"STAND" r.e.m.

Well it didn't take long to get another response from someone running for City Council. Mr. Richard Tibbits candidate for the ward III council seat has left me a post. Again, anyone presently serving or running can have a post. I would like them to please be signed.
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Here is his counterpoint.

Paul, Ann McFeatters is correct when she wrote that ‘public officials have the responsibility to pay the bills, but also to plan for the future, safeguard the public assets and protect the environment.”

Out of the four items she mentioned, the only one that you managed to achieve was pay the bills; we will address that later in this letter. Are you really serious when you think your vote for AMP Ohio was planning for the future? I and others questioned this judgment at the very first council meeting when the contract was introduced. A coal burning plant; any reasonably aware individual knew that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was not in favor of building more coal burning power plants mainly because of the pollutants they caused. The EPA is trying to eliminate coal burning power plants, not build more. You were right about the technology; it dates back to before locomotives. I believe the only thing that matters to you guys is that it was cheap. After the EPA stepped in, your 1.5 billion dollar plant AMP Ohio wanted to build ended up spiraling to over 4.5 billion dollars. At that point it became so cost prohibitive, no one could afford it.

Now let’s talk about safeguarding the public assets. If you read the entire AMP Ohio proposal and contract, which I seriously doubt considering its length, you had to be aware that we were not just buying power. We would become part owners of this plant.

Well, Paul, that changes everything. Now you become responsible for part of their debts with no debt limits, no guaranties on rate, nothing that protects Painesville and its citizen interests at all. I’ve talked to three lawyers and none of them would have advised for Painesville to enter into that AMP Ohio contract. All three asked me who the City attorney was that reviewed that contract. A 2.7 million dollar loss! Whoops, safeguarding the public interest? I don’t think so.

Now let’s talk about protecting the environment. Just because this plant was supposed to be built 300 miles away in the Ohio Valley no less; a coal burning power plant!. Acid rain, carbon monoxide, sulphur emissions and tons of CO2 dumped in that valley. What were you protecting – Painesville’s air quality? It certainly wasn’t Ohio’s or the surrounding states. Oh, by the way, a 50 year contract; a contract that you voted for would obligate our grandchildren to pay off. Now, that’s a nice legacy for future generations.

Come on Paul, this was a money grab for cheap power with no concern for the ramifications. You voted blindly because this is what your City Manager and Council President wanted. You didn’t do your homework and you refused to listen to the people that were opposed to this deal.

Oh by the way, now that you all have gotten caught with your hands in the proverbial cookie jar, explain to the citizens where this this 10 million dollars in the electric fund came from, to cover the city manager and councils behind.

But overall a real nice letter Paul. Too bad you never said I’m sorry, I made a mistake and I take responsibility for my actions.

It’s not like I am some Johnny-come-lately. I have listened from the beginning and the negatives out weighed the positives from the get go. This is one of the many issues that provoked me to run for City Council. I truly believe we need new leadership and direction in Painesville.
Richard Tibbits
Ward 3 Candidate
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Richard has informed me he will be more then glad to answer any questions about this post at upcoming "Meet the Candates Nights" as well as calling him to discuss his position on AMP-OHIO I informed him that I believe having a debate on this blog. would not be a good idea. He agreed. So if you have questions to Mr. Tibbits, or Paul Hach address them personally.
Your comments on the subject will be posted.

To refresh yourself about Mr. Tibbits position on AMP-OHIO please go to the archives
October 3,2009 "WORKING IN A COAL MINE" where the video of his, along with others were addressed.