No Evidence of Bohannon Conflict of Interest
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=6621
Printed Date: Nov 22 2024 at 2:44am
Topic: No Evidence of Bohannon Conflict of Interest
Posted By: middielover
Subject: No Evidence of Bohannon Conflict of Interest
Date Posted: Nov 23 2017 at 2:50pm
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Received information that Steve Bohannon received free services to complete background checks on his potential rental property tennants and the City paid for the service. Anyone know anything about this?
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Replies:
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Nov 23 2017 at 4:00pm
IF this is found to be true, Bohannon should resign his council position or be removed by other means. He should not use his council position to gain in his business plans. Definitely a conflict of interest if done. Can't use your city position and insider informational services for personal gain, especially if the taxpayer paid for it. This is the type of activity that ruins any semblance of public trust council had if they had public trust to begin with.  Also an opportunity for me to make a smart a-- remark about one of my favorite subjects......the HUD landlord and program. Not a fan of people living here who contribute to and make money from a dam government program that contributes to the "ghetto" reputation Middletown has acquired the last decade or two. We need less HUD slumlords and HUD declared property not more and we need to get out of the business of inviting those who look for handouts to town. I see nothing positive nor uplifting to the HUD abundance. Has really hurt this city image. As a side note while on the subject of the condition of this city...... I don't normally drive past my old neighborhood anymore as I have no reason to venture west of Breile Blvd. but I was trying to find my wife a new wheelchair the other day at a business located in the downtown area. While driving west on Grand Ave, around Dorset and Kensington St., and as I went further west down around Sutphin St. and McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, I was shocked at the condition of a few houses in that area. Good Lord! some of them have been left to rot by the current owners. As a young kid in second grade at the old Wilson Elementary School and through high school, this area was well respected and not nearly as rundown as it is now. Almost looks like everything decent has moved north and east past Breile to me. The old respected areas of this city have certainly taken a hit over time. So sad to see for me. Guess the current owners just don't give a dam as much as the previous owners did......or they just don't have the disposable income to do maintenance on their homes. Is this an indication of the type of people we have locating to Middletown now Mr. Adkins? ........Where's the quality in the people we are attracting nowadays?  ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Middletown29
Date Posted: Nov 24 2017 at 8:38am
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Brought up the Bonhannon issue at a Thanksgiving cocktail party last night. Opinion of 2 attorneys “if this is true Bohannon could have a serious problem”. Both wondered how the City would let this happen. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Nov 24 2017 at 9:31am
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I thought that the police did background checks for free or a minimal charge? At least I remember that offer from my business days and time on the citizens’ advisory board. nbd imo—had to have been offered and seems to be police responsibility to decline? Not a fan of his council voting record, however he is a good hard-working resident who cares about the city. We should thank him for his service and not fault him for checking potential renters for past history. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Nov 24 2017 at 9:39am
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Just another sideshow distraction when compared to the wasteful decisions and lack of follow-thru mentioned by analytical et al. Hopefully mr. b shared his info with other landlords. So— who in admin has Bohannon jerked their chain? Did he side against Atrium? |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Nov 26 2017 at 8:32am
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no replies.... if we think back quite a while, Mr.A had a series of meetings with landlords where I believe they discussed working together to share information about backround info on potential renters. Maybe admin agreed to help access such info?? Either way probably nothing to be excited about, and if anything irregular was done, the city employees might be the helpful cilprits. |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Nov 30 2017 at 1:40pm
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So as not to let this matter slip away into oblivion as is often the case when any public official is caught, and, perhaps, let Bohannon slide on this alleged issue, where do we stand on any investigation? If true, and knowing that the Adkins Administration will protect their buddies, what is the next step in reporting this to proper authorities? ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: middielover
Date Posted: Dec 05 2017 at 11:18am
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Received the following copy of an email sent by Steve Bohannon on July 21 of this year: "To All Members of the Middletown Real Estate Investors Group: Like us, some of you may have started to receive bills for background checks you have processed through Selection.com. We checked into it and found out that the $5,000.00 startup funds that the City of Middletown gave to get this program going back in 2015 has been used up. Therefore, we must now start paying the $9 processing fee for each report. The $9 report is for the Combined Report only (SMS622-Tenant). It does not include the Individual Reports. If you chose to process any of the Individual Reports, there will be additional fees. We encourage you to continue to use Selection.com to protect yourself from issues with the City of Middletown's nuisance ordinance and to help you reduce the number of evictions you need to deal with. If you have questions, let us know!" Steve Bohannon MREIG President 513-464-0464
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Posted By: Analytical
Date Posted: Dec 05 2017 at 3:10pm
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Clarification please........................... So, Mr. Adkins or Mr. Fooks (with the approval of Mr. Adkins), allocated $5,000 in city funds in 2015 to pay for landlord background checks of prospective tenants? Is it known what funding source (general fund, etc.) was utilized? Was this matter presented to the City Council for approval? If so, which of the five members voted in the affirmative? If not presented for their consideration, did Mr. Adkins have authorization to approve/spend $5,000 for this purpose? Was this "FREE TENANT BACKGROUND CHECK" funding available only to HUD Section Eight participating landlords? Middielover, do you also own residential rental properties as does Mr. Bohannon? Are you a participating Section 8 landlord like Mr. Bohannon? Thanks for sharing this information. It's always a good thing for the city's taxpayers to really know what's going on in Middletown. It appears that your present relationship with Mr. Bohannon is a bit strained?
