Mort, Laubach remembered

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Posted: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013
Mort, Laubach remembered for different reasons
By Rick McCrabb
Staff Writer 
MIDDLETOWN — 
On the night Middletown welcomed two members to City Council — incumbent vice mayor Dan Picard and political newcomer Dora Bronston — the two departing members were remembered for their contributions.
Ann Mort was recognized for being the city’s cheerleader, and Josh Laubach for questioning every move council made. Mayor Larry Mulligan Jr. presented both of the departing council members, who weren’t re-elected in November, with certificates of recognition and framed drawings of the City Building.
Mulligan called Mort “one of the most influential persons” in the city and added that Laubach “boldly questioned” issues during his four years on council.
Laubach then addressed council members from the podium instead of his seat. He thanked Mort for encouraging him to enter the political arena 4 1/2 years ago and fellow council member Anita Scott Jones for her dedication to her religion, family and community and for being part of the Laubach family.
Later, Laubach said the council discussions the last four years were “heated at times,” and he didn’t speak to some council members for extended periods of time.
“It’s been a long road,” said Laubach, who wasn’t re-elected in November when the size of the council was dwindled from seven to five members.
Jones assured Laubach that his defeat was just “a bend in the road.” Then she said next year’s council will have more than 250 years of life experience, but it will be without the “youthful perspective” provided by departed A.J. Smith and Laubach, the two youngest members.
In her closing remarks, Mort said, “I shall return,” though she didn’t indicate she’d run for political office again. She’s going to concentrate her efforts on publicizing local events.
During their swearing-in ceremonies, Bronston was joined by her husband, Lafayette, and Picard was accompanied by the “love of his life,” Tammi Thompson. The ceremony was conducted by Municipal Court Judge Mark Wall.
In other business, Doug Adkins, director of community revitalization, told council that the city has demolished 200 of the 300 homes on its list and he hoped to have the project complete by May 2014. He said the city is leveling about five to 10 homes a week.
He said about $800,000 of the funding for the project will lapse at the end of the year, and council will need to address it as an emergency issue at its next meeting, Jan. 7.

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Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Mort, Laubach remembered Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 6:22am
	Posted: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 Mort, Laubach remembered for different reasons By Rick McCrabb Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — On the night Middletown welcomed two members to City Council — incumbent vice mayor Dan Picard and political newcomer Dora Bronston — the two departing members were remembered for their contributions. Ann Mort was recognized for being the city’s cheerleader, and Josh Laubach for questioning every move council made. Mayor Larry Mulligan Jr. presented both of the departing council members, who weren’t re-elected in November, with certificates of recognition and framed drawings of the City Building. Mulligan called Mort “one of the most influential persons” in the city and added that Laubach “boldly questioned” issues during his four years on council. Laubach then addressed council members from the podium instead of his seat. He thanked Mort for encouraging him to enter the political arena 4 1/2 years ago and fellow council member Anita Scott Jones for her dedication to her religion, family and community and for being part of the Laubach family. Later, Laubach said the council discussions the last four years were “heated at times,” and he didn’t speak to some council members for extended periods of time. “It’s been a long road,” said Laubach, who wasn’t re-elected in November when the size of the council was dwindled from seven to five members. Jones assured Laubach that his defeat was just “a bend in the road.” Then she said next year’s council will have more than 250 years of life experience, but it will be without the “youthful perspective” provided by departed A.J. Smith and Laubach, the two youngest members. In her closing remarks, Mort said, “I shall return,” though she didn’t indicate she’d run for political office again. She’s going to concentrate her efforts on publicizing local events. During their swearing-in ceremonies, Bronston was joined by her husband, Lafayette, and Picard was accompanied by the “love of his life,” Tammi Thompson. The ceremony was conducted by Municipal Court Judge Mark Wall. In other business, Doug Adkins, director of community revitalization, told council that the city has demolished 200 of the 300 homes on its list and he hoped to have the project complete by May 2014. He said the city is leveling about five to 10 homes a week. He said about $800,000 of the funding for the project will lapse at the end of the year, and council will need to address it as an emergency issue at its next meeting, Jan. 7.

