Middletown Forum : Midfirst Ohio Challenge http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Middletown Forum : Community Events : Midfirst Ohio Challenge Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:30:12 +0000 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:39:23 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 10.12 360 www.middletownusa.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=479 Middletown Forum http://middletownusa.com/images/blog-logo.jpg http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ Midfirst Ohio Challenge : John: I agree that Ms. Gilleland... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1729&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1729 Author: VietVet
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 29 2008 at 5:39pm

John: I agree that Ms. Gilleland has some promise as opposed to what we have had in the recent past. I do believe that city managers from years ago (Bill Klosterman/Dale Helsel(?) did a more effective job than more recent managers such as Ron Olson. They seemed to grow the town in a fashion that was more progressive and the town seemed to prosper more under their guidance.As for the database of ideas: Airport- need to replace the Hogan Air operation with another cargo carrier. A citizen that I talked to recently suggested contacting a cargo carrier that operates out of the Dayton Airport(or Cincy Airport) and ask about interest in using the Midd. airport for cleaning the aircraft fleet and doing night maintenance.Perhaps if successful, the city might work with these carriers to upgrade the Midd. airport facilities. Might provide job opportunities for Middletonians, which leads to suggestion two- higher paying jobs. Fiber optics, corporate warehouse operations, defense contractor operations, Japanese auto operations/ultrasonics operations like they see in Eaton. Research and development operations which would create higher paying jobs and enhance the chances of filling our abundant housing vacancies. If all these jobs came to Middletown, retail would come to follow the money sources. You wouldn't need to market the town. It would market itself with the money influx and flow. The schools- you've got to get the scores back up to where they are suppose to be. When that happens, the schools reputation will be out of the gutter and people will start considering buying in Midd. again. The schools have taken an awful beating on their reputation because of their performance.The town looks "junky" in certain areas. Enforce the grass height codes, enforce the "junk around the house" codes. No excuse for this- you can be poor, but you can still pick up your trash and take a little pride in what you do own. Buy a bucket of paint once in a while. There you are John and people "who can do"- that's a start on John's suggestion of constructive thoughts. More to come, if wanted.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:39:23 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1729&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1729 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : VietVetI appreciate and concur... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1728&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1728 Author: John Beagle
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 29 2008 at 12:14pm

VietVet

I appreciate and concur with your comments. There was a time that I was so frustrated with the city that I was ready to relocate anywhere. And I almost did. So I know what you are saying.

But I do believe that Judy Gilleland is much more open minded than previous city managers. My suggestion is to post constructive thoughts that people can act upon. You would be surprised who reads this website and forum. although our readership is small, it is also made up of people educated and interested in the city.

So lets build a database of ideas for those who can do. Lets make sure our ideas and suggestions for a better Middletown are right in front of our most educated citizens.

Sure its one small step.

But just like Neil Armstrong: That's one small step for (a) man; one giant leap for mankind. ]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:14:44 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1728&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1728 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : John- "concerned citizens... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1726&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1726 Author: VietVet
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 29 2008 at 11:34am

John- "concerned citizens should engage those that can get things done". There are people who have been living in this town that have been here longer than your 21 year old business that have been trying to engage those who can "get things done". THIS IS THE SOURCE OF THE FRUSTRATION. We "engage" them by addressing them at council meetings. We "engage" them through Letters To The Editor. We "engage" them through the SoundOffs. We "engage" them by participating on their Street Repair Committee. But John, they have to have a desire TO BE ENGAGED. It is a one direction conversation with these people. They don't respond to "joe average citizen" They only respond to those that they consider within their realm of acceptance. I have suggested that the city downsize positions in the Street Repair Committee meetings. They DIDN'T RESPOND to that line of thinking. They don't want to hear it.They want business as usual. This town can't tolerate more "business as usual" anymore. We already have indicated that we care. We have been trying to "DO" for years! How do you propose that we open their minds and change their attitudes?]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:34:48 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1726&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1726 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : Its great to have ideas. But we... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1725&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1725 Author: John Beagle
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 29 2008 at 10:51am

Its great to have ideas. But we need people to spearhead. Our jobs as concerned citizens is to engage those who can get things done. Like Packman's point #3.

The city really needs to downsize, but it can't without reducing services. That's why, through good times and bad, we need those who care be those who do.

