What's Happening Painesville

"LITTLE OLD LADY FROM PASADENA" jan & dean

2012-02-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

"But parked in her rickety old garage sits a brand new shiny red Super Stock Dodge."

All this hubbub about the Clint Eastwood Chrysler Super Bowl ad?

Seems like many conservatives are upset that this was another Chicago style ad for the Obama administration. Carl Rove was disgusted by the commercial….just to name one.

Now, just to keep this in perspective… when Chrysler was going down the road of bankruptcy… who owned it? Bain Capital? Close, but it was another bunch of venture capitalists… Cerberus Capital Management. If I remember correctly, John Snow ("W’s" Treasury Secretary) was one in charge and for investors like Ezra Merkin. Yes, Obama saved a company and God knows how many jobs with his stimulus plan. Now Republicans claim this commercial was a payback for Obama. I guess it just could not be a ‘feel good’ story about America.

Having said the above, this bunch sees conspirators everywhere… even when a right wing Republican like Eastwood does an ad for a company that is struggling to get back on their feet. Really?

Then I propose that in 2010 Chrysler did an ad for the "Tea Party". How?

Anyone recall Chrysler’s ad for the Dodge Challenger of George Washington and some of his commanders coming over a hill attacking the British Army?

What's wrong with you Democrats… didn't you see the subliminal message of Chryslers ad supporting the Tea Party.

Can this get any sillier?

"SUFFRAGETTE CITY" david bowie

2012-02-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

The city manager presented the 2012-operating budget to council Saturday morning at the Morse Avenue Community Center.

Due to another commitment, I did not attend the presentation. Fellow POC members picked up paperwork and gave me their slant on the meeting.

I was told the city manager opened up the meeting by informing council this format would be the way the budget will be proposed. There would be NO line item budget…. This format will be the way the administration will present it.

When I go to work tomorrow, I will inform my superiors that the way I will do my job will be my way. This is the way I will do it, period. What do you think my chances of going to work on Tuesday will be? You have to love the public sector.

A positive change from previous presentations; the two new members along with council member Flock asked many important questions.

I have just had a chance to glance over the budget. As a resident, I already see a large problem. Our General Fund budget is $11,817,644.00 and 78.24% of that sum represents wages and benefits. I figure $9,200,000.00 plus or minus some loose change. (about $470.00 for every man, woman and child that lives here just for personnel). People, you cannot provide the services the city needs on $2.6 million a year. Do not tell me other cities are this high for wages. Yes, some of them might be and are probably in as bad or worse shape than us. On page 93 Painesville lists a schedule of Health Insurance; the city spends $3,182,000.00 a year on health insurance... that is over $9000.00 a year per employee. What percentage do employees pay? Hey, it's a new world out there… everyone has to pay the fiddler.

The city manager believes the administration needs a "pool" car for city officials to make trips to, say, Columbus. How many trips a year are made to Columbus? Maybe renting a car for these trips would be cheaper. Maybe we should buy a plane. The ‘Painesville One’.

The city manager claims she cannot find any source to cut the grass at the two cemeteries for less than $410,000 a year. Really? You must be looking for that service in the same place where you’re buying the finance directors new laptop for $2000.00. $22,000 to do a study on Tiber Creek. $30,000 for a new 60" lawnmower for the wastewater treatment plant. Does this budget have a ton of overrun built into it? That is what happens when you do not do a line item budget.

I am sure that as I reread this I will find many more questions to ask. Two things not mentioned; the Columbarium that a resident asked for at Riverside Cemetery and the Oak Street road improvement. Well, the city has set aside $150,000 for street improvement this year. Maybe the streets can hold a lottery.

The question remains how many council people can vote for this budget in its present form.

"APOLOGIZE" one republic

2012-01-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

I know our local paper the News-Herald will never print a story like this; either because they don't want to... or they don't want to upset some people. Having a good relationship with city officials or politicians might mean more to some editors then informing the public of what is really going on in their communities. That may explain the paper leading with "chicken stories" when reporting about Painesville Council Meetings.
So I will reprint the AMP-OHIO news article from the Martinsville Bulletin in it's entirety here. You will at least see what other communities have learned.
As of today's date only one councilman has come out and apologized for his part in this debacle, Paul Hach and he should be commended for his honesty. Now don't expect anyone else to publicly apologize.. he was one of only six that voted for this, along with people within the administration that promoted this contract. The sad part of this story is that Martinsville had a smaller stake in the project than Painesville has and also went into the Freemont Energy Plant where AMP-OHIO tagged on another 35 million to the cost of Freemont so the stranded costs at AMPGS weren't so high.

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http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=31836

AMP debt $826,000

Council learns amount Tuesday
Wednesday, January 25, 2012

By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -

Martinsville’s share of costs for a power plant on which construction was halted more than two years ago is $826,102, Martinsville City Council learned Tuesday.

The city’s full “stranded cost” — the cost incurred to develop a coal-fired power plant in Meigs County, Ohio, called the AMP Generating Station (AMPGS) project — is $1,305,506, according to information from AMP President/CEO Marc S. Gerken that was given to council on Tuesday.

However, that amount was reduced by $479,404 thanks to a development fee, leaving the city with the $826,102 bill, the information shows.

Martinsville buys wholesale power through AMP, a nonprofit organization, and then resells and distributes that power to city electric department customers.

In November 2009, AMP quit developing the AMPGS project because contractors’ cost estimates had increased by 37 percent.

AMP decided to redesign the Meigs County site so it could generate power there with natural gas, then abandoned that idea after realizing it would cost less to buy another power plant for which construction was nearly finished.

That plant, the Fremont Energy Center, also in Ohio, recently started generating power on a commercial basis. Last summer, Martinsville entered a 35-year contract with AMP to buy power produced at the Fremont plant.

As an AMP member that was to take part in AMPGS, Martinsville is obligated to pay part of the stranded costs that AMP incurred in developing the Meigs County plant, according to city Utilities Director Dennis Bowles.

However, the AMP Board added a development fee of about $35 million to the Fremont Energy Center. That fee has been used to reduce the development costs for the AMPGS project for AMP members who took part in both the Meigs County and Fremont projects, such as Martinsville. That resulted in the $479,404 reduction in the city’s cost.

Not included in the stranded costs are further net proceeds from litigation on the halted project, further settlements with contractors and/or equipment suppliers and disposition (or reuse) of the AMPGS site in Meigs County, according to Bowles.

Gerken’s information states the city has two choices:

• Make a lump sum payment of $826,102.

• Make a monthly payment for any period up to 15 years.

If the city elects to pay the $826,102 over 15 years, assuming a 3.0 percent interest rate, the annual payment would be about $69,200, according to Gerken’s information. Based on AMP’s current load forecast for the city, this would equate to 35 cents per megawatt hour, the average customer usage, added to the power supply invoice, the information states.

Bowles presented three other payment options to city council, each with different terms. No decision is needed at this time, he added.

Council received the information but made no decision. It will take up the matter during its next meeting.

The city has not paid any money toward the stranded cost, and it has not budgeted any funds in fiscal 2012 to begin paying them.

The total stranded cost when the project was terminated was about $145 million, Bowles said Tuesday. Savings were realized through negotiations with contractors and suppliers, he said.

A complete accounting of the total amount due AMP will not be available until litigation is complete, Bowles added.

With decisions like this being made, no Painesville resident can be left wondering why there is rust in their water, water in their basement and chuckholes in their streets.

"SEND IN THE CLOWNS" frank sinatra

2012-01-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

Another week of GOP debates and again we have the same winner. President Obama.

We have one candidate who wants to circle the moon and another that can't circle the truth.

Newt panders to the Florida space coast by promoting a 30,000 person moon base within ten years . This for a country that can't create jobs, provide health care for all its citizens along with being trillions in debt?

Romney worked hard for his money. Or did his trustee? Mitt claims his money is in a "blind trust". You would think he would mention this to his "trustee" Hey, I'm going to be running for President how about not investing in anything that could be misunderstood, like a Swiss Bank Account or funds in the Cayman Islands. Sorta like what he told his landscaper about employing illegals on his property.

Illegals… now Mitt sees merit in the Dream Act? Flip-flop. P.S. By the way, there are Hispanic voters in Florida.

Say what you will about Gingrich he accomplished something the Democrats couldn't do on their own. Make Romney unlikable and untrustworthy.

I loved Thursday's debate when Senator Santorum tried to get the two leaders to quit attacking each other and start attacking Obama. Mitt pipes up with a comment about Gingrich "Well, if you can say it in a stump speech or an interview you should be able to tell that person to his face in the debates." Gingrich gave him that ‘O.K. pal… game on’.

One final note… Mitt's money. I have yet to see how his tax rate has provided 100,000's of jobs for Americans. Along with begging the question that when you were in charge at Bain Capital did you EVER pay more than 15% in income taxes? We all can give our children up to $10,000 a year without a tax penalty, will he please explain how he set up a trust fund for his four sons for 100 million dollars what kind of tax was paid on that?

While you’re at it, have Mr. ‘Romneyrich’ explain paying taxes as capital gains or carried interest? You try it.

The two adults (Ron Paul and Rick Santorum) have left the circus tent in Florida...Ron Paul to campaign in Maine and Senator Santorum to be with his gravely ill daughter in Pennsylvania. Now would be a good time for all of us to say a prayer for his daughter and the whole Santorum family.

"COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT" every mothers son

2012-01-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

New business coming to Downtown Painesville.

Gently Loved Boutique will be celebrating their Grand Opening.

A consignment store specializing in both new and consignment items.

Located at:
222 East Main Street. Ribbon cutting ceremony with owner Denise Pizzi will take place at 11:30 am January 26,2012.

We must do everything possible to bring businesses to our downtown and then support them. I believe it takes a lot of courage and fortitude to invest in the downtown area. If they want to continue to have "Cash Mobs" people will need a place's to spend their money.
Good-Luck Denise.

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Attended the Principal Meeting at Harvey this morning Ms. Martin invited former Harvey grad Ricky Coleman who now is a counselor at Family Pride of Northeast Ohio.
Mr. Coleman spoke on the many challenges he faces dealing with mental health issues for Painesville residents and students.

Ms. Martin also brought up a program that I am 100% behind.
WATCH D.O.G.S. [Dads Of Great Students]
[1] to provide an unobtrusive fathering presence, and
[2] to provide a positive and active role-model for students at the schools.

Fathers, stepfathers,grandfathers and uncles are asked to spend at least one day at their student's schools volunteering. They will support the school through:
monitoring the school property,
working one-on-one or in small groups,
reading,
flashcards,
homework,
sports referees,
listening ears,or
for whatever needs to be done to PLANT SEEDS OF SUCCESS in the lives of the students.
This is a chance for the community to reach out to the students to show them how important they are to us.

A meeting and pizza party will be held at Harvey on February 23,2012 at 6:00 pm. To gauge community involvement and an orientation for prospective volunteers. Who want to be part of this worthwhile program.
I hope the community will support this.

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A final rumor to pass on to you.
It seem a certain councilperson wants to have a meeting with the city building department. Seems they believe they are not doing their job on inspections at the Steele Mansion? What not enough road blocks in the way?
Well I guess we can assume at least one No vote against the Steele Mansion for becoming an Inn. I have to wonder who or what the motivation is? I hope they explain their concern or is this a case of a crony politican doing someone bidding?

"KING OF THE ROAD" roger miller

2012-01-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

Recently on an extended trip to Beirut I took these photographs of what the locals in that area had to endure to get around their town and to their homes....... Just kidding this is not Siberia or the Yukon Territory this is Oak Street in the City of Painesville.

Residents who live on this street have caused extensive damage to their vehicles as well as people being forced to drive in front yards to avoid driving on the road. Street…. I‘m using that term loosely here. Now I'm willing to bet the residents on Oak Street would like a concrete street with curbs and sidewalks but would be perfectly happy with a road that any half-a#%'ed Township could provide for a country road. This is YOUR city people. If the people down at the "Golden Dome" think this much of the residents on Oak Street what makes you believe they care any more about your street?

This situation on Oak Street has been going on way too long. The solution? We will probably do another study and someone will come up with an idea of a Road Levy. Before we even talk about a "Road Levy" can we at least think about all the waste that comes from City Hall? How much more will people put up with? I would really like to know.

The mailman wonders too…neither snow, sleet, hail, nor dark of night or a big slush-filled hole in the road keeps him from his appointed rounds!

I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT' rod stewart

2012-01-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

So after the "Angry Captain Kangaroo" cleaned the floor with "Uncle Mitt" …Romney has decided to release his 2010 tax returns on Tuesday. It's never a good sign of character when you do something only because you are pressured into it. Especially if you want to become our President.

That said, everyone could conclude he paid around 15% on his income tax. Is that a sin? No, he was following the same rules that every American follows…’ here is your tax rate…now pay the man’. Now comes the bigger question, how did he earn his wealth in 2010? Investing in American companies that created jobs in the United States or did he invest in foreign capitalist markets that made their money off shore?

This is important because for the last year Republicans have told us that lowering the tax rate on the top 1% would create jobs in this country. Romney’s tax report will either prove or disprove this theory.

I will give Newt credit for turning a negative into what appears to be a positive on the questioning of his extra-marital affair or open marriage regarding his wives. Then again, most Americans will decide that the "lame stream press" news reporters didn't put those women in bed with him. That was all poor bad judgment on Newt. Along with gems stating he was not a lobbyist, first he was hired as a historian and now a strategist.

I never believed there was bias in the mainstream press. Now after the last two or three months I seem to understand what people are talking about. Ron Paul. First, I am not a supporter of Congressman Paul but if there has been a more ignored candidate then him, show me. I believe Ron Paul is not planning to win the Presidency but both parties should be made aware he is forming a very large movement that they will have to deal with. Rand Paul in 2016?

One final thought… Romney will never ever, ever release his 1999 taxes. That was when he was still employed by Bain Capital and his income was turned into capital gains and paid at the lower rate. This is what is wrong with America. The near disaster this country faced in 2008 was not caused be union workers in the public or private sector or people on Social Security. The Bank of America, Bain Capital, Goldman Sachs, Lehmen Brothers and all the big money people caused it. Do we want to return to those times? A good start would be to again deregulate the markets and prove "Too big to fail".
Don't regulate Wall Street just give us your money!

"TOWN WITHOUT PITY'" gene pitney

2012-01-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

Really, nothing to speak about in legislation at last night’s council meeting.

The Chicken ordinance died on the chopping block. This was an issue that came up that just did not have to be.

Council (as well as most people) still can't seem to get a handle on just what and what not can be in your driveway.

City Manager reissued some loans. I was hoping one councilperson would have asked her what all this re-issuing was costing the city in interest.

Are council meetings lasting too late into the night? Long council meetings were never the norm until a Council President decided that Departmental Presentations" should be given during council meetings. Long meetings always seemed to happen in July and August when there was only one meeting a month.

In the visitor time, a resident who lived in Heisley Park said he bought a home there to have a more peaceful life. His statement to council would not be a good recommendation to anyone thinking about moving to town.

I mentioned that the city should inform residents about the epidemic of breaking and entering that has plagued Painesville the last couple of months. The police are doing as well as they can but maybe residents can keep an eye on their neighborhoods and take steps to not making their homes look as an easy target.

So in short, you can have as many chickens as you want as long as they are not a nuisance. I do not know if you can park that truck in your driveway or not nor do I know what these loans cost the city, and how many sump pumps will burn out before people just give up.

"YOU'RE SO VAIN" carly simon

2012-01-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

Or are you too Bain? I figured if Mitt Romney was to become the GOP candidate for President I knew Bain Capital would come to the forefront of the Obama re-election committee.

Never did I imagine that the other Republican candidates would ever bring up terms such as "vulture capitalist" when they spoke of Mitt.

Who is to blame? Newt, Rick? No, I'm afraid this one is the fault of Mitt himself.
"In the private sector… created 100,000's of jobs", Really Mitt? Yes, Romney is a capitalist but not in the same vein as a Henry Ford, or a Steve Jobs, both of whom created products for the masses that made Americans’ lives better. Jobs even created products for us before we knew we needed them. What product did Romney ever create?

Mitt Romney is a private equity capitalist whose main claim to fame is a leverage buyout of a corporation. He claims the attacks on him are about "ENVY" and discussions about wage inequality should take place in "quiet rooms". The only things I have ever discussed in a quiet room are things I am not proud of or just plain ashamed of.

Mitts’ claims have gone from 100,000's of jobs to 10's of 100,000’s… to now just a paltry few 1,000's.

This is not an attack on free enterprise or capitalism… only on Bain Capital’s simple redistribution of wealth from the 99% to the top 1%. Or is it an attack on middle class values where the winners are decided by who grabs the most.

So far we haven't heard too many details... They are on the w...such as how Bain destroyed K-B Toys to Georgetown Steel. Bain got over 37 million from the feds in that deal and yet Mitt claims government shouldn't decide winners and losers? When the American people see all the facts they will hopefully come to the same conclusion that I have... which is that Mitt Romney is the perfect President for the 1% er's.

The attacks on Tim Tebow? Complaints about everything from his lifestyle to his faith? I believe Mr. Tebow to be a sincere person. I also believe (as well as Tim does) if God really cared about who wins a football game then the New Orleans Saints would win the Super Bowl every year and Notre Dame, Brigham Young, or SMU, would be ranked number one in college polls every year.

My dilemma?

What happens in the future if a Quarterback thanks Satan for his success? A devil worshiper? The devil caused the injury on the safety on the play that won the game for us! Then the masses will have something legitimate to rally against!

WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN" who

2012-01-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

Well, did the holidays go well for all of you? I thought I'd give you a break. Break’s over!

Let's start with the new Painesville City Council. Mike and Katie seem to be well situated at both ends of the table.

Same Boss as the old Boss? Hada as President and Hach as Vice-President. Well, at least it will be easy to point out the two current council members that cost Painesville the most money in the past five years. I knew Andy had no chance of anything but I thought that after viewing Councilman Fodor this past year he might throw his hat in the ring. I can only believe that losing over two million dollars didn't leave that much of an impression on the "5"?
Still debating over chickens. That should have been tabled long ago. Was the woman summoned to court? She wanted "2" and our city manager wants "6" …why?

A city resident came forward and asked about an additional Columbarium at Riverside Cemetery. As she spoke and was then answered by the city manager, a thought came to me. The cemetery has a $500,000 budget, a director and an assistant director…so why is it that a resident has to tell them the present Columbarium is filled? Maybe it was assumed people would stop dying.

A tip to Clerk of Council. When you are asked to read a letter, please read it. Do not try to censor it, as it was obvious that was what you were doing. Please include the TOTAL letter in the minutes of the meeting. Somehow, the letter you read appeared to be missing a few things.

Finally, a challenge in the chili cook-off! Maybe a fried-chicken cook-off could be in the works.

Painesville School Board Meeting Monday January 9, 2012 I do not expect a spelling-bee contest.

Will these companies be with us at the end of this year?
1. Kodak
2. Sears
3. Avery-Dennison
4. Key Corp.

"JUMPER" third eye blind

2011-12-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

A lot has been mentioned about a third party run by someone this year. Trump, Paul, even Bloomberg.

Now, my thoughts on this may seem unconventional to many of you but I do not think the third-party run will come from the above-mentioned three. Trump would never expose his financial records; Paul is too loyal to the party and his son the Senator. Bloomberg is, well, just in love with New York.

So I guess a third wheel is not in the country’s future this year.

Then again, who is more arrogant and pissed-off enough at the established Republican Party than Newt Gingrich? Can't happen? Here are some names of a few conservatives from coast to coast that have been bad mouthing "Newton Leroy” since he established himself as number one.

Everyone from Glenn Beck to Joe Scarborough to Senator Tom Colburn and even Karl Rove badmouth this guy.

Now Republicans are constantly reminded to go easy on Ron Paul’s followers so as to not alienate them. Yet, what about Newt's followers? Let’s make Lucy jokes about him not getting on his home state of Virginia primary ballot.

I do not have a clue as to who is the best of the Republican hopefuls… but I do know in his heart Newt believes he deserves to be the contender.
Let’s say it plays out and Romney is the candidate. What does Newt owe anyone in the GOP party? [Where will anybody but Mitt people go?]

After watching what has transpired in the last year anything is possible.
Watch out… here comes Santorum! Please will you people get serious?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"RIGHT HERE WAITING' richard marx

2011-12-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

I have given some thought to the makeup of this coming year’s Painesville City Council.

Yes, last Monday was the final meeting for both Robert Fountain and Hal Werner. I thought Council-President Hada had nice things to say about both of them. I did notice Mr. Hada's comments on Hal Werner were "off the cuff" and a prepared statement was read about Mr. Fountain. Maybe I read too much into that. Well it is that time of year to let bygones be bygones and good will towards men. Right?

Which brings me to next year’s council? I once asked Councilman Flock if at any time he has ever held the position of Council-President or Council Vice-President. He mentioned to me he never has. I found it curious that he has spent sixteen years on council and never given that honor by fellow council members. I told Andrew he was the ‘Susan Lucci’ of city council.

At this point in time, I do not even know if Andy would accept either position… but I guess just the fact that he has never been asked says a lot about the present organization of council.

It also might not be a good idea since Mr. Flock has stated publicly he has lost confidence in the present city manager. In addition to the constant arguing with the present council-president, it just might not be a good fit.

One thing I have always noticed about Andy is the fact that "All" city residents come first. If its safety concerns at Cobblestone or flooding somewhere in the city Andy always seems to be the "go to guy."

A resident mentioned that they asked the city manager to approve another Columbarium at Riverside Cemetery since no space is presently available. Who did she then approach to see if council could approve this?

Mr. Flock is far from perfect, as many of you have let us know here on the blog, but is there another council member that cares as much about you and other residents in Painesville as he does?

'CHRISTMASTIME IN PAINESVILLE' slack jaw

2011-12-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

"HOME ON THE RANGE" roy rodgers

2011-12-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

Well, if you are going to make the paper, it might as well be over chickens.

At the council meeting last night, it was explained that, first off, the resident who came in front of council was not in violation of any ordinance. They should have been told to keep your two chickens caged... and if they're out of the cage then keep them in a fenced in area. Too easy!

Now the city wants to propose an ordinance that would allow up to six chickens housed in a twenty-four foot cage that is predator proof... along with a fenced in area so I guess they can be "free range". Why?

First, I think it was reasonable for two chickens per one residence, not one family or one address, none in apartment houses, privately owned homes only. No roosters either.

When the city proposed six chickens per residency, I believe some council members viewed it differently. Maybe that was the purpose. The lady asked for TWO not SIX. Why make a big deal over this? Two chickens provide an average of 14 eggs a week... do the math with six.

So what else did we learn? There is a limit of three dogs per household and we never even discussed cats. Now rabbits... you can have as many as you want. We already knew that.

"BOTH SIDES NOW" joni mitchell

2011-12-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

Learned about a new word at last Monday night’s council meeting.

"Reciprocity"

That word, as applied by the city, means the city give you credit for city income tax in the city you work in. If you live in Painesville but work in Mentor, you pay Mentor’s 2% income tax and the City of Painesville gives you full 100% reciprocity of that amount.

New rules that the administration seems to be considering.

Let's say Painesville changes its policy and only gives you 75% reciprocity.
Here is the formula. You work at Acme Manufacturing in Mentor and your annual salary is $40,000. You are obligated to pay city income tax and it is taken out of your paycheck… 2% Mentor income tax. This amount is $800.00. [All $800.00 goes into Mentors coffers] Now Painesville with its 75% reciprocity in place will send you a city income tax bill for $200.00 even though you did not make a dime of income in Painesville.

