Madison Mom:

I hope that you like to read, because I have decided to answer your questions fully. You asked fair, but certainly not simple, questions. I gave those questions considerable regard, and I do hope that you will read my complete replies, and give the replies due regard before you respond.

First, you asked: “Is there ANYTHING you guys like about Middletown?”

Middletown was a wonderful place: Strategically located; economically diverse; well-governed; good schools; small, home-town ambiance yet with big-city amenities a short drive away!

It was 1998 and we felt that we “couldn’t miss”. We decided that we could buy a home here, and I could be near my mother for the last few years of her life and our youngest daughter (entering the eighth grade) could be near her Middletown cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandmothers. After she graduated, and after my mother passed away, we would be able to sell our home (having gained considerable appreciation) and move perhaps Florida, or the Carolinas, or just downsize and stay right here!

Our daughter has a cousin the same age. He attended Middletown City schools, and she wanted to do the same. We felt that by doing so, she might feel settled more quickly and we knew Middletown schools were good (my wife attended in the MCSD years ago) so we enrolled her in Vail.

So, Madison Mom, those are some of the things that I liked about Middletown, and those are some of the things that we all could like again--IF we can get Middletown back on the right path! But if you just want a “laundry list” of Middletown’s “good points”, you can find them in many places. Merrel Wood published such a list. Viet Vet did also. Everyone at City Hall has a list of “things to celebrate” that they can pull out and read at a second’s notice. You could even find such a list in this month’s water bill if you use City of Middletown water. Also, Mr. Beagle and Company just loves to publicize such lists. I say “more power to them”. But look closely at these lists. You’ll notice that they are quite “strained”. For example, the cheerleaders will list both “Bicentennial Park” and “AK Pavilion” on their lists, when they are really one and the same, aren’t they. (If you really want to upset them, ask them when the last event was held at AK Pavilion, and when is the next one scheduled!) And the cheerleaders seem to aim all of these lists at the citizens. Exactly who are they trying to convince? Besides, Madison Mom, the things that we like…the good things, are NOT what need our attention! Ask yourself why, every time someone brings up a problem that needs a solution, the cheerleaders want to talk about the “good things that we can celebrate”! It certainly seems as if someone is trying to draw attention AWAY FROM the problems, doesn’t it?

Regardless, back to my story:

Soon, I began feeling that something was not right. When we went to parent-teacher conferences, there seemed to be an “undertone”, but our daughter was doing well. Then Monroe wanted to leave the MCSD, and I began paying closer attention. My daughter was not studying, yet she got great grades. When we asked, she always said that they were only studying things that she had learned two or three years earlier at Shaler (The small suburb of Pittsburgh were we lived before moving here.)

So, I began paying closer attention to all areas of city government, and I could see that something was wrong. I kept watching money go downtown and seem to “disappear”! I kept hearing a cry that we must “bring more people downtown!” yet nothing was done to accomplish this other than silly schemes with little to no chance of success.

Then, I read a story in The Journal that I found outrageous! It seemed that the City Council was going to vote to buy six acres across from Bicentennial Park from some Dayton developers, and that they must do so immediately since the developers had plans to develop the six acres into a small industrial park, and that these six acres had “added value” as a parking lot for events at Bicentennial Park!

I was outraged! They wanted “to bring more people downtown.” An industrial park would bring some number of good-paying industrial jobs a stone’s throw from the corner of Central and Main EVERY DAY! Salesmen would make stops at an industrial park! People would drive right THROUGH downtown as they go to and from this industrial park! So WHY does our council want to buy it for use as a parking lot when there are parking lots and parking garages galore within a few blocks that lay nearly EMPTY 360 days per year?

What did I do, you ask? I wrote a letter to the editor of The Journal, and I went to the City Council meeting and spoke out AGAINST this idiocy. I was told that I didn’t understand and to sit down.