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:51:07 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1725&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1725 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : JohnI think we can all stipulate... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1724&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1724 Author: Pacman
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 29 2008 at 10:22am

John I think we can all stipulate that we have nice Parks and decent Festivals.  The problem is most people don't move anywhere for the Parks and Festivals.  Now with that out of the way, why can't the city move forward in tackling some of it's major issues, and no I don't expect it to happen overnight.
 
1)  Lack of amenities to draw people to move to Middletown.  This requires more involvement with the business community.
 
2)  Roadway Improvements, they want a tax increase which I seriously doubt will be forthcoming in the next two years, with the school levy's that are coming.
 
3)  Section 8---Save approximately $1,000,000.00 per year by giving Butler County and Warren County the 1663 Section 8 vouchers that Middletown has and pays to have administered by an outside company.  This program benefits only 5-10% of the population if that much.  I have discussed this elsewhere on this blog and it appears that currently Council is going to stay with the status quo.  Gee $1,000,000.00 would do what for the city?
 
4)  Downtown desperately needs something and soon and it needs to be privately funded.  But I don't see a lot of Private money rushing to rehab downtown. 
 
5)  Much of the housing stock in Middletown is outdated and needs serious help, where is Mr. Sawyer I don't know enough about Real Estate for this one.
 
6)  Controlling Costs.  In my business with the current economy I have had to make drastic changes in my financials, cut backs, restructuring debt, etc. to stay healthy financially the city needs to do the same.
 
You get the point these are a few of the issues that need to be addressed now.   The Parks and Festivals are already rolling along and doing fine lets move on to the more pressing matters.
]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:22:13 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1724&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1724 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : John: Your entertainment examples... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1721&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1721 Author: VietVet
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 29 2008 at 6:56am

John: Your entertainment examples are valid. There are some positives that can be mentioned about Middletown. I tend to take the positives for granted and concentrate on the negatives about the community because of the urgency to address them. It is difficult for me seeing the town, that I care about, disintegrate right before my eyes. The character and personality of the town has changed dramatically over the years from a town of progress and prosperity, to a town of stagnation and one that has been bypassed by surrounding communities that were once cornfields. It's difficult to see this transpire when one was around for the "good times". Yes, this town has great potential but that potential hasn't been developed for many years, I believe, due in part, to past and current city leaders that have formed many action plans over the years, but don't know how to execute them nor finance them. City Centre Mall- marketing failure. Lake Middletown- EPA/sediment fine failure. Bicentennial Commons- Non-usage failure. Airport- marketing/non-usage failure. Downtown area- marketing failure. Towne Mall- marketing failure in conjunction with the owners.Economic Development Program- failure so far as to significant positive impact on the community. No high paying jobs as yet. The affordable housing is caused by the exodus from town due to lack of decent paying jobs, the manner in which this town is being administered, and the perception that the town is stagnant.People are willing to take losses to unload them. The house you buy in the Oaks for $230,000 now, would go for $350-$400 thou. in West Chester. Positive change starts with a total change in thinking out of the city building/ council and the school board. Electing the same old recycled candidates will yield the same old recycled failed, non-decision, non- committed actions that have brought this town to it's knees. It's time to let a new group of progressive thinkers take center stage. The old guard has had their chance and failed.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:56:10 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1721&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1721 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : Pacman et alYou all raise good... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1717&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1717 Author: John Beagle
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 28 2008 at 4:36pm

Pacman et al

You all raise good valid points, many which I agree. But we must have some good too. Its here staring us in the face. Middfest, Broad Street Bash, Fenwick and Greek Festivals (plus many others), our park sports and activities. Middletown is still a good place with great potential and very affordable housing.

I want to make the forum constructive with positive leanings.

Heres hoping. And thanks for sharing your opinions. I read everyone of them.
]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:36:04 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1717&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1717 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : John no one said Mort was corrupt... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1715&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1715 Author: Pacman
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 28 2008 at 3:16pm

John no one said Mort was corrupt or attacking her personally.  It is a matter of lets get things right.  Now we bring Mr. Mort into this. 

John if we all sit here and just nod our heads up and down, you know where we will all be next year at this time, right where we are now and the year after that and the year after that.  I have lived here going on 5 years and have seen ZERO change in the city for the good.  It is the same issues now as they had 5 years ago only they have gotten worse.