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Posted By: middletownscouter
Date Posted: Dec 05 2017 at 3:42pm
| Analytical, most of that clarification you want you can get by going back and reading the city council meeting minutes and workbooks at the time, along with journal-news articles. It happened at the time the city passed the nuisance property ordinances, and after the first reading it went back for re-tooling due to concerns from residents and landlords throughout the city not being consulted or involved in the process. I believe the background check assistance was part of the outcome but it was not hidden and was publicized at the time. I'd look it up but I'm kind of rushed this afternoon. |
Posted By: Analytical
Date Posted: Dec 05 2017 at 7:07pm
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Thanks for your post, MiddletownScouter. Since you weren't able this afternoon, I did locate the City Council agendas, meeting minutes and workbooks pertaining to the latest nuisance property ordinance (see below). Unfortunately, there's NO MENTION of the $5,000 in city funds allocated by someone for "free" landlord background checks on prospective tenants. My original questions remain. Middletown's taxpayers deserve to know the facts about this matter and expenditure of city funds.. MIDDLETOWN CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TUESDAY, April 7, 2015 LEGISLATION 7. Ordinance No. O2015-24, an ordinance enacting Chapter 1456 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Middletown establishing regulations for chronic nuisance abatement. (1st Reading) CITY COUNCIL WORKBOOK Pages 153 - 161 MIDDLETOWN CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TUESDAY, April 21, 2015 LEGISLATION 2. Ordinance No. O2015-24, an ordinance enacting Chapter 1456 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Middletown establishing regulations for chronic nuisance abatement. (2nd Reading) CITY COUNCIL WORKBOOK Pages 44 - 52 S T A F F R E P O R T March 31, 2015 TO: Douglas Adkins, City Manager FROM: David VanArsdale, Public Safety Director Leslie S. Landen, Law Director Ashley Bretland, Assistant Law Director Kyle Fuchs, Community Revitalization Director Prepared by: Lt. Jim Cunningham PURPOSE The City of Middletown currently has nuisance ordinances, however, the current provisions of the Middletown City Ordinances do not provide an adequate tool for abating nuisance properties. The City desires a more comprehensive and inclusive ordinance to deal with chronic and severe nuisance complaints within the City’s jurisdiction. BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS The City of Middletown has long dealt with ongoing nuisance complaints and have limited effectiveness on correcting those issues. Chronic nuisance properties present health, safety, and welfare concerns to the City, and have a negative impact upon the quality of life, safety, and health of the neighborhoods in which they are located. Furthermore chronic nuisance properties are a financial burden to the City due to the calls for service for nuisance activities that occur repeatedly on these properties. This proposed recommendation is a means to lessen that burden and hold accountable those persons responsible for such properties. City staff, consisting of David VanArsdale, Les Landen, Ashley Bretland, Kyle Fuchs and Jim Cunningham, have conducted extensive research on area jurisdiction nuisance ordinances. As a result of the investigation we have created a new nuisance ordinance which is in compliance with the goals and mission of the City of Middletown. RECOMMENDATION The committee recommends the adoption of the nuisance ordinance to remedy nuisance activities that occur throughout the city. The proposal will provide the City a process for abatement to better serve the community. Attachments: Proposed City Nuisance Ordinance Proposed Nuisance Abatement Ordinance |
Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 05 2017 at 11:49pm
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FYI - I spoke with Mr. Bohannon after the conclusion of tonight's council meeting. FWIW - I think this is a nothing burger based upon his answer. I didn't get his explicit approval to share his answer (forgot to ask) but anyone who wants to PM me, I'll be happy to share. Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: Middletown29
Date Posted: Dec 06 2017 at 7:59am
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Perhaps Mr. Bohannon could give his own explanation here? What does he have to hide? Illegal interest in a public contract?