I believe that in order for this to become law it should go to the voters and not left up to council.

Heard a rumor this week about the auction numbers regarding the Chase Bank Building on the square in Painesville. The building and property were appraised at $230,000 with the opening bid at $199,000… could the real estate business be this bad in Painesville as well as the rest of the country.

On another rumor, it seems Sheriff Dan of Lake County would like his commission on selling the Millstone property. I hear it is around $40,000. Want to bet he (as well as the county) will be expecting his commission soon. Whose idea was it to bid that high number for that property in the first place? I heard the city manager tell a resident they received the check from FEMA for the down payment. I wish one council person had the guts to ask please "show them the check."

Seems it will be another uneventful Christmas for all the former residents of Millstone who have been waiting for a "present" for over five years. Yes, go ahead and blame the Bear but I’m beginning to believe there are more villains than we think.

Take it to the bank… Ron Paul will win the Iowa caucus. Don't count Huntsman out yet. [He is the only one that can beat Obama]

"LITTLE PINK HOUSES" john melloncamp

2011-12-09T19:00:00.001-08:00

I see the planning commission passed the "spot" zoning for the Steele Mansion Thursday night. Now council must vote on it... probably early next year. [New members]

I wish the Shamakians success with council and the vision that they have for the property.

As little as two years ago, if anyone would have shown us where the restoration of the mansion was today we probably would have thought that they were crazy. It amazes me every time I drive past.

As I mentioned at Thursday's meeting, in the past people here in town have had a tendency to find fault with any “golden egg" brought to us. This family has bestowed a gift to the city. In the beginning, I believe even the Shamakians could not predict this phenomenal outcome.

Do you know of any private citizens who have made such a large investment in our community in the last twenty-five or more years?

To the many residents that oppose this venture of converting this to an Inn... I ask if a fourteen-unit apartment building would better enhance your Mentor Avenue National Historical District and your property values. When I mentioned that the mansion could be the anchor of their district, one person claimed he did not want to live across the street from an "anchor".

This is hardly a quiet neighborhood. A college, physicians’ offices, assisted living along with two churches and a funeral home….all on the busiest street in town.

At least everyone that spoke congratulated the Shamakian family for bringing back the mansion.

Some reasons mentioned for not changing the zoning: what if it fails, what if it burns down again? And so many of you people tell me I am full of negativity!

This family did not get to where they are through failure… sure, a fire could occur but I’m willing to bet this home will have more than enough insurance to rebuild.

Many people mentioned that Planning Board Chairman Thomas Fitzgerald had selfish reasons for voting against the change. Sorry, I do not see it that way. He struggled with his vote. I believe Mr. Fitzgerald voted no because of the residents that did not want to change the zoning in their neighborhood… not that he owned a Bed & Breakfast.

If they are opposed to businesses, will someone please explain to me how an apartment building is not a business? If Painesville ever has a prayer of turning this town around, we have to start somewhere….and what better way than supporting the Shamakians. Very seldom is a town given a contribution of this magnitude, let’s not screw it up.

" YOU WERE MINE" dixie chicks

2011-12-06T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well at Monday nights council meeting we learned about two more "illegals" living in the southside of town.

Maude and Ruby these are two young chicks that the city deems have to go.
First let me explain Maude and Ruby are two "real" chickens that happens to be owned by a nice lady who keeps them for eggs for herself and no rooster is present.
She seems sincere and very ecologically aware of her footprint here on earth.
Asking her if she had a goal to expand her I don't even know what you would call it herd? She only wants TWO chickens period.

Other cities have ordinances to let chickens live in there town so would it be a stretch to let TWO chickens ONLY on a residential property?
I have no clue as to how many people would want two chickens but it seems to be a reasonable request.

I hope she can keep Maude and Ruby... This is what can happen when you run a FOWL of city government.

On another note any odds on how the planning commission will vote Thursday night on the Steele Mansion? Very strong opposition from prominent city resident?

*************************************************************************************

Attended tonight Planning Commission Meeting the vote was 3to 1 to change the zoning and move it forward to council. Maybe there isstill hope for Painesville?
Packed house.

HOW LONG HOW LONG" eagles

2011-12-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

My Annual Year-End attack on the Republican Party:

Thirty years ago, I remember a man running for President that came up with a new term I had never heard before. “Supply-Side Economics”. Seemed innocent enough at the time. His challenger (who would become his Vice-President and later President) called it "VOO-DOO' economics. If Bush ever hit anything on the head, it was the right name for that economic plan.

We were promised a "trickle down" effect. Well, we were trickled on all right.

Fast-forward thirty years and look at any economic chart, whom does this policy benefit? Yes, the top 1 or 2% have done GREAT! Now the middle class is barely hanging on. Why?

If this policy was so great, why didn’t the majority of Americans reap the same benefits as the top 1 and 2%? The top 1% now controls 50% of all the wealth in this country.

They say the Bush tax cuts are needed by the job creators.
They Got the tax breaks, now where are the jobs? Let’s clarify that the jobs that have been created are now located everywhere else but in America.

You have a private citizen who threatens anyone who doesn't sign his pledge with a challenger in a primary. Gee, all along I thought they only had to be faithful to the Constitution. What backbone this party has.

To be honest, watching the debates I thought only Democrats could look so foolish. Someone mentioned it was like the television show "The Apprentice". Low and behold, the Donald wants to host a debate. Yes... after most candidates went on a pilgrimage to Trump Towers to kiss the ring, I mean comb of the "Donald". Whom do you think those candidates will be looking out for? That self-made man who used his father’s wealth to build an empire or you and me?

Well, one thing that party did right was replace a chairman who spent party money at strip joints with one who mentioned that President Obama's policies had cost 26 million jobs. He later corrected himself. With that said how many of you know anyone named Reince? Talk about elitists.

We were promised jobs a year ago. Where are they?

Our Governor, to his credit, managed to get Chiquita Bananas to move their corporate headquarters to South Carolina. Well Gov, if you want credit for what you bring to Ohio, I guess you also have to take credit for what you lose.

I guess my question is ‘How long will we buy into this myth?’

A final thought to you FOXNEWS aficionados. After last week they have picked your candidate and its NEWT! Softball questions from Hannity as opposed to hardball question from Bret Baer to Romney. Check it out.

Hey, Isn't Trump Towers right next to Tiffanys? How Convenient.

I only do this post to for the people that say they don't come here but do,so enjoy.
Argue all you want but try to remember one thing.
Would Eisenhower,Nixon, Goldwater,Ford and Reagan ever had made a pilgrimage to Trump Tower?

"ON THE ROAD AGAIN" willie nelson

2011-12-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

Monday night council meeting will be pretty much a re-run of the last meeting. In addition, our Finance Director will give a presentation on city finances.

I believe Councilman Fodor will propose a road levy. Yes, our roads are in sad shape and it will be interesting how he will propose selling this to us.

Due to the present economy, this is not the time to ask residents for more money.

What cuts can still be made in the city budget to free up some money?

At the last council meeting, I asked what percentage of the general fund is spent on wages and benefits. What is the answer? My understanding is that the city pays close to 3 million dollars a year towards health benefits for employees.

If the city tells us no more cuts can be made, then residents should reply, "We also can make no more cuts to our family budget."

Maybe Painesville has to learn to live in its budget as we do.

Let's start with the top two wage earners in the city government; combined with wages and benefits, we are looking at over $289,000 for a town with 19,000 residents… seems high to me. Forget the police fire, public works, and utility workers that you see every day. How many directors and middle management do you really need? Our City Manager always tells us what a great group of people this is; then why do they need so much supervision?

If a road levy is proposed, it will be up to residents to vote yes or no. Rest assured that this blog will do everything in its power to inform the people the costs to run this town.

Speaking of levies, I see two more downtown buildings are in the demolition mode, the little brick building on State St. next to the hardware store along with the professional building at the corner of Erie and Mentor Ave.

Lets take a look at all of the buildings that are no longer revenue producers and soon you will understand that the city has a lot less revenue coming into the city coffers. How much revenue did we lose with Gristmill and Millstone? How about the hotel, the income tax revenue from Lake East and Coe Manufacturing? The rumor is that property will be turned over to the Port Authority also. If that happens then we get zero property taxes.

A levy Mr. Fodor?

Who is going to pay for this levy? How about a plan to examine why we have so many empty buildings that used to be revenue producers and what can we do about returning some them to the tax rolls. Please do not ask me for more money without addressing the rest of the problem.

COMPLICATED" avril lavigne

2011-11-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

For the last eight Sundays, I have been attending a local church group whose mission is to understand migration. "Crossing Borders" a study for Catholics to understand migration.

I have now been to meetings on this subject from both sides.

I came to realize that the main opposition of illegal immigration for me was not the people coming but how some were framing the issue. First, I was upset with HOLA's demands. This includes Veronica Dahlberg’s insistence that the laws were wrong and any opposition was racist along the allegations that ICE agents were breaking down doors and spreading terror in the community. The "Letter" that ended up in the United States Senate that appeared to come from then-Council President William Horvath. This letter was composed by Dalhberg and rubber-stamped by Horvath. The final straw was a march through downtown Painesville with Mexican flags in the forefront and the American flag dragged by children through town, later followed by a rally in Veterans Park by out of state speakers claiming to take back what was originally theirs. All to the applause of Ms. Dahlberg and the crowd.

A member of this church group questioned the motives of the Rally Team. I explained to them that I believed Ms. Dahlberg is the main reason the group started.

We studied migration back to the time of Moses in the Bible. One constant I learned through all these weeks about the region, country or empire that was being migrated to; if they did not have control over the migration it usually ended with negative results for them. The American Indians’ policy (or lack of) towards European settlers is a good example.

At present, the United States does not have a policy.

First, these are my thoughts and not the thoughts or findings of the church group. I believe the first thing the United States government should do is control the border, not only to keep illegals out but that large area that doesn't have a fence is desert and people are dying trying to cross it. Let us put boots on the ground not only for security but also for the safety of the people trying to cross in that area.

This country has a strange policy over the years; a sign that says "KEEP OUT" under a sign that says, "HELP WANTED."

A myth most will find hard to believe; these people do not want to leave Mexico, they just do not want to starve to death. America offers a new life. They can watch American television as easily as we do. I do not believe there is a conspiracy to take over the country or destroy our culture they just want a better life. America has away that sucks you in... You become an "American" first and fast.

How is it that the country south of the richest country in the world is still a third world country? Instead of Mexico sending migrants north, why hasn't our government and religious leaders asked the Mexican government to get their act together. Mexico is rich in natural resources but its wealth seems to be concentrated in a small group of individuals. (Sound familiar?). Has NAFTA worked for or against the Mexican economy? How long before the drug gangs infiltrate our society to the extent they have in Mexico. Let us not forget about human trafficking… such as in the case of Jalapeno Loco in Mentor a couple of years ago.

For the last eight weeks, I have listened to what we, as Americans should do. The church should hold meetings for the migrants and explain what is expected of them.

Last week during the Republican debates, Newt Gingrich made statements that might end his chances of ever becoming President. I give him credit for a being somewhat of a realist. If the Hispanic population goes to the Democrats I believe, as he does, it will be the end of the Republican Party. I disagree with his premise that we should set up a group as second-class citizens, with local selective board panels. What is that famous American slogan "No taxation without representation?" I would like to hear a whole debate that just deals with illegal immigration so people will hear not just sound bites but each candidate’s solution along with the costs of their solution. Yes, President Obama's also.

I mentioned before that our Congressman receives mail 10 to 1 against amnesty. The numbers here on the blog will be higher. Only when you inevitably complain about this post will you please also give your solution to this problem. I for one do not have an easy answer.
Also on the blog. who or what you say is Anonymous, to myself and the readers..... Before you start to type remember a time will come when you may have to explain your comment to a higher power.

Yes it is Complicated.

"BLACK FRIDAY" steely dan

2011-11-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

No I'm not talking about shopping. As we enjoy our feast this Thursday and are thankful to our Creator for our bounty he has presented us. Take time to remember November 25, 1783.
That's the day set aside to remember Evacuation New York. That was the last day and the last vestige of British authority. British troop's left the United States.
We all remember July 4,1776 the day we declared our independence but it took over six years to drive the British out of the colonies. It took the Continental Army lead by General Washington to gain control of New York in 1783.
During that time more then 10,000 patriots soldiers and sailors died through deliberate neglect on British prison ships anchored in New York harbor. More died there then in any single battle during the war. Gives a new meaning to "Give me Liberty or give me death".
There is a Prison Ship Martyrs Monument at Fort Greene in Brooklyn, New York.
The story goes that if you swore allegiance to the crown you were set free. I don't know if this is true or not.
Also all during the time of 9/11 attack we kept hearing about Battery Park reading this story I know what the words mean.

Again have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

"ROCKETMAN" elton john

2011-11-22T03:59:00.000-08:00

In the most interesting news to come out of Monday nights council meeting. A 98 year old Vulcan was brought back to Painesville by a local resident. More to follow......

Last night at the council meeting Tony Torre inform everyone there he had recently acquired a 1913 Vulcan touring car? What made this such an interesting find was the Vulcan Motor Co. was located and built automobiles here in Painesville. This car has found it's way back to Painesville where it was built. The plant was located on Richmond St. near the electric plant. As more information is know I will update you. According to the DuPont Automobile registry. only two still are in existence? Maybe Tony found number 3? Tony they also produced an automobile named the Erie.

'FORTUNATE SON" ccr

2011-11-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

By now most of you know or may have guessed I am over 60 years old.

That's not a bad thing. I have many fond memories of growing up in Painesville, remembering when steam engines still ran through town, GM ‘59 models with ‘fins’ and nobody challenging American ingenuity in the world.

The first leader I remember was President Eisenhower. I never realized his greatness until later in life. This was during the time of the yellow and black triangle CD signs that showed where a fallout shelter was located.

The first Presidential election I can remember was between Kennedy and Nixon. My family were Democrats and were pushing for JFK. I asked my father ‘what if he loses and Nixon was elected?’ My father assured me that Richard Nixon was more than capable of running this country.

Growing up, I watched Kennedy, Nixon, Martin Luther King Jr. and many other leaders from both sides of the aisle who were true leaders and statesmen… not knowing at the time of the true greatness I was watching. To this day, I do not believe the country realizes how much Kennedy and Nixon respected each other. Their first debate was not the one most people remember on television. It took place outside Pittsburgh in 1952 on a subject later to be known as the "Cold War". They also shared a train ride back to Washington D.C. with Nixon winning the bottom berth.

Why bring this up now? Where has the greatness gone? To be honest I see no leadership from either party. I see nothing but kicking a can down the road. I hear candidates that cannot remember the facts that they should. I see cash being the major reason for anything being done. President Obama seems to be in over his head and at the same time, none of his challengers appears to be a better choice.

9-9-9. cannot remember departments to eliminate or whether China has nukes. On the other hand, a promise by one candidate to go to war with Iran if elected… and the latest… they gave me 37 million to hear my thoughts. PLEASE!

People fifty years ago had hundreds of times better choices then we have today. Why?

I believe money has corrupted both parties and have turned our government into a bunch of prostitutes looking for their next money fix.

Do you think those leaders would have listened to the lobbyists years ago as they do today? Do you believe a Nixon, Kennedy, Reagan, Goldwater would have signed a pledge by Grover Northquest the way they all line up to today to do so? Why does Grover, a private citizen, have this power over elected officials? The only one of the candidates that has stuck to his guns is Ron Paul… even if you disagree with him you have to give him credit for not shifting in the wind as others have.

On a final thought: are the occupiers and the tea partiers both wanting the same thing? If they need a cause, they can both join in on; why not make it putting us back to work?
My answer to the tax issue? Every time unemployment numbers go down, tax rates go down. Unemployment goes up and tax rates go up. [I know no economist believes this is good tax policy, but than the current one isn't that hot either] There are some incentives to putting people back to work in that policy. We could just lets just get rid of the Bush tax cuts for everyone shared sacrifice for everyone.

"IN THE AIR TONIGHT" phil collins

2011-11-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

Today my second visit to Harvey took place. I am happy to report that, for the most part, you have a group of teachers who want to teach and a student body that wants to learn.

Can things improve? Should they? Yes. I along with many others believe the new members of the school board will be expecting greater results from everyone. I also believe we will see the system more transparent in the near future.

A young lady questioned me about the reason for my visit. I explained that there was a report circulating that claimed that less than 25% of the community cared about the students. One reason for being there was to disprove that thought. We, as a community, care for many different reasons.

I questioned the SRO officer about the fight reported to the blog last week. I asked him if he was out of the building. No, he was never informed about the fight from any administrator. He assured me that the respective people responsible for him and the school have reached an understanding about his duties in the building. He believes that situation has been corrected. All of this over a paper trail?
The student was NOT transported by EMS to Tri-Point… but a parent took him to the hospital. Again, no paper trail.

In my visit today, it seems that Fridays there is no dress code enforcement. A student mentioned that if it is not important on Friday then why is it important the rest of the week. I couldn’t respond to that question because I just do not have a good answer. Does anyone?

Yes, no headgear allowed but there were a few that just had to wear baseball caps in the building. Again, most students dressed appropriately. I’m getting old, so could someone explain what's with the ripped jeans with holes?

One thing that the school seems to be missing the boat on is that I always thought that when the bells ring you are supposed to go to your next class. It's amazing how many students are still going whatever they were going after the second bell rings. Along with school starting at 7:15 but apparently you have a grace period of 45 minutes before you are tardy. I believe that employers that will hire these students in the future will not have this liberal time schedule.

Again as a resident of Painesville, that SRO officer is needed and appreciated by both staff and students.

I believe his presence at Harvey is invaluable to the city and schools.

I also believe council members must receive his reports monthly and decide if the school should install metal detectors along with what else the school should provide at Harvey.

All institutions of learning must understand that they are responsible to the communities that they serve. Yes, no one wants his or her dirty laundry exposed. It is their obligation to use the resources at their disposal to provide a safe, learning experience. They should not be concerned about bad press…ignoring or hiding a problem only makes it worse. Deal with it now or deal with a bigger issue later. Ask the people in Happy Valley.

"WORKING MAN" rush

2011-11-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

I attended the council "work" session Monday night. If you read the News-Herald this morning (Tuesday, November 14th) the misuse of our EMS units as taxis were brought up to council by the Fire Chief. To his credit he mentioned it’s not about the money, but having enough personnel in position in case of a real emergency. We heard about one resident that has been transported 79 times this year already. I am sure we are not the first community to face this… it's time to find a solution.

The Utility Commission appointed by city council was discussed. In one word, it is a sham!

I looked up the definition of a commission, appoint, assign, delegate, authorize, order, enlist consign, charge, engage, invest, hire, and contract for. Now this Commission will only ‘advise’ council. OK, it will only make recommendations. So how many people do you think will take the time to look into electricity, water and sewer, maybe even waste management? Then, after all their work, council can do as they wish? It's council’s job in the first place… maybe this is a new way to pass around the mistakes. We elected these people.. now time for them to do their homework.

Council has had the good advice and input from residents before...remember AMP - OHIO? How many citizens went before council in opposition of AMPGS and council did what it wanted anyway? This kind of takes the wind out of someone's sails. Who would be motivated to do all that research for nothing? Do what you want, but please do not make it look official by calling it a ‘commission’.

Storm Water Improvements: well, in this case you might as well be living in Rock Creek Township. The city has no legal or financial way of solving you problems.
The Cedarbrook area study came back. In laymen’s terms ...the pipes are too small. How much did that tidbit cost us? Those pipes must have shrunk in the last 6 or 7 years. We never had this problem before Heritage and Chestnut schools and several other large developments got tied into the same pipes. One Million Dollars to fix this. We don't have a million dollars but I guess it should be a great source of comfort to the people that suffer over there (along with people on Hayer, and Meridan, as well as those living on N. State St.) that the flooding mystery is finally solved and we finally know what the problem is. We know how to fix it…but you residents are just going to have to live with it.

The city engineer had an idea how to solve the sewage problem for $1000.00. OK, I'll give you $1000 bucks but there is no way you can get a contractor to do that job at that price. You pay the overage.

Interesting meeting… we have even more problems to look into. Right now in "my" world that’s all we presently can deal with.

See the city has started construction on the Battery storage/Utility truck storage garage. I'll give you three guesses who got the excavation contract? It may be legal but I wonder how ethical it all is?

News-Herald had a story how the county was spending $30,000 to evaluate moving the County Utility Department Enginineering and billing department out to the former Minimum Security Facility. Seem's like a strange move? When you realize they own that office building next to Burger King in the center of town. Why would they want to move out of town? Where is that Community Develpment Department we pride ourselves on in town. How much income tax revenue will this cost Painesville's coffers? Seems if we could just get the city and county to work together? Wonder what or who the problem is?

"SAD SONG" elton john

2011-11-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

As I sat in restaurant tonight, the television news was all about the Penn State scandal.

A woman at a nearby table spoke aloud "How long must we hear about this Penn State thing?"

Well first off, it is not a Penn State University thing.
Nor is it a Penn State football thing.

Not a legendary coach thing.

Certainly not a “how will this affect Senior Day and the game against Nebraska” thing.

This thing is about at least six young boys who were brutally abused by a person they trusted. This thing is also about the complete failure of the adults with knowledge about it and how they dropped the ball on their responsibility to those boys.

I could care less about the University, the football team, the most revered coaches in college football or even whether they play a game Saturday or not. The focus should be on the well-being of those victims.

This is what happens when a public or private institution thinks more of their program and/or reputation than doing the most basic right thing. Seems everyone involved thought it was more important to pass the proverbial buck than to confront the perpetrator and report this hideous crime to the proper authorities.

Someone commented to me the only thing worse than the crime was the attempted cover up.

I could not agree more. If you are talking Enron, Lehman Bros. Watergate, and now this... what in God’s name were they thinking?

Student riots? Well maybe in a decade or so those same students will have 10 year olds and then actually understand. Then we will see a justified riot.

Penn State will "heal" and the football program will survive. A famous coach will still have his record along with a footnote of why he was fired November 9, 2011.

We must ask will the young men now in their twenty's be able to live normal lives? None of us can possibly know how deep the scars they bear are.

How screwed up can priorities be when a collective blind eye was turned for years? How can those students actually riot because their Saturday game has been disrupted? How selfish can this society get?

This Saturday there will be no College football for me. This tragedy has brought home just what is important in life and what is used just to fill idle hours.

"MOVING ON" bad company

2011-11-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well, the election has finally been and gone. From my perspective, there were some disappointments and some things to look forward too also.

First, let me congratulate the winners: Mr. Flock, Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. DeLeone and Mr. Hach, Mr. Dillard, Mr. Grippi and Mr. Costell. I’d like to thank all the candidates that took the time to make Painesville a better place to live.

Many of you may think I would be upset by the results. Maybe a little confused would be a better choice of words. I guess Ward IV residents can comprehend their council member making an expensive mistake and/or the alternative, John Murphy just wasn't what they were looking for.

Did Ms. Jenkins beat Hal Werner or did Hal Werner beat Hal Werner in Ward II? Say what you will, he gave it his best. Mike DeLeone in Ward III pounded on doors and made himself known in the community as well as Ward 3. He should be given the opportunity to show us what he can do. I hope he is the independent that he says he is. Ward 3 has been too long without proper representation. Either candidate would have been a major improvement. As far as Andy Flock is concerned, I guess all that can be said is Ward 1 is content.

