Middletown Forum : Councils 4-3 split raises concern http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Middletown Forum : City Council : Councils 4-3 split raises concern Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:20:02 +0000 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:03:57 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 10.12 360 www.middletownusa.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3382 Middletown Forum http://middletownusa.com/images/blog-logo.jpg http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ Councils 4-3 split raises concern : The same people complaining about... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22735&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22735 Author: angelababy
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 28 2010 at 12:03am

The same people complaining about the so-called split would complain if every vote was unanimous.]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:03:57 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22735&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22735 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : Ms.Scott-Jones--I did mention... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22466&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22466 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 10:25am

Ms.Scott-Jones--I did mention that Council did not come to a decision on the choice first time around. Since there were 3 suitable candidates desiring the position, there are many possiblilities as to whom/how Council would line up their choices. If I did mention a 3-3 split, then it was a guess or an error on my part.
 
Despite that Council's public pledge to put the best most appropriate local citizens in the most suitable positions, I was told that nothing had really changed, and the "good ole boy network" of positioning and reward was still in full swing. So--YES I am concerned over last night's legislation and how it will impact these local boards and commissions, and every other citizen should also be concerned.
 
]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:25:35 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22466&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22466 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : Spider and Molly, Thank you for... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22465&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22465 Author: Anita Scott Jones
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 8:53am

Spider and Molly,
Thank you for your posts.  This will be my last post.  This initially had nothing to do with what it is now about.  It had to do with requests for information.  Nevertheless, there was a post that mentioned 3-3 split concerning Mr. Allen.  Was that an assumption?  Spider, I have already stated that all of us voted for Mr. Allen.  It could have easily gone the other way and still be a 4-3 split.  My concern is that it is usually the same.  I will not begin to speak for my colleagues.  If there truly is a divide, then now the public is aware.  If there isn't, then time will tell.  I sure hope some of you will consider running next year. 
Anita
]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:53:26 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22465&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22465 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : I saw 2, 4-3 votes last night.... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22463&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22463 Author: Molly
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 8:38am

I saw 2, 4-3 votes last night. One went the "normal" way and one didn't. (the vote to extend discussions on the board/commission issue).]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:38:36 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22463&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22463 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : Ms.Scott-Jones--it was me who... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22459&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22459 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 8:16am

Ms.Scott-Jones--it was me who posted about "Who chose Mr.Allen?", since he was Council-appointed, and not citizen-elected.
 
Yes--my ? refers to what went on in executive session. I was told nothing about this executive session, hence my ?.
 
Council could not initially make a choice(surprise!) as to who of the 3 individuals would assume the Council seat. There was a second round of interviews, followsed by more executive session. At that time Council emerged and voted to appoint Mr.Allen. So--obviously some member or members had a change of mind,  or Mr.Allen would have been appointed earlier.
Since this closed-door negotiation has greatly affected how our city operates and exactly who may serve on the NUMEROUS city boards and commissions, I don't see my ? as being out of line. Executive session or not(does everything discussed in executive session appropriate to discuss in executive session?), the public can ? the process.
 
How you choose to respond is absolutely your option.
 
By your tone and on-line response, it might be reasonable to assume that you were a supporter of Mr.Allen.
By the unanimous vote  to appoint Mr.Allen, Council is moving in a direction that was clear to be the result of such choice. So--any dismay or concern over the current 4-3 voting blocs shows a clear lack of proper anticipation. I believe that it was Ms.Scott-Jones who recently raised the concern about the now common 4-3 voting split.
 
Anyone who didn't see this coming was obviously not paying attention.
 
Nothing against Mr.Allen--he was chosen to vote his conscience, and he is clearly doing just that.
]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:16:16 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22459&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22459 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : Ms. Scott-Jones, First, please... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22457&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22457 Author: Mike_Presta
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 7:52am

Ms. Scott-Jones,

First, please allow me to express my gratitude to you (and Messrs. Smith and Laubach) for voting in The Peoples’ best interests last evening re: non-residents on boards and commissions. The four votes cast in favor of that question were an insult to the good citizens of this city.