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Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 06 2017 at 11:14pm
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You know, I have gotten to know Mr. Bohannon over the last few months just by hanging around the council meetings and taking the time to reach out. He's never not engaged with me regardless of the question. He's never refused to talk with me about anything. He's never hidden anything nor danced around any question I've ever asked. He's not afraid to say he doesn't know - and put me in front of someone who does and he learns right with me. He's without a doubt the most approachable member of council at the moment. He's a businessman - and he can see any/all things through said prism (although he and I differ to some degree on these abatements and giveaways at times - at least he's got some courage to mess up the unanimous vote that Adkins so desires) What's the beef? He won an election to serve on council - and just like the rest - you know what to do if you want rid of him.....but I gotta ask, what's the problem? We are talking about a landlord completing background checks on his tenants (something I think ALL of us can agree on)....what's the beef? Seems more like some kind of a personal vendetta.... If you got dirt on someone, spill it. Otherwise this seems kind of petty. Have you called, emailed or otherwise contacted Mr. Bohannon for an explanation? I think it might be enlightening! Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Dec 07 2017 at 1:23pm
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buddhalite: "at least he's got some courage to mess up the unanimous vote that Adkins so desires)" Reading the workbook notes from each council meeting, historically, there is a unanimous 5-0 approval on any and all issues voted on. Most of the council members from the past 20+ years can be labeled as rubber stamping yes people. Again, the only council member in recent memory who has "rocked the boat" albeit briefly, was Laubach and he succumbed to the inner circle/backroom politic scrutiny after only one term. No one lasts if they don't go along with the program. It's an "All In The Family" environment between council and the city building personnel. No dissenters allowed. buddhalite: "Have you called, emailed or otherwise contacted Mr. Bohannon for an explanation? I think it might be enlightening!" Perhaps......On the other hand, Bohannon (and the other council members) can interact on this blog if they choose to do so and answer the concerns without direct contact. To date, and for the many years I have been on this site, there has been only two council members answer the many questions we have asked here and they would be Tony Marconi and Josh Laubach, years ago. Marcia Andrew did a great job from the school perspective but, apparently, the new school board president could care less what we have to say. To their credit, there have been several from city government that have answered as well..... Doug Adkins Chief Muterspaw and, no doubt, a host of other officials who chose not to use their names here. I noticed Mr. Adkins has given up here as well. MUSA participants usually have issues with what the schools and the city government are doing to make this city healthy again. We have had some interaction, but, for the most part, it has not gone well and they leave the forum. I guess dissenting parties can't always work out an amicable solution. We are troublemakers to them and they are totally inept and out of control to us. When they do schedule a community meeting a handful of MUSA people come out at best. Java Johnnies was a prime example so I am told. We will never see eye to eye at this rate. Perhaps neither side has any intention of agreeing on any subject as it may be a sign of weakness. City leaders insist on having it their way. MUSA people, as citizens living here, want a different game plan. Kinda like the giant kid's sandbox in Washington between the two major parties isn't it? One party has the shovel and the pail and the other wants not one but both. MUSA/city government both having "my way or the highway" mindsets. No one wants to back down to achieve a working relationship. I am as guilty of it as anyone here. It is a shortcoming that is hard to overcome given all the destruction and mismanagement I have seen the last four decades to this once great city. Hard to trust people who have ruined your hometown. Sad. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 08 2017 at 1:29am
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This is why I keep asking - who is going to run? Why don't you throw your name out there? You'll have my vote. ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Dec 08 2017 at 1:32pm