The school board will have two new members as well as an experienced board-president coming back. I'm not sure, but I believe there just might be a new direction to the administration on its way…maybe the rubber stamp era is over. Experience, knowing what is behind the curtain and having a stake with your children in the system seems like a winning combination to me. Congratulations to Mr. Powers also. Smooth, very smooth.

Regarding the defeat of Issue 2: cannot say we did not see that coming. I believe our Governor reached way too far. Someone please let him know that we really care about our safety forces and teachers. At the same time Issue 2 was failing in the state many city and school levies were also failing. Someone posted that you cannot vote ‘No’ on Issue 2 and then vote ‘No’ on levies. That’s an interesting school of thought.

Now I can get back to the mundane. How new water pipes can go from costing a million dollars to $275,000 and where to find the money for the S.R.O. as well as keeping ‘Exterminator’ stuck to the ceiling.

One final thought, it was refreshing not seeing a candidate, or any misguided backers attempting to smear anyone in last days of the campaign.

"PLAY WITH FIRE" rolling stones

2011-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day back in high school for many decades. I spent my first day (of two) as a ‘ride along’ with SR Officer Ponder.

I arrived at Harvey about 8 o’clock and met with Officer Ponder in his office. By nine o’clock, a secretary yelled into his office that there was a fight on the second floor. When we got there, two males were fighting, and two male teachers plus the principal were trying to break it up. One of the combatants weighed at least 285 lbs yet the incident was over within 15 seconds of Officer Ponder’s arrival. During my day, I observed many of his duties and he had a knack for being clairvoyant about where to be when needed.

It was reported to me last week about an incident that took place last month where a young male student allegedly brought a gun, a mask and a bag of marijuana into the school. The administration was notified at 6:45 AM and yet Officer Ponder does not arrive until 7:45 AM. During that time, the school administration took it upon themselves to handle it. My first thought was the minute I heard a rumor of a student with a gun, I would have called the police and not have tried to solve it in-house. As it turned out, it was a BB handgun and the student faces expulsion along with other charges.

In addition, last week a memo appeared in my mailbox that was from the administration sent to school employees stating that staff should only contact the SRO officer as a last option and try to handle discipline problems themselves. I believe this is because the SRO officer documents all of his activities throughout the day and some may be afraid of all this paperwork. Even the incident of the fight today was handled improperly because time was wasted contacting the SRO officer.

As a resident of Painesville and a taxpayer, I believe I would not work in that school or send my children or grandchildren there unless there was an SRO officer present there that had the full cooperation of the school administration and answerable only to the Painesville police chief. Along with Officer Ponder’s regular duties, he does have the advantage of knowing the students he is dealing with. This gives him an advantage. He genuinely enjoys working with the students and I can see that the students truly respect him and like having him there. I have no idea how we will fund this position but it is absolutely necessary, whether it be done by the school administration, the city or a combination of the two.

One thing I learned today: if you are eighteen years old, you can skip school or write your own excuses and no one can question you. Imagine trying to control that situation in addition to everything else that goes along with running a high school.

Overall, it was a very enlightening experience and I am looking forward to my second day with him. I will tell you... school has certainly changed.

"SHAPE OF THINGS" yardbirds

2011-11-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

We are less than 100 hours from voting Tuesday and I have a confession to make to all of you.

Issue 2… for or against S.B 5. I can tell you that in all the time I have voted (over forty years) I cannot remember any issue that has had me over a barrel such as this one.

I support the police, firefighters and teachers as well as most other public service employees and at the same time realize we cannot continue to go down the path that we are on now.

First, being a Teamster, I believe unions have a place in society. That said I do not believe public employees of any kind should be allowed to strike. They work in pretty much a monopoly situation. Can parents take their vouchers for schools and use them where they can do the most for their children. Are they trapped in a system and have very little control over what is best for them? In addition, are they teachers or test result givers? How many are allowed to teach and how many are told test results count the most?

Should safety forces be allowed to make demands that government cannot pay for without cuts in their departments or others? In addition, at the same time, is it a good idea to take collective bargaining away from professionals and let politicians decide what they need or do not need?

I truly see both sides and at the same time believe there is something going on that is more than wages, and fringe benefits.

It seems that most candidates cannot agree on this issue.
This is part of the Republican platform with the support from the Governor and GOP leaders in Columbus. What about Lake County Republicans? Do they believe? Are they willing to put their careers at risk?

Where is the Democrat leadership on this issue? Again MIA.

I would like to hear your comments on this issue.

1. Will this issue save money and/or jobs?
2. If it passes or fails, will there be more or less employees in our schools and cities next year?
3. What is a fair percentage for retirement and healthcare benefit employee contributions?
4. Do you believe public workers are overpaid or underpaid compared to the private sector?
5. Do you think you will vote for it hoping they will tweak it after passage…or will you vote against the whole thing even though you believe some of it is necessary?

In a final comment, before someone tells me teachers only work 185 days a year, I will remind all of you the Speaker of the House John Boehner has only scheduled Congress for 109 days in 2012. Sounds like things are pretty much on autopilot in Washington D.C.

"YOU GOT A FRIEND" james taylor

2011-11-02T13:07:00.001-07:00

Don't know the originating source for this, but I do like it. I thought enough of it to think many of you would also.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list.

Help start a New American Christmas tradition.

"TIME AFTER TIME" cyndi lauper

2011-10-31T15:45:00.001-07:00

CHAPTER I

Once in a time far gone from the present. A Prince and his Princess set forth to find a New Market they had left the kingdom of his father and set out to make there mark in the new lands.
One must remember the Prince and Princess had lived very enriched lives and as they first set foot on the land besides the river they took time to imagine what there new kingdom would encompass.
I will will provide electric power, and clean water along with a waste water treatment area that will be owned by our kingdom and other kingdoms will envy us the Prince exclaimed!
No more buying candles from Lord AMP for us.
The Princess who came from well bred highly educated people herself envisioned a College right in the middle of their kingdom. No other kingdom could boast of this for miles and mile.
We will build a new school castle for the rabbits and bear cubs in our kingdom the Price cried out. No we will build 5 new school castles and be the envy of all nearby kingdoms shouted the Princess!
This area will become the center of commerce where buying and selling will flourish. SHOP DOWNTOWN we all will exclaim!
We will become the center of kingdom government along with financial institutions that will manage the rabbits and bears honey. We must also make room for the many Sharks that will be in the kingdom and practice in out Law Castle.
The Princess told the Price this river should run through the middle of our kingdom and rabbits, squirrels along bears will love living nearby.
One more item needs to be addressed with all these animals in our kingdom it is important to have a healing castle not for envy but central to where the population is. Right here in the center of it all. No one would even dare to move it! Our descendants the future Kings and Queens of our kingdom will always be in support. That should be any easy task, no one but no one ever moves a Healing Castle in the first place.
My only fear cried the Prince will that with a kingdom such as this will there be room for all? I see people wanting to come here even from foreign lands.
Oh, Price what a worrier? Who or how could anyone screw this Kingdom up?

To our present day King and Queen it seems a wise Owl has informed the Queen's administration to come up with 600,000 jars of honey before the sun rising 14 times or the brokered deal along the river will be no more?

'SAY YOU SAY ME" lionel richie

2011-10-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Now we hear that Mr. DeLeone is against S.B. 5.

Interesting, is there a Republican office holder in the area besides Ron Young publicly supporting this Bill?

Back to signs, I have noticed many Vote NO ISSUE 2 Signs around town but only three or four Vote YES ISSUE 2 signs. Now before you jump to any conclusion as to what this post is about, let me tell you the amount of respect I have for those YES signs. Those people believe in something. They do not care if it goes against the grain of any public employee.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with the 15% of health care or the amount of contribution to their retirement fund. That being said, why is this Bill over 300 pages long? The devil is in the details.

This also could be one of those issues where the signs do not even add up to the amount of votes. People don't always do what you expect behind a curtain.

Someone mentioned to me that over 60% of firefighters in Ohio are volunteer and those rural counties and areas might care less about professional safety forces.
The urban areas might all be voting NO but what about the Jefferson’s or Rome’s, in Ohio?

Why I bring this up now is that I believe Painesville will be facing some tough economic decisions in the next two or three years. Heck, anyone can sit on council when there’s plenty of money flowing in. [money can hide a multitude of sins, ask Paul Hach]

Where will the cuts be made, how much will any department face?

I may have been at fault to bring up the sign issue. Maybe we should be asking questions like ‘will the city allow the construction of 50 new homes behind Cedarbrook between Hickory and Chestnut St?’ What kind of answer can I expect from a lawyer or a city council member?

After a city council meeting a couple of months ago I mentioned to Mr. DeLeone that the cities non- compliant zoning issues should be addressed and that those residents must somehow be protected in case of a misfortune. Mr. DeLeone mentioned to me "the city must follow the law". That is when I decided to back Mr. Tibbits instead of Mr. DeLeone.. he just seems to care more about the "City" then the residents.

Council President Hada stated that Goldberg could build in that area right now. I'm looking for a council member who will put residents before the Goldbergs of the city and demand certain things be done before even an outhouse can be built back there. I’d like to see the current residents’ flooding problems be taken care of before we start adding new residents to the mix and making a bad situation worse. We can't possibly think that we need revenue so badly that we can afford a short-sighted view again.

Tibbits and Murphy, along with Flock, have told me that the earliest and biggest cuts in city wages must come from under the "Golden Dome" FIRST… not our safety forces or employees on Storrs St. Will the other candidates also agree with this?

"THE LETTER" boxtops

2011-10-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

The following letter was mailed out to all registered Democrats in Ward III.
*************************************************************************************

Dear Friends,

My name is Angelo Cimaglio. I grew up in Ward 3. My Mom still resides there and I have been a Painesville resident most of my life.

Four years ago I thought it was a good idea to help John Murphy get elected to Ward
3. At the time I felt the Ward was not being served properly by the then-current councilperson Robert Fountain.

Four days before the election the Lake County Republican Party sent out a post card to residents in Ward 3 to vote for Mr. Fountain. I took this and other things as strategic help by a major political party to help a candidate in a non-partisan race. Non-partisan means not affiliated with any political party to help a candidate in a non-partisan race. Mr. Fountain went on to win Ward 3 and then has failed to make 50% of council meetings during his term. This has greatly affected the standards expected by the residents in Ward 3.

Inserted sign in widow at Lake County Republican Headquarters

Again this year, the party bosses at Republican Headquarters have stuck their noses into a non-partisan race as the sign above proves. It is time to tell Mr. DeLeone and the Republican bosses that we want to keep these races non-partisan. We just want the best man to represent us and our needs, not a candidate beholding to any party.

Thank you for your time.,

Angelo Cimaglio

Printing paid by myself and no candidate or party has contributed in any way.

*************************************************************************************

Now if you pay attention I never suggested you should vote for the other guy, or not vote for Mike. I only believe registered Democrats heck I got stamps left over to mail out to some Independents to be aware what's going on. I told Mike he didn't need that sign in that window or any help from them, but I guess he believes he does for some reason. [presently 185 letters were sent out]

"STILL THE SAME" bob seger

2011-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Some very interesting council match ups coming this November.

First off, I believe Paul Hach is a very good family man. I have had a few conversations with his wife, who also seems very nice. That said I am presently looking at his campaign flyer. The back page listing his accomplishments seems like very slim pickins'. Morse Avenue Block Watch, Housing Task Force. He could have at least mentioned he was on the Finance committee.

Paul has run unopposed the last eight years, so the residents of Ward IV along with the whole city of Painesville have paid him $48,000 in that period. Now I ask..."for what?”

Was he involved with the city’s idea of changing the lanes on Mentor Ave.? Did he even question what this would do to traffic? Was he involved with the bridge proposed on Shamrock Blvd.? Was he involved with the nine-minute response times to Cobblestone? Flooding for Hayer Ave.... did he feel strongly enough about it to have a meeting in the past few years or just a month before the election? Has he ever questioned the city manager about the Urgent Care Center, has he ever questioned her about anything? Has he ever voted against anything proposed by her? One time in eight years… regarding construction on Mentor Ave (across from Lincoln Ave.). One time in eight years.

Now what has he voted for. He voted for the purchase (along with six other council people) of the property along Richmond St. You know the one I mean, the property mostly in the Grand River. $250,000 for a piece of worthless land that now has the moniker of ‘Horvath's Lagoons’. This was the first sign I had that something was not right under the Golden Dome. One excuse Paul had was a vision of a walkway into Lakeview Bluffs. Great… does this walkway take us past the waste treatment plant? The 3.9 mill Charter change Levy that proved to be a bust going down in defeat by 80% of the Painesville voters. Wonder to whom he was listening at that time.

Meigs County AMPGS… well he voted yes and you are left holding an approximately 2.7 million-dollar bag that you received absolutely nothing for in return. Now he presents an apology, still thinking the project made sense. No… well, we now find out that we have numerous funds collecting millions over the years to pay for mistakes. Notice your electric bills lately?

Who was he listening to?

I support John Murphy in this election. John came to live in Painesville for three reasons, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Why would I support John over Paul: John would have read the AMP contract and within a few weeks, he would have realized through common sense this was a bad deal for Painesville. John will know what he is voting on and not listen to the people Paul tends to listen to.

The big difference between Paul and John? If John would have voted for something that cost the taxpayers of Painesville more than $2,000,000 I believe he would admit his mistake, apologize and not seek re-election, probably even resign for being incompetent. Paul must have one set of kahunnas to ask people to re-elect him.

Seriously, Paul's accomplishments are few, putting all the dirt behind the Celery House that it looks like a moonscape. Is he collecting royalties on a gas well located near his property line? Whose idea was it to sell that park? Paul should have done the honorable thing and resigned his position along with anyone else still left on council who voted for that AMP-OHIO AMPSC Plant. expensive mistake. Only in Painesville could a candidate be reelected with his record while no one questions his campaign for a third term. This really is Apathyville.

At least let us all admit if Paul is re-elected, it will not be because of the accomplishments he has had in the last two terms. Maybe in Painesville all you really need are the right amount of signs.

"THE QUEEN & RED KING"

2011-10-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER III

The Queen was very smart and ambitious, she had been running the Kingdom for years while the King was busy building his army. An army so strong that no one would dare challenge his thrown. He had the jack of all trades his four clubs and the ten of hearts that sat by his side and agreed with everything the King and Queen said. Laws got passed and taxes got collected and the King was pleased with himself. Along with the Queen and the Sheriff of Levan.
Eventually things started to go arye, the Healer in the Kingdom wanted to renovate and double the size of his castle. He asked the Queen if she and the King would help him in his quest to build this grand healing castle?
The Queen listen then whispered into the Kings ear "Thee need not be bothered to help the Healer , where thou you think he shall go? Make him pay for his castle on his own and secure the properties he needith on his own"! What will the fool do, abandon his castle? Just tell him NOOO! But the King and Queen underestimated the gold in the Healers treasury. One day they awoke to find the ?Healers castle abandoned, the Healer had moved to the realm of Concordia where he built a a new healing castle.

The King was furious with the Queen for letting the Healer leave along with his bounty of taxes that he added to this Kingdom. "O what shall we do!" Cried the King "I know", said the Queen. "Lets show the peasants pretty pictures on how we will rebuild the Village, throw them a big party, then tear down the Healers castle, in short time they will forget it ever was there"!

So they all followed the Queens plan and it seemed to work. The only problem was the gold from the Healers taxes were no longer coming into the Kingdom, even with the help of the knight by the name of JEDD. Meanwhile the King and Queen continued to live their lavish lifestyle mindlessly running around here and there along with ideas such as painting streets red while the treasury was slowly emptying.

All this while a Bear and some rabbits were soon to befall a great tragedy.

"I'M NOT YOUR STEPPIN" STONE" monkees

2011-10-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses (or the grapevine, take your pick).

A little bird told me that Ms. Lori DiNallo councilwoman-at-large has filed with the Lake County Board of Elections to run as a Republican for State Representative in the 63rd House District.

This is presently Mr. Ron Young's district and covers Eastern Lake County (Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Leroy Township, Madison, Madison Township, Mentor, North Perry, Painesville, Painesville Township, Perry and Perry Township).

I will fill you in as I get the facts. Mr. Young might be moving up on the political ladder?

Live, Work, Play in Painesville had a warm ring to it.

It probably also answers the "stringer" question?

Really the blog. is blocked at city hall?

"MY BACK PAGES" the byrds

2011-10-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Want to feel extremely old? Spend a morning with a group of third-graders from Maple Elementary School. Ms. Valvoda invited some long time residents to be interviewed by the students about what it was like growing up in Painesville or living here for a long period.

First, these minds were eager to hear stories about their hometown.
Then we got on what is not here any longer and what was not here when I was their age.

1959… Sorry, no McDonalds, Burger King, Arby’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s.
No K-Mart, Wall Mart, Home Depot, Lowes. How did you ever survive?

Television… yes we had T.V. but it was in black and white. You mean those gray shows I see sometimes. Yes. You only had three channels! Yes. No remote control? I was the remote control in our house.

No cell phones? No, we had phone booths.

I told them about Toyland of Painesville, Grants Department Store, Kresge’s, and how going downtown to shop was a real adventure. When asked about the Mall in Mentor I told one fellow that at that time there was no mall… his look was that of an empathetic funeral director sizing me up.

That's a picture of your dad's 59 Chevy Impala. Wow, it’s big! There were no Kias, Toyotas or Nissans then? Yes, but not in the United States. We did have foreign cars… VWs Jaguars, Fiats. Mr. Cimaglio, do you think JLO really drives a Fiat? No!

No Internet, no video games computors that were the size of a football field.

By the end of the exercise, I thought maybe, they thought I came over on the Mayflower.

I left them with a thought… that someday they will be asked questions about growing up here by a future group of young students and telling them about the changes they do not even know are coming yet. Study hard, take advantage of the opportunity that you have with an education and never stop dreaming.

What's that? A milk bottle? Milk came in a glass bottle?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

On another note, I will be spending November 4th and 7th with the SRO officer at Harvey and I will report on what I see on those days. This came about with the approval of the Police Chief and Superintendent. Thanks again to both for their cooperation.

"ANOTHER DAY IN PARIDISE" genesis

2011-10-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

I going to need some help with this one. At the last school board meeting Treasurer Taylor made what I thought to be a mistake in a statement that "If Issue Two becomes law it will cost the board of education money".
So if S.B. 5 becomes law a law that is to give us the "tools" to save money, will end up costing us money?
At the end of the meeting when citizen are allowed to ask questions I asked Mr. Dillard if Mr. Taylor could explain that statement since there is so much confusion over this Bill.
As far as I and two others in the audience believe what they heard, yes the statement was true?
Mr.Taylor then stated that all administrators salaries would have to be renegotiated since the teachers would be making more money then an administrator's?
I thought long and hard before putting this on the blog. because it just didn't make sense to me?
So if someone out there can explain what I think I heard was a mistake or even explain why this would cost more money and I heard Mr. Taylor correctly.
Does S.B. 5 only cover "Union" employees and how does this affect administrators?

I need some clarification here and am asking for your help.

ADA M. JONES FOR SCHOOL BOARD

2011-10-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have offered the blog. to any candidate running for council or board of education the opportunity to make a presentation to the residents here.

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE ARE NOT ENDORSEMENTS OF THE BLOG. ONLY A CHANCE TO REACH OUT TO SOME OF YOU.
************************************************************************************

Dear Painesville City Residents'

My name is Ada Jones and I am seeking your support in the November 8,2011 Election to become your voice on the Painesville City Local Board of Education.
The Painesville City School buildings are to be envied by any district in Ohio. They are the state of the art in design and building quality. these factors are just the start of the work needed to become one of Ohio's top rated schools. I am asking you to make me your number one choice for the Painesville Local school Board of Education.
I have spent many years working in the city of Painesville to help improve the quality of life for all people. My two children began their education at St. Clair Elementary School. I supported my children in their classroom learning, in sports, P.T.A. and put my efforts to work wherever there was a need. My years of employment and volunteer service speak for itself. I enjoyed serving this community and hope you will allow me the opportunity to serve once more as an administrative decision maker, helping map the next phase of the Painesville City Local Schools.
The demographic make up of Painesville City has many challenges. The voter registration count for all precincts as of June 7, 2011 is 9,796 eligible voters {Lake County Board of Elections}. The greatest complicating factors are the make up status of the voters and 1,630 unconfirmed voters. The demographics that affect the school system are,1.8% are separated, 29.7% have never been married, 12.5% are divorced, 7.3% are widowed {2010 Census Report for Painesville City},48.6% married. Adding 9.2%or 1,761 Latino Americans, our highly mobile citizens. These are the factors used to establish the schools' report cards. My goal is to help reshape the community into a partnership, one that will build a safety net around every child, school, and staff where there is a shared vision for success! Developing a community where every child can dream, and help make those dreams come true.
In closing, together we can continue to improve and build a stronger school district that will further enhance our children's future!

Thank you,
Ada M. Jones
************************************************************************************ Ada's education
Associate of Arts Degree from Lakeland
Bachelor of Arts Degree Hiram College
Clinical Pastoral Education Louis Stokes Department of Veterans' Affairs
Experience
License Social Worker
Substitute Teacher
Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Lake & Geauga Counties
Volunteer Board President and Vice President
Lake County Head Start Program
Volunteer Board Member
Hospice of the Western Reserve-volunteer
Free Clinic of Lake County-volunteer

My personal favorite Member of the U.S.A Dare Devils, First Women's Football Team.

I will not be posting comments on this post so if you have comments or questions please call Mrs. Jones at [440]289-2624 Please take the time to ask questions

"I'M YOUR PUPPET" bobby Purify

2011-10-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry if I raise a few back hairs here but I believe Mike Deleone will be a puppet of Council- President Joe Hada.
I've watch and have come to the conclusion it's "Hada Duty Time" in the Ville.
Bring in the boys get all in line. Joe will "proudly " vote for you also.
Tell us where did Mr. Deleone get all his facts from? Why couldn't he give a simple grade about the city administration? He didn't seem to have the facts about the windmills in Perry and the Hydro Plants on the Ohio River let alone Prarie States?
Does he really believe Painesville is safer then Mentor? Mike would you rather have your wife have a flat tire at Center St. and Tyler Blvd. or Richmond St. and Nebraska St. in Painesville? Don't believe everything you read,please.
He wants to talk to me? Maybe he should talk to Andy Flock someone we know will serve on council next year instead of talking to John Murphy for an hour who might or might not? Has he ever even talked to Mr. Flock?
We can talk but I made up my mind and if by chance he gets elected I will be keeping score along with what he asks or doesn't ask. It's also probably a bad idea to have two lawyers sitting at the same table.

Everyone Love's Mikey
Nonpartisan elections for city council? independent,nonaligned ect. Mike a person with all your degrees should know what that means right? Then explain your sign in the front window of Lake County Republican Headquarters? Don't bother I took the picture tonight. Who do we owe for this Jamie, Lori? You know better I know you do.
People in Painesville have always prided themselves that ANY political party keep its distance but it seems you might not have lived here long enough to know that.

'CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION" tommy james

2011-10-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the "Meet The Candidates Night" for the candidates running for city council. There was a full house and in short… no one hit the ball out of the park and at the same time, no one fumbled the ball.

All candidates seemed well spoken and it was a very informative two hours.
When candidates already on council listed their accomplishments it seemed that it was what they voted against that was proposed by the city administration rather then what they voted for. For example, Flock and Werner both were happy they did their homework and did not get involved with the AMP-OHIO 2.7 million dollar debacle. At the same time, Hach apologized for his vote.

