A.J. Smith

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

If they do, can you imagine their thinking after last night's fiasco?

 

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.  

 

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.  

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!!!

 

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.