1. Must take care of my paralyzed wife as a caregiver- top priority Takes alot of time to do so. 2. As a person who would "rock the boat", have a 180 degree focus for the city, oppose total downtown focus while giving equal time to the ENTIRE CITY and resist most of what is on the agenda, wouldn't accomplish anything without additional council members who would have the same agenda as I would present. Need a majority to be effective. They would hate me but I could care less. Wouldn't want the Laubach experience. 3. Too abrasive in my response to all the crapola that is spread within the halls of the city building and the council chamber. Just flat out don't mind what I say to people as I've gotten older. Some deserve it IMO. Rude to some. Direct with no nonsense to others. Don't care. Hardly politically correct and don't wish to be. 4. Just retired. Just left the "lack of common sense" working world after 50 years. Don't need the aggravation of dealing with the moronic thinking regarding council decisions. 5. They have the city so screwed up, it would take more than a few council terms and some cooperation to fix it all. A hopeless situation to those who would want to straighten this mess out. 6. Would want to fire the city manager and some city building buddies right out of the chute. Council should be the city manager's boss not the other way around. Place the so-called influential people living here who support the current administration in the back seat. Reduce the impact of the MMF. Severe but necessary beginning to the change the city needs right now. Clean house on council. Clean house in the city building. New format. New direction in thinking. Fix the basics first. Then, years from now, after stabilization, the fluff comes. 7. After council, we move to the school board and start changing the landscape of the poor educational system we have there. It isn't getting any better as to performance even with their new schools, new ideas and the endless line of cookie cutter superintendents they have hired. Poor is poor, new schools or old. The numbers don't lie. Some city/school leaders just flat out don't want to face reality and don't like being reminded how bad the town has gotten. Denial is the city/school mantra. Never will be repaired if the problems are ignored while maintaining an "everything is beautiful" mentality. Sad seeing this in educated mature adults. JMO ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
buddhalite wrote:Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 08 2017 at 8:46pm
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I get #1 - and I don't blame you. I see nothing wrong with the rest of your points - in fact it almost mirrors my mocked-up platform. Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Dec 09 2017 at 8:47am
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probably best that no one from this forum seek a Council seat. we need new younger minds determined to stress the positives of the area and unite/include every person and neighborhood in the big picture. + we need a more open and interactive city govt and forums for communication. remember the old phone co.slogan "Communication is the beginning of understanding"? We all need to become better at constructively communicating with one another--too many smart/qualified/willing citizens are on the sidelines let us hope that it happens--and soon! |
Posted By: middielover
Date Posted: Dec 19 2017 at 6:27pm
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All the complaints about Ami Vitori use of city funds before she was elected to city council and no one questioning Steve Bohannon benefiting from city funds while actually serving as a member of city council.? Bohannon should refund money or face charges. |
Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 19 2017 at 6:40pm
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Middielover, Why hate ye the Mr. Bohannon so much? Methinks thou dost protest too much. Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Dec 19 2017 at 8:24pm
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OK middielover---exactly how much $$ and for what?? Is it true that Council is ready to hand out raises and more funding to former downtown area properties? |
Posted By: middielover
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 9:29am
| $5,000 from city for Bohannon to do background checks on his tenants. |
Posted By: Middletown29
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 9:31am
| Why is the city paying for the cost of landlord background checks? |
Posted By: Analytical
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 11:05am
Middielover and Middletown29 - An easy answer to today's posts is to contact the city and request information on how the $5,000 was spent. In other words, which landlords participated in Mr. Adkins "GIFTS" and what was the dollar value of services provided to each landlord.