Newcomer Katie Jenkins pleasantly surprised me. I thought being thrown in with the wolves would make her nervous. It didn't… she more then held her own.

Tibbits brought some facts that I had never heard before… maybe it's time to put a real businessman on council.

DeLeone came equipped with a very good resume and numbers to back him up. One question: all these numbers you mentioned on the amounts in the electric fund… where did they come from? Out of our electric rates. We already have a windmill project in Perry and have power soon to be coming from Prairie States.
Many people questioned does he really believe it is safer in Painesville then Mentor?

One possible problem may arise. All candidates believed that the schools should pay for a large part of the SRO officer at Harvey and the cost should not come out wholly out of the city’s general fund. One candidate believed if the city did not pay for it there probably wouldn't be one.[ Paul Hach] All persons running for school board believed it was the city’s responsibility to pay for that officer.

I welcome anyone to contribute to this post on what they did or didn't see at the meeting. Please, no vote for ‘so and so’ because the other person is a fool… be fair.

In addition, Unity in the Community has the two nights on DVD. I will try to get a copy and post it here for everyone to view or at least send you to a site where you can view it.

I believe 10 years ago events like this wouldn't have taken place. By last night’s turn out people are starting to really pay attention.

Candidates were asked to grade the present administration of Painesville:

Paul Hach B

Katie Jenkins Continuous Improvement

Mike DeLeone On the right track (I’m guessing this is what his answer meant.)

Hal Werner C+

John Murphy C

Richard Tibbits C

Andrew Flock D (by consensus of his ward)

"GIMMIE SHELTER" rolling stones

2011-10-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

It seems the 99% movement is gaining strength? Someone asked me to compare the
99%er's to the "Tea Partiers".
That's simple, age and commitment. Tea party people are committed what are you talking about? Yes in there own way I guess they are they will charter a bus and ride half a day pay big bucks to hear Sarah, or Glenn tell them what's wrong in the country, wave a few signs, some will even strap on as sidearm. After the event closes they hightail it to the chartered air-conditioned buses ride home to Scranton, Albany, Columbus, or wherever.
Now compare the chicken and the hogs commitment to breakfast? The chicken kicks in the eggs but the hog's hide is the bacon. Whose's committed?
These 99%er's are young Americans that were promised the American dream. Put your nose to the grindstone spend big bucks [that you will have to pay back} and become part of the dream.
Older people that have faithfully worked for a company that kept telling them they were part of the "family" well until downsizing took over. You every here of a family downsizing?" Does downsizing mean moving your operations to China?
They all have become so disenfranchised in America, and they grow in number more and more daily. No charter bus, no job no retirement no dream just a tent and many people sharing the same nightmare. Who in the long run will change America the tea party or them?
Now we hear politicians telling them what wrong with you? Your goal seems to be to divide this country! Well what has the tea party managed to do and who was cheering them on?
The tea party are patriot's these people are to be viewed as a mob by one Republican leader.
An American Spectator Magazine reporter brags how he incited a riot at a Washington Museum.
I think some people in Washington should spend less time worrying about what the 1% will do FOT them and worry more what the 99%ers will do TO them.

"DESPERADO" eagles

2011-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Had some free time to think, here are a few things a "BITTER" man wonders about.

Am I the only one who thinks the big green Waste Management totes should be for recyclables and the little green and yellow ones that look like a Green Bay Packer should be the one for garbage?

In the new Painesville City brochure on page 21 (Areas of interest in the City of Painesville) why is the Water Pollution Control Plant 1 and how did it beat out the Post Office which was number two?

Really… Lakeland Community College believes there might be a dollar or two out there they haven't got yet?

Now that the hospital is all but a memory, is it a fact that Zaremba has bailed on the project site?

When we provide breakfast and lunch for students during the school year because they need it, what do they eat on snow days when school is closed?

Is it true that FEMA has granted an extension for Millstone until January of 2013? Does anyone really believe it will be solved by then?

I have no proof of this but.... Herman Cain is really a plant by Papa John's Pizza to destroy Taco Bell?

Is the apathy so bad here in Painesville, that when you have the opportunity to meet people running for BOE then if you take out candidates, children, relatives, you might have 10 people with children in the system? Tell me again how important education is.

Watched American Horror Story on F/X last night at 9:00 pm and watched the repeat at 10:00 pm and have no clue what the story was about. In a thousand words or less, can anyone explain the story line?

Why is it that when Americans go to Washington D.C. and protest the government they are called Patriots while other American protesters protest on Wall St? and are called pinko commie scum? Could it have something to do with money?

Would people be out protesting if they had jobs to go to?

Since the lane changes on Mentor Ave. last year, does it seem there are more people living here in Painesville?

Paul Hach Jr. who has been on council for two terms has a list of accomplishments. What are they?

Did the red painted crosswalks downtown make you want to spend more money down there? Are you starting to miss Doug Nagy?

Am I the only one who thinks the illegal immigration problem should be Mexico's and not the United States?

The Painesville Schools 50% policy…. can we do that with our property taxes?

The old Painesville Plaza Hotel…. would it have made an excellent VA Hospital Annex Center for this area? BEFORE someone let local police and fire destroy it.

Someone once asked me if Painesville was at the end of the world? I said “No, but you can see it from here.” {Lou Holtz quote}

God's sense of Humor...while creating wives, God promised that good and obedient wives would be found in all four corners of the world...
Then he made the earth round.

"5" O 'CLOCK WORLD" vogues

2011-10-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight was "Meet the Candidates Night". I believe it was a well-run presentation. Mr. Abney deserves our thanks, as well as time keeper Arlene Becks. "Wild Bill" would have been proud of your time keeping skills.

First, I must mention that board member Alyea Barajas was not present due to a death in her family.

That left the "5" of Ada Jones, Ross Grippi, Steve Costell, and incumbents Jeff Powers and James Dillard.

Questions from the audience were put on paper and put to the candidates. If a question was asked of one specific candidate, the others could also answer.

First off, all five candidates believed the city should pay for the SRO officer at Harvey and not the school system. I wonder what Heisley Park residents think of that?

Three members were for the repeal of S.B. 5; Mr. Dillard was undecided and Steve Costell was for the Bill.

No one running believes there are gangs operating at Harvey.

Mr. Powers believes finance would be the main problem facing the school system.
Mr. Grippi believes it is behavior issues along with wasted resources.
Mr. Costell believes there is little or no accountability in the system.
Mr. Dillard believes diversity and dealing with it in the schools.
Ms. Jones believes we need more programs for students such as R.O.T.C., Arts, and Music.

Mr. Grippi explained waste as building a $350,000 bus garage and then outsourcing the maintenance. The three top administrators at Harvey make over $300,000 combined. More teachers, less administrators and a class size of 18 students. If you attended, you got a good idea of where the candidates would like to take us.

No one was happy with our "continuous improvement" in state scores. Ms. Jones believes the scores were O.K. and thought that we were possibly misreading them.

I thought all candidates were well-spoken and I believe that Mr. Dillard could have been better prepared considering the time he has been on the school board.

When asked if there should be a change at the top of the administration Ms. Jones, Mr. Grippi, and Mr. Costell believe there should. Mr. Dillard, and Mr. Powers do not.

As a final question, a grade of the present administration was asked.
Powers C+
Grippi No grade but below average
Dillard B
Costell D
Jones C

A very informative evening and I believe the people that attended had many questions answered.

I would really like to hear from anyone else in attendence to see if your take is the same as mine or if there was something that I may have missed.

"TIME IS ON MY SIDE" rolling stones

2011-10-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Everytime there is a change in Washington or Columbus I expect the problems we discuss during the election to be apprached and worked on. School funding, jobs, taxes, illegal immigration ...but although some of you will mention that they're all connected I must have missed the debate about collective bargaining for government employees and this one: Ohio HB 194.

I never knew that early voting or having a poll worker help you demanded this kind of legislation? Voter Suppression that all it seems to come down to.
First, let me tell you that if anyone votes, they should have a photo I.D. to cast a ballot, with their signature on file with the County Board Of Elections. We should have more time to cast a ballot not less? Your whole Social Security Number, to complete stangers? Why? I believe most of the problems comes from confusion, not crimminal intent.
Prohibits In-Person Early Voting during the busiest days of early voting?
Your company calls you on the Sunday before the election that a customer needs you in the field. You will be out of town on Tuesday, sorry you can't vote.

Somehow citizens have gathered enough signatures to put this law off until at least next November. What is the real purpose of this Bill? I was always taught that communists and fascists were the only ones that supressed the voting process.

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Who's in charge in Columbus anyway?

"LAND OF HOPES & DREAMS" bruce springsteen

2011-09-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

I attended the second principal’s community meeting at Harvey this past Thursday at 5:00 PM. The meeting was attended by 12 residents plus Dr. Hanlon also attended. We were informed at the last meeting that one of the problems seems to be that students were bringing troubles from home to school. Ms. Martin invited Melanie Hale from Lake County Jobs & Services to tell us what these students faced and mentioned many ways her department gets involved. She mentioned that at times family members do not want to discuss events in the home and have a right not to talk to them.

Ms. Martin also brought up the subject of teen birth rates by school district.
We, sorry to say, are number 1 within an eight county area. Our birth rate for females 15 to 17 is the highest of any school system in the eight county region.

Yes, Painesville’s rate is higher than Cleveland, East Cleveland, Akron, Lorain, Ashtabula, Euclid, Elyria, or Ravenna. These statistics are not by births, but by birth rates. Painesville has 315 girls of this age group with 22 having a baby.

Now, do I believe Harvey students are more sexually active than students at any of the above-mentioned schools are? No, but they are having more unprotected sex and using less birth control.

First, let me state that I do not believe this is a school problem but a family problem. One person in attendance mentioned "we are our brothers’ keepers" but this pregnancy rate is disturbing to say the least.

People talked about programs for these young mothers, I personally would rather see more programs dealing with preventing pregnancies. Babies having babies rarely works out for everyone involved.

When I asked Ms. Martin what she believed was the cause of this, she mentioned that many girls just wanted someone to love and to love them back.

We have to enlist everyone in this community to help find a workable solution to this problem. Yes, I know it is getting into the morals of the community but we have to let these young adults know we care about them and we only want success in their lives.

Yes, we will face a possible backlash and challenge some cultural norms but all of us have a stake in resolving this. Continuing to turn a blind eye to this situation just is not acceptable any more.

Ms. Martin mentioned a fact that I found very disturbing. That a survey of 7th grade girls at Heritage revealed that only 17% would always say NO to sexual intercourse.

Only 14% of all students believe the community values them.

What fosters these ideas and how do we change them?

I believe a good start would be more people showing up at these events and the school inviting input from the students.

Please remember that Tuesday October 4,2011 is
"Meet The Candidate Night" for candidates running for Painesville School Board. At Harvey High School.

LIVIN" ON A PRAYER bon jovi

2011-09-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are looking for anyone important at the sooty "Golden Dome" Wednesday morning chances are they will not be there.
Where will the Queen, Sharks, a few rabbits, maybe even the Bear be? They all might appear in front of the wise Owl at a big Feudal Courtroom in the Kingdom of the Cleve. Why, one of the Rabbits legal issues seems to be front and center and that is kind of muddying the waters (so to speak). The Fairy Godmother named FEMA has decided the Queen must reapply for the jars of honey after October 1, 2011 or ask for an extension to keep it within the Queen’s grasp.
I will inform you tomorrow what, if anything, the wise Owl decides. It appears that Fairy Godmother FEMA cannot figure out why it has taken over five years to distribute the honey.
Just a thought… what will all the rabbits and the Bear do if the Fairy Godmother decides the honey is needed more in another part of the Kingdom along the big water… New Jersey for instance.
We’ve all been hearing this fairy tale for a long time and waiting for the ‘happily ever after’, I guess we are not there yet.

"SIGNS,SIGNS EVERYWHERE..." five man electric band

2011-09-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Signs, signs, everywhere signs. Do signs win elections? Do the people with those signs in their yards even know who the candidate is and where he stands on city issues? Do some issues such as levies or ballot items even deserve a sign? Where are the signs in town over the two state issues?

This happened to me yesterday evening. A neighbor of my mother's came up to me and told me his house insurance was cancelled (because of all his recent flood damage claims). He found another agent in Willoughby Hills that would cover his house, at a cost of over 600 dollars more a year.

I felt bad for him and then asked him "Well, why is that sign in your front yard?"
He mentioned that a long time [over 30 year] council member asked permission to put that sign in his front yard. I asked him if he ever met the person whose name was on the sign. “No” he answered. So I asked, “What makes you believe this man will help you with your flooding problem?” He said he didn't know. What has that long time council member done about your flooding problem? “Well, the city is doing a study” he answered. I mentioned that the study should have been done BEFORE the new development came along with two new schools built in the area… not after.

How’s that foundation holding up… how is the market value of your house holding up. Even an "underachiever" like me knows that first you check the present infrastructure before building… not after. Was there any larger sewers put in on Chestnut or Liberty Streets before construction was approved? I guess someone must have been absent that day in college.

The only way to be elected in Painesville is to go door to door… day after day; sunny days… cold days… introduce yourself to the voters, explain why you are running and ask them what you can do for them. Never lie if they ask you to repave their street… tell them you need three other votes even to get that done. If they do not like the city manager and want someone new… answer them honestly…”Yes, I believe we should go in a different direction” or “Under the circumstances, I believe that person is doing a good job”.

Knocking on doors, not 500 signs, not slick emails or asking me a question on the Internet. I asked one candidate two questions over six weeks ago and still have not received an answer.

Yes, it was two kind of tricky questions, but at least e-mail me and tell me you won't answer.

Signs do not vote for failed electric contracts that cost Painesville over 2 million dollars.

Signs do not vote to replace a 90-year-old water line.

Signs do not vote to keep water from flooding your property.

Signs definitely do not have control of all the waste in this town.

Remember that when you go to vote, did the person behind the sign say what they were going to do. And for those up for re-election… did they do what they said?

Back to my mother's neighbor, four years ago the same long-time council member asked to put a Fountain sign in his yard. Well, how did that work out for you people in Ward III?

On a recent levy, the one for a 3.9 mill Charter change, there were more signs in front yards then the number of votes that voted YES on the levy. What does that tell you?

I wish people who run for office spent as much time performing as a city official as they did trying to become one.

"CUZ I CAN" pink

2011-09-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

Am I the only person that can't figure out how someone can live in a place for 16 years and still not be able to speak a word of English? Doing the math she was 23 years old when she "arrived" here... older people have a harder time picking up on a language but people in their teens or 20s generally pick it up easier. There seems to be a lot wrong with the picture that was painted. Seems to be a little out of wack.

How has she supported her 4 daughters and herself for all this time? Where was she employed, is she collecting child support? Where are those childrens' father?

You ask 'where's all your money going?'. Sorry, it's going to fund operations like this one. Veronica Dahlberg, front and center, along with Leopold... what a combination. Call me hard, but how do we teach people laws if they're not enforced the same for everyone?

In a year, all will be forgotten and she will be able to live here as long as she wants. They probably will give her Social Security too.

I brought up the subject of Ward III not being represented, whether at council meetings or in votes on the city's agenda. Robert Fountain ran for office four years ago, and I believe he has been in ill-health for the past three years. He has missed numerous council meetings as well as water issue meetings and special work sessions. Is it wrong for the people of Ward III to have a councilman who will answer their phone when a the resident needs to speak to their councilman? I was told to 'call your council people-at-large'... well, why even have ward councilmen? Apparently we may not really need them.

How bad is it in Painesville? When the person that has been the head of the local Little League deems it important enough to criticize a department head and speak of what his employees are doing during working hours? Let's blast into this guy for coming before council to make them aware of an issue? His sin is that he only donated countless hours to this program at no cost to residents.

Many new faces attending council meetings, one I noticed was a local stringer for a local political party... seemed to have been there evaluating something or somebody.

On another note... people have been telling me about a reverse 911 call by the Painesville Police. Seems that lately there have been a rash of home break-ins and robberies. In these economic times we must all be more vigilant. May even have something to do with the arrests made yesterday involving Meth labs?

After reading Thursday's News-Herald about an armed robbery at Walgreen's, I guess there must be a good reason why our Safety Director took SIX days for it to make the papers. Sorry, Ms. McMahon, we have crimes committed in Painesville. Remember this ain't Chardon.

"THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE" janet jackson

2011-09-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

Some people have questioned why I don't believe Ms. Martin is the right person to head Harvey High School. I believe she is an accomplished educator with all the proper credentials and Harvey as everyone seems to agree is not the average high school.
What am I looking for maybe a little less friend and a lot more authoritarian. I cannot reincarnate a Jack Britt or even if I could would he be deemed
'good enough" by some in the community?
That brings me to this guy.

I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people.

I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school. I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country.

First this school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin American, Asian or European, or if your ancestors arrived on the Mayflower or on slave ships. The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity--your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American.

This is an American public school, and American public schools were created to make better Americans. If you wish to affirm an ethnic,racial or religious identity through school, you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity, race and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America, one of its three central values--e pluribus Unum, "from many, one." And this school will be guided by America's values. This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students.
society divided by political correctness.

I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united American citizens for over 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is an indispensable reason this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English language skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here-- it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English--but if you want classes taught in your native language rather than in English,this is not your school.

Because I regard learning as a sacred endeavor, everything in this school will reflect learning's elevated status. This means, among other things, that you and your teachers will dress accordingly.
Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at this school.

No obscene language will be tolerated anywhere on this school's property-- whether in class, in the hallways or at athletic events. If you can't speak without using the f-word, you can't speak. By obscene language I mean words banned by the Federal Communications Commission, plus epithets such as "N#*&@R" even when used by a one black student to address another black, or "b%$#*h" even when addressed by a girl to a girlfriend. It is my intent that by the time you leave school, you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded, the holy and the obscene.

We will end all self-esteem programs. In this school, self-esteem will be attained in only one way--the way people attained it until decided otherwise a generation ago-- by earning it. One immediate consequence is that there will be one valedictorian, not eight.

Dennis Prager

Tell me what YOU think.

"MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHTS"

2011-09-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Your Candidate
This event is for all residents of Painesville.

Here is your chance to meet "One on One" candidates who are running for either School Board or Ward Councilman.

{October 4,2011} Meet the candidates running for the three open seats for Painesville City Board of Education.

This meeting 10/04/11 will take place at Harvey High School 200 West Walnut St. from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

{October 11,2011} Meet the candidates who are running for the four ward seats in Painesville City. This will also be held at Harvey High School 200 West Walnut St.
from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

Both meetings are Sponsored by Unity in the Community and President of this group Derrick Abney will serve as moderator for both events. He has done an outstanding job in the past and we all expect him to do the same this year.
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Council Meeting this Monday night at 7:30PM September 19,2011 at City Hall a full agenda along with a presentation by The East End Fire Chiefs will present Lake County Cooperative Government.

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Another meeting of interest to take place on October 11.2011?
Seems the Queen, the Bear, some Rabbits along with some Knights, and all the Sharks will try to figure out a solution to the Burrow problem down by the Riverside.. Not a Sheriff Sale? but a Petition Sale? What about all the rabbits that have all ready filed bankruptcy? How will all the jars of honey be distributed?
Waiting for the Beavers to show up.

"RUNNING ON EMPTY" jackson browne

2011-09-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well, this coming Saturday at Veterans Park the Tea Party Patriots will have an event.

I will be honest with you from the start... I believe the only reason there even is a Tea Party is because somehow we elected an African-American to the Presidency. Nowhere in the past eight years, with the wars and out of control spending, did anyone seem to have a need for this group. Seems to me Bush drove the truck into a ditch and for almost the next three years Obama has tried to push it out and received little help from the opposition. All this bad stuff has started since he was elected? Right.

Now as far as the Tea Party's standard bearers: Palin, Bachman and this month's flavor of the month, Rick Perry, all seem to want to take us so far to the right that we will soon be next to the kooks on the left. How, after the last ten years, how anyone can still be a loyal Republican or Democrat is beyond me.

The "normal" GOP must now be thinking 'I know how the Dems felt when the Lefties seemed to be running the show.' What did our current Congressman call the new tea party Congressmen; "Knuckle draggers"? This bunch would call Reagan a poor choice for a conservative... too weak and compromising.

Now Perry tells me Social Security is a "Ponzi" scheme. Along with it being unconstitutional and a drag on American freedom. Sorry Ricky. I've been playing the game for over 45 years and you're not going to change the rules now.

Then again,does he have a point? Even a clock is right twice a day. Recently in the September 7,2011 News-Herald there was a tragic story about a 32 year old Mexican national... legally in this country on a passport. Eduardo Sencion who went into an IHOP in Carson City Nevada and shot 12 people, killing three, two of whom were National Guardsmen in uniform. It is unclear if they were the motive or the prime targets..... Now for the rest of the story: Mr.Sencion (who ended by committing suicide) was reported to have mental issues by his family. The attorney who represented him in a bankruptcy hearing listed more then $42,000 in outstanding debt for a car, several credit cards, and some medical expenses. It was reported he had a net worth of $200.00 and $923.00 in disability income, mostly SOCIAL SECURITY.
Forget for a minute the bankruptcy. How in God's name does a non-citizen here on a passport, 32 years old receive Social Security, along with working in his brother's grocery store?

How and why did some bureaucrat give this man a disability check? Hell, I know deserving American citizens who can't get disability, maybe they should get a passport.

Want to know why we're going broke? Screwball ideas such as this. Bureaucrats giving your money away. Medicare fraud, tax loopholes, tax cheats, this might be where the Tea Party should look first.

The tragedy of this story is the dead and wounded people. To a lesser extent giving people with mental issues a government check to stay here ranks somewhere on the "Rick Perry ain't as crazy as I first thought list."

Bankruptcy? Wonder if those credit cards puchased the AK-47 he used on his killing spree?

Then again, we import almost everything else... why not wackos too?

"DENIAL OZZMOSIS " ozzy osbourne

2011-09-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

As I left last night’s school board meeting, someone mentioned that I didn’t even take notes. I responded, “You’re right, but didn’t you hear… everything’s fine!”

Nearly 50 residents attended last night’s meeting. Most were concerned with the situation (or non-situation) at Harvey. One big question is ‘whose facts are right and whose facts are wrong?’

At the very beginning, the first guest speaker was reminded not to use people's names…. well she slipped in the first minute so we all knew she was talking about former teacher Ross Grippi. I have made it a point to leave many comments off this blog if for no other reason than I can't prove them or they have nothing to do with the subject.

As always, in Painesville fashion, the problem is never attacked first, but the person who brings this to the public is the villain. Destroy the messenger, who cares about his facts, whether real or unreal.

Then another person gets up with his graphs and charts. For such an accomplished person he failed to pass them around or even tell us where these facts can be found. One chart I wish I could have seen is how many Harvey graduates go on to college and get an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree. Let us compare PCLS to other districts. I am tired of hearing about Ashtabula schools, could we aim a little higher please!

Even being the underachiever that I am, I will at least tell you where my facts come from.

An elderly person in the audience mentioned ‘if this was a corporation you all would have been fired by now.’ I guess he is wondering how many years can you be in continuous improvement before you have to show real improvement? I would like an answer to that myself.

I made the mistake of mentioning Ms. Martin’s next monthly meeting to be held September 29th. Mr. Dillard said NO NAMES or he would end this now. O.K., so I guess some unnamed person will have a meeting on that day.