From that point, for the next two years I attended nearly every city council meeting, and I spoke at most of them. I had to stop going because it was making me physically ill. You cannot imagine what went on, and some of the things said when the cameras were not rolling!

Next, you stated: “I realize Beagle and his crew try to make this a positive forum. But you guys are killing me here.”

You add: “Such negativity.”

If you want to only discuss Middletown’s positive attributes, so be it, but I fear that it will soon become a boring discussion, and also soon fraught with deceptions. I also fail to understand what repeatedly listing Middletown’s “good points” will do to improve future prospects. It seems to me that IF we have “problems”, we should be trying to address those problems. If we can identify and solve ANY problems that exist, we will improve Middletown’s future.

Next, you asked: “What have YOU done lately that is positive for the City of Middletown? Whether physically, paying taxes, "buying Middletown" or just "thinking" positive for your city.”

Well, Madison Mom, I try to be a humble person, so modesty prevents me from listing everything. My wife and I belong to the Middletown Community Foundation (look at any recent annual report). We have also contributed generously to MUM, the Cancer Society, the American Legion, Fenwick High School, and Abilities First. My wife has worked at various fund-raising events, and throughout the years we have donated goods and equipment to same. I am limited physically, but I have gathered signatures for various petitions and have bought many items that we didn’t need and didn’t really want for much more that they were really worth at many of the charitable auctions in town. I have attended more city council meetings than I care to admit. I “believe” that I serve on the council’s “Finance Subcommittee”, although it now seems that no one really knows who is on it. I tried and tried to advise the council on construction matters associated with the removal of the roof from City Centre Mall. (My head still hurts from banging it against that wall.) When I was healthy, I used to volunteer at MidFest, the Fenwick Festival, and anywhere else that I was asked. (I have always “bought in Middletown” when I lived here and even sometimes when I didn’t, including our last six or so motor vehicles. This is too much already. Meet me or call me if you think you need to know more--if I agree that you do, I’ll tell you more.

Then you stated: “I take it this is your city since you know so much about it.”

Then you added: “I want to hear positive things. And don't tell me there isn't anything positive about Middletown.”

Well, you can hear “positive things” and “things to celebrate” almost anywhere. And you have NEVER heard me say that there “isn’t anything positive” about Middletown. But I honestly believe that we are in a downward spiral that, if not checked in short order, will mean the end of our fair city as we know it. Just look at all of the “positive things” in Middletown compared to the communities a few exits up or down I-75! Yet, they are all thriving while we decay! How can this be with all of the “things that we have to celebrate”??? No, Madison Mom, I fear that the “positive things do NOT need my attention, or the attention of true Middletonians. It is the PROBLEMS that we must identify and address! The positives do not threaten us, it is the problems that are leading to our doom!

Next, you state: “No I am not sticking my head in the sand. Tell me what is positive.”

Well, Madison Mom, are you implying that there are NO NEGATIVES or PROBLEMS in Middletown? The “positives” don’t need my attention! Are you saying that this city is “perfect”, and there is nothing to fix? Why don’t YOU tell ME what is WRONG with this city? You tell me the negatives--the problems! You do this and I will try my best to help solve them! I promise! We have enough people wanting to do nothing but celebrate.

Lastly, you ask: “You tell me why I should keep my business in Middletown.”

Well, I would need to know more about the nature of your business to tell you that. Tell me more and I’ll give you an honest evaluation, even if that evaluation is “you should not.” (You can always count on an honest reply from me, even when it is NOT what you want to hear.) Back before the market tanked last fall, some friends and I were discussing starting a small business. We kept coming to the conclusion that Middletown might not be the right place for the particular venture we had in mind. Our present portfolio balances make it a moot point now. Since you seem to think everything is peachy-keen, why don’t YOU tell ME why you should keep your business in Middletown?

I apologize if this response sounded a little harsh at times. It’s just that I am such a sensitive guy…and you hurt my feelings!!! (Just kidding!!! )