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Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 12:32pm
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There was a meeting back I believe in August or September that I attended where Mr. Bohannon and Mr. Adkins were both in attendance (at Java Johnny's) where this particular subject was brought up. There was (as was said at this meeting) a landlord association formed (loosely - not a very formal group - but a group nonetheless) and one of the many points raised by the group was the cost of background checks and how prohibitive it was for the landlords to pay $45 or $60 or even more in some cases to get a decent background on a potential tenant. There's some relationship with somebody at One Donham Albatross with a background check service out of Sharonville (I think) that was able to provide background checks via the internet for $9/each with the expectation that there would be a certain volume of checks in lieu of the reduced pricing. The explanation was that there was some discretionary funding that Mr. Adkins placed (I believe the number was about $5k) on account with the background check site operator to pay for the checks for a period of time to give the landlords the incentive to use the service freely for a while for all prospective tenants - but when the money ran out - it ran out - but would give them a reduced price future as well to keep them utilizing the service. I can tell you that Mr. Bohannon confirmed that emailed the association members earlier this year that the fund had run out - and politely asked them to keep using it and absorbing the $9 cost. I have even seen a print copy of the email at one time (it was months ago). So - we here on Middletownusa.com's forums have a lot to complain about and much work to do. I can see where we collectively would have objected to the city paying for ANY background checks - but that's water under the bridge. As far as Mr. Bohannon is concerned - all he did was take advantage of a city-funded apparatus to run backgrounds on his tenants. To me - it is a nothing-burger. To some it is the end of the world. To throw around reckless accusations on this board that he's in ethics trouble and violated laws and could be in 'hot water' is preposterous. There's no way to make this right - Mr. Adkins shouldn't have funded a private sector activity like this (but then again that's a lot of what he does everyday anyway) and the money was at least used the way it was intended - and I'd like to think that in some way there were potential tenants in this city denied rental access to properties for good reasons and that it had some positive impact on our city. Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 1:21pm
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buddhalite: "So - we here on Middletownusa.com's forums have a lot to complain about and much work to do. I can see where we collectively would have objected to the city paying for ANY background checks - but that's water under the bridge." Mr.Bohannon runs a HUD landlord housing operation. It is a private business and benefits Mr. Bohannon only, not the people of Middletown, who's tax money is being used to supply the funding for background checks that, again, benefit Mr. Bohannon. Mr. Bohannon is also a member of a city function called Council. He is a direct beneficiary of money given to him to help run his business. The money is not given freely by the taxpayer, but rather,is distributed by a city fund set up by the city manager and other government members. Anyway you look at it, Bohannon is benefitting by this money which should never be used to subsidize a private entity. IMO, it is NOT water under the bridge but rather an issue that needs to stop with Bohannon refunding the money given to him from the taxpayer. I, and others are not in the business of freely giving our forced taxpayer money to someone who reaps the entire benefit of this money. IMO this still needs to be addressed and corrected. Otherwise, Bohannon gets off scott free and the taxpayers are played the fool once again. Let Bohannon and all the other HUD landlords pay for the background checks. It is a part of them doing business and they should pay for it not people who will not benefit from the cost. JMO ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 4:41pm
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Viet, I don't disagree with your premise - however after the billion plus wasted by this government already (at least by my calculations it is well close to if not over $1B) $5k seems like small potatoes. It shouldn't have been done - but it was. So now - who gets faulted? Are we going to pitchfork a council member over what has been purported to be $9 background checks an make him cough it all back up? I am not sure I see the conflict of interest on his part - sure I see that Adkins shouldn't have involved himself in any way in the matter and therefore the city should have been left out of it....but I don't see where the conflict is - considering that other landlords availed themselves of this service too. I am not mad at Mr. Bohannon (nor do I understand the vitriol being sent his way here) - on the contrary - he did what any smart businessperson would do in that circumstance. If he has to give it back - then all the landlords have to give it back. It's the only fair way - but I say now that everythings out in the open - let's just not do this ever again. Let's ensure that our council and city leaders don't put public money out on a private endeavor ever again. That'll stop this nonsense once and for all. Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: Analytical
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 5:50pm