Next came the administration and board’s answer to last month’s comment section.
The first comment I remember by the administration was regarding the teacher who had managed to get 87% of her tenth graders to past the math portion of the equivalency test. They added that ‘yes, that was true, but her scores for her 11th and 12th graders dragged down her total scores.’ You have to wonder why. Due to confidentiality laws, they would not discuss why she was not re-hired….and as a side-note: in the first three years of any teacher’s contract, they do not have to give any reason for dismissal…so we still really do not know why.

Board member Reverend Gerald Kalb, who I view as one of the most honest people I know, read the Painesville City manager and police chief’s analysis of the situation at Harvey. Yes, there were 86 fights, 18 assaults and 68 minor disturbances that I guess must happen in every high school. Ninety-nine percent of all discipline problems at Harvey are caused by approximately twenty-two percent of the students.

Here is what I came away with: Dr Hanlon has invited anybody to meet him at 7 AM at the high school, he’ll buy the coffee. There is only one way I can honestly tell you if there is a problem or not… personally, I don’t want to take the guided tour, I would like to take a few days off from work and spend that time shadowing the SRO officer at the High School…not for a selected hour or two but for a full two or three days. I will even be willing to do this after the November election and I will promise everyone that reads this blog that I will print exactly what I see….good or bad. My guess is the school administration will stall this for some reason or another (insurance, confidentiality etc.) but I can think of no other way for me to find out the truth. I have heard from too many people that I trust and respect that there are very real problems. I would give them an unbiased view of what is really going on at the high school. I will make this offer in a letter to the Board of Education and the school administration. The ball is in their court.

If there was a positive out of last night’s meeting, it is good to see that many residents are looking for answers.

"9/11 REMEMBRANCE"

2011-09-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

10 years ago and yet it seems like yesterday in many ways. As I watched in disbelief what was going on right in front of my eyes I didn't want to believe it.
When I was young I asked my father why we should "Remember Pearl Harbor". He told me "as Americans we must never let our guard down and keep a vigil over enemies who want to attack us."
As I got older and read history from that time period, it seemed that the only thing standing in the way of the Japanese Empire's expansion into Southeast Asia and the Philippines was the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. If Japan could cripple the Navy its dominance in Asia would be easy. Did we not heed the warnings at that time?
That brings up 9/11; did we again not heed the warnings? The U.S.S. Cole, the bombing of the American embassies in Africa, The Lockerbie Pan Am 103 flight bombing, and of course the first attack with a truck bomb on the World Trade Center.
How many lives this attack on 9/11 has changed is incalculable. Whether it's the Baker family who lost Lance Corporal David Baker in Afghanistan, or the Parhamovich family that lost their daughter Andi, a civilian in Iraq.... their lives have been changed like so many other families on 9/11.
One thing we should all remember: the terrorists were not looking to kill people with a "D" or an "R" after their name, the goal was to kill Americans.

Take some time tomorrow to say a prayer for those that are no longer with us because of 9/11.
To the victims: Go in Peace with your God, Go in Peace with the Saints, and the Angels and remember you are now free.

"PAINESVILLE CITY HALL UNDER FIRE"

2011-09-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

No really it caught fire! Looks like the golden dome took most of the fire damage. No reported injuries and there must be heavy water damage to the second floor. Listening to those on the street it is believed to be caused by an electrical fire.
Many fire department responded, Willoughy, Mentor, Mentor-on the-Lake, Chardon, Eastlake Perry, plus more.Channel 3 News reported Painesville City Fire Department was first on the scene. Really they reported that when you can see the fire department is connected to city hall?

BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP" foundation

2011-09-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

No one will be let down.

At the Wednesday POC meeting, we invited Carol and Arthur Shamakian as guest speakers.

These two are the proud owners of the Steele Mansion.

They gave a very nice presentation about all the progress made under their ownership.
First, I must remind everyone that this reconstruction was mentioned in the paper as a "hobby" and something to keep them and their family busy. What an understatement!

This family has single handedly saved one of Painesville's historical treasures.
Many times in the past, as I drove by, I looked to see what the most recent missing piece was. Now I see a real future, starting with the roof. Not only a roof but also a weather tight structure... and the floors are all back in the building. Soon the spiral staircase and the rest of the 18,000 square foot structure will be transformed. The goal is not to rebuild an antique but to take the best of the past and upgrade it with items and accommodations from the present.

Carol has poured herself into this project (as I believe she has done with everything in her life. These two have resurrected a building just months away from demolition.

I cannot even begin to tell you how impressed those in attendance were. The family mentioned that they have received 100% co-operation from the city manager and administration, as well as the previous owner. How anyone might not want to get on board with these two positive people is beyond me.

They are looking for old pictures of the mansion (pre-1930) along with any historical information.

Painesville is very lucky they found us and we are very lucky what their 'hobby' is.
18,000 square feet? Could there be another Inn in Painesville future?

Steelemansion@aol.com

'FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND" elton john

2011-09-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

The news of Dick Beeler's passing struck the Cimaglio family hard. Yet it brought up great memories of Dad and Dick. Aluminum cans anyone? Oh... the stories.
At my father's passing last year Dick, who was already very ill, called my Mom and asked if it would be possible to go to the funeral home outside of visiting hours. This was due to his low immunity system.
Even in ill health himself he made time for my mother and father, that's the kind of man he was.
Whether as coach, athletic director, teacher, or school administrator Painesville schools had an outstanding person looking out for them.
Dick was instrumental in the building construction and oversaw the development of all five of the buildings.
I can only hope the school board takes it upon itself to honor him with at least a plaque to commemorate all his hard work that went into these buildings.

God speed Mr. Beeler.

"NOBODY KNOWS" tony rich project

2011-09-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

It was a very interesting council meeting last night. Again, more questions than answers. First, Mrs. DiNallo was asking about commercial vehicles in peoples' driveways. The city just passed an ordinance this year and already we are looking for variances. Maybe we should have left it alone. In addition, Councilman Flock doesn't seem to be able to get council to agree on a resolution to protect property owners in nonconforming zoning areas. Let's hope people don't have a fire or a tornado so that on top of your stuff scattered between Painesville and Tim-Buck-Too, you also have to worry if the city will let you rebuild on property that sometime in the past the city let you or someone else build on it.

Mr. Ware was given an apology and his $100 back from the city manager. I thought it was a class act to do it in a public meeting. She also mentioned that city employees would handle situations such as these differently in the future.

Now the topic of police calls and officers at Harvey was mentioned, but the incident reports were never discussed. What was discussed was who's responsibility was it to pay the police resource officer that spends his days at Harvey. Presently his pay comes out of the city’s general fund. I, as well as Councilman Flock, can't understand with the city general fund being cut we take on the added expense of this officer. I believe this officer should be paid out of the school budget not the city budget. Everyone agrees the officer is needed but the arguments I heard for the city to pay for him didn't quite cut it. I'm sure private businesses wouldn't agree either; McDonald's must wonder why they have to pay.

So now we have a new item to ask candidates running for a council seat. Would you vote for the city to pay for this officer? Funny, seems we never let council vote on this issue in the past, but then again you have at least four council people with close ties to the school system. If a vote was held last night you can bet it would have been a 'Yes' for the city to pay him out of the general fund. I'm so glad this city is so flush with cash that we can screw-up $2 million dollars for someone's mistake in Meigs County, and we can pay for a police officer the school board should be paying for. I bet people in Liberty Greens, Heisley Park, and Cobblestone are overjoyed considering they have nothing to do with Painesville City Schools, other than pay for a policeman out of their property taxes. Are you paying attention Mike? I hope you have an answer for your neighbors. I bet Cobblestone residents believe this is "fiscally irresponsible."

On a final note.... there seems to be too much collaboration in the wrong way between the two administrations. It's that way for a reason, which I will explain in a future post. All I can see they have in common is their names and both have failed administrations. One has failed to educate Painesville children, and the other can't repair streets, water lines and sewer lines.

" WHO ARE YOU" the who

2011-09-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Labor Day, Summers doing an encore.
Council Meeting will be Tuesday evening Ten items on the agenda. Check city page.
I have been told another city storm water meeting will take place at Elm St. Elementary School Tuesday September 13,2011 at 6:00pm. This is for all North end residents and is open to all residents of Painesville. Want to bet we will hear about another study?
On this Labor Day I pose this question Who's statement is this and do you agree or disagree?

In our faith tradition, defending the human dignity of every person,born and unborn, includes promoting economic justice. This justice places the good of the person at the center of all economic activities. It stresses that the economy exists for the person,not the person for the economy. It challenges society to measure the moral effectiveness of our economic practices by how well they strengthen families and provide for the poor and vulnerable.

This social doctrine has long recognized that all people have the right to economic initiative, to productive work,to just wages and benefits, to decent working conditions, to organize and join unions or other associations, and to engage in collective bargaining.

At the same time , this doctrine promotes mutual partnerships where both needs of labor and the needs of management are freely and openly acknowledged and addressed. It challenges both unions and management to work for the common good, to make sacrifices when required,and to adjust to new economic realities.

Any guesses?

"SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY"d summers

2011-09-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Went back to school Wednesday morning and found out some interesting facts. Some good, some not so good. It left me with more questions to ask.

Ms. Martin addressed the group of about a dozen of us. It was a mixed bag of parents, former parents and people looking for answers.

Before I "pass judgment" on Ms. Martin's figures, I would like to see the numbers the police department will present to city council.

On a positive note, 22% of all students contribute to 99% of expulsions and discipline problems. Therefore, 78% of the students do not show up on the discipline radar. I will testify that while at the presentation all students I viewed acted well mannered. I have asked some students if the presentation by Ms. Martin reflected their own view of high school life. Most disagreed. I was told that the student body as a whole has very little respect for the principal. I’m also told she plays favorites and constantly changes her mind on policy. One issue that I heard about from both white and black students were the Hispanic students, for some reason, do not have to play by the same rules. I don't know; I bet if I asked an Hispanic student, I would receive another story.

One problem I guess I was aware of on some level but didn't realize the magnitude of is Harvey has the highest student pregnancy rate in the area, even higher than most inter-city schools. Well, they’re proficient in one area…. babies having babies.

Most agreed perception is everything and that Painesville City schools (Harvey in particular) gets a bad rap that is not always deserved. A few shared several success stories and I learned about some of the corporate community involvement and programs in place that are definitely positive things. But when there are three or four police cars sitting in front of the school at the end of the day, there is a reason.

Discipline was the main subject. The old standby 50% policy reared its head. I got the impression that residents and most parents weren't buying it.

No one disputed Mr. Grippi's numbers or statement. When asked about the teacher that had 83% of her junior class pass the state math exam and then later let go, I got an insufficient answer from Ms. Martin citing that she could not discuss personnel decisions. All and all I looked forward to the next meeting armed with some questions and some solutions from a number of of you.

As I walked out the door after the meeting, I felt a lot better... until I got to the parking lot with three police cruisers, a K9 officer and three other officers. I just did not ask, I was feeling too "Positively Painesville" at the time. Maybe they were there to share donuts and keep the officer company who was stationed there.

"DROPS OF JUPITER" train

2011-08-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Tell me?

Madpotter hit it right on the head. Were those people all at the fund raiser to promote Katie or were they there to defeat Hal?

Now, let's recap and count. Did Hal vote for an $85,000 assistant manager sight unseen? Strike 1. Trying to close a business next to his house? Strike 2. To be fair, he's had a bunch of foul tips thrown his way too. Compare Hal to others on council. He has a monthly meeting... usually with a guest. I have never heard of any Ward II resident not getting a response from him on an issue. He voted pretty much with council on most issues this past four years... except when he was given the one chance to vote against AMP-OHIO AMGS he voted against the city proceeding with the deal. Just two people... Flock and Werner...voted against the AMP contract.... if two more on council would have voted that way, the city of Painesville would be over $2,000,000.00 richer today. Something to think about. He also pushed the city not to except the Martricular Card and that turned into a harder battle then even I thought it would be.

Is it because of Hal's condescending, arrogant attitude? His constant pontification where he feels he must preach or lecture? One reason to re-elect him is he drives Hada, Gurley, and McMahon nuts at a council meeting.... and that does add some entertainment value to meetings (even though he drives me nuts sometimes too).

Maybe the backlash can be attributed to administrative elitism. Could it be because he only drives a school bus? He himself doesn't seem to embrace his profession. Is there an attitude of "Who is he to think he can sit on Painesville City Council ...just a lowly bus driver?".

Do I feel bad for Hal? A little. If you feel compelled to vote against him... do it for his job performance on council, not his personality.

Please don't interpret this post as a personal endorsment of Mr. Werner. I am only trying to understand the apparent administration backlash against him when he voted 99% their way.

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And now I'm off to Harvey Principal Martin's first community meeting. I'll post my take on it later today.

"ARE YOU TUFF ENOUGH" fabulous thunderbirds

2011-08-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

My open letter sent to Painesville City Council and the Painesville School Board:

It has been brought to my attention that many people in the Painesville City school system and Painesville City administration have questioned the accuracy of the figures I presented at the Monday, August 15, 2011 council meeting. I listened to Mr. Grippi’s statement to the Board of Education and any numbers anyone in either administration would like to bring forward I will gladly take into consideration.

The bottom line is that we have a problem in our schools that has a direct and dramatic impact on the city and ignoring it or pretending it does not exist is outrageous. To those of you that have known about this situation and have remained quiet for so long, precisely who or what do you think you are protecting.

I have included a summary and chart with information compiled from the State of Ohio Department of Education to back my assertion that this situation has been deteriorating for at least three years.

Anything we try to do to enhance the quality of life in this community will fail if the schools cannot turn these results around. I cannot accept the excuse of the social or economic cultures these children come from. Civility and respect for one another, as well as adults, is not just the purview of children that come from wealth or a certain culture. We should expect more, not less.

Everyone in Harvey High, students and staff alike, must have a safe environment; one that is conducive to learning without constant interruptions.

Now I bring up the police resource officer. Who pays for him? If he is not paid through a grant or the school system then I can only surmise that he is being paid out of Painesville’s general fund. No harm, no foul? Some may not look at it that way. The city has grown with three new annexed communities; Cobblestone, Heisley Park and Liberty Greens, none of which has anything to do with Painesville City Schools and yet all are property taxpayers to Painesville City. How long before someone in one of these neighborhoods realizes that their tax dollars are being spent for something the local schools should be paying for? Yes, annexation has consequences. In addition, some of these consequences were not anticipated, as they should have been.

Please remember we will never make Painesville a great place to live by smoke and mirrors and ignoring facts.

Thank you,

Angelo Cimaglio

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School Board Meeting Update:

The outcome of the School board meeting held this morning at 7:30 am:

-A collective bargaining agreement between OAPSE Local #393, PCTA and the board was ratified and approved.

- This is the second year of a three-year contract and it appears that this year’s wages will be frozen.

-Step raises were not addressed.

-Discussion centered on how SB 5 will affect the school system in the future.

"RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON " b.j. thomas

2011-08-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was among many others that attended Andy Flock's Town Hall Meeting Thursday night. The topic of the night was flooding in Painesville…..basements, patios back, and front yards.

Mr. Flock informed us that he invited the city engineer to attend the meeting but was refused because he didn't want to "get beat up by the residents" and Thursday after work, it was home to Rocky River. Seems like everyone goes home to so many other places.

At the council meeting, the City Manager mentioned we had 1.5 inches of rainfall in a short time. Yes, she is right.

My problem is that a house that has 6 inches of water in the basement is only 200 feet from a house that is bone dry.

At one time, I felt the north-end residents had won the lottery with the retention basin on the old Huntington property. Now at last night's meeting we hear about homes that never used to have water are now getting water. I believe the city failed to have this basin live up to what was expected.

Some residents have been told by council members that maybe they shouldn't have family rooms in their basements. O.K., does that mean we should not have washers, dryers, hot water heaters, furnaces, freezers, or air conditioners either? They all cost money to replace. Apparently, the only purpose of a basement is to act as a temporary retention pond for the storm water.

We are tired of city studies, B.S. and Beavers. When Mr. Flock meets with the city manager, and city engineer next Wednesday he needs some letters and emails from residents that the present status quo just isn't cutting it.

Email Andy at aflock@oh.rr.com

Or drop him a note this weekend to Councilman Flock 871 Hine Ave. Painesville, Ohio 44077. Anyone from Hayer, North, Cedarbrook, State, St. Meriden Ave. Let the City Manager know enough is enough.

"DOWN ON MAIN STREET" bob seger

2011-08-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

PAINESVILLE OPEN AIR MARKET ARTS,CRAFTS AND LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE.

For the first time starting this Saturday August 27 from 11:00am to 5pm Painesville will host an open air market along Main St.
Each Saturday will be selling goods such as Arts and Crafts[jewelry, metal and wood sculptures, glassware,paintings and prints ect.]
As well as freshly grown local produce.
This is a great start and way to bring shopping and fun back to Downtown Painesville.

"NOBODY KNOWS" raspberries

2011-08-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

I guess nobody does. I kept reading, over and over, the Millstone article in today's News-Herald and for the life of me ...I really hate telling you I told you so.
Does anyone have a clue? The Queen, her Knights, the Rabbits, The Sharks, the Owl? Even the Bear?
We can all agree this nightmare has gone on long enough. Maybe Brother Murphy has the right idea. Lock everyone in a room and not let them out until a deal is struck!
The Queen doesn't want to compromise and the Bear won't concede. Along with the old story about a Bear's inhumanity to Rabbits that is getting pretty old.
Strange... in this article not a word from anyone in the Queen's administration that these facts as presented in the story just aren't true. Something might be amiss, HUH?
There should be a simple ending to this Nightmare of a Fairy Tale.... "They lived happily ever after." But as it stands now, no one is happy, not the Rabbits, the Queen, no one (well, maybe the sharks...they must have taken home a lot of honey jars). But unless the Bear can "Live Happily Ever After" ALSO, nobody will.

It's the one fact that just hasn't sunk in, while everyone is 'flooded' with ideas.

'SMALL TOWN" john cougar melloncamp

2011-08-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Charterlady's comment was her way of telling us Katie Jenkins is not in Joe Hada's camp or will not vote the way he asks. I don't know. I have heard three candidates for council asked in private conversations whether they would or would not renew city manager McMahon's contract if elected. When any candidate comes knocking on your door, you should ask that question. Don't accept a "Well, I will have to look that over when I win my seat". Sorry candidates, that is a simple yes or no question. If you don't have an answer (either way), you have no business running for a council seat. 'NO, I believe the city needs to go in another direction' or 'YES, I believe she is doing a good job and I support her'.

Guess you could ask the same question of anyone running for school board. Thumbs down Dr. Hanlon, or thumbs up Dr. Hanlon.

Personally, I believe they should both be removed if, for no other reason than the way they kept the police calls at Harvey to themselves. In addition, yes, Mrs. DiNallo, Mr. Fodor, and even you Mr. Werner had an obligation to bring this crisis to council's attention.

All along, we have been told everything is fine. That many police calls is not fine in my book...not even close.

What really inspired me to write this post was SB5. I wonder if anyone had asked then-candidate Kasich, 'would you promote a bill that would take collective bargaining away from 350,000 state employees?' Something tells me the election would have had a different outcome.

We should ask all the candidates where they stand on the issues each one of us feels strongly about.

School starts Wednesday, August 24th... drive carefully.... You don't want to be in the way of a police car responding to Harvey!

One candidate has an e-mail address to contact him. I sent two questions [not hard ones] last Saturday. I'm still waiting for an answer.

"BEAUTIFUL DAY" u2

2011-08-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

I received this in my email earlier today. I can't tell you how happy I am that Harvey's administration is taking this step. First if you notice the times of the meeting are staggered between AM and PM this will make it more accessible for parents and people in the community to attend.
Right now I don't think this will be a dog and pony show, but as parents and residents we must impress upon this administration how important this is; not only for the students, but the educators and citizens of Painesville as well.
It will be important that both the administration and students understand how concerned people are for them to receive a quality education. Now, if the same four or five people show up at every meeting, it will mean that maybe we don't care as much as we say we do. We must get as many people to these meetings as possible... bring a friend.... bring a neighbor. If they tell you they don't have a reason to go... ask them what their house is worth right now?
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Kimberly J. Martin, Principal at Thomas W. Harvey High School, has established monthly community/parent meetings for each month this school year in order to increase communication between the school and the community about whatever issues the community might wish to address. The meeting schedule is also available on the school website. The meeting information is listed below.

Wednesday, August 31st 9:00-10:00 am

Cafeteria/Commons

Thursday, September 29th 5:00-6:00 pm

Main Office Conference Room

Wednesday, October 26th 9:00-10:00 am

Cafeteria/Commons

Tuesday, November 22nd, 5:00-6:00 pm

Main Office Conference Room

December – No Meeting Due to Break

Wednesday, January 25th 9:00-10:00 Cafeteria/Commons

Tuesday, February 28th 5:00-6:00 Main Office Conference Room

Wednesday, March 28th 9:00-10:00 Cafeteria/Commons

Tuesday, April 24th 5:00-6:00 Main Office Conference Room

Wednesday, May 30th 9:00-10:00 Cafeteria/Commons

If you have any questions please contact Principal Kimberly Martin at (440) 392-5110 or email
kimberly.martin@pcls.net.

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Also, on a related subject, it seems our Governor Kasich has blinked. Now he wants to sit down and talk about SB 5. It seems to me the time to debate this was about 200days ago when he slammed it through the legislature. Now, when polls show the measure failing by big numbers, he wants to talk?
This whole scenario reminds me of a WWII movie " A Bridge To Far". Sometimes if you want to reform things you take smaller steps. Did I see the merits in SB 5? Yes, and at the same time a city council, Mayor, or City Manager shouldn't be the sole arbitor of what their Police or Firefighters need. It's called collective bargaining for a reason.
With that I will remind people about what the Finance Director informed council Monday night. Expect the state cutting the city over $700,000 in a few years to the general fund budget. Almost 75% of the general budget goes for personnel.
School boards and education will also face the knife. I can only hope that all people involved use some common sense.

I guess the people of the fastest growing 'city' between Cleveland and Buffalo can do better? I'm sorta gonna miss that guy and his razzamataze.

"COUNCIL MEETING 08/15/11

2011-08-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Just so we all know.... Monday, August 15, 2011 will be this month's Painesville City Council Meeting. Over nine items are on the agenda... from zoning issues to 2011budget adjustments.

Also, Tuesday August 16, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Morley Library will be the Painesville Oversight Committee's monthly meeting. Seems we have a host of items to consider: all candidates (council and school board) as well as any Painesville residents' concerns. Anyone with an issue should try to attend this meeting.
We need as much input from people as possible as well as people interested in joining with us to make Painesville a place we can all be proud to call home.

We should have a web site for the POC up and running by then. Also, I will report anything of interest that happens at the council meeting.

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Just so you know AMP-OHIO closed the deal with First Energy on the Fremont Gas Power Plant.
85 of the 129 AMP-OHIO members have signed on to the deal. AMP claims a $500 million dollar saving over the life of the contract.
Painesville council voted 6-0 against joining with councilman Fountain absent.

"WHO WILL SAVE YOUR SOUL" jewel

2011-08-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

The longer we contemplate what is going on at Harvey High, the more it seems the people whose taxes support this school have been hoodwinked.

Are we victims of an elaborate "cover up"? It seems impossible that our city manager (who is also the city’s safety director) had no knowledge of the amount of time her police department was spending at Harvey and never thought to mention it to council. It is just as mysterious that Dr. Hanlon did not inform the school board of the goings on at Harvey. I know after attending many council and school board meetings, the subject about poor discipline at Harvey has never been brought up.

