Middletown City Council Campaign Finance Reports

mtownsupporter wrote: Mike, with all due respect, I did not say that he is the only candidate that is not traditional.

That's strange!  I copied it directly from your 10:17 pm (yesterday) post, using the "quote" feature of the "Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.50 [Free Express Edition]" used on this forum.  I wonder how THEY got you wrong.  When I look back up and compare the two, it certainly LOOKS like the very same words.

 

Perhaps someone has access to your password or you forgot to log off, and they are playing a trick on you?

 

Anyway, I sincerely apologize for misquoting you. That absolutely was NOT my intent.  I'll try to do better in the future, but I don't know how I can do better than quoting you word-for-word, in context!!!

I have to agree with Smartman on this one.  Experience counts.  When you listen to Smith speak publicly he reminds you exactly of someone else on a much larger scale that lacked experince nationally/globally and won the election........Obama.  Is that a bad thing I guess that depends on your persepective and which way your politics lean.  Personally Obama hasn't exactly impressed the hell out of me with much of anything he has done.

Go to MUM versus gaining experience on a presidential election.  Gee, that would be a hard choice to make ...  Nobody says he didn't have the plans to go to college -- just that the plans changed.  Unless you actually are AJ and are inside his head, your comments about what he "needs" is a bit inappropriate.  I think the traditionalist approach to what a 20-year-old "should" be doing is getting in the way of seeing how a different perspective may actually be a good thing for the city.

Yet again, Smartman, you're not coming across as very smart.  Your comments about AJ and his pursuit of education are way off base.  He has never NOT planned to pursue his education.  OK, so he's not the traditional student who goes to high school, college, and then works for some time before finding a career.  AJ has aspirations and a career path in mind already.  Because of his efforts in running for the school board, he was given the opportunity to work on a national campaign.  Did he go out and hunt that down?  Absolutely not.  Is it a crime to gain valuable life experience just because it doesn't fit into YOUR opinion of what a 20-year old should be doing?  I don't think so.

Everyone complains about the people on City Council.  If you want someone different, why are you complaining about the only candidate who is different from the people who have been there so long?  Seems a tad hypocritical to me.

If everyone on the current city council is so terrible, who is to say what the "correct" qualifications should be?  It would seem to me that getting a wide range of people on the council in terms of experiences could only be beneficial -- as long as they are all committed to and passionate about the success of Middletown.  Commitment and passion for this city are two things AJ Smith has demonstrated.  Can everyone else (including the nay-sayers on this blog) say the same?

Made arrangements? Are you suggesting that someone was going to pay his tuition? I find it exceptionally hard to believe that a bright guy like that would pass up a free education. I've spoken with Mr. Smith about his previous educational opportunities, and unless you've ever had to walk in his shoes, don't jump the gun. I think you're missing some important facts. Maybe you should reach out to, Mr. Smith. He's a very open guy. Surely he would be willing to speak with you.

Btw, your issues with Mr. Smith sound personal.

Also, tell me something, how many people pass up an opportunity to work on a national presidential campaign?--Democratic, Republican, Independent, etc. -- If I was as young as Mr. Smith, I would have taken that opportunity as well. JMO

He's a small business owner, ASJ & Associates, LLC. That was mentioned in his profile done by the Middletown Journal sometime over the last few weeks.

I'm not 100% sure about all the work his company does, however, I know that a lot of it is political work. He also promised me, (which was a prerequisite of getting my support) that he would start school at Miami in January. He's going to go far, definitely a man that deserves our support.

Smartman, I'm certain that you don't know as much as you claim, too. I also know Mr. Smith, and he does not come across as someone that like's being in the "limelight." Keep in mind that he's 20 years old, has a campaign office, raised the most money out of all the candidates in the race, had the chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party at his office, etc. -- All of which are worthy of press, or "limelight."

Just think, how much more worse could he be compared to what we have? If he's not better (which I highly doubt) then we get rid off him, no different than the others.

Pacman, of course Mr. Smith's donors would raise an eyebrow for some, including myself. However, I know Mr. Smith and I don't think for one second that those donations would compromise the integrity of his campaign or the type of councilman he will be. It takes money to run campaigns, plain and simple. I'm just happy that the good ol' boys aren't funding his campaign. That alone speaks volumes about him!

GOOD LUCK, MR. SMITH!

Ice Box I see enough names on Smith's list to make me go .......hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.  Just look at the number 1 contributor a guy named Dillman.......got to keep an eye on that one.

Ice Box wrote: Anybody know why Nagy, Soppanish and Barge decided not to file?

Mr./Ms. Icebox:

The statement required under division (A)(1) of this section shall not be required of any campaign committee, political action committee, legislative campaign fund, political party, or political contributing entity that has received contributions of less than one thousand dollars and has made expenditures of less than one thousand dollars at the close of business on the twentieth day before the election.

If AJ is getting out, and working this hard now, just imagine what he'll do for Middletown as a councilman.

Do you see any other candidates that are as motivated?  I don't

wannaknow wrote: But how do you change the mind-set of the ppl with power (money) that have controlled Middletown through council for years.

Well, a few years at Lucasville or Lebanon Correctional Institution might do it.  At least they will be with their corrupt friends from city hall!!!

I must be missing your point. You say it takes money and I say it shouldn't be about money. I see no reason for someone to need thousands of dollars (such as Mulligan and Becker in the last election for a $5000 a year seat) Yes Marconi and Armbruster have the advantage because they are the "known Names". I will still stand on my opinion that it shouldn't be about money or your name but I am not so blind as to know that is usually the way it goes. And yes unfortunately some people will vote for names which is a big part of the problem now.

Ranger: