The thought that our city has been moving in the right direction for the last 10 years or more doesn't fly in my mind set.

"Staying the current course" and continuing our progress" is almost insulting to the people working, living and operating businesses in this community(unless you are on the list of city funded life support in the area formerly known as downtown). Everyone else has been forgotten and hung out, with the exception being the latest flurry of road improvements(how will they afford to continue that?).

 

I agree that the Section 8 voucher-holders are somewhat scapegoated. While they do heavily contribute to the economic and public safety drain, they were brought here exclusively by our city commission/council and admin. The citizens/businesses had no say whatsoever, and it was done well under the radar. Still--the best example of "If you build it, they will come". You can't fault those in need for making use of what is readily/conveniently offered, and the voucher-holders have done just that. Trace the trail to identify the source of the problem.

 

I am voting for Ms.Bronston because she has not been involded in these situations SO FAR. Weneed all of the new faces that we can find imo.

 

I was going to vote for Laubaugh, however he seems to have fallen in to the same patterns/mind set as the others lately. Why would that trend change if re-elected? Still probably my second best choice if I want to dilute my Bronston vote.

 

While I personally like and respect Mrs.Mort and Mr.Picard, I have not cared at all for their voting positions and demeanor while on Council. I can't see a continuation of their service as helping the total citizen mix of this community in the long run. Just more of the cronyism, old guard mentality(that clearly hasn't worked), and special interest more of the former downtown fantasy/money pit drain.

 

jmo---I understand how many can think differently

 

So--how long will the city remain silent and keep S Main closed?

The "restoration" process will probably take quite a while and involve more closings and re-locations?

 

 

Over The Hill-  On the contrary, Josh Laubach does not have different views than the other council members, indeed, stating succinctly on his professional profile that it his generation and he specifically, that feels a responsibility for downtown revitalization and the accompanying waste.

 

It would be wise to check out thinkmiddletown.com, and you'll have all this figured out regarding downtown and who is pulling the strings. You'll also see a profile of Ann Mort and Josh Laubach. Additionally, you'll see the pictures of the cast of Downtown in Middletown, which all I can say is how amusing these folks are attempting to emulate Town and Country (which I personally do enjoy).

 

Mr. Self (Nelson), you and Over The Hill still don't understand the dynamics of Middletown nor the role Judy Gilleland plays. Council chose her because they wanted as part of their restructuring, 7 down to 5, elimination of the ward system, a city manager they controlled, and who played the part they desired; ergo. take HUD funds to use wherever they desired, spend the rainy day funds, no worry there, they have that covered with the tax increases they will be launching, and so forth. She is in very tight and not only will council never view her in the light you suggest, but indeed, she is doing exactly what she was asked before she was hired, and that is to follow council's orders, not create her vision.

 

Finally....green space is an area that was never previously developed, a new idea, innovation, is a 'green field.' All of downtown Middletown is a 'brownfield.'

 

 

I still like Town and Country better, too much like eating imitation crab.

 

 

 

acclaro wrote: ... It would be wise to check out thinkmiddletown.com, and you'll have all this figured out regarding downtown and who is pulling the strings. You'll also see a profile of Ann Mort and Josh Laubach. ...

Acclaro,

 

acclaro wrote: ...Additionally, you'll see the pictures of the cast of Downtown in Middletown, which all I can say is how amusing these folks are attempting to emulate Town and Country (which I personally do enjoy).

Acclaro,

 

 

 

I am sorry for the analogy on Town and Country; I meant the magazine, which is fairly well known, and focuses on the blue blood upscale existence in Manhattan and Tribecca, Martha's Vineyard, Greenwich Village, etc. The upscale lifestyle.

 

I see parallels between T & C, the publication, and a few running downtown desiring to reflect what their tastes to be, but not reflective of Middletown at large.

 

I will send zoominfo in a post below. Here is what Mr. Laubach states about Middletown.

 

  There's a lot of good to talk about Middletown, said Laubach. "I refuse to accept anybody's negative premise about Middletown," he said. "If I get that, I simply turn it on its head. Sometimes that's not the easiest thing to do. But I'm always an advocate." Laubach gets where the negative discussions come from, but helping to reshape downtown Middletown and maintain its resurgence in the coming years will be his generation's charge. "I'm thinking and talking positive about Middletown, about the potential and the opportunities the city has, the history and the character the city has," Laubach said.

 

One cannot effect change if there is no recognition of its problems, and steps to remedy them. I simply cannot see the logic in the downtown expenditures, other than the Main Street connection. 

 

What was set in motion in picking council, funding candidates, and a pre-set agenda cannot be reversed. Simple as that.

But, for those they comprehend the destruction of Middletown has been caused by its inability (council and city leadership), a vote for Mr. Laubach is a vote for infrastructure, and not for higher taxes, which just worsens the problems.

 

All the rest running are beholden to unions, and painting the decaying structure Tara. Tried to put all in one post but could not get an edit.