This and that
by M. Stewart
The announcement earlier this week of the creation of a joint economic development district was great news for the East Liverpool area in more ways than one (see story in The Review). Beyond the specifics of the venture, the move sets a precedent for township-city cooperation and provides a long overdue spark of progressive thinking in the South County region. To everyone involved in the venture, good job!
On other fronts, I spoke to East Liverpool Service-Safety Director Bill Cowan last Friday about the status of the Smith Auto Parts building at Broadway and East Fourth. Cowan told a group gathered at the Alumni Clocktower on Oct. 10 that a condemnation notice was being prepared. He confirmed Friday that the process was moving forward.
Kent State East Liverpool Eastern Flash writer, Melody Gustafson, interviewed building owner Bill Smith earlier this week, who said he had yet to receive the notice. [See Dilapidated building issue remains at impasse.] My understanding is that Kent State officials plan to meet with Mr. Smith to see if some kind of deal can be worked out on the building.
Kent State has a collection of brick and wood debris that has fallen onto the sidewalk over the years. Just last week, a KSU employee was nearly clobbered by bricks falling from the building’s chimney. It is extremely fortunate that our man was not injured or killed, but it’s only a matter of time until something very bad happens on that sidewalk.
In my view, Kent State should do whatever it can to initiate friendly negotiations, but the same goes for Smith. No one is going to pay him hundreds of thousands for a crumbling, useless building. If he continues to stand in the way of progress, he runs the risk of the state playing the eminent domain card. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that, but this is shaping up to be a classic E.D. situation.
It looks like Wellsville Mayor Joe Surace’s people plan to continue keeping him away from the public eye. Surace failed to appear at the Morning Journal/Channel 27 candidates forum last night in Lisbon. It remains to be seen if Surace will grace his own constituents with his presence at the Future Voters of Wellsville event to be held at the Alumni Center tonight from 7 to 9 p.m.
Clearly Surace’s campaign strategy—if you can call it that—is to avoid facing public questioning at all costs. His Democratic Party handlers know all too well that such exposure would be the kiss of death. As pathetic as that sounds, there can be no other explanation.
One has to wonder about the motivation and mentality of the people who support this silent candidate. All you have to do is go to Ole Nib’s Looking Out My Window blog to find out. They appear to have gathered there. So if you’re on the fence and thinking about leaning to the Dark Side, please visit Nib’s site and have a look at your future comrades.
I used to think this was going to be a close race, but I'm beginning to wonder how anyone who cares about the village can support Joe Surace for a second term.
ADDENDUM: I read the print edition of the Morning Journal coverage of last night's candidates forum and noticed that East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger also did not show up for the event.
Although I am an ardent supporter of Mayor Swoger, I certainly think he should have participated in the event. Unlike Mayor Surace in Wellsville, Swoger has no serious opposition; still, I think candidates have an obligation to participate in any event designed to provide voters with information that can help them make intelligent decisions.
The announcement earlier this week of the creation of a joint economic development district was great news for the East Liverpool area in more ways than one (see story in The Review). Beyond the specifics of the venture, the move sets a precedent for township-city cooperation and provides a long overdue spark of progressive thinking in the South County region. To everyone involved in the venture, good job!
On other fronts, I spoke to East Liverpool Service-Safety Director Bill Cowan last Friday about the status of the Smith Auto Parts building at Broadway and East Fourth. Cowan told a group gathered at the Alumni Clocktower on Oct. 10 that a condemnation notice was being prepared. He confirmed Friday that the process was moving forward.
Kent State East Liverpool Eastern Flash writer, Melody Gustafson, interviewed building owner Bill Smith earlier this week, who said he had yet to receive the notice. [See Dilapidated building issue remains at impasse.] My understanding is that Kent State officials plan to meet with Mr. Smith to see if some kind of deal can be worked out on the building.
Kent State has a collection of brick and wood debris that has fallen onto the sidewalk over the years. Just last week, a KSU employee was nearly clobbered by bricks falling from the building’s chimney. It is extremely fortunate that our man was not injured or killed, but it’s only a matter of time until something very bad happens on that sidewalk.
In my view, Kent State should do whatever it can to initiate friendly negotiations, but the same goes for Smith. No one is going to pay him hundreds of thousands for a crumbling, useless building. If he continues to stand in the way of progress, he runs the risk of the state playing the eminent domain card. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that, but this is shaping up to be a classic E.D. situation.
It looks like Wellsville Mayor Joe Surace’s people plan to continue keeping him away from the public eye. Surace failed to appear at the Morning Journal/Channel 27 candidates forum last night in Lisbon. It remains to be seen if Surace will grace his own constituents with his presence at the Future Voters of Wellsville event to be held at the Alumni Center tonight from 7 to 9 p.m.