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VietVet, SpiderJohn, Middielover, BuddhaLite, etc. - In retrospect, Mr. Bohannon should have refrained from accessing city-paid tenant reference check services. Being a city council member, it's imperative to always avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. The bigger issues of this discussion should focus upon Doug Adkins and his unilateral decision to dole out $5,000 of taxpayers funds. Were city council members, beyond Mr. Bohannon, aware of these out-of-the-ordinary landlord gifts as well? Far, far more important than the above is Mr. Adkins "gift" of property involving 1325-41 Central Avenue and 1316 Vail Avenue to Liberty Spirits LLC (Mike Robinette et. al.). For the paltry sum of $1.00 it was Mr. Adkins who spearheaded the sale of this real estate which cost the city over $300,000 combined to assemble! Mr. Adkins and Mr. Fooks wasted $200,000+ of HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program capital to buy and demolish properties at 1325-41 Central Avenue. They also unloaded the land/building at 1316 Vail Avenue (former woodworking shop) that cost the city $90,000+/-. By the way, NSP funds were to be utilized to address the negative outcomes of residential neighborhood property foreclosures. HOW IN THE WORLD DID THESE CENTRAL AND VAIL AVENUES PROPERTIES HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT?? The bottom line to all of this is that Mr. Adkins appears to have free reign to do most anything that he wants. And, the city council receives FAILING MARKS for their lack of oversight of One Donham Abbey operations. any matter that There's another matter beyond this $5,000 gift of Mr. Adkins that should really raise the ire of city taxpayers. As you know, the city received millions in HUD Neighto
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Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 5:52pm
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buddhalite: "I don't disagree with your premise - however after the billion plus wasted by this government already (at least by my calculations it is well close to if not over $1B) $5k seems like small potatoes." The small potato 5K to "billions" comparison doesn't matter. Gotta start somewhere as to holding elected officials accountable for their actions. If we let this go by, where do we then draw the line in the sand to define when enough is enough? We are already at "millions" being spent in the downtown area alone. buddhalite: "It shouldn't have been done - but it was. So now - who gets faulted" Bohannon and the city who loaned him the money get faulted. It was done and should not be written off as "just a minor infraction". He is a public official who some (not me) placed their trust in to do the right thing. This is not the right thing. Bohannon is not an ignorant person. He knows right from wrong. He knew that accepting any PUBLIC money at all to aid his PRIVATE business venture is not ethical nor does it help that public servant trust factor either. He also knew that being in the public eye, his activities would be scrutinized and was. You simply can't mix benefiting on private business activities with public money usage. Doesn't sit too well with any taxpayer. He must be held accountable to return the money as all HUD landlords should who chose to use this service. Let the man use his OWN MONEY to run HIS BUSINESS, not ours. buddhalite: "I am not mad at Mr. Bohannon (nor do I understand the vitriol being sent his way here) - on the contrary - he did what any smart businessperson would do in that circumstance." Nope. What "any smart businessperson would do" is not place themselves in a mixed usage of public and private sector actions especially when it is used for the private side business owner's advantage. The man should not have used this service to bolster his personal business. Being a councilperson, it is a misuse of the office he holds. Kinda like using one's "in the loop" position to do insider trading to bolster a portfolio. An advantage that doesn't create a level playing field. buddhalite: "If he has to give it back - then all the landlords have to give it back." Yep buddhalite: "It's the only fair way - but I say now that everythings out in the open - let's just not do this ever again. Let's ensure that our council and city leaders don't put public money out on a private endeavor ever again. That'll stop this nonsense once and for all." But buddha, it is happening all the time in the downtown area. Cincy State now occupies a building that was purchased by taxpayer money from the Thatcher Estate. Same goes for the Manchester Hotel. Same for the Main St bank building and is about to happen with the old Seniors Center and the BMW dealership proposal. The Rose building is also included. EVERYTHING downtown is city purchased with taxpayer money and if they can't sell it, they give it away for a HUGE loss for a buck if there are no takers on the market. The practice of using taxpayer money to grow the downtown cluster has been happening for more than a decade now. It is documented very well within the pages of MUSA. It is not now "out in the open". Hell, it's been out in the open for years on this forum. And just how do we go about "ensuring council and the city leaders don't use public money on private endeavors"????? Do we all just march into Adkin's office and threaten him if he does it again? Won't work. He doesn't care if we like the public money for private endeavors or not. He doesn't care about anything outside the realm of the downtown, the inner circle and his friends of the city. The rest of us can go to he-- as far as he's concerned. He has made that abundantly clear since becoming the city manager. Oh, and yeah, they will do this again if not held accountable with some sort of public outcry. Hell, they will ignore any outcry as well. They don't care about public opinion. They do as they please. After all, they are just low grade politicians and we all know that politicians aren't worth the powder to blow them up. JMO ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Analytical
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 5:58pm
Correction to typos in original post. Please refer to the post of VietVet immediately preceding this correction. Thank you.