acclaro Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878	Post Options Post Reply Quote acclaro Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 9:06am
	I was not intending to respond to the article, but decided to do so regarding Jones's comments about 250 years of experience. City council and membership in general on a board, commission, or any entity within the city of Middletown is meaningless. Moreover, this statement is supported by council members own description of their fallen colleagues. Ann Mort is a "cheerleader"; Josh Laubach is a "prober". What in heck does this mean associated with 'contribution?'. We know Mort is a pr gal, hence a cheerleader by novice profession. Laubach asks questions. This is the best your colleagues can state about each of you----truly sad. Middletown's self inflicted woes and lack of proper leadership over the years has left the once proud city I utter ruination. There has been no advancement in image, reputation, nor economic advancement. None. C State is a bust in Cincinnati and Middletown. AK Steel is hanging by a thread, trading at historic lows. The Atrium is not doing well, and cutting many RN's and supporting staff. For Laubach, Dan Nix helped him sojourn to AK. The name is familiar, as in former council member. Mort? She will get paid by the BOE and future council members and MMF. Dora and Picard were bought by the fire department union; what does that mean for the budget going forward? Two options: taxes go up and save the union guys, or the two saviors that were shills for the union have egg on their face. You decide. As for the HUD battle, the city will escape, no criminal mischief, no heads will roll. Doubtful vouchers will be reduced, Adkins will NOT be fired, nor JG, and all will be well. Blame will go to Consoc and Ginger, and all is well in Oz. On final note, so long Dillman's grocery on January 4th. Enjoy Florida and Boca Raton.
	'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill

acclaro Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878	Post Options Post Reply Quote acclaro Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 9:29am
	Its too bad MiddletownUSA took out the edit option or made it a 5 minute time sensitive option. As was with the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz, this site is 'melting, melting.' Irrelevant perhaps is proper word. I wanted to add when one considers the city nets about $144,000 annually from the proceeds. That's a salary of o ne FTE in city hall. I ask: Is it worth one FTE to ha ve the reputation of bei ng Section 8 king in state of Ohio? How much does it cost in crime and property valuation to net $144,000 for the city, and the decline in enrollment and achievement in MCSD? 144,000 costing a few $ in losses annually in police expense, property valuation loss, school reputation, and erosion of branding. I argue 9 out of 10 Americans would say dumb decision Middletown. How about you?
	'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill

Perplexed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Apr 22 2009 Status: Offline Points: 315	Post Options Post Reply Quote Perplexed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 10:32am
	Acclaro, you remain one of very few enlightening MUSA contributors. While some may not appreciate your commentary, there are those of us who certainly do. Along with Vivian Moon and a few others, you thoroughly assess problems and causes, plus speak the truth. Thank you!

acclaro Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878	Post Options Post Reply Quote acclaro Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 11:02am
	Nelson, there is only truth which has meaning, not fiction, not spin. In Middletown, the truth is easy to find in spite of attempts to bury it in blaming the past, in others, et al. The Peter Principle is alive and well in Donham Abby. As it has been, as it will be....for decades to come.
	'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill

over the hill Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Oct 19 2012 Location: middletown Status: Offline Points: 952	Post Options Post Reply Quote over the hill Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 11:40am
	Well, Acclaro, I have the upmost respect for your postings but you sure ruined my Christmas when you said JG wasn't going anywhere or Doug either. And visions of sugar plums dance in my head, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 11:42am
	At the December 3, 2013 council meeting Josh Laubach questioned the transfer of 100,000 dollars for the sale of the Office Outfitters property from the General Fund to the Storm Water Fund. This is a fine example of the old shell game of City Hall. The real question that should have been asked was why use a commercial property, in a prime location, valued at 100,000 for a storm water retention pond when the city could purchase a lot that has been cleared by Mr. Adkins for 500 dollars any place in Middletown? The only reason for this transfer of funds was so Miss Judy and City Council will have another 100,000 dollars to invest in “Their Downtown”. And while we are talking about the Duncan Oil Deal what happened to the big investment Duncan Oil was going to make after this big land swap deal? This is another fine example of our tax dollars going down the drain and why Middletown is going broke. But not to worry now that Mr. Laubach is no longer on city council, City Hall will not be hearing any more of his pesky questions.

I Wonder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Outsider Joined: Feb 06 2013 Status: Offline Points: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote I Wonder Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 19 2013 at 4:26pm
	Josh, you are the only person I voted for to serve on council You didn't bend to the pressure from the powerful unions. Contrary to the old joke, "If a politician's lips are moving, he is lying", I truly believe you are an honest person. Please don't give up on your visions for our hometown...Best of everything to you.

Perplexed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Apr 22 2009 Status: Offline Points: 315	Post Options Post Reply Quote Perplexed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Dec 20 2013 at 10:18am
	Thank you, Vivian for your diligent research in keeping MUSA participants apprised of the financial and programmatic shell game that Judy G. and Doug A. foist upon Middletonians. After all, they are the administrators/community revitalization gurus and the rest of us are the servants who are supposed to grin and take whatever they dish out. You've done much to inform us of financial chicanery, waste of funds, lost opportunities, bureaucratic arrogance, etc. Again, THANK YOU!