown turns to dust, PAC and Cincinnati State going nowhere, we have the all out "blitz" on Smithsville. When's ol Cincinnati State making their next appearance at council anyway? Buehler....Buehler...anyone?
|
|
spiderjohn
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
So according to your logic Mr. Spider, if a council member or a city official goes out and gets drunk and drives home, calls woman foul names, gets in fights on the street with women and don’t forget the I am law comments. Not OK at all. Bad judgement and frequency. But not the end of the world, or cementing someone as a bad person. I have had several dinners with Mr.Smith--usually in a popular local restaurant/bar. He has NEVER behaved in-appropriately, insulted anyone, and alcohol has never been mentioned, I honestly didn't think that AJ drank at all. Throw some booze in any mix and anything can and will happen--mostly stupid in nature.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All that is ok with you as long as he shows up twice a month and sits there all proper and is willing to ask a few questions (some that don’t even make sense) we should just overlook the other stuff because it is not on city time. That is good to know.
Come on--I obviously expect more than that. I appreciate his desire to keep all important discussion in full public view. AJ might still be immature as a 21yo, however I find him to be open and honest. We may disagree--however he tells me to my face, as opposed to leading me on before knifing me in the back behind closed doors, as has happened with un-mentioned others.Very importantly, he was electable in a crucial Council position.
Would you feel any differently if he walked into your business and acted the way he does when in public? We overlook those actions because it was on his private time, or would you be on here talking about how you can’t believe a person that is elected to represent our city acted in your store? I think we all know that answer to that question.
AJ has been in my businesses frequently, and has always carried himself in a mild-mannered and professional way. My co-workers have remarked as to how polite and friendly he has been(as opposed to what they read in the MJ).
I personally think you have a vested interest in Aj and him being on council.
Absolutely--for the reasons listed above. I am constantly giving him my opinions on matters and my knowledge in areas where he is less experienced. He occasionally listens to me. I have NEVER asked him for any type of political favor or confidential information. I have NEVER asked him to vote a specific way on any issue. I strongly resent any implication otherwise.
|
|
Voice of Reason
MUSA Resident Joined: Oct 13 2010 Location: Williams Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I'm just going to weigh in on this one issue that's been mentioned here--the $150 fine is a good idea. If personal pride and a sense of civic responsibility aren't enough to get a person to mow his lawn, perhaps lightening his wallet will. My suspicion is that this will mostly fall on the slum Section 8 landlords and banks who let their foreclosed houses fall into disrepair. Can anyone seriously say with a straight face that they won't be able to abide by this ordinance?
I don't at all like the idea of government having to enforce such behaviors via fines and other sanctions, but I would rather the elected leaders try to do something about making the town look satisfactory than let the ne'erdowells overrun it without even putting up a fight.
|
|
"Ask not what your country can do for you..." JFK
|
|
tomahawk35
MUSA Resident Joined: Nov 18 2008 Location: Middletown Status: Offline Points: 223 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
|
Mike_Presta
MUSA Resident |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Getting back to the original topic of this thread: The mayoral seat (4 years); two at-large seats (4 years); and the Ward One seat (the remaining two years) are up for grabs this November. So, we need to find (and stay united behind) one good, civic-minded, solid, honest, real Middletonian for each seat. |
|
What A City
MUSA Resident Joined: Nov 06 2009 Status: Offline Points: 115 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
People Who Need To Leave People Who Need To Join
Mulligan Presta
Becker Spider
Picard Pac (if healthy)
Allen randy
Hermes
409
acclaro
Paul Nagy
many more who are in the
same camp
Anita needs to stay......she will do much better with cooperative people surrounding her. Josh- keep pushing.....hopefully, the city can offer decent candidates to fill the seats and work toward your type of goals. The new council needs to make it a priority to let some city building people go who insist on providing resistance to proper direction for the city. Need to neutralize the Scorti/Cohen/MMF/Old Guard Club members who are dragging it through the mudhole for their own self-serving needs. They should not be in the city's future plans and need to just go away. Same with all who follow their line of thinking.
|
|
randy
MUSA Official Joined: Jan 13 2009 Location: Middletown Status: Offline Points: 1586 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Well Marvin, if thats how you feel please feel free to not read the site. No one can ever compare us to the journal.
|
|
Call me for a www.CameraSecurityNow.com quote 513-422-1907 x357
|
|
Mike_Presta
MUSA Council Joined: Apr 20 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3483 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Vet,
Thank you for vote of confidence, but as for myself (and I feel safe in speaking for Pacman on this matter) neither of us are really in the physical condition to serve at this time.
Also, while I do agree with your list (for the most part), I should point out that Mr. Picard's Ward Four seat is safe during this election cycle (unless it becomes vacant for some reason before the election). Only the at-large seats (Muligan, Becker, and Scott-Jones) and the Ward One seat filled by Mr. Allen's appointment (the late Mr. Armbruster's remaining term) will be up for grabs as things stand right now.
|
|
“Mulligan said he ... doesn’t believe they necessarily make the return on investment necessary to keep funding them.” …The Middletown Journal, January 30, 2012
|
|
randy
MUSA Official Joined: Jan 13 2009 Location: Middletown Status: Offline Points: 1586 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I too would say thanks for the vote of confidence, but there is no way I could run att his time. Raising my daughter and expecting my son in just 9 weeks not to mention the hours I work, no way do I have the time for this at this point in my life. I would like to Spider run though and Nagy too.
|
|
Call me for a www.CameraSecurityNow.com quote 513-422-1907 x357
|
|
spiderjohn
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hey Marvin--WHAT'S GOING ON!!!
If ya REALLY want to get down to who is connected to whom and why----
LET'S GET IT ON!!
|
|
Marvin Gaye
MUSA Resident |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Gon one spider my bro! remember the classics back in the 60's, just like Middletown, bro, where did it go? Ain't NOTHING GOING ON! Why don't they put a barbecue joint down there in The Manchester.
http://youtu.be/qz_vlQiZGD8
|
|
Starvin Marvin
MUSA Resident |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
This page was generated in 0.102 seconds.
Copyright ©2024 MiddletownUSA.com | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use | Site by Xponex Media | Advertising Information |