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Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 21 2017 at 6:59pm
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Viet, See - we both agree - the issue is that the landlords collectively will not return the money - and frankly, I doubt that Mr. Bohannon will either. I don't like flogging dead horses. It was a mistake to begin the program and it should be prevented from reoccurring...the reality is i'd rather focus on learning from our mistakes, preventing the re-occurrence and pushing on toward bigger and better things for our city. I hope that if I run (and it looks like I certainly will be) that I don't have to sit through all the talk about the old days - I want to move forward and move on. Plus, after reviewing the entire city charter and applicable statutes - he wasn't a direct beneficiary of a contract or any underhanded dealings - so unless I'm wrong (and I'd love to be proven otherwise) I don't think any violation of state, city or other code has occurred, I'm not sure any ethics boundaries were crossed......it certainly doesn't pass the smell test - but I just don't see where pursuing this issue any further makes any sense. IF I thought it would actually make a difference to you or anyone else here - I'd call and ask him to return the money (probably easier if he'd donate it to charity) myself. Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Dec 22 2017 at 9:09am
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police/landlord housing concerns, 29 maybe they could do backround checks for businesses hiring also? hey--if they have the $$ maybe spread it around evenly to help businesses and landlords--should help everyone in the big picture mmf spending is my ? where do they get the $$$?? Duke grant?? If so how was it spent, and what ever happened to the $75k given by Admin/Council to buy the Opera House(obviously they didn't do it) thanx 4 the info! |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Dec 22 2017 at 11:19am
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buddhalite: "See - we both agree - the issue is that the landlords collectively will not return the money - and frankly, I doubt that Mr. Bohannon will either. I don't like flogging dead horses. It was a mistake to begin the program and it should be prevented from reoccurring...the reality is i'd rather focus on learning from our mistakes, preventing the re-occurrence and pushing on toward bigger and better things for our city." "it SHOULD BE prevented from reoccuring"......but won't be. It will happen again. History tells us that the city will set up their friends with loans and programs that will help selected individuals. That is the mantra for how the downtown development works in many cases. buddhalite: "I hope that if I run (and it looks like I certainly will be) that I don't have to sit through all the talk about the old days - I want to move forward and move on." Ahh buddha, but if you don't know about the past, you are doomed to repeat the mistakes......OR, LEARN about the successes and how they were achieved. I realize that the younger generation doesn't want to hear about the past and want to blaze their own path and make their marks on the world in their own way, but it would be wise and prudent to revisit the successes Middletown has had in the past and compare how they are now. You just might find that the old ways work much better than the changes that were made over the years caused by city leaders who thought they had a better idea. Sometimes, believe it or not, the old time proven ways are best in a given situation. You can join the others on council and follow their town ruining policies or you can do it the right way and research the correct way of doing things for the city. It will be your choice if and when you win a council seat. Do you want Middletown to prosper and regain some of it's image and regional status again by doing things right, or do you want Middletown to remain the poor image it has now with it's lousy schools, poor ammenities, poor job choices, population losses and ghetto building agenda? If you choose the latter, you are no better than the people on council now and in the past and we will have no refreshing choice at voting time. None have done Middletown any favors with their decision making since the 80's. The city has died a slow death (and yes I will say it now) since the great days of the 50's and 60's. I know, I have been here almost the entire time, with my military service being the exception. You have been here a short time compared to some on this forum. You have no basis of comparison concerning how nice it was versus what it is now. What it is now is all some here know, including many city leaders. Trust me, it was much better. buddhalite: "......he wasn't a direct beneficiary of a contract or any underhanded dealings".... But buddha, he took advantage of a PUBLIC TAXPAYER monetary offer from the city to support HIS PRIVATE BUSINESS which in essence is the same as the taxpayers walking up to him and handing them their money to help him in a private business manner. It is wrong for him to take the money and apply it for his own business advantage. What makes it even worse is that he is a city official and is under the microscope by the public and, he broke the trust of the public as to "backroom" dealings within city hall. The very premise of this situation lends itself to distrust, once again, concerning public officials. The city should drop any and all practices of loaning money to ANYONE in the private sector......but they won't. They like their buddies way too much to stop bailing them out with OUR money. buddhalite: "IF I thought it would actually make a difference to you or anyone else here - I'd call and ask him to return the money (probably easier if he'd donate it to charity) myself." No need to call. They won't listen to you or anyone else anyway. They will do as they dam well please. Always have. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: buddhalite
Date Posted: Dec 22 2017 at 12:41pm
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See - this is what I'm talking about. I'm tired of you talking out both sides of your mouth. EIther the past was a mess or it isn't- see this is why I don't want to revisit it. Frankly - the past is the past - the things that worked in the past aren't going to work in this generation anyway - so frankly I want to just quit griping about what has happened that I cant change anyway - and just look forward. This city has potential - it just has to be dealt with properly. Either this city is worth fighting for or not. Your defeatist attitude doesn't help. And FWIW - this kind of stuff happens under EVERY regime of EVERY government becuase as the old saying goes, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Bob ------------- "Every government intervention [in the marketplace] creates unintended consequences, which lead to calls for further government interventions." -Ludwig van Mises |
Posted By: Analytical
Date Posted: Dec 22 2017 at 1:39pm
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As someone not raised here, and having been a resident for only four years (two as Community Development Coordiantor), I've learned much from people like VietVet, Spriderjohn, Vivian Moon, Paul Renwick, Walter Leap, the late Bert Grimes, Acclaro, Wanda Glover, Rosalean Lindsey, John Soppanish, etc. Their first-hand knowledge of the history and past governmental actions/inaction can and should provide a solid basis for selecting the most cost-effective and highest/best community development initiatives to return Middletown to its' once proud place of prominence in S.W. Ohio, if not statewide. To suggest otherwise is simply overlooking reality.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR CONCERNED PARTICIPANTS OF THE MUSA BLOG TO FOCUS UPON THE MEANS TO "PROVIDE THAT BRIGHTER FUTURE" THAT WE SO OFTEN HEAR ABOUT.