Next, I do spend a great deal of time reading and responding to blogs, including this one, and I am frankly caught off-guard by the comments in your 7:26 am post on this thread. However, I was unable to access a computer for the great majority of the period between September 14 and October 5.

Perhaps one of the other regulars here on MiddletownUSA.com can direct me to the specific post(s) of which you speak??? This would be greatly appreciated.

PS: I look forward to seeing you on Monday, 10/25, at your next Conversation With Council.

]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:52:30 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22457&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22457 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : I need to respond to an issue... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22456&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22456 Author: Anita Scott Jones
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 7:26am

I need to respond to an issue that keeps coming up.  As I have stated in the past, I will not nor can I spend all day responding to blogs but I will to this one.  Reference is made to who voted for Tom Allen?  If my memory serves me correctly, when we voted on the floor, we all voted for Mr. Allen.  If reference is being made to executive session, I would like to know who gave information to the contrary?  I have no problem with justifying my vote on any issue.  I will not discuss any issue that arises in executive session and if someone is doing so, it will be addressed. I raised the issue of the 4-3 because each time I would make a request to look into an issue, four votes were needed and I simply saw a trend of the MAJOR issues.  Things always have a way of taking care of themselves.  As I have stated on numerous occasions, I do not expect everyone to care for me, but I made two promises when I ran for council.  I did not take anyone's money and I have held to my promises.  If you want to judge me for that, that is your choice.  I have three options next year and I plan to exercise one of them.  You all have the option to vote next year.
Anita
]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:26:18 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22456&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22456 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : Journal story says council listened... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22455&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22455 Author: VietVet
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 7:21am

Journal story says council listened to three citizens who were opposed to outsiders manning the boards/committees and then promptly voted to allow it to happen in a 4-3 split once again. Mayor Larry stated the other day that it occasionally happens. Seems more often than not, right Lar?

Checked the current status of all the board/commission members(ie. Golf, Parks, Tree, Planning, etc.) and where they live. Many boards have members living outside the city. Some with 45005 and 45011 zips. Mike "Butch" McKoy lives way out in Greycliff past Fenwick and he's on the Golf Committee. What is his expertise, as Picard puts it, to qualify him for this, other than he competes in some golf tournaments occasionally? Apparently the city has been doing this for quite some time against the rules they had established in the charter/ordinances, right? AJ Smith asked Leslie Landen if the city was breaking the law, and ole' Les, in his twisted interpretation of what is in black and white stated something to the effect that we were "bending the rules" or some bs like that. ]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:21:57 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22455&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22455 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : wasteful wrote:. Sir or Madam:... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22448&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22448 Author: Mike_Presta
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 3:55am

Originally posted by wasteful wasteful wrote:

. 
Sir or Madam:
Might I suggest that this post is misplaced?
 
It would be more appropriate in the "City Manager" category under your Topic:  "What has the City Manager and Admin done right?" 
]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 03:55:54 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22448&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22448 Councils 4-3 split raises concern : no real surprises last night other... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22447&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22447 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 3382
Posted: Oct 20 2010 at 3:29am

no real surprises last night other than Lenny R embarrassing Council and staff by publicly exposing incompetence and intentionally bad direction.
Mayor's new rules shouldn't be necessary if mature adults were on Council.
 
Smith was good, speaking much better and on the right side of the issues for the right reasons.
Scott-Jones was silent, while Laubaugh continued to break the issues down to common sense lowest possible denominator.
 
The "regionalism" logic of Mr.Becker is weak--just read the reasons listed by accuro. Picard's rambling was incoherent and embarrassing. Allen's twisted logic and insincere promise of listening and responding to the public was more window-dressing.
 
Section 8 mess continues to be a mess.
 
Another big night for the Darth Vader group and their hit team of out-of-town hired gun "experts".
Next year's commission/board appointments should be frightening with the 4-3 split dominating everything.
1st ? at Monday's forum should be "Who chose Mr.Allen". Let the vote be made public.
 
]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2010 03:29:23 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3382&PID=22447&title=councils-43-split-raises-concern#22447