We presently have two council people who, as recently as last year, worked for the school system in some capacity; Lori DiNallo, as a counselor at Harvey and James Fodor as Assistant Superintendent. Why haven't either one of them sounded an alarm? They were right on the front line. They can debate spending money for fire and police protection at Cobblestone but at the same time continue to ignore what is going on right under their respective noses.

Tell me, would you feel comfortable sending your children to this learning environment? As a teacher, would you feel safe there?

You wonder about your property values, you wonder why administrators such as Dr. Hanlon do not send their children to Painesville schools. I believe we have an answer. I also have been told that this is just the tip of the iceberg... God, I hope not.

I believe we will take the right step in November and elect school board members that will hold everyone to a much higher standard then we have now. I believe the school board elections will be just as important as the upcoming council election.

My thoughts are that the current council should ask for the resignation of City Manager Rita McMahon and the board of Education should ask for Dr. Hanlon's resignation by the next board meeting. We can no longer afford cover-ups and the poor administration these two have given Painesville.

At the same time, let’s get someone with some leadership skills to run Harvey. There has to be another Jack Britt out there somewhere.

Some of you may question my loyalty to the Painesville City Schools, considering the amount of time and love my father devoted to Harvey. I am thankful he did not live long enough to see the decay that has taken place at Harvey. Nice building, but an empty shell of what Harvey High School once stood for.

"As the Opportunity, so the Responsibility"…. It is more than words; it is a way to bring our schools back.

"THE RISING" bruce springsteen

2011-08-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

I know I promised you a post on illegal immigration, but I attended Monday night's school board meeting where I was given more data on the state's assessment of Painesville City schools than I could possibly grasp. Some of the things I do remember:

We hit six of the 26 indicators this year...up four from last year.
Of the 26 indicators, we improved on 15 of them, we flat-lined on three of them and we dropped on eight of them.

Currently all the schools are in ‘Continuous Improvement’, with the exception of Elm Street Elementary, which is under ‘Academic Watch’. Graduation rates were up 10% to 75%......more on that later.

Right now, we have three appointed board members and two elected members. Mr. Bull explained that the four 'R's of the city schools will be ‘Rigor, Relevance, Relationships and Race’. In addition, we received a state grant to work toward safe and drug free schools ($50,000.00). Now just as a side note, since the schools decided to burn the parking lights long into the night, the air conditioning in the Hanlon Media Center didn't seem to be working. It was warm in there and then it got a whole lot hotter...

Ross Grippi who I have known pretty much all my life, a former coach, Harvey graduate, lifetime Painesville resident and retired Harvey teacher, got up and addressed the administration and the board. Mr. Grippi chastised the board, administration and the high school administration...and in the process answered many questions I have had. He brought out one startling fact: that from Aug 24, 2010 to June 10, 2011 the Painesville police department was called 348 times to the Harvey High School campus. Of those 348 times, over 210 were for serious charges such as assault on another student or an assault/threat to a teacher or other adult in the building. I believe he is correct when he tells us we have no control in the high school. He questioned the success or failure under the Dr. Hanlon administration and remarked that teachers were being blamed for failures that were out of their control and asked why does the board continue to stand behind this man and his poor results.

He also complained about the infamous 50% grading policy, where he presented as evidence a paper given to him by a student that said 'Oh, just give me my 50% and I won’t turn you in'. In addition, attendance records, skipping class, and tardiness pretty much goes on without any consequences. He mentioned teachers were getting poor evaluations for complaining about too many disciplinary issues. He also mentioned a math teacher who had, for the first time in Harvey's state testing history, managed to get her junior class to 88% passing the state test. The state average is 75%. The teacher was given a poor evaluation by the high school administration and her contract was not renewed. He demanded her position be reinstated, My thought: we finally got someone to do it right and we reward them by getting rid of them I thought were were to reward sucess?.

Mr. Grippi also remarked that the high school graduation numbers were fudged...although done legally it was unethical. He was cut short by Mr. Dillard (I know how that feels). Mr. Dillard interrupted Mr. Grippi to tell him his time was up, so we never did get to hear the rest of what he had planned to say. I have asked Ross to forward his remarks to me so that I could post it in its entirety here. Another thought: the wheels aren’t just spinning, they’re coming off. Can you imagine working in a place where the police show up 348 times a year...and it’s not a jail?

Oh, and welcome to your new position on the Board of Education, Mr. Tackett. good-luck!

"STAND" r.e.m.

2011-08-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

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.

"I AM - I SAID" neil diamond

2011-08-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Recently Ward IV Councilman Paul Hach sent me an e-mail spelling out his reasons for voting for the AMPGS Meigs County Power Plant. I asked Paul if I could post the letter he sent me on the blog. and with his permission, here is his statement. One contention Paul had was when the recession started and it was the cause for the failure of the plant. Paul believes the recession hit after the final vote was taken to go forward with the plant in February of 2008. Most economists believe the recession hit in November/December of 2007.
Here is his letter, if nothing else, I give Mr. Hach credit for standing up for his convictions.

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Why I voted for the AMP-Ohio Meigs County Power Plant Project

Ann McFeatters (News Herald, July 8, 2011) wrote that “Public officials have the responsibility to pay the bills but also to plan for the future, safeguard the public’s assets and protect the environment.”
My decision almost 4 yrs ago (10/15/07) to vote in favor of the contract with the AMP Meigs County Power Plant project was planning for the future. In Painesville, we are used to cheaper electricity than our neighbors – it’s one of the pluses of living in Painesville. Our electricity is cheaper because we generate most of it ourselves – we don’t have to buy all of it off the grid like our neighbors do and live with the fluctuating cost of commodity power since deregulation. (It’s a little like locking in a fixed rate on your 30yr mortgage vs. taking your chances with a variable rate mortgage.)
But our cheap electricity will not last forever. Our power plant is 123 yrs old. The plant is very well maintained but components are becoming obsolete. So knowing that our power plant will eventually not be able to supply the base power load of the city, we on City Council were faced with the decision to either buy electricity at a much higher cost off the grid – or buy into part ownership of a new, efficient power plant which would provide us with a stable source of power at a lower rate.
The new coal-fired plant was not risky – the technology is well known, the fuel source is consistent, and the costs of running a coal fired plant are well known – again, not risky. I don’t consider a 50 yr contract for a power plant risky either – our plant has been running for over 100 years. At the time the economy was growing steadily, the projected power needs of the city were growing, residential and commercial, so that in a few years we would not be able to supply all the base power that we need. In fact, to be able to attract new business to Painesville, being able to supply plenty of power at a reasonable cost is a necessity. Doing nothing was a bigger risk.
(Until other fuels and technologies are as cost effective as coal, we have to balance the need for steady power with the need to protect the environment. The new power plant would have been cleaner and more efficient than our plant now – so to me, that was a step in the right direction.)
3 ½ years ago, on 2/19/08, Council voted again whether to continue our support of the Meigs County project. At that time, although the projected costs of the project had increased, the rate for electricity produced from the new plant would still be much less than the off-the-grid price – so it still made financial sense to continue support of the new power plant project.
Then the recession hit. Commercial demand for power dropped - this caused the wholesale cost of electricity to drop too.
1 ½ years later, after the 2nd vote, in November 2009, the projected construction costs for the new plant rose 37%. That with the drop in wholesale power costs led AMP to cancel the project. With the slow economy, the difference between the cost of electricity from the new plant and the wholesale market dropped.
Our share of the development costs of the project will be paid for with money set aside especially for contingencies like this, it will not be paid for from cost increases in utility bills. The electric fund has about $10 million which will be used to pay our share of the project costs which will be around $2 million.
My responsibility to the people of Painesville is to maintain the quality of services as cost effectively as possible. So I stand by my votes – given the national economy at the time and all the information we had, I feel they were the right decisions to keep the cost of electricity in Painesville as low and steady as possible.
So in 2007 and early 2008, I did not predict the bursting of the housing bubble, the resulting recession, and the effect on construction and utilities costs that followed. But the economy will eventually recover, the demand for electricity will increase, and our power plant will not be able to keep up with the demand. We will have to buy wholesale electricity and watch our electric bills jump, and we will reminisce about when Painesville had cheap electricity.
Paul W. Hach II
Painesville City Council, Ward 4 July 2011

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UPDATED VERSION 2.0

Why I voted for the AMP-Ohio Meigs County Power Plant Project
Ann McFeatters (News Herald, July 8, 2011) wrote that “Public officials have the responsibility to pay the bills but also to plan for the future, safeguard the public’s assets and protect the environment.”
10/15/07: My decision almost 4 yrs ago to vote in favor of the contract with the AMP Meigs County Power Plant project was planning for the future. In Painesville, we are used to cheaper electricity than our neighbors – it’s one of the pluses of living in Painesville. Our electricity is cheaper because we generate most of it ourselves – we don’t have to buy all of it off the grid like our neighbors do and live with the fluctuating cost of commodity power since deregulation. (It’s a little like locking in a fixed rate on your 30yr mortgage vs. taking your chances with a variable rate mortgage.)
But our cheap electricity will not last forever. Our power plant is 123 yrs old. The plant is very well maintained but components are becoming obsolete. So knowing that our power plant will eventually not be able to supply the base power load of the city, we on City Council were faced with the decision to either buy electricity at a much higher cost off the grid – or buy into part ownership of a new, efficient power plant which would provide us with a stable source of power at a lower rate.
The new coal-fired plant was not risky – the technology is well known, the fuel source is consistent, and the costs of running a coal fired plant are well known – again, not risky. I don’t consider a 50 yr contract for a power plant risky either – our plant has been running for over 100 years. At the time, the economy was growing steadily, the projected power needs of the city were growing, residential and commercial, so that in a few years we would not be able to supply all the base power that we need. In fact, to be able to attract new business to Painesville, being able to supply plenty of power at a reasonable cost is a necessity. Doing nothing was a bigger risk.
(Until other fuels and technologies are as cost effective as coal, we have to balance the need for steady power with the need to protect the environment. The new power plant would have been cleaner and more efficient than our plant now – so to me, that was a step in the right direction.)
Take or Pay contracts are very common – in food commodities and especially the energy industry. There is no other way to finance huge capital projects that benefit many customers. Not many design and construction companies could finance a multiyear, multibillion dollar project all on their own. Take and Pay contracts are written to benefit both sides and to share the risks. There was nothing unusual in the Take or Pay clause in the project contract.
2/19/08: 3½ years ago Council voted again whether to continue our support of the Meigs County project. At that time, although the projected costs of the project had increased, the rate for electricity produced from the new plant would still be much less than the off-the-grid price – so it still made financial sense to continue support of the new power plant project.
Then the recession hit. Commercial demand for power dropped - this caused the wholesale cost of electricity to drop too.
12/08: It’s easy to say we knew in 2007 the recession had started in December of 2007 – but it’s just not accurate. Yes – in December of 2008 (10 months after the 2nd vote), the National Bureau of Economic Research said that we had been in a recession since December of 2007 – but it took a year of economic data to make it officially a recession rather than a shorter “downturn”. And yes - some industries felt it earlier than others. But others were not affected then - I know our business and my wife’s were still busy in 2007 and 2008.
11/09: 1½ years later, after the 2nd vote the projected construction costs for the new plant rose 37%. That with the drop in wholesale power costs led AMP members to cancel the project. With the slow economy, the difference between the cost of electricity from the new plant and the wholesale market dropped.
Our share of the development costs of the project will be paid for with money set aside especially for contingencies like this, it will not be paid for from cost increases in utility bills. The electric fund has a reserve fund which can be used to pay our share of the project costs which will be around $2 million. We don’t know what the final expense cost will be yet - AMP and we as one of its members are still fighting to recover some of the expenses.
My responsibility to the people of Painesville is to maintain the quality of services as cost effectively as possible. So I stand by my votes – given the national economy at the time and all the information we had, I feel they were the right decisions to keep the cost of electricity in Painesville as low and steady as possible.
In 2007 and early 2008, I did not predict the bursting of the housing bubble and the effect it would have on construction and utilities costs– unfortunately, no crystal ball was available. But the economy will eventually recover, the demand for electricity will increase, and our power plant will not be able to keep up with the demand. We will have to buy wholesale electricity and watch our electric bills jump, and we will reminisce about when Painesville had cheap electricity.
Paul W. Hach II
Painesville City Council, Ward 4 July/Aug 2011

"COMFORTABLY NUMB" pink floyd

2011-07-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I was hoping to pass on some great news to city residents. It has been over a month since the city purchased Millstone and I have been made aware the deal was finalized. The rabbits should have received their checks from the Queen so ,"We can all live happily ever after." What there's some kind of snag? You better get and cash that check before August 2nd, seems we might have a problem with that account?
So you all know the snag has nothing to do with the Bear, he just giggles with a paw in his honey jar.

As most of you might have guessed by know I have been blamed for the "terrible rumor" as one councilman called it about the rezoning of that 3 acres of commercial land the Goldberg Properties owns that the city wishes to rezone residential? As Council-President mentioned the other 6 plus acres they own behind Cedarbrook, between Chestnut to Hickory they could start building on. I went to the County Auditor's site and sure enough there are 45 plots that can be developed already, or could they? I believe the city or the developer would have to put in all new infrastructure if a development was to be built. I also believe the city would end up in a legal battle with the present homeowners.
Someone mentioned why I didn't take the city at their word? I told them I had good reason to look out a window if anyone at city hall told me it's sunny outside. When asking questions at council I get many half-truths such as "We will not pay a dime for AMPGS until we start receiving electricity" or The Painesville's portion of the EPA fine at Gorsuch is $8,000.00 don't look now it's $86,000.00 now.[ These remarks I have kept on videotape] How about that promised Lake Health Urgent Care Center? Along with a little retention pond in the northwest corner at Huntington Park, have you seen that corner? What about the $250,000.00 spent on a park by the Grand River next to the Richmond St. bridge [Horvath's Lagoons] over 7 years ago? Looks worse now then when we purchased it, without even a clear reason to spend that much money on swamp land in the first place. I could go on and on. It's a sad day when residents can no
longer trust what they are told.

A city resident shared with me a story about a conversation with a city official. This resident wanted to know the number of city employees in the DROP program. This is a program where an employee can retire and come back to work, also known as "double-dipping" This resident didn't even want to know who the people were only the total number? He was told by the city official the city wasn't obligated to release that number by law and wouldn't. So again "just pay the man."

Now a another Painesville resident has suffered another coincidence, We started a community organization to look into ways to alleviate the flooding in the Cedarbrook area, he has had two meeting with as many as 50 residents attending. Low and behold he goes to city hall where a clerk assess him a $100.00 for a new electric meter band for his house. It seems the clerk mentioned the old band was tapered with and the only reason she could give was that the resident possibly was stealing electricity? This person lives alone has been a homeowner in Painesville for close to 50 years, probably has more money then dirt. Along with knowing this person I trust him.

Riverside Schools will be looking for a levy this coming Tuesday I have read this levy will cost the averge homeowner of a $100,000 an extra $186.00 a year, $15.06, a month. Never in any of these remarks is it mentioned that that average homeowner presently has a property tax bill of over $1,700.00 presently.which with this levy passing will make his property tax around $160.00 a month. Something to ponder.
*************************************************************************************
Riverside Schools levy failed almost two to one. I guess people can't afford to pay anymore. The next question the teachers will have to ask Do we layoff peer's, or agree to a pay cut? I'm guessing layoffs, Then try to explain "it's for the children?"

"KNOWING WHEN TO LEAVE" the carpenters

2011-07-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Many of you on this site tell me to do something more than complain. Well, Tuesday morning I filed a recall petition against council member Paul Hach and council president Joe Hada. This is a direct result of the failed AMPGS power station in Meigs County, Ohio. Painesville's share could be as high as 2.7 million dollars. Painesville does not have the funds to throw this kind of money to the wind. I believe this money will be paid out of an increase in the "power factor" in our utility bills.
We know who is responsible for this loss yet the city holds no one accountable. There is no mention of where the money will come from. Others who voted for this no longer serve on council and Mr. Fountain has shown no interest in running for another term. Both of these highly educated people should have known better than to involve Painesville in a 50-year contract with AMP-OHIO. I was informed I would need 1,600 signatures from registered Painesville voters. That is another story in its self. If you see these council members, please ask them where Painesville will find the money for this latest blunder.

Here is the statement for recall:

*************************************************************************************

In 2008 the Painesville City Council passed an ordinance to participate in a [take or pay] 50 year contract with AMP-OHIO to purchase electric power from a plant planned to be built in Meigs County, Ohio ["the Plant", AMPGS]. As part of this contract, the City of Painesville guaranteed a portion of the construction cost of the Plant. Because of escalating cost relating to the fact that the Plant was to be "coal-fired," AMP-OHIO decided not to proceed with its planned construction, leaving the city to repay up to 2.7 million dollars. Many Painesville residents opposed the City voting to participate in the contract. The final council vote was 5 to 2.
Councilmen Paul Hach, Joseph Hada, Robert Fountain, Arlene Becks and Abby Delamotte voted to participate in the contract. No concern for the money lost by the City or the financial impact it will have on the City has been expressed to the citizens of Painesville. Current Councilmen Hach and Hada have been or were derelict in the sworn duty to the citizens of Painesville.

*************************************************************************************

Most of the information that instigated this recall can be found in the February 19, 2008 council meeting minutes, as well as the October 14, 2010 council minutes meeting.

Petitions will start showing up around town soon.

"THE ANSWER IS BLOWING IN THE WIND" pp&m

2011-07-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested in my communications with the Rally Team....here are the e-mails I sent them (and before anyone jumps on me about the capital letters...these were written when I first started using a computer and then I was told that writing like that was the same as shouting)

I can't say whether they blocked me but as you can see I did request to be taken off their mailing list.

On Fri, 6/8/07, angelo cimaglio wrote:

From: angelo cimaglio
Subject: RALLY IDEA
To: "RALLY TEAM"
Date: Friday, June 8, 2007, 5:09 PM
JUST A NOTE ON THE NEXT RALLY. HOW ABOUT PROTECTING OUR BORDERS RALLY? WE WON A BATTLE THIS WEEK, BUT ITS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE EDUCATE THE PUBLIC THIS BILL WILL BE BACK. ENFORCEMENT OF CURRENT LAW IS A GOOD PLACE TO START. BUT WE MUST FIRST VERIFY THEN TRUST. A SMALL NOTE THEIR WERE MORE DEMOCRATS AT THE RALLY THAN YOU MIGHT THINK , THIS BILL COULD HAVE BEEN THE END OF THIS COUNTRY FOR ALL CITIZENS.

THANK-YOU ANGELO CIMAGLIO

RALLY
Monday, June 18, 2007 7:39 AM
From:
"angelo cimaglio"
To:
rsmith@plaind.com
READ YOUR ARTICLE ON THE RALLY SUNDAY IN PAINESVILLE SUNDAY. I ONLY HAVE ONE QUESTION, WHO MADE HOLA, AND VERONICA DAHLBERG THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE LATINIO COMMUNITY IN LAKE COUNTY . SHE DOES NT EVEN LIVE HERE. NEXT TIME YOU COME TO PAINESVILLE AND ASK THE MEXICANS WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT WHAT SHE DOING TO THIS COMMUNITY. I ASKED AN IMMIGRANT, WHY THEY LET HER SPEAK FOR THEM. I WAS TOLD SHE LUMPS THEM ALL TOGETHER NATURAL BORN, LEGAL AT LAST AMNESTY, LEGALLY HERE, AND THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. SHE IS NOT THE LEADER YOU THINK SHE IS. ITS ALL ABOUT VERONICA.

THANK-YOU ANGELO CIMAGLIO

--- On Tue, 6/19/07, angelo cimaglio wrote:

From: angelo cimaglio
Subject: names
To: "RALLY TEAM"
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2007, 9:08 PM
LJUST THINKING IF I WAS A NEWS REPORTER I WONT WRITE A STORY WITHOUT THE NAMES OF THE RALLY ORGANIZERS. ITS JUST GOOD JOURNALISM TO KNOW WHO YOUR TALKING TO. MAYBE WERE THE ONES THAT HAVE TO COME OUT OF THE SHADOWS? YOU MAY USE MY NAME AS LONG AS I SEE WHAT YOU ARE WRITING,

--- On Tue, 6/19/07, angelo cimaglio wrote:

From: angelo cimaglio
Subject: OUT THERE
To: "RALLY TEAM"
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2007, 8:52 PM
I HAVE ALREADY SENT MR. SMITH AN E MAIL ABOUT THE LATINO RALLY. {SENT COPY TO YOU]. I THINK WE SHOULD ALL BE READY TO PUT OUR NAMES 'OUT THERE' THIS IS TO IMPORTANT NOT TO, I SIGN MY LETTERS WITH MY FULL NAME, WHAT ARE PEOPLE AFRAID OF?

thank-you ANGELO CIMAGLIO

--- On Tue, 6/19/07, angelo cimaglio wrote:

From: angelo cimaglio
Subject: names
To: "RALLY TEAM"
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2007, 9:08 PM
LJUST THINKING IF I WAS A NEWS REPORTER I WONT WRITE A STORY WITHOUT THE NAMES OF THE RALLY ORGANIZERS. ITS JUST GOOD JOURNALISM TO KNOW WHO YOUR TALKING TO. MAYBE WERE THE ONES THAT HAVE TO COME OUT OF THE SHADOWS? YOU MAY USE MY NAME AS LONG AS I SEE WHAT YOU ARE WRITING,

THANK-YOU ANGELO CIMAGLIO
-- On Thu, 6/21/07, angelo cimaglio wrote:

From: angelo cimaglio
Subject: SUNDAYS MEXICAN RALLY
To: "RALLY TEAM"
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2007, 8:03 PM
I THINK ALL RALLY MEMBERS SHOULD PICK-UP A COPY OF THE LAKE COUNTY TRIBUNE JUNE 22ND EDITION THERE IS AN ARTICLE BY DEBBIE CORDES ON THE HOLA MARCH' GREAT READ IND, BALDEMAR VELASQUEZ THE HEAD OF FLOC, AND I QUOTE THEY CAN HAVE 'RETURN TO SENDER' WE WILL HAVE OPERATION TAKE BACK OUR LAND', VELASQUEZ SAID. 'IT IS A SILENT CONQUERING OF OUR LAND. WE ARE HERE TO RIGHTLY TAKE BACK WHAT IS OURS'. AT LEAST HES HONEST ABOUT HIS MOTIVES, WHERE WAS THE NEWS-HEARLD AND THE PLAINDEALERS ARTICLE ON THIS SUBJECT?

