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Sunday, May 19, 2024 |
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A.J. Smith |
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ground swat
MUSA Citizen Joined: Mar 31 2011 Status: Offline Points: 367 |
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No-to answer your ? s.j They've wasted enough time already on this subject.
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acclaro
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878 |
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Without question spider, without question. By Ms. G, Larry, Dan, and Mike. The problem is they don't have any authority to make him leave school, so they try to humiliate him each council session. Shhh....don't tell council, but we have put THEM on double secret probabtion as well. Good lord, what does Cincinnati State think of Middletown. Probably think its great, Greg Pratt flying around town with them in his nice white Lexus two seater, telling them they'll have free golfing at Weatherwax. But poor AJ, he's costing the city SOOOOOO Much $$$$$, all that security needed to guard LM around the clock, cruisers on standby awaiting his second draft beer. Shameful isn't it.
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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spider, I don't know. I think it's a secret!!!
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spiderjohn
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749 |
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Do you thaink that AJ has been put on "double secret probation"?
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acclaro
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878 |
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The meeting and the promise of Cincinnati State and its impact upon bars, restaurants, and gas pumps will be profound once they decide in about 5 years, what building they will move into. Main Street will be overwhelmed with many frats/ sororities. I betthey even establish a football program to use the field down by the old McKinley school. It all makes sense for the rainy day fund to slide from 25% to 15% to make certain this invaluable well tuned investment pays off.
If I am not mistkaen, I recall another time when the 'Otter" defense was effectively used, to divert attention. That was the ploy by Larry Mulligan and Dan Picard. Even the former Gov of Illinois used it almost to perfection. Yes, the meeting last night was right out of the playbook, its the 'Otter' defense. We've seen this movie before but who gets tired of it. Get ready for more of Otter as we approach 2012, and the city is all hands on deck for keeping the .25% tax in place. AJ Smith was blindsided by.....the 'Otter' defense!
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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acclaro - like the lady on the AARP commercial: Sign Me Up!!!! Toga, toga, TOGA, TOGA!!!!!!
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acclaro
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878 |
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This is a copy of the plans on Main Street once Cincinnati State gets settled in, maybe in 2013. Doesn't Larry Mulligan and Dan Picard comport themselves like other illustrious leaders....Dear Ferber perhaps? Does Cincinnati realize what baggage they are getting with Middletown and the welcome wagon before it sinks in. Buyer, you have been warned.
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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LMAO - respect your opinion on this matter but what you're advocating is exactly what Mayor Mulligan advocated for dissenters in our city. I've stated it before that Middletown cannot stand to lose any more population. The "my way or the highway" approach to city government is, IMO, wrong.
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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Spider - maybe for the next protest in Middletown we should all wear togas and bring violins!!! lol
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Mike_Presta
MUSA Council Joined: Apr 20 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3483 |
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“Mulligan said he ... doesn’t believe they necessarily make the return on investment necessary to keep funding them.” …The Middletown Journal, January 30, 2012
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spiderjohn
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749 |
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wow--hopefully no Cincy St.administrators watch our Council sessions.
If they do, can you imagine their thinking after last night's fiasco?
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acclaro
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878 |
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Bill, ever get the feeling we are on a rdderless ship, spinning in circles? I do, daily. Yes, Bright Past, Brighetr Future. If only those businesses and home owners outside of Middletown belived this to be true. Lets take wagers, will the rainy day reserve get down to 5% by 2013? Or 0%. Thank goodness for all those 75 jobs SunCoke is bringing in, and Cincinnati State, when they decide when they are coming, what their curriculum to be, how many adminsitartors and faculty to be here, and how many students. Proably a 2012-2013 forecast to come.
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Bill
MUSA Citizen Joined: Nov 04 2009 Status: Offline Points: 710 |
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acclaro, we have a Bright Future ™ |
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acclaro
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878 |
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The gift that just keeps givingafter reading the initial MJ article above again:
"City Manager Judy Gilleland stressed that the city cannot afford to liquidate its reserve fund past 15 percent if Council hopes to foster projects such as a new Cincinnati State branch campus. A lower balance would negatively impact the city’s financial rating and ability to borrow funds." The little pig that cried wolf again and again- just a few years ago, it COULD NOT DROP PAST 25%, but now 15% os acceptable. Projects like Cincinnati State? Great, we won't have the miney to waste for no defined return. After the levy fails, they will drawl down to 10%, but it cannot go below 10% for the reasons cited when it could not go below 25%!
“It’s not so much a revenue issue as an expense issue,” Laubach said. “We are spending far more money than we are supposed to.” Quotes Josh Laubauh.
No Mr. Lambaugh, it is both. The city spents too much money and takes in few too little in tax revenue as business is not being attracted. The Economic Development failure is widely apparent. Just wait until the housing market and accompanying property taxes crumble over the next 3 years. Now add to that, the rerturn to the needed 1.5% tax, ouch for Middletown, no wonder so many are selling now as the writing is on the wall.