We can all continue to just tell ourselves everything is wonderful in Middletown or we can face the fact that Middletown has issues that it needs to face and resolve.  It appears that the "Middletown is Wonderful" crowd is the overwhelming majority and is happy to keep telling themselves and everyone else that.

 

]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:16:00 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1715&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1715 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : Spider: the "us vs. them"... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1714&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1714 Author: VietVet
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 28 2008 at 3:11pm

Spider: the "us vs. them" mentality was just not thought up by the group of people who resist the influence the "club" has in this town. This attitude was cultivated/nurtured through years of not being listened to by the leadership of this town. It has come to fruition since the 80's when this town started to struggle. It takes the two sides to meet somewhere in the middle for understanding. I don't see the one side moving despite the pleas from the many letters to the editor, the posts on this and the Journal's blogs, the SoundOffs in the Journal and when council is addressed at Council meetings. All I see is a group of community leaders who, at best, may listen as a common courtesy, then ignore what you say and do what they want without an explanation. That is not cooperation. My guess is the dynamic movers and shakers that made an impact on Middletown are all gone.They either died, retired and moved away or are sitting in their Middletown home, totally disgusted as years have gone by as I am. As for accepting accountability, I don't see the new crop(post 70's) of leaders accepting any accountability. As a matter of fact, I don't see any of the new crop( post 70's) of leaders DOING ANYTHING to require accountablity. To accept accountability, one has to make a decision that one will be judged on. I see major procrastination on the part of both the school board and the council UNLESS IT INVOLVES PLACING A LEVY ON THE BALLOT TO GENERATE MORE REVENUE. Only then, are they definite on their decision making.Struggling for a new identity?- We've been "struggling" since the 80's. That is 28 years ago. How long should it take for one town to get it's act together? Other towns have made the switch and did it years ago. Why are the leaders in this town so darn stubborn when it comes to identifying what works and implementing it? Lord knows, there are plenty of game plans around to copy suit.Why the reluctance? I live on Rachel Lane. My neighborhood is "orderly and prideful". So are other areas of town. We will always have those areas that don't seem to get the message on pride and orderliness. I can name the areas of town that haven't in the past and will never change for the better, but won't. You know them also. You are correct- the 50's/60's are gone and we need to find the progressive alternative to those prosperous times( as you say- our identity)BUT- we need to place people in key positions that will make that happen. We haven't found the right combination of people in over 30 years. That's what is so hard to believe!In general,all councils and school boards since the 80's have been inundated with non-decision/non-direction makers. As for Ann Mort- she is self appointed cheerleader and spokesperson for Middletown.At times, she has a tendency to paint a "rose-colored glasses" portrait of a situation that isn't necessarily very positive. It's this tendency of denial from her and city leaders that infuriates some of us. Spider- she is still an outsider because she wasn't around when we were properous and she hasn't a basis of comparison for the way that it was. It's not her fault, it's just the way it is. JMO]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:11:08 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1714&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1714 Midfirst Ohio Challenge : Mrs.(and Mr.)Mort are in no way... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1713&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1713 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 479
Posted: Jul 28 2008 at 1:48pm

Mrs.(and Mr.)Mort are in no way part of our problems.
They are both fine caring & involved people who personify the term "volunteer".
I like the Morts and am VERY glad that they live here.
Do I agree with them on everything? Of course not!
 
vet--when I look at our Council,school board and associated admins, I don't see a large group of newbies(or "outsiders"--your term). I see people who have been here for a while, truly care about our community and WANT to make a difference. Our problems have come mostly from our long-termers who are unwilling to change or accept the new demands for accountability. Most "outsiders" don't hang around here for long anyway.
 
jmo
 
Being born here and living here for your entire life(like you and I) hardly makes one right,wrong or well-intentioned. The 50s and 60s are gone 4ever. The entire world has changed, and there is no return to the "happy days". The guaranteed legacy well-paying/benefitted factory jobs are only a memory. Opportunities for unskilled, half-educated workers are non-existent. We, and most other communities, are in a period of transition. We are struggling to establish a new identity. Hopefully we will find something(hopefully many things) to provide opportunity for those willing to do the hard work. also becoming community role models and neighborhood contributors.
 
It all starts within your own home.
Then it branches to your immediate neighbors and neighborhoods.
When we restore pride and order locally, the feeling has to spread.
"Us vs. them" will never succeed. There is really only one side.
]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:48:11 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=479&PID=1713&title=midfirst-ohio-challenge#1713