THANK-YOU ANGELO CIMAGLIO

On Thu, 7/5/07, angelo cimaglio wrote:

From: angelo cimaglio
Subject: ACCUSATIONS
To: "RALLY TEAM"
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2007, 4:47 PM
AS I SPEND MY JULY 4TH CELEBRATION I CANT HELP BUT WONDER IF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WOULD HAVE ONLY USED THEIR FIRST NAMES, FOR FEAR OF WHAT THE BRITISH WOULD DO TO THEM, I DO NT THINK THAT DOCUMENT WOULD HAVE HELD WATER? DO YOU? ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE THIS COUNTRY BETTER OFF THAN IT WAS WHEN I WAS BORN. I AM NOT A FOLLOWER BUT WHEN I DO ITS IMPORTANT TO ME TO KNOW WHO I AM FOLLOWING. IF YOU ARE ALL SCARED YOU REALLY SHOULD NOT ENGAGE IN THE PUBLIC ARENA, THE MEXICAN AT THE RALLY THE SUNDAY BEFORE YOURS DID NT GIVE HIS NAME BECAUSE HE WAS ILLEGAL. ARE WE ILLEGAL? PEOPLE AT THE RALLY EVEN QUESTIONED ME IF THE JOHN BIRCH SOCIETY WAS PUTTING ON THE RALLY? I SAID I DO NT THINK SO BUT I REALLY DO NT KNOW WHO IS. 'GRASSROOTS' TO ME MEANS LOCAL PEOPLE WANTING TO HELP ORGANIZE LOCAL ISSUES. THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE YOUR GROUP COULD HELP DETERMINE AND STOP IS LOCAL ILLEGAL HIRING BY PUTTING PRESSURE ON LOCAL EMPLOYERS. WHY NOT ? BELIEVE ME WE DO NT HAVE ANY POWER ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL, WE CAN JUST KEEP OUR CITY, COUNTY OFFICIALS HONEST AND LET THEM KNOW OUR FEELINGS. AS OF JULY 5TH I NO LONGER WANT TO DEAL WITH WHOEVER YOU PEOPLE ARE I DECLARE MY INDEPENDENCE FROM SUPERMAN, ZORRO, THE LONE RANGER WHOEVER YOU PEOPLE ARE. PLEASE TAKE ME OFF YOUR E-MAIL LIST I AM 56 YEARS OLD NOT 9.

THANK-YOU ANGELO CIMAGLIO [SOMEONE WHO DOES NT LIVE IN FEAR]

Real Horrible ,Uh?

'SUICIDE SONG" lee evans

2011-07-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

After attending Monday night's council meeting, I have to wonder if Councilman Werner intends to commit political suicide. As a member of council and being a person that should know better than most just how stretched our safety forces are, he calls the police over a neighbor’s cat.
Now if Mr. Werner has any hopes of being re-elected, this feud with his neighbors (including Jackie's Place) and the residents behind the establishment should end now.
I believe Hal has always wanted to serve as a good council member, sometimes he just goes off the reservation.
At Monday night's meeting, Ms. McMahon mentioned that liquor licenses were being reviewed by the State in September, and if any resident should want to file a complaint on an establishment, contact the city. To be honest, I thought Hal's eyes glassed over. Here was his chance to rid himself of his nemesis. My thanks to the city manager for waving the red flag in front of him.
I do not believe Hal will listen to me, but he might listen to someone else out there.
Hal, you have spent too much time and money to get on council to become this petty. Do you have some neighborhood problems that you think need addressed? Yes, you might, but your present tactics really should stop.
Discussing this with someone I trust, the comment was made "wasn't there a bar there when he bought the houses?" If they were and it was, now is not the time to raise a fuss.
Your position on council is not to be self-serving, we have had enough of that, please get off your high horse and do what you were elected to do.
End this juvenile feud now!
Hal, your opponent is having a fund-raiser at Jackie's....does that tell you anything?

"FORTUNATE SON" ccr

2011-07-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

You have to wonder where the City of Painesville is financially at the present time? First off we just raised water rates approximately $8.00 a month on residents bills.
Although this is a fee you could also look at it as a $96.00 tax increase on a homeowner? What items has the city purchased this year that we could have done without? First thing comes to mind is red paint. We have purchased four new parks in the last year and with the exception of two it seemed like a good idea.
We were told by an AMP-OHIO offical that the city owed over $2,000,000.00 in sunken costs at Meigs County AMPGS Plant? That hardly brought up a sweat from anyone at city hall.
Now Mr. Fodor brings up the "L" word a levy for street improvement. Why not just tell the city manager to include it in the 2012 budget? Find savings please that's what we pay her big bucks for. Under the "Golden Dome there happens to be close to $950,000.00 in Manager, and Directors salaries. This doesn't count the other employees in that building or the directors of the utility departments. Do we really need all these people in a town with a population of around 19,000 people? Where is the accountability,where is the justification, who decides this? Why do we spend $100,000.00 on road improvements and at the same time tell residents it costs $500,000.00 to maintain two cemeteries?
I'm starting to believe I wasn't as fortunate being born here as I thought. Well atleast 350 who work for the city seem happy?

"COUNCIL MEETING 07/18/11

2011-07-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well, due to the summer session, council has only one scheduled meeting in July and one in August.
This meeting will have no departmental reports but will be centered on three areas in the city that the city would like to put in zoning compliance. The property behind Atwell's is of the most concern to Chestnut St. rezoning. Many fear this is the keystone to a large housing development bounded by Chestnut, Cedarbrook and Hickory Dr. No one can be against development of this property, but at the same time, homes in this area already flood after a hard rain. Truthfulness by the administration would probably be welcome. This problem must be resolved before anyone builds anything.
In new business, Councilman Fodor is offering "Next step in the search for energy". Maybe if we had done this in 2007 we would be 2 million dollars richer.
Also, Councilman Fodor is inquiring about a Road Improvement Levy.
Councilwoman DiNallo will propose a "Council Appointed Utilities Commission."
Enjoy another warm week.

*************************************************************************************

Quick note on the council meeting. All zoning were put on third reading. Most comments came from the Chestnut Cedarbrook area. Most question concerned the 3 acres behind Atwell's. Wonder why Goldberg Builders weren't present? Change all the property to R-1 that currently have addresses but the city should not be in the business of changing zoning for people. Let them apply like everyone else.
Painesville is presently looking for another company to help us with our electic energy needs seems AMP-OHIO has left a sour taste in every ones mouth.
This went to Mr. Fodors question about energy and Mrs. DiNallo question about an energy committee. Ms. McMahon said she was gathering information for council.
Mr. Fodor brought up the need for Painesville to maybe do the "L" word, meaning a proposed levy. Mr. Flock said lets bring up the "C" word, meaning cuts. Joe Hada attempted to make it sound like the cuts Flock mentioned would come on the backs of the safety forces, that was not what Mr. Flock said. Mr. Torre thought it was a bad idea, I mentioned that there was a better chance of it snowing tomorrow yhem a levy passing. Mr. Tibitts then brought out some interesting facts. Not counting utility directors, Painesville spends close to $950,000 on managers and directors. Seems like Painesville has become a place with to many chiefs and not enough Indians?

GREEN ONIONS" booker t

2011-07-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Is Painesville like an onion? Why do I ask that? Well, recently the city manager proposed zoning changes in the Chestnut-Cedarbrook area. The city manager said the reasoning behind these zoning changes was to make the area conform to the surrounding properties. If you live in Painesville long enough, you should understand that the city manager does nothing without an ulterior motive. All sounds well and good, but please explain why people representing a developer have been attempting to buy property from a resident for an access road parallel to Cedarbrook to connect with Hickory Dr. and Chestnut St.? I guess it's not so much that someone wants to build a development, its just the shady way it's done. And lets not forget that before one roof is constructed in that area another large interceptor sewer pipe needs to be installed.... not just connected to the pipe that presently runs down Chestnut St. Maybe residents in that area should band together and tell the city to leave the zoning alone. Peeling the skin off an onion is the only way to find the truth in Painesville.

Now, just a thought: if Painesville was the winning bidder for the Millstone property, they had to put 10% down in cash with the rest payable in 30 days. So if the rumbling I hear is true that FEMA still has the grant money would Painesville forfeit $230,000.00 if they don't finalize the Sheriff sale on time? Lets hope not uh?

Windmill Estates and the rest of the Cobblestone project rest on a bridge being built over the CSX tracks west of new RT.44 The city manager is looking for $3,500,000.00 to build this bridge. As late as May of 2010 she estimated the cost at $5,900,000.00.... how did it get cheaper? Recently Geneva built an overpass over the same railroad tracks. The final cost of that project was $8,900,000.00. Could we have some factual numbers before we move ahead with this bridge?

My favorite, Washington Cemetery. Nothing can happen until we can prove no bodies are still buried there. The only way to know for sure would be to dig a section up, right?

"CAN'T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKING" rolling stones

2011-07-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Seems the sale of the "old" Harvey property between the schools and the port authority has reached a snag. Those of you that have been with us from the beginning will remember a post about an old cemetery located on the grounds in the southeast section. I remember seeing headstones there in the mid sixties. At one time, there must have been one there. Well, the records of what and who are buried there were destroyed in a fire back in the 1930's so, as Dr. Hanlon mentioned, there is a REMOTE possibility of some graves still there. Another "only in Painesville."
The board took action to approve #11-177 - ‘Student Designation to Transport’. What that means is Painesville will no longer provide bussing to Lake Catholic and Andrews-Osborne (I am not even clear about the others). The school board reported that transportation for these students costs over $3,097.35 per student annually.
Well, that might be true since the average pay of a Painesville City School bus driver is $33.93 per hr. This includes wages, hospitalization, retirement, etc.
What happened tonight is that all those Painesville parents who provide a private education for their kids now have no reason to support the schools.

In other news, long-time board member Andy Thompson turned in his resignation effective July 12, 2011. I guess this means another position is open. What is that….. four in the last three years? Mr. Thompson has spent over forty years in the field of education. A big ‘thank-you’ is well deserved.

Still wondering which elementary school my five-year-old granddaughter will be attending. She is on the borderline between Maple and Chestnut. Will there be all day kindergarten? Still no answers yet. This is July 11th… right?

'CHOICES" george jones

2011-07-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

Well it seems most, if not all, of the people seeking a ward council seat have thrown their rspective hats into the ring. I know a good number of these people and it will be interesting to see how they are seen by the wards that they want to represent.
I have already talked to Derrick Abney about securing a school to have two "Meet the Candidate nights". All incumbents, as well as challengers, will be officially invited to these meetings at least two weeks in advance.
Ward I......Andrew Flock*
......Christine Shoop
Ward II.....Hal Werner*
.....Kathy Jenkins
Ward III....Richard Tibbits
....Michael DeLeone
Ward IV.....Paul Hach II *
.....John Murphy
* means incumbent

The coming weekend will be Painesville's "Party in the Park". I'm sure a lot of candidates will want to speak to you.

Sorry, but on this post only positve comments about the candidates..... Unless you're willing to leave a name.

"THE PAIN OF LOVING YOU" dolly parton

2011-07-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

105 CHESTER STREET

I guess there is pain in loving Painesville?

One thing nice about living in Painesville; chances are you will never say, "now I've seen it all" because there's a chance with every drive home from work you will see something new....while our city manager fiddles with downtown "Streetscapes" [painting cross walks red?] Really Ms. McMahon? We, here in the north end, have something I guess we could call "Garbagescapes"? After viewing this late Friday afternoon I called my councilman Andy Flock to take a look.

Andy dutifully checked it out and he couldn't believe his eyes. A call was made to the "Golden Dome' and Assistant City Manager Doug Lewis went to the scene and told Mr. Flock he would not authorize overtime to clean up this mess due to Painesville's present financial situation. Mr. Flock said something should be done due to this being a safety and health issue. Mr. Lewis mentioned maybe if you would have called earlier? Mr. Flock informed Mr. Lewis we both work and he notified the city immediately after I informed him.

Now Mr. Lewis... a thought: that garbage must have been sitting there for more then a few hours. With Painesville's Public Works building just down the road you would think someone, anyone, from any number of city departments passing by that mess (police, electric, water, streets, parks, community development) that someone would have reported this? Is that a result of what happens when over 75% of your employees don't live here?

The update is that there is a full roll-off there now. I have no idea who finally authorized it but sure appreciate Mr. Flock getting the ball rolling.

I posted this for two reasons: in case residents on Casement, Bank, Cumming, and other streets can't understand why they can't sell their house or that no one seriously wants to move here... this house is appraised at $81,000. Think it would sell? Look at how out-of-towners on their way to Silvestro's or Chester's will view Painesville? The other reason is: if a resident is thinking about moving... he might think he can just just throw his garbage out like this guy. What, no retribution? This could become a common sight.... like cars parked all over lawns.
The city administration must realize we expect results when we pay an assistant $93,000 a year. We also expect residents and landlords to know there are consequences for their actions... even after 5:00PM on Friday.

"WHO ARE YOU" the who

2011-07-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

I really want to know.
At a recent POC meeting the members thought it might be a good idea to get a recall petition started on the three councilman still serving on council that voted for the AMP Ohio Meigs County deal; Council-President Joe Hada, Ward IV councilman Paul Hach and Ward III councilman Bob Fountain. Since we believe Mr. Fountain will not pursue another term, and councilman Hach can explain his votes at 'meet the candidate' meetings it was decided that a recall at this time will not be beneficial to the city. At the same time, some of us were given the job of researching what a legal recall entails.

The following is an excerpt from the city charter:

Section II Recall

The power of recall of elected official of the city of the City is reserved to the people of the City. The procedure to be followed shall be provided by state statute except that a petition for recall shall require the signatures of registered electors of the City equal in number to 20% of registered electors of the City.
No person removed by recall shall be eligible to be elected or appointed to any office of the City for a period of two years after the date of the recall.

Pretty ambiguous. Mr. Gurley is the final arbiter in deciding if the petitions meet the proper standards. Do I need a reason? Does the elected officials all have to have separate petitions?
I was told in the distant past a City petition was disallowed by him due to language in the petition.
I (along with everyone else involved in this process) don't want Mr. Gurley to act on behalf of the people with the recall petitions, I certainly don't expect him to take sides. I only expect some guidance so that if we do all this it meets his standards to be put on the ballot.
Mrs. Clair, Lake County Board of Election Director suggested we ask him what he wanted in our recall petitions. I waited a week and sent another request to him.
Mr. Gurley"s answer surprised me. He felt like any advice he gave would be a "conflict of interest." Well, all along I thought he was the City Law Director... not Council's. Again, I didn't see a conflict here. Mr. Gurley is an unelected city official appointed by the city manager, and not hired by council. Where is the conflict? Is he CITY law director or COUNCIL law director?
Maybe if at some time during the Meigs County 50 year power purchase some council member would have asked him to review the contract with AMP-OHIO we wouldn't be in this position....or would we?

"HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY"

2011-07-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

It's nice to celebrate the Fourth of July on July 4th, instead of the closest Monday. We should all remember the freedoms our founding fathers gave us. I am also sure that they knew somehow that keeping this country together wouldn't be easy.
We should all be proud of how diverse we have become on so many issues. It would be nice if we quit calling each other names and got down to solving our problems. Maybe if we all listen more and spoke less? Someone once told me God gave us two ears but only one mouth, there must have been a reason.

Take a minute out to thank a serviceman (present or former) and again, have a Happy Fourth of July.

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This is one of my favorite stories about our national history....makes me believe there can be such a thing as divine intervention.

The capital of the United States, on the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland was designed by Pierre L’Enfant and became the capital in 1800. In August 1814 during the War of 1812 the British captured and sacked Washington, burning most of the public buildings, including the Capitol and the White House. It is one of the few cities in the world planned expressly as a national capital. Map courtesy of the National Archives.

by Evelyn Dole
Air Force Reserve Command

-- The summer of 1814 was one of the hottest on record. In late August, the afternoon rains and temperatures of over 100 F made the air humid with beads of moisture and turned the stagnate marshlands surrounding Washington D.C. into disease-carrying mosquito hatcheries. The 8,000 heat-weary townspeople were even more miserable when news came that the invading British Army was marching in from the Chesapeake Bay.
Although our young country had been at war with the British Empire for over two years, the majority of indeterminate skirmishes had occurred in the Great Lakes region. Now that Wellington had defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, the Empire was ready to turn its full attention to the task of defeating its former colony by sending battle-hardened troops to squash the up-start Americans. Washingtonians along with Dolley Madison, the First Lady, were confident the British Army would attack the strategic thriving port of Baltimore rather their capital city. However, the British General Robert Ross and Rear Admiral George Cockburn did have two specific reasons for an attack on Washington. The British and Canadians were seeking revenge on the United States for the destruction by the American Army of the capital of York in Upper Canada (now Toronto, Canada) and they hoped the destruction of America's new capital city would demoralize the country enough to obtain its surrender.
On Wednesday morning, August 24, 1814 Dolly Madison looked through her spyglass from one of the upper floor windows of The White House. She was watching the surrounding lands, searching for her husband, President Madison. All she saw were weary, hunched-over-with-defeat American troops walking back into the city. By 3 p.m., she received word from her husband, who was with his cabinet and many other government officials who had fled to the mountains of Virginia, to evacuate Washington. She began the task of loading a wagon with portable articles, documents and other items of importance, notably the full-length Gilbert Stuart painting of President George Washington. As the British troops marched down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Presidential Mansion, she reluctantly left moments before the soldiers entered the building.
Admiral Cockburn ordered all government buildings burned which included the buildings housing the Senate and House of Representatives, (the central rotunda of the Capitol not yet constructed). Also burned were the Library of Congress, the U.S. Treasury building, and many other public buildings. Next Cockburn turned his attention on The White House, where the soldiers were dining on food found in the dining hall. After they were finished, they set about destroying the building - finally setting it on fire.
Dawn rose the next morning and the remaining Washingtonians felt the day's warmth not from the sun but from the heat of the fires. While the British soldiers continued to set fires and destroy the stores of ammunition found, they failed to notice the early afternoon sky begin to darken. Westward beyond the city, large clouds were forming, beginning to swirl, and soon the sky intensified with lightning and thunder signaling the approach of a thunderstorm. The British soldiers familiar with thunderstorms in England and preoccupied with their orders discounted the Americans watching the sky.
As the storm front neared the city, Washingtonians took cover. The winds dramatically increased and a tornado developed over the city that produced a "frightening roar." The tornado ripped through Washington and headed straight toward the British occupation. Structures were torn off their foundations, other buildings were blown down. Feather mattresses were sucked out of windows, trees were uprooted, fences were blown down, chimneys collapsed, the heavy chain bridge across the Potomac River buckled, and many British cannons were picked up and tossed around. Panic ensued; many British soldiers did not have time to take cover and were killed by collapsing buildings and flying debris.
Finally, the winds quieted but the rain fell in torrents for more than two hours quenching most of the flames and prevented Washington from continuing to burn. The British Army regrouped near Capitol Hill, a bit shaken by the harsh weather and decided to depart Washington that evening. Downed trees across roads hampered their journey and when they reached their ships, it was discovered two had broken free from their moorings and were washed ashore. The British Commander later reported that more of their soldiers were wounded and killed by this catastrophic disaster than from all the firearms the American troops could muster in their ineffectual defense of Washington.
President James Madison and his cabinet returned to Washington and started the rebuilding of our Capitol. Never again, would a foreign army enter our city and only rarely would Washingtonians see a tornado.
Three tornadoes struck near Washington that day. It was later reported that one landed to the northwest, another in the high country [which is now called Georgetown], and the one that struck the Capitol Hill area. Whether there was a single tornado taking a southeasterly course or a tornado swarm, it will never be known. What can be said for certain is that a powerful tornado with destructive winds did hit downtown Washington at a crucial time; forcing the British out of the city, and saving what was left of our Capitol.

"ALICE IN WONDERLAND" avril lavigne

2011-06-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

I guess the Queen won the first round of this land acquisition. I see the Bear making his move soon.... as soon as he gets out of the animal hospital [bad leg, knee] probably from kicking some poor animal or something hard like a bench?
The Queen's micro-management skills were in full force Monday. 2.3 million jars of honey... and it took three representatives from her court plus the Queen herself to be at the proceedings. I counted close to 400,000 jars a year in wages to make sure that no one got lost between the golden dome and the county courthouse. Next thing you know.. all court representatives will need GPS in their cars to go 50 yards. Think things are a little top heavy?
Honestly, I'm glad the rabbits will get some honey for their flooded burrows. I see it's starting to sink in around the kingdom that the Bear didn't drop the ball... but mortgage companies, condo associations, and probably a few banks did drop the ball. Yet no one has been held accountable? Sorta like the AMP-OHIO deal uh?
I can only hope that no one believes this rescue was done out of the goodness of someones heart, or that there will be a "traditional" park in that area. Please don't plan a picnic there, or expect a water park or even a park bench.
How many students and dollars did Painesville City Schools lose over this acquisition? How many city tax and income tax dollars did the city also lose?
Great job Queen!
Was it a mistake to build down there? Well, if it was...then why were they purchased by the rabbits in the first place?
We must all watch and learn the Queen's plan for this "Park" and at the same time she had better watch out for a Bear staking out his territory. It's probably a good thing that it isn't going to be a public park or available for the "river walk" because it will be just about impossible to get past the Bear to get there anyway.
I see more and more Sharks in the mix for everyone concerned. Maybe they will just make it "Fred Flintstone's Memorial Garden" because it's going to revert back to the time before rabbits lived there.
Wonder who will be the Cheshire Cat?

THE HATTER

HOT DIGGITY, DOG ZIGGITY BOOM.." perry como

2011-06-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

For all of you that have seen enough Mardi Gras parades featuring fire trucks and tow trucks. Looking for a change? Councilman Andrew Flock and his wife Marge invite all city residents to their fourth annual "Town Hall Picnic Meeting" at Recreational Park. along the river by the Pavillion. Free Hot Dogs, Chips, and Coca-Cola will be provided. If you have a special dish or dessert you want to share with your neighbors please feel free to bring it.

Hot Dogs start coming off the grill at 6:00pm.

Thursday nite June 30, 2011

Millstone UPDATE

2011-06-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Update on the ongoing saga of Millstone:

There were two bids for the property; $137,000.00 by an interested party and 2.3 million dollars by Doug Lewis acting for the city of Painesville.

Guess who won?

Next round:

Will this sale be appealed?

When can the residents realistically expect to get their share?

"LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS" joe cocker

2011-06-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Some of you by now have seen the construction work on Mentor Ave. from Wood St. to just west of Lake Erie College. You might even be wondering what the hold-up might be? Well, as best as I can piece together, Orwell Gas has run a gas line down Mentor Ave. between just west of the YMCA to Wood St.
Now the rub... they have installed a regulator west of the YMCA where it happened that the fence doesn't meet Painesville code. That can be easily worked out, but Orwell Gas has purchased a Century Historical home west of the College to put another fenced in regulator in the front yard. They then intend to rent the house out. So much for Mentor Ave. Historical District. [Nice signs by the way.} I understand the College doesn't want this eyesore on their property so it's next door at 521 Mentor Ave. Again, is this another violation of Painesville City Code?
My question: where is the present regulators for the college located? Well... they can be seen just west of Ardmore and Park Ave. where they intersect Walnut St on college property.
I am for free enterprise but what kind of hocus-pokus is going on here?
Why wasn't any of this discussed with the city before the zoning board had to be involved? One guess where this gas is coming from. Along with my question "A little Help From My Friend?"
I tried to look up the minutes for the last couple of months for the Zoning Board, maybe some of you will have better luck then me...or did anyone out there attend and are able to shed some light?

'PAINESVILLE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE"

2011-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

President.................... Allen Watson
Vice-President...............Angelo Cimaglio
Treasurer.....................Sandy Miller
Secretary.....................Dennis Morton

We believe at the present time a City Manager serves Painesville better than a Mayor. Although we will revisit this occasionally.
We will inquire about term-limits for council.
We will continue to pursue on the procedure for recall petitions for council members.
To find out what cuts, in education [A.G. classes, All day Kindergarden, pay to play.] Anything that will change the education for our young residents.

All are welcome to our meetings and give us your thoughts on anything Painesville.

We will try to reserve a room at Morley Library July 26, 2011 for our next meeting.

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Just so there in no misundersanding the views held by myself on this Blog. Are not represented by the POC. My posts are mine I will report on POC meetings but I see a time when my views might not be the POC position.
I will discuss with others on the POC of setting up their own web.site.

