I would wholeheartedly support your candidacy, and am certain would others. I believe there would be a profile to be met in any candidate. Another JL, educated, college degree, engaged in city, wants change. You may have some in mind. I know a few who fit the profile, but uncertain if they have the time.

 

Jim Wendell comes to mind, but have no idea what his interest would be. Ms. Andrew seems to acknowledge the affect of Section 8 on the schools, and doesn't mind holding the candle light to that problem and the schools. If she desired, and could handle both roles, I would be a strong advocate for her. We'll see how the re-negotiation goes this summer in the school system.

 

I have no names that would want to serve, and I have eplored with a few. I suspect the council now, would all support a levy passing with one exception, and that includes ASJ. Back to where its been every year, not certain how many JL's are around Middletown.    

So--by electing the same-thinking new Councilmembers,  there would be more support towards softening any levy approach(if possible). Just trying to keep it cheap and simple.

 

Ms. Andrew mentioned cause and affect- ergo Section 8. Perhaps she would have a vested interest, her husband, others that could be recruited. My take is almost all those whom are practicing in Middletown get swooned and overcome by the "love" downtown that they change their position quickly, adopting the "I workd for the city attitude."

 

To summarize, I could name 100 top folks with the talent to make impact, but would not have time. What don't you run, you'd have support, Ms. Andrew or friend of her philosophical beliefs, clones of J Laubach. Candidly, many I know are plotting to get out of twn right now, and running would be no interest.

 

Two choices, organize, and defeat levy, or sit on sideline, and watch a 2.0 levy pass, and Middletown continue to crumble. I'd rather see the beast be taken down, and be put on a diet.

In the end, the voters(by choosing a new Council majority focused on a different direction) can change the municipal landscape. I honestly don't see any other realistic way to turn it around in a reasonable time frame. A new Council can quickly change pretty much anything on your laundry list without expense or referendums.

 

We need representatives in the same vein as Ms.Andrews--willing to have dialogue with the MUSAs and similar un-organized but caring pockets of the community(taxpayers). Currently we have a Council that privately follows this site and related thinking, but publicly denigrates and be-littles the different direction and cost-containments.

 

For years(on my own--not really a team player) I have been trying to persuade to run for office those that I think could make a broad and progressive difference. Haven't had much luck. Mr.Smith and Mr.Laubaugh are learning, but have a LONG way to go before they really get it, since they have no real business or financial experience. Mr.Allen and Mayor Mulligan are both cool people, though not pokiticians in the direction we need to make this community whole in direction. Would hope that Ms.Scott-Jones can return--Mr.Becker is probably gone--am OK with Mr.Picard.

 

I have attended enough library meetings with 5-10 MUSA regulars. Not going anywhere. If you plan on following through with the mentioned intentions, you might need to find a very approachable and broadly respected front man to go along with at least 3 electable candidates(one good one to oppose Mr.Allen--I am working on that). Most here(including myself) have burned too many bridges along the way imo.

 

So--clarify--what exactly IS the approach being put together above?

 

spiderjohn, four candidates? Impossible. Josh Laubach was a pleasant surprise to me, in my ward, and I DID vote for him. He is a diamond in the rough. Does he have some candidates that reflect his philosophy and style- I don't know. You---yiu would have tremendous support at large. I am out of town each week more than in town, I could not ever make a commitment, and on my days in state, travel to Columbus or Cincinnati.. We certainly do not need another AJ Smith.

 

Who do you have in mind? In at least two cycles, the only one whom stepped up among many I supported, including Mr. Nagy, who won, was Josh Laubach. MMF will have well known local residents, plucking an Allen out like they did before. And, I don't need a coucil member to pull my NO vote, I do that. That is priority 1, priority 2 takes care of itself, as even existing council would have no choice then but make the tough decisions. Their goal is to keep all downtown happy, our goal should be to take back the town they destroyed.

 

Agreed or disagreed? ;

Without that, little else will be effective.

 

FAST CHEAP and EASY

 

jmo