An Award For The City

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   Journal article.....

Home  >  NewsPosted: 3:06 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 2012

City wins award for ‘My Town’ video

By Michael D. Pitman

Staff Writer 

MIDDLETOWN — 

The campy, and criticized, YouTube video designed to entertain city employees at last year’s holiday luncheon is an award winner.

The video, titled “My Town,” features city employees and some council members, singing why they love the city of Middletown to the tune of the Temptation’s hit song “My Girl.”

“The video was done in part to help boost employee morale during tough budgetary times,” said City Manager Judy Gilleland.

But once the video was seen by many on various Internet social networks, negative comments criticized the city for making the video — which cost $200 to produce — when the city recently cut millions from the general fund budget that included eliminating several unfilled police and fire positions and laying off five firefighters.

Gilleland said the negative comments turned out to be a positive for the video and the city.

“The video got extra play throughout the nation, and we received so many positive comments from cities throughout the nation that saw the video and loved it,” she said. “You cannot watch the video without smiling.” (OR CRINGING OUT OF EMBARRASSMENT FOR THE TOWN)

Lehtonen said the entry for the annual contest is $85 for members to 3CMA and $135 for non-members. Middletown is not a member

SO, THE CITY PAID $200 TO PRODUCE IT PLUS ANOTHER $135 TO ENTER THE CONTEST AS A NON-MEMBER. THAT'S $335 TO PRESENT THE TOWN IN A WAY THAT DREW MORE CRITICISM THAN POSITIVE REMARKS. HMMM. LOGICAL? THE CITY ALREADY HAS IMAGE ISSUES AS A BUNGLING, POVERTY-STRICKEN, BUMPKIN TYPE OF COMMUNITY. DID THE CITY NEED TO ADD TO THE MISERY?

Gilleland said it was an honor to receive the national award that took little time and money to produce “is quite an honor.” And when asked if she’ll do a similar video again, she said, “Absolutely.”

HOW ABOUT DOING IT ON YOUR OWN DIME NEXT TIME GILLELAND. AND FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD, CREATE A MORE CLASSY, PROFESSIONAL SCENARIO. AT LEAST HAVE THE SINGING IN TUNE AND COORDINATED......WITHOUT LANDEN. GOOD GOD!

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VietVet Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 15 2008 Status: Offline Points: 7008	Post Options Post Reply Quote VietVet Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: An Award For The City Posted: Sep 18 2012 at 6:21am
	Journal article..... Home > NewsPosted: 3:06 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 City wins award for ‘My Town’ video By Michael D. Pitman Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — The campy, and criticized, YouTube video designed to entertain city employees at last year’s holiday luncheon is an award winner. The video, titled “My Town,” features city employees and some council members, singing why they love the city of Middletown to the tune of the Temptation’s hit song “My Girl.” “The video was done in part to help boost employee morale during tough budgetary times,” said City Manager Judy Gilleland. But once the video was seen by many on various Internet social networks, negative comments criticized the city for making the video — which cost $200 to produce — when the city recently cut millions from the general fund budget that included eliminating several unfilled police and fire positions and laying off five firefighters. Gilleland said the negative comments turned out to be a positive for the video and the city. “The video got extra play throughout the nation, and we received so many positive comments from cities throughout the nation that saw the video and loved it,” she said. “You cannot watch the video without smiling.” (OR CRINGING OUT OF EMBARRASSMENT FOR THE TOWN) Lehtonen said the entry for the annual contest is $85 for members to 3CMA and $135 for non-members. Middletown is not a member SO, THE CITY PAID $200 TO PRODUCE IT PLUS ANOTHER $135 TO ENTER THE CONTEST AS A NON-MEMBER. THAT'S $335 TO PRESENT THE TOWN IN A WAY THAT DREW MORE CRITICISM THAN POSITIVE REMARKS. HMMM. LOGICAL? THE CITY ALREADY HAS IMAGE ISSUES AS A BUNGLING, POVERTY-STRICKEN, BUMPKIN TYPE OF COMMUNITY. DID THE CITY NEED TO ADD TO THE MISERY? Gilleland said it was an honor to receive the national award that took little time and money to produce “is quite an honor.” And when asked if she’ll do a similar video again, she said, “Absolutely.” HOW ABOUT DOING IT ON YOUR OWN DIME NEXT TIME GILLELAND. AND FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD, CREATE A MORE CLASSY, PROFESSIONAL SCENARIO. AT LEAST HAVE THE SINGING IN TUNE AND COORDINATED......WITHOUT LANDEN. GOOD GOD!

Bobbie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 05 2009 Location: Middletown Status: Offline Points: 288	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bobbie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 18 2012 at 8:51am
	The biggest problem I see with this is the disconnect between Gilleland and crew and the Middletown residents/employess. You received much criticism from your community, because of timing and expense - and again it was an embarrassment. Yet you they are so proud of the positive comments across the nation and from Washington DC. Therefore you will do this again. The nation does not know the full story of what is going on in Middletown - so why does their comment matter more then the people that employ you. This was supposed to boost morale, not win an award. What is most important - what the nation thinks or what your local citizens think. Get your priorities straight!