Also understand the views of some who comment here are not mine, or the POC but the people who comment. Thank-You

"MONDAY JUNE 20, 2011 COUNCIL MEETING"

2011-06-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Council took action and passed a motion to rescind next years 4% water increase.

Council also voted 6-0 to "NOT" get involved with the AMP-OHIO Fremont Gas Energy plant.

A total of 12 items were on the agenda.

"Painesville Oversight Committee" will meet tomorrow night at 6:30 PM at Jalapeno Loco to discuss future plans. We have elected officers and I will post them ASAP.

"CLASSICAL GAS" mason williams

2011-06-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Is this what we want (or really need) as part of Painesville's future?

Shale gas: Not a 'game changer' after all

by Kurt Cobb

Newly accessible natural gas from deep shale deposits around the world has been touted as a solution to everything from oil dependence to climate change. But our actual experience with shale gas extraction is telling another story.

The natural gas industry would like you to believe that newly accessible gas previously locked away in deep shale deposits is set to make natural gas the dominant fuel of the 21st century. Presumably, that's because natural gas is cleaner, produces fewer greenhouse gases, and will supposedly be widely available at reasonable prices. Therefore, we'll be using it to generate more of our electricity, power more of our vehicles, produce more products from our petrochemical refineries, and generally replace oil as the world's primary fuel.

Can gas from shale really promise all of that? David Hughes, formerly a geoscientist with the Geological Survey of Canada for 32 years and now an independent consultant, believes that those promises are overblown. He outlines his concerns in a new report entitled "Will Natural Gas Fuel America in the 21st Century?" which he prepared for the Post Carbon Institute. Even though he has limited his study to the United States, much of what he says is applicable to the rest of the world.

So many of the claims made for shale gas are questionable that it's hard to know where to start. The key claim is that it will be plentiful. But strangely no particular price is attached to this claim. What would we have to pay for that bounty to be available? One driller I know says it's nonsense to tell the public that we will have extensive supplies of natural gas from shale without saying what it will actually cost. He said that natural gas selling for $5 mcf implies a much smaller exploitable resource than gas above $10 mcf, a level hit only briefly twice in the last decade.

The report cites estimates of what price it might take to get large volumes of shale gas out of the ground. Some of the easiest and highest flowing wells may make a profit at current prices around $4 mcf. But harder-to-get gas will likely cost more than $7 mcf and possibly as much as $11.50 mcf. What's clear is that ramping up shale gas production won't be cheap. As my driller friend opined, "We can have cheap natural gas or we can have plentiful natural gas, but we're not going to have cheap, plentiful natural gas."

But just how plentiful will that natural gas be even with high prices?

Forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)--which have tended to be too optimistic--suggest that shale gas will only lift U.S. natural gas production modestly between now and 2035. This is because other sources such as conventional gas and coalbed methane are projected to experience significant production declines, -29 percent and -4 percent respectively, during this period. Except for a relatively small increase in offshore production of 9 percent, shale gas in the United States must make up for these declines first before it can add to our current rate of production. An increase of 26 percent total is expected for U.S.-produced natural gas through 2035. That's hardly a fraction of what would be required to fulfill all the promises made for natural gas. According to the EIA, gas will provide almost the same percentage of energy to the U.S. economy in 2035 as it does today.

This suggests that there simply won't be enough gas available for broad new uses such as natural gas-powered vehicles or natural gas-fired baseload capacity for electric utilities. Far from displacing oil, natural gas is likely to continue in its current uses: a fuel for heating buildings and for industrial process heat and a petrochemical feedstock.

Let's imagine for a moment (even though the facts don't support this) that the natural gas optimists are correct, that the United States has a 100-year supply of natural gas. Even if this were true, it's 100 years at current rates of production. But wait, the natural gas industry is proposing vast new uses of natural gas and expecting normal economic growth. That means that the rate of production must grow rather consistently over time if natural gas is to displace oil and meet all that new demand.

Simple spreadsheet calculations will tell you what you need to know about what happens to such claims under the pressure of a little exponential growth. At 2 percent per year growth (about what oil production grew prior to the plateau that set in in 2005), the 100-year U.S. domestic natural gas supply is exhausted in 56 years. If we assume that production peaks when about 50 percent of the resource is exhausted, this puts the peak within 35 years. Think about it. Even if the optimists are correct, with a production growth rate of just 2 percent per year, the country reaches a peak within 35 years! What will we do after that?

The picture gets acutely worse as the rate of production growth rises. A 3 percent rate implies exhaustion in 47 years and peak in 31 years. A 5 percent growth rates means exhaustion in 37 years and a peak in just 26 years. Now consider that domestic supplies are probably going to be less than claimed, and you'll see why shale gas simply cannot solve our energy problems.

What is preventing the huge ramp-up promised by the natural gas industry? As it turns out, while initial flows from fractured shale gas wells are very high, they usually decline by 65 to 80 percent within the first year. The second year sees another considerable decline. Therefore, flows tend to settle at very low levels. This means that in order to achieve growth in the rate of production, new well completions must expand quickly enough both to make up for these steep decline rates and to meet the need for growth in overall rates of production. The process is akin to trying to climb up a down escalator, one that is going down at a rather fast rate.

As the overall rate of production climbs, the number of new wells needed to maintain and grow production mounts exponentially. The task becomes more and more capital-intensive as larger and larger rig fleets have to be built and deployed on a continuous basis. At some point growth in production rates will have to level off as the growth of the oil and gas services industry becomes unsustainable due to constraints in both capital and skilled labor.

In addition, environmental concerns are likely to result in new regulations in many states with shale gas deposits. Such regulations add to costs as they slow development. These regulations essentially revolve around protecting drinking water aquifers and rivers from fracturing fluids injected under intense pressure into the borehole of the well. These fluids are what create fractures in the shale that allow the gas to flow to the wellbore. Much of the injected fluid returns to the surface and must be treated or disposed of. The rest stays in the formation, and there are fears that it could migrate to drinking wateraquifers via poorly sealed drill pipes.

Finally, while natural gas is touted as a fuel that is much cleaner to burn than coal, only conventional gas reservoirs (which are now in decline in the United States) produce natural gas with a vastly better greenhouse gas profile. Because the fracturing process allows a considerable amount of methane to escape into the atmosphere at the beginning of a well's life, the greenhouse gas profile of shale gas is much less favorable. Hughes' report references one study that claims that this so-called "fugitive" methane comes out in such great quantities that coal used for coal-fired power plants has a better greenhouse gas footprint. I'm not convince it's that bad. But, this unburned methane is 20 times more efficient than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. That means large unburned methane emissions can reduce and possibly even negate methane's advantage as a climate-friendly fuel.

Where does that leave us? Well, only one claim made by shale gas proponents is unequivocally true: Natural gas is cleaner, meaning it is less polluting to burn at the burner tip than other fossil fuels. That's an important property, and one we should not ignore as we try to find a transition strategy away from fossil fuels altogether. But the claims of abundance, low price, and low carbon footprint must all be discounted considerably if we are to make a realistic assessment of the role shale gas will play in our future energy mix.

http://www.energybulletin.net/stories/2011-06-16/shale-gas-not-game-changer-after-all

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MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — An explosion that sounded like a sonic boom blew out walls of an unfinished power plant and set off a fire during a test of natural gas lines Sunday, killing at least five workers and injuring a dozen or more.

The explosion at the Kleen Energy Systems plant in Middletown, about 20 miles south of Hartford, could be heard and felt for miles.

Deputy Fire Marshal Al Santostefano told The Associated Press on Sunday night that no one was known to be missing amid the rubble from the damaged plant. Still, crews planned to spend all night going through debris in case there were any more victims. The cause of the gas explosion was unknown, and the investigation was to begin Monday morning, he said.

The explosion left huge pieces of metal that once encased the plant peeling off its sides. A large swath of the structure was blackened and surrounded by debris, but the building, its roof and its two smokestacks were still standing. Rescue crews had set up several tents alongside the site, which is a few miles from Wesleyan University on a wooded and hilly 137-acre parcel of land overlooking the Connecticut River.

The explosion happened around 11:15 a.m., Santostefano said. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano heard the blast while leaving church.

"It felt almost like a sonic boom," Giuliano said at an evening news conference.

Santostefano said 50 to 60 people were in the area at the time of the explosion, and multiple contractors were working on the project, making it difficult to quickly account for everyone.

One of those killed was Raymond Dobratz, a 58-year-old plumber from Old Saybrook, said his son, Erik Dobratz, who called the elder man "a great dad."

The 620-megawatt plant, which was almost complete, is being built to produce energy primarily using natural gas. Santostefano said workers for the construction company, O&G Industries, were purging the gas line when the explosion occurred.

ynn Hawley, of Hartland, Conn., told The Associated Press that her son, Brian Hawley, 36, is a pipefitter at the plant. He called her from his cell phone to say he was being rushed to Middlesex Hospital.

"He really couldn't say what happened to him," she said. "He was in a lot of pain, and they got him into surgery as quickly as possible."

She said he had a broken leg and was expected to survive.

Officials had not released the conditions of the other injured people by Sunday evening, although they said at least a dozen people had injuries ranging from minor to very serious.

The thundering blast shook houses for miles.

"I felt the house shake. I thought a tree fell on the house," Middletown resident Steve Clark said.

Barrett Robbins-Pianka, who lives about a mile away and has monitored the project for years, said she was running outside and heard what she called "a tremendous boom."

"I thought it might be some test or something, but it was really loud, a definite explosion," she said.

Work on the plant was 95 percent complete, the mayor said.

Kleen Energy Systems LLC began construction on it in February 2008. It had signed a capacity deal with Connecticut Light and Power for the electricity produced by the plant, which was scheduled to be completed by mid-2010.

The company is run by former Middletown City Councilman William Corvo. A message left at Corvo's home was not returned Sunday. Calls to Gordon Holk, general manager of Power Plant Management Services, which has a contract to manage the plant, also weren't returned.

Energy Investors Funds, a private equity fund that indirectly owns a majority share in the power plant, said it is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the explosion. In a written statement, the company offered sympathy and concern and said it would release more information on the explosion as it becomes available.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell visited the scene Sunday and announced late in the day that the state had imposed a temporary no-fly zone for a three-mile radius around the site to ensure that the safety of the search and rescue workers would not be jeopardized. The restrictions were put in place until Monday evening.

The state's Emergency Operations Center in Hartford also was activated, and the Department of Public Health was called to provide tents at the scene for shelter and medical triage.

Daniel Horowitz, a spokesman with the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, said the agency is mobilizing an investigation team from Colorado and hopes to have the workers on the scene Monday.

Plants powered by natural gas are taking on a much larger role in generating electricity for the U.S. Gas emits about half the greenhouse gases of coal-fired plants and new technology has allowed natural gas companies to begin to unlock gas supplies that could total more than 100 years at current usage levels.

Natural gas is used to make about a fifth of the nation's electricity.

Safety board investigators have done extensive work on the issue of gas line purging since an explosion last year at a Slim Jim factory in North Carolina killed four people. They've identified other explosions caused by workers who were unsafely venting gas lines inside buildings.

The board voted last week to recommend that national and international code writers strengthen their guidelines to require outdoor venting of gas lines or an approved safety plan to do it indoors.

In February 2009, an explosion at a We Energies coal-fired power plant near Milwaukee burned six workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is still investigating.

In November 2007, an explosion at a Dominion Virginia Power coal-fired plant in Massachusetts killed three workers, and in January 2007 one worker and nine others were injured at an American Electric Power plant of the same type in Beverly, Ohio.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/07/connecticut-gas-explosion_n_452682.html?ref=email_share

"JUST A MIRAGE" tommy james & the shondells

2011-06-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

A mirage is a 'naturally occurring optical phenomenon in which light rays are bent to produce a displaced image'...or an e-mail sent to me by Doug Nagy.

"Imagine you picked up the entire city of Beachwood, all 11,953 residents and plopped them down in the Painesville area. Would that change your perception of Painesville?"
Well Doug, what if you plopped all the 19,000 Painesville residents into Beachwood. Now you got a story!
Mr Nagy: Painesville AREA.. Painesville City, Painesville Township and Concord Township grew at this rate in spite of the City of Painesville. Concord, and Painesville Township also connect with Mentor so couldn't you also say the Mentor AREA?

How does the above statement prove the City of Painesville is making a strong comeback?
Concord Township is now the home of our former hospital?

Cleveland Magazine declared that the City of Painesville is a safer place than Mentor, Chardon, and Beachwood? Tell that to residents on Nebraska St.
I expect another high-end Painesville Magazine is already in the works.

Last time I looked you were being paid by the Downtown Painesville Organization. Not the Township Park Organization, or the Hospitals out on Auburn Rd. Organization.
Painesville City is all I want to know about and when WE have a win I don't want to share it!

Doug, please don't pee on my head and tell me its rain, and
please don't take me off your email list... I need the WTF every now and then.

"TIME IN A BOTTLE" jim croce

2011-06-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Time is running out if you want to let council people know how you are leaning on the 35 year "take and pay" Fremont Energy Station..
My crystal ball shows Hada, Fountain,and Hach taking a "YES" position.
Flock, and Werner in taking a "NO' position.
The deciding votes will be Lori DiNallo and Jim Fodor.

Lori DiNallo..... ldinallo@painesville.com 669-2284

Jim Fodor...... jfodor@painesville.com 354-5018

Hal Werner...... hwerner@painesville.com 223-2577 [cell]

Robert Fountain..... rfountain@painesville.com 639-1518

Joe Hada ..... jhada@painesville.com 352-1461

Paul Hach..... phach@painesville.com 350-0157

Andrew Flock..... aflock@oh.rr.com 354-6041

Please let them know your position on this expensive undertaking they are about to get all of us into for the next 35 years.

I don't believe we need to get the city tied up in another 35 year deal. On a side note the three yes votes are the same three that might cost us 2.7 million dollars
by voting "YES" to Meigs County. One even did it proudly.

" IN MEMORIAM"

2011-06-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the Painesville area lost another pillar of the community. Mr. Angelo A.Cicconetti, 83. The Cicconetti name is synonymous with Painesville City as well as the Township. Mr. Cicconetti's oldest son Michael is Painesville's Municipal Court Judge.
The Cicconetti family is one of those large families you heard about from "back in the day."
Mr. Cicconetti had many qualities, husband, father, advisor, leader, trustee. The one quality that aways stood out to me we his excellent organizational skills. Whether it was at the Diamond Alkali, as Dog Warden, or as an advisor on a political campaign; he had that special gift. He surrounded his whole life and family this way.
If he knew one thing as he departed this life it was that his family would be there for the family matriarch Mrs. Jackie Cicconnetti. He knew she would be surrounded by a loving family at this time.
I extend my deepest sympathy to the Cicconnetti family.

"MILESTONE"

2011-06-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

As of 4:00 PM Tuesday June 14,2011 This blog went over the 50,000 views.
3,942 in the last month and 145 today.
Thanks to all of you that make it worth while.

"CRYING..." aerosmith

2011-06-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

Trying to forget you...
AMP-OHIO's cavalcade of electricity stars made their appearance in Painesville tonight.
Have they got a deal for us! The opportunity to buy into a gas-fired intermediate power plant (rather than base power) that is worth $1,200,000,000.00 [that's right... billion] for only $575,000,000.00 First Energy bought it... completed it... and now has no use for it?
No money down. All we have to do is agree to purchase 5.1 megawatts a day for the next 35 years.... along with natural gas costs and any maintenance costs that could/should arise.
AMP-OHIO notified the city about this latest contract proposal late in March or early in April...and yet now we must decide by the next council meeting. [declare an emergency] What's the hurry now?
Ask the clerk of council... it was stated that this work session was the second reading? Yet I heard no 'reading'. She mentioned I must have not been paying attention. I asked 5 other people and no one else heard a reading of the ordinance. Another trick in play?
I don't know if this will get off the ground because to make this project work they need 100 more buyers like Painesville to make the project feasible. Should we take the shovel away from these people? An interesting side-note: two council people from Oberlin attended...bottom-line with them (another private college town) they were glad they didn't get involved with the Meigs County mess and they wouldn't touch this deal with the proverbial ten foot pole.
35 years.... that's a long time... what do you think?

'"BROTHER LOVES TRAVELING SAL.. neil diamond

2011-06-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Now comes the deception? Monday night, June 13, 2011, council will hold an open-to-the-public work session with the likes of the AMP-OHIO Brother Marc S. Gerkens traveling salvation show. Pack up the babies and grab the the old ladies...let everyone go....
Painesville will again learn the only way you can cook those turkeys on Thanksgiving... or not have to do homework by candle light... is to listen to this new sales pitch. How much did the old pitch cost... 2.7 million... 2 million? Hey, it's only dead presidents burning a hole in your pocket.
I remember at a previous meeting attended by Mr. Gerkens that councilman Flock asked "what if we never get power from Meigs County?" Mr. Gerkens treated that question as if Andy had asked what if the world was flat? Hindsight? I don't even believe that question was addressed seriously. It should have been.
We need props? Like a crystal ball so we can see 25, 35 years in the future as to our electric needs, and the people who can't even predict five years ahead about a Mega-Watt coal plant will bring us answers to these questions Monday night. Lest we forget all this is still going through litagation yet AMP-OHIO still knows Painesvilles "stranded" costs?

This blog. is read in places that I didn't think even cared. Some resident in Oberlin, Ohio sent me an ordinance from their May 16, 2011 council meeting about something called 'The Northern Power Pool Participation Schedule' with AMP-OHIO.
Seems 9 members are elected and one spot was appointed, want to guess who?
When will we in Painesville be informed of all this? Are any council people aware of this? What is it? Is someone getting paid by this?
Painesville has operated too long in the shadows... it's time we be transparent on ALL city business. Painesville's administration is like an onion... you must keep peeling away layer after layer to get to the facts.
During the last council meeting it was brought up that over $200,000.00 was taken out of the water fund for legal expenses. The next question should have been was any money taken out of the electric fund or the waste water treatment fund for legal purposes as well? Someone has to ask.

Council-President Hada mentioned that council had no intention of moving the venue to the Harvey media center along with changing the format back to the old way where citizens spoke first. I would like to see a show of hands by council on a vote on this issue.

"BLAME GAME" young slim

2011-06-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

"Success has a thousand fathers... failure is an orphan" JFK mentioned that after the Bay of Pigs invasion failed.
Well we in Painesville have a $2,000,000.00 failure that WE will end up paying for.
Someone mentioned to me "it might have been a good idea in the beginning." Yes when we went into Gorsuch and even Prairie States it might have seemed feasible. Meigs County was to much to late. No one reading this blog. would ever get involved with a "take or pay" finance offer with regards to their personal finances.
AMP-OHIO? Residents can't even understand their involvement with the Painesville City electric department.
A simple way to explain it is you don't have the time or resources to do all your grocery shopping, so you hire me to get you the items you need at the best possible prices. I shop Giant Eagle, Marc's Heinen's, Wal-Mart, K-Mart wherever I can find the best value for your dollar. Your happy with the job that I am providing you provide me a fee to do this for you. One day I wake up and decide maybe if I start my own grocery store my customers will pay me to establish it? You can guess what happens? All your shopping is done at my store and if I fail to make it you are held responsible for the cost of my grocery stores. PARTNER? AMPGS didn't even put a out-house in Meigs County and it cost Painesville 2 million big ones.
Blame? Do we blame the city manager who recommended this project to council? [remember you people tell me she is a trained professional] OR should Joe Hada, Paul Hach, and Robert Fountain fall on their swords?[time to go guys?]
The News-Herald for some reason or another can't seem to grasp what this will cost us here in town or maybe they just can't believe anything this stupid could happen? No story? Why?
I guess we will take out another note to pay for this.[ Maybe residents could donate another flat fee?]
Nothing will happen unless the residents of Painesville demand something be done and I don't believe this blog. is cutting it.
I guess along with the fact that some how we have to come up with 2 million bucks. I keep remembering how condescending the council and administration were to people who suggested this might be a big mistake. It got so bad as the final vote was taken councilman Hada "proudly" voted for this deal.
I really want someone to take responsibility for this screwup and I can't see how it won't happen again unless the people still around RESIGN.

"RESIGNATION" brad mehldau

2011-06-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the Painesville city manager informed council that we have 2,000,000.00 in "stranded" costs due to the Meigs County failed power plant. As you probable guessed... no-one stepped up to assume responsibility. As a matter of fact we now want to participate
in another 35 year take and pay contract on an AMP-OHIO Fremont gas-fired energy plant. I have already mentioned that anybody on council who would vote for this should be recalled.
Now the whip cream and cherry on top of this sundae; an $8.00 increase in water bills per meter along with the promise to not have to pay for a 4% increase next year.
Don't look at it like a flat fee... more as a membership fee in the Painesville City water system. Like a Sam's Club membership.
2 million in higher electric fees and $96.00 extra a year for water system improvement.

Much more happened, but if council and city management were in private business and had these kinds of results.... someone would be expected to resign.
Let's start with our City Manager who has been telling half-truths to council members and citizens about this screwed-up AMP-OHIO deal.
How dumb do they think we are to come up with another deal after the bath Painesville took on the Meigs County deal?
It's time for her to move on... she has caused enough damage here.
AND take the two Joe's with her!

"HERE WE GO AGAIN" ray charles

2011-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

"FOOL ME ONCE, SHAME ON YOU"
"FOOL ME TWICE,WELL AH.... WE WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN"

GEORGE W. BUSH

It seems we are about to go down that path again. AMP-OHIO is about to pitch another great deal to the city administration. This time an almost completed Gas-Fired plant near Fremont, Ohio recently owned by First Energy. The AMP-OHIO is on a tour to sell this to the AMP NATION.
Recently Cleveland Public Power was told that their share of the Meigs County fiasco would be 12 million dollars? 4 million could be "rolled into" [nice way to say hidden cost] Fremont Plant but they will also have to cut a check for the other 8 million. Soon Painesville will find out their numbers also.

Tom Sanzillo an independent auditor hired by someone in the AMP-OHIO group stated;
We don't know how the basic amount is determined. What the interest rate is or why it is what it is?
The linking of the transactions may be the best way to do this in the end,but its really not a good way to settle this. Everything is made sloppy and continues sloppy from the get go.
Tom, its called a "Take or Pay" contract. simple here we go again.
The same people that recommended Meigs County are still in power today. Rita McMahon and Joe Hada. I assume they will recommend this contract for God knows what reason. Mr. Hada made a statement during the Meigs County hearing All he wanted to do was in 5 years when someone sat down for Thanksgiving dinner they would have the energy to cook their turkey. Seems the only turkeys are people who receive Painesville Power?
Yes another take or pay contract.

Painesville water rates? I see $8.00 fee per 5/8 inch meter added to a resident bill [$96.00 a year] and $179.00 [$1148.00 a year] added to a six inch industrial meter. The average resident uses 500 cu.ft of water a month. So are they telling me Lubrizol uses the same amount of water as 23 households in a month? Aqua Ohio charges around $480.00 per 6 inch meter [$2160.00 a year]?
First off the flat rate stinks and what would happen if we raised water rates 8% for 6 years then continued at that rate for the next 9 years after that? Do you really think giving this administration another million plus dollars is a good idea?

With all these issue a POC meeting will be held Tuesday June 14 at 6:30 pm at Chester Restaurant. Meeting will start at 6:30 so please come in earlier if you want a bite to eat before hand.

A closing thought to our councilpeople.Why would First Energy put so much money into this project and sell it before even using it? Also dig deeper and find out who owns the transmission lines this electricity will be routed thru? If anyone tells you other then First Energy there not telling you the truth.