"AFTER THE GOLD RUSH" neil young

Tuesday's vote is right around the corner,

I have to wonder or dream how this election will turn out?

Sorry, I see all three levies failing. Not because the City doesn't need money, but because of the way finances have been handled in the past. With a new city manager and some time under his belt residents may be receptive to a tax hike. Presently the story seems to be the only way the city  operates to cut it's budget is through attrition and to ask for more money.
If any pass it will be the road levy. Take the time to see what Mentor will accomplish with 1.6 million dollars next year. We have let this get so bad around here will will have to spend ten times that amount to get some of our roads up to stuff. That said Mentor isn't spending grant and city money to the tune of $1,400,000 for a streetscape. or a $930,000 grant to bring an area back to nature Millstone/Gristmill? Where are our priorities?

Off to the Races.

John Murphy vs. Tom Fitzgerald, this could be the saddest race in Painesville's history. We have a candidate who is the odds on favorite to win this election without going out campaigning, avoiding candidate night, and not one person has an idea where he stands on the levies, reciprocity's, the future of Painesville? Well it you like where Rita and Joe have taken us for over twenty years he's the status quo. How often in the next four years will that seat be empty due to his travels? The old regime had a philosophy if you don't acknowledge a problem and you avoid answering about them. There is no problem. Now someone campaigns on it? John Murphy at least you know what he wants to bring to the table, with no hidden agenda.

Lori DiNallo vs. Arlene Becks  This one I believed two weeks ago would be the hardest to choose. All I know is whatever happens two years of Lori DiNallo will serve the City of Painesville far better than four years of Arlene Becks. It might seem to some including myself that Mrs. DiNallo has higher aspirations, well tell me what Ms. Becks asprirations are? Will she be knowledgeable about all issues facing Painesville? Can she work with all members of council? Will her goals include all of Painesville? The Arlene Becks I seem to have known five years ago isn't the same person seeking re-elect/return to Painesville Council. Mrs. DiNallo has on the other hand in many cases has proven she think on her own, and for the most part knows what she's talking about.
Your only a professional in a field if you work in that field. Or will someone win because they are 'loved' in the community.

What turned out being the hardest choice. Jim Fodor vs. Rene Aston. First off you can find a nicer person than Jim Fodor. On his election win four years ago I believe as he stated it took him quite some time to acclaim himself to city council. I believed then that Mr. Fodor had no idea the sad state the city found itself in. My worst moment on council for him was when councilman Flock showed council a ten year old newspaper article of a study done on the Elm street waterline that claimed it needed to be replaced. He answered we need to do a study? Studies only are a way of buying time they did a study ten years ago, why do we need another? Mr. Fodor never learned in the bureaucracy of the school system we need more than studies we need results. Rene whole campaign is driven on results. In four years what results has Mr. Fodor accomplished? Fodor will probably win on just his name recognition but if he does return no more getting along to just get along? Ms. Aston went as far as asking a business to come to Painesville showing them what was available to provide a grocery store. Oh, and Painesville downtown, economic development whatever.  Please don't count La -Mexicana a grocery store, it's a 'specialty' store. Painesville needs new blood. new ideas. RESULTS.

No matter who wins this blog. will hold them accountable for their actions. This blog. will report what happened two Mondays a month no matter who likes it or not. You would be surprised.