TonyB- The Animal House food fight on Frat/ sorority row will be catered by a combination of Johnny Java's and Cincinnati State Culinary. I hope they don't keep Mr. Mulligan and Mr. Kohler up too late with their noise. Toga, Toga, Toga.... |
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acclaro
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878 |
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spiderjohn, I meant to comment on your point on Dave Duritsch and kicking the can down the road 20 years. When the levy was attempted at 2.25%, the can had been kicked so far down they were projecting it would take 50 years to repair the roads throughout time, and by then, receyle again. That was when oil, a significant driver, was well below the $2.00 gal range, used extendsively in asphalt, which is chemical laden. Now that we are hitting $4.00 a gallon, and 110/ barrel for crude, what do you think the cost to repair the streets to be? In the range of >$200 Mm? Kikcing the can and refusing to deal with issues is costing you, bloggers, your property value. Middletown is now entering the 30-40 year projection Paul Ryan has projected nationally, when entitlements and expenditures cannot be paid for as GDP covers 40% of debt. That is now the position of Middletown.
Its from kicking the can down the road, using funds for infratsructure for salalries, and putting your house in a position you'd be fortunately to give it away. They are bow spending 10% of the reserve in city hall, just 5 years ago, they said the ramifications would be horrific. That of course, is all the fault of AJ Smith---as council gets its orders to aim on him and to keep out the 2nd ward voters in the elections this fall.
Want a glimpse of what the national projection in the US will be within 40 years? Its in Middletown. The cause---kicking the can downward. Who pays? You do---you have seen your property plummet. Think its all tied to the global 2008 derivative meltdown? No. Ask any reputable realtor---they all say the same: only way to get a buyer into Middletown is a fire sale that makes K Mart Blue Light special look like shopping at Tiffany's.
It is not AJ Smith that caused this mess.
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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acclaro,Wow, I hope you're right about the frat row on Main St. Party City!!! where's my toga!!! rotf
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acclaro
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878 |
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As usual, very nice layout of the facts amongst the intended smoe sj. Lets evaluate this hypocrisy. AJ Smith is the new 'whipping boy', the poster child with the fact Middletown for two years, has been dipping into the once sancramount 25% rainy day reserve in the general fund, and for two years, its been spent down to 15%.
Why ol AJ has casued $ Mm to be spent having a few officers drie to Appelebee's, and at least that amount to have 60 swat team members practice maneuavers and stage conbat on the roof tops throughout Middletown. If it wasn't for AJ Smithopine Dan Picard, Larry Mulligan, Ms. G, and others, by golly, our onceuntouchable 25% rainy day reserve fund that was to make certain the interest rates were low, the bond rating MINT, would have never been touched. What a nusance, and convenient 'whipping boy' this AJ Smith to be.
What hypocrisy. I did not vote for AJ Smith, I do not agree with his actions, I don't like his agenda using the union agenda to advance his Demorcrat career objectives BUT, he did not cost the city $ Mm, and hardly his minor indiscertion at Applebee's and a gathering of 15-20 peaceful folks outsidePAC, including a few public workers, did not mandate the SWAT team and undecover CIA agents to be roaming up and down Main Street and beyond. Hyperbole and 'whipping boy' mentality to use a fall guy for taking a once untouchable 25%financial reserve to 15% as no one wants to cut, has no more credibility nor commands respect, than the blatant pandering to the union by Mr. Smith. Both are equally guilty; Mr. Smith just doesn't cost as much for his indiscretions.
I still wonder why there was nobid to retain Greg Pratt to fluff and buff Middletown up in Cincinnnati State eyes, as well as the employee of MUM, now working part-time as an Economic Director?
Imagine when that 1.75% tax rate is rolled back to 1.5% next year. Can you imagine the billboards the city will roll out; 'If this levy fails its attributed solely to the tens of $Mm spent in monioring and putting out all the fires of AJ Smith.' To control AJ Smith, this levey MUST PASS.
It just won't end....just when we thought it was safe to come outside again after Laura Willams and Dave Schiavone left.
TonyB, thanks to the venue sj has lined up, the entertainment for Cincinnati State can be found at MUM< and the city is giving them the whole downtown. I told you they will have a frat/ sorority row the envy of Ohio State by next fall down Main Street.
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LMAO
MUSA Citizen Joined: Oct 28 2009 Location: Middletucky Status: Offline Points: 468 |
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Whats it going to take For A.J. to realize that 99.9999% of people in Middletucky dont want him around anymore? Maybe he needs to be smacked down again by the ladies again.
A.J.if your reading this Please get one of your Union buddies to give you a ride out of town. Dont go away mad,just go away.
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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Spider - nice post; I do have one small issue. I live behind the Historical District and let me tell you, the sewers here stink to high heaven!!! If that sewer line they're fixing now solves the problem, I'll be both pleased and surprised.