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Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Dec 22 2017 at 6:14pm
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buddhalite: "I'm tired of you talking out both sides of your mouth. EIther the past was a mess or it isn't- see this is why I don't want to revisit it." If you take the time to revue all posts I have made on this forum, you will read that I have ALWAYS maintained that the past was better than the present as to condition of this city. I have been very consistent in saying that buddha. It is a fact that the 50's and 60's were much better times here than the 70's, 80's, 90's to current. More money flowing here. More entertainment. Maintaining population growth. The schools were first class. Armco was 9300 strong rather that the anemic 2300 at AK Steel now. Aeronca and the paper mills were in business and employing people. The community was very active and didn't roll the sidewalks up at 6 every night. The community had a strong working class image. Very low crime. No drug issues. City government had more competency. Breile, University and Roosevelt Boulevards were built back then to get around town easier. MUM was built in 1966 and provided a college level education. Roads and infrastructure were in decent shape. People made a livable wage and could maintain their homes. Respectable people lived here. The city didn't look like a third world bombed out trash heap....and on and on....... No. I have never "talked out both sides of my mouth" on this topic. buddhalite: "Frankly - the past is the past - the things that worked in the past aren't going to work in this generation anyway - so frankly I want to just quit griping about what has happened that I cant change anyway - and just look forward. This city has potential - it just has to be dealt with properly" Wow! A sense of frustration on your part. I just gave you a reason why the past should be examined and positive portions should be used today to improve the city in certain areas. Look, if you review the past, it just may save you time in finding out what worked and what didn't. The past is an archive of do's and don'ts when you need to try new things. You remind me of the young engineers that just started at P&G when I worked there as a technician. We techs would stay in one place working on the same projects over and over again and as such would see what worked and what didn't work many times. Yet, with each new batch of young new hire engineers, eager to make their mark on the P&G world, they would insist we do the same things after being told and shown using old lab notebooks, that what they wanted to do wouldn't work. Young people just don't want to listen to the older folks who have been through it before. You seem to be just like them. I would suggest you listen to the elders of this community. They have seen it all by now. But, it is totally up to you. Go ahead and run for council. Go ahead and make the same mistakes made many times before. Go ahead and negate any positive mark toward bettering this city. Your choice buddha. buddhalite: "Either this city is worth fighting for or not. Your defeatist attitude doesn't help" Ok, look. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE wants this city to prosper more than I do. Hell, I was born here and have many good memories of this city. I came back to live here after the military and could have chosen any place else at the time. I want to see better times for everyone here. I want the city to totally change it's image and be a destination for new families to locate. I want it to be a family oriented city once again with quality residents moving here. It is nowhere to being that now and that is what fuels my anger and frustration at city leaders and their town ruining policies and direction. I'm flat out sick of the way the town is being run after four decades of incompetence. If talking about reality conjures up defeatist talk from you, then you don't see the real picture of what is happening in this city........OR, you are willing to overlook the reality of the situation. Buddha, it is what it is and no amount of sugar coating bullsh*t will gloss over the fact the city has been trashed. Pig.....lipstick......yeah, you get it. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |