Looks Like Some Of Us Are Hated
Printed From: MiddletownUSA.com
Category: Middletown City Government
Forum Name: City Council
Forum Description: Discuss individual members and council as a legislative body.
URL: http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3234
Printed Date: Nov 27 2024 at 3:12am
Topic: Looks Like Some Of Us Are Hated
Posted By: VietVet
Subject: Looks Like Some Of Us Are Hated
Date Posted: Aug 22 2010 at 5:00pm
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By some of the posts related to the Pendleton articles in the Journal today, it looks like there are some folks who disapprove of our opinions regarding this city money give-away. A few had some negative comments directed toward us "Merry Men" (as they call us) and are upset that we had the audacity to oppose such a venture. They have had some smart a-- things to say about the core group of 6+ that are constant posters here. Of course, they don't offer any references for their arguments nor present any data to support their positive spin on Pendleton. They just don't like people having differing opinions and going "against the grain" in city thinking. Good to know that we have upset the uppity wanna-be's that inhabit the influential circles of this town.
They do offer one valid observation though. They are correct when they claim that we do too much complaining and too little organizing. Been trying to organize since Nick Kidd had the old Montgomery Ward building meeting years ago and since the Library sessions were canceled due to a lack of interest. Interestingly, they compare our lack of organizational abilities to the "successful" organization of the 30 or so people who were in attendance to support this fiasco for their own selfish interests. A one time attendance of 30, does not make for a solid organizational effort IMO. As the town's population goes, 30 people showing up to support something out of a town with ~ 50,000, still isn't a good turnout on their part either. The 3 people number count, who spoke against this was just as pathetic as the pro arts group number count. IMO. both sides didn't exactly cause a "standing room only" type of situation in council chambers the other night. Apathy on our side and just not that many people in this town supporting the arts side caused major indifference on both sides. Yes, they got what they wanted from a council with no spine nor interest in doing the correct thing with the taxpayer's money. No, they were not impressive in their attempt at getting what they want as they stepped to the podium to give their canned, rehearsed jibberish about how this will stimulate the whole area.......and council bought it hook, line and sinker. Mercy! |
Replies:
Posted By: Nick_Kidd
Date Posted: Aug 24 2010 at 10:32am
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Vet, You, Mike, Pacman, Wasteful, Vivian, Hermes, Nelson and others really want too much from our schools and city government. What a silly idea to think that our schools should actually educate our children. Being in the top 10% in per pupil cost in the state and #599 out of 612 districts in performance should just be fine with you whiners. Wanting even a little honesty or integrity from those in our city building is far too much to ask. Wanting council to research their votes so as to make an intelligent choice is really asking for more than anyone can expect. Trying to repair our image and reputation should not be ask of those who go out of their way to make sure that we keep (or even add to) our well deserved reputation and high rating on the Forbes (fastest dying / least desirable place to live or have a business) list. You just don’t understand what businessmen are looking for to locate their businesses. This is just a partial list of our offerings for businessmen: 1. Schools that are in the LOWEST 2-3% in performance in the state. 2. We have that horrible infrastructure, bombed out, section 8 slum look that is so desired. 3. We have the most corrupt government that will probably not allow you to bring jobs here unless it is something that meets their high standards (i.e. arts or some other fluff). If you do locate here, Remember, no signs. We wouldn’t want your potential customers to really find you. 4. Since council just renewed the “international” housing code you can look forward to spending your days in court and being fined $100.00 plus court cost over major crimes such as having a bare light bulb, a stain on ceiling tile, or a smudge on linoleum. (We know how much businessmen enjoy their day in our kangaroo court, especially if they have to shut down their business.) 5. We have some of the highest property taxes (we must support our “fine” schools and city government). High taxes and outrageous water bills are very good attractions for business. 6. We have the highest income taxes of the areas we are competing with to attract businesses. This is also something that every business is looking for. 7. We have nothing, other than a nice library, to attract businesses, except being the section 8 capital of the state and having that “high crime” ambiance. So you whiners are just being unfair to our fine schools and city government! ------------- Government is not the answer to problems, government is the problem. |
Posted By: Nelson Self
Date Posted: Aug 24 2010 at 10:59am
Thanks, Nick! 
I witnessed first-hand how one 4th floor occupant of the Municipal Building seemed to have some unusual attitudes towards you and your real estate. International Property Maintenance Code and subjective enforcement of same ..................... ???
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Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Aug 24 2010 at 2:03pm
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I have covered a lot of territory in the community in the last week(as usual) and have talked to a lot of locals(important and not-so). While we many not be loved, we are respected and only hated by those paranoid few who are afraid of the open conversation here. No MJ-type censorship when the topics get hot and the names,places, #s and facts start flying. They can't control this place, and that seriously bothers them--big credit and thank you to our hosts, providers, contributors and even the advertisers.
No one has a real problem with Pendleton and Mr.Verdin. Large majority are happy to see it come.
Very few are happy about the way the deal is structured and was handled by ED,Admin and Council. Also--few see this project as having much long-term impact on the area's economic improvement, and wonder just what we will really gain.
Mr.R has very little support and very few friends outside of his 26-speakers and 80 "stakeholders", with quite a few of them privately agreeing with our thinking. The taxpayer and land/building giveaway is very unpopular with the majority of citizens. They see it as un-necessary and far too generous. They also see Council as un-organized, ineffective, and pretty much as a failure.
In the long haul--we probably have tremendous up-side by the publicity and curiosity generated by community discussion in many places and forums. So--we need to become better at what we are doing. More focused--more factual--more demanding--and less derogatory.
We lost a minor battle the other night, however we are poised to make significant gains in readership and a more broad scope of contributors and ideas. We must do the right things to bring everyone together for the common good. City Council and Admin can play along, or they can continue to distance themselves from the citizens. The tide is turning--don't let the detractors convince you otherwise. Their fears will destroy them from within.
jmo
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