Most people don't have much of an idea how an artist's studio works. You're not going to see a lot of people there except for public events. The studios are either for the artist to work on art or to bring finished art to sell during public events. If they are there and working, the door will probably be closed. It would be akin to being at work and having someone follow you around otherwise. Artist usually do their work alone. You are correct that the PAC is not an every day economic activity. I have said as much in other posts. I'll also say what I've said in other posts; if you want to make the downtown an arts center, you need entertainment as the economic engine to drive it. There are 2 theater buildings within 2 blocks of the PAC. The one is about to be demolished by the city. The other was sold to a private investor who seems to be doing the same.IMO, that is where the potential lies for downtown. Want to keep those students you plan on attracting with Cincy State downtown after class? ENTERTAINMENT!!!
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Middletown29
MUSA Citizen Joined: Mar 30 2011 Status: Offline Points: 474 |
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Well said spiderjohn, well said!
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spiderjohn
Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749 |
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This every other Tuesday sideshow has gone on long enough
1. We paid a consultant HOW MUCH to come up with last night's plan to remedy the canal mess(which has been kicked down the road for 20+ years now)? And THAT was the plan the consultant and Mr.Duritsch arrived upon? We should apologize to Mr.Barge for once again stringing him along and wasting a lot of his time. IF this canal mess was near Beau Verre, Pendleton, the former Manchester Inn or the S Main hysterical district, it would have been fixed long ago, and the affected residents would have been given thousands of taxpayer $$ for their "suffering". Just look at the quick response and expense to fix a hole on that dumb bike path(directly behind the S Main district).
2. AJ screwed up participating as he did with the protest. 4 days of police and security planning for that event with 20+ well-behaved "protesters"? Are we scared of AJ-Dora Bronston-John Harvey-a Dem leader and 10 other human beings? Get real. How much public $$ was wasted on the pomp and protocol associated with the Mayor's "my way or the highway" speech? Talk about waste and over-kill!
3. Council comments--have denigrated to personal vendettas and name-calling. Embarrassing to everyone. AJ--the Mayor-Mr.Picard--all pots calling the kettle black. Get rid of Council Comments asap.
4. Scapegoating--So now they don't do anything(outside of feeding their enablers in the former downtown area) to maintain Council and Admin's funamental responsibilities and expenditures? Just say "we can't afford it" and blame it all on AJ Smith? Too easy. hupocritical and transparent. Most of these festering issues(canal, infrastructure, waste in the former downtown, industry exodus, property values plummeting)
were in motion about the time AJ Smith(and Josh Laubaugh) were born.
5. Visited Pendleton yesterday. Bought a good sandwich from the catering firm. Nice people--I was the only person there at 12:30. There were NO studios open and very little activity. So--just what is to go on there between once-a-month Fridays? How is this project going to enhance the every day area activity and economy?
Council meetings + special "work sessions" are producing NOTHING outside of a lot of double talk and shirking of basic fundamental responsibilty. This Council is a complete mess from right to left. Our Mayor is extremely biased-Mr.Allen is un-responsive and offers little. Mr.Becker could help, but doesn't. AJ and Mr.Picard don't get it. Anita does her job well, however it has become lost in her extensive rhetoric.
We need ALL new members who can position Admin to do the job as directed without this distractive bickering, personal fighting and in-decision.
Last night's meeting once again takes the f'n cake. Embarrassing, non-productive, passing the buck.
We need to put this group to bed, out on the streets, once and for all.
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Bill
MUSA Citizen Joined: Nov 04 2009 Status: Offline Points: 710 |
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I recall one council meeting where AJ was once again claiming that one of his "constituents" was asking questions and so he needed a report from Judy on every dime spent. Judy brushed him off and said it's all been provided. AJ seems to think that if he can find a bogeyman --- like overspending on some paperclips or printer ink, that he will be a fiscal hero and that will distract from the true cost which is the actual payroll numbers.
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Middletown29
MUSA Citizen Joined: Mar 30 2011 Status: Offline Points: 474 |
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Picard is a hypocrite. He requests information from the City regularly. He meets with or talks with Les Landon regularly.
He tells Councilman Laubach to "shut up" in a public meeting. He want Smith to change his behavior? Seems Picard should clean up his own house before he worries about others. |
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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Vet - that just goes to show you how little I paid attention to our city council over the years. I'll cop a plea of "guilty of apathy".
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TonyB
MUSA Citizen Joined: Jan 12 2011 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 631 |
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I just re-read the article above and something struck me as odd. Mr. Smith is being criticized for "continual requests for extensive information from city staff." Isn't that part of the job description? How would you be able to provide guidance to the city staff without extensive information? The city manager asked council for just that, "guidance" , during the upstairs work session. As I mentioned in a previous thread, the city financial planning is severly hampered by all the confusion at the state level over funding. Without information, no true guidance can be offered because there is no awareness of the situation. That sounds more like Mr. Smith is doing what he is supposed to do instead of the opposite. Am I missing something?
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