Clearly Surace’s campaign strategy—if you can call it that—is to avoid facing public questioning at all costs. His Democratic Party handlers know all too well that such exposure would be the kiss of death. As pathetic as that sounds, there can be no other explanation.
One has to wonder about the motivation and mentality of the people who support this silent candidate. All you have to do is go to Ole Nib’s Looking Out My Window blog to find out. They appear to have gathered there. So if you’re on the fence and thinking about leaning to the Dark Side, please visit Nib’s site and have a look at your future comrades.
I used to think this was going to be a close race, but I'm beginning to wonder how anyone who cares about the village can support Joe Surace for a second term.
ADDENDUM: I read the print edition of the Morning Journal coverage of last night's candidates forum and noticed that East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger also did not show up for the event.
Although I am an ardent supporter of Mayor Swoger, I certainly think he should have participated in the event. Unlike Mayor Surace in Wellsville, Swoger has no serious opposition; still, I think candidates have an obligation to participate in any event designed to provide voters with information that can help them make intelligent decisions.
posted by M. | 9:01 AM
23 Comments:
Mayor,buy some duct tape and put it on the cheifs mouth and wrists.YOu know like they do on the Sopranos when they dont want somebody to talk or even write.Oh yeah by the way,you build a pavillion for the youth but wont support the future voters night.If the chief shows please make sure you gave him the duct tape before hand.because he isnt much help to your campain, might even be the biggest reason you lose .Right loose lips Rich.
Mayor Swoger had already been asked to attend a question and answer session with Local 677. The union planned their event before the Journal and thats where the Mayor was last night.
M.-
For a second there, I thought you used the word "voters" and "intelligent decision" in the same sentence....
Oh wait, you did.
If anyone attends the Future Voters of Wellsville forum, I would appreciate hearing an accurate description of how many registered Wellsville voters are in the audience.
My guess is it will be low. You never know, but generally people don't attend these sort of things. That's not a knock on that organization, just an observation.
Also, Surace is doing the smart thing in avoiding the public. It's not the most noble thing, of course, but it's his best chance to win.
With Bush in the White House and Ted Strickland enjoying very high approval ratings, anyone running with an "R" next to their name is in trouble.
This is what I left on Nibs blog site:
Prince Planet said...
If the Surace is so convinced that tonights forum is rigged, this is what the Surace team should have done: go directly to that Future Voters group and asked them directly what kind of forum will it be, what sre some of the questions that will be asked, who will be the moderator( someone who has no stake in this election, in otherword, neutrel ), and so on and so on. From there you would have been able to determine if it was a set up, which I don't it is. It seems to me that these are kids who no doubt have a vested interest in their future as young adults who want to know how to vote and who to vote for, what are the issues to vote on or not..............
Like I said before I am from Wellsville but live in East Liverpool. I have alot of family and friends who live in the Ville and from what I got from them was they have only heard one voice, and that is what the Future Voters group is hearing, one voice. How can they be able to vote in the future if they do not get to see what it is really like to vote for a canidate who doesn't speak? How are they going to know what he stands for? You just can't read about it, you have to hear it. They want to hear it. And so far they have only heard one voice. And by the look of things for tonights forum, they will continue to that one voice.
I really do hope Surace changes his mind and goes to the forum. Not to try and embarass himself but to try go out and make this a campaign to remain mayor. He is the imcumbent, but it is also his race to lose, because no one has heard him.
That is my opinion.
A silent man is never heard.
I know I will get blasted on that site and I don't care. I am neutral. All I am saying is this is Suraces race to lose and if doesn't go tonight and speak up and be heard then it almost seem as though the race is already lost. This should be a better mayor race and all it has been is all out mudsling. To all of the people who are still undecided, stay away from the fans because the mud will continue to fly.
I hardly think that because the Mayor is not speaking tonight it means he lost the race. That does not erase his whole tenure as mayor. That might be a little dramatic.
Pam: That was not what was said. Prince Planet said it is his to lose by not voicing his plans. Regarding your comment that this election would erase his whole tenure, his tenure which ends the 31st of December is what it, nothing more - nothing less . Good or bad, this tenure of his is what it is. The conversation discussed was about the next four years.
I didn't say he would lose, just saying it isn't helping. If you were new to voting, would you want to hear what both sides have or just one side? My opinion they are getting one side. All they know is one person who should be there isn't going to be there. What are they getting from this experience? Nothing. Not one damn thing. And the voter turn out in recent elections have been poor ans now these young adults will be fitting into this election. Thing is will it matter. Some people are feeling like Lloyd and do not vote and I bet you can expect the same thing this election too. It is ashame too. The lack of voters will determin who will be mayor. If there is strong turn out, then that will be better. At least we will know how many people are voting in this election.
Mayor Swoger had accepted the invitation by the Journal, according to its earlier stories, then backed out at the last minute, from the sound of it.
He surely could have spoken with the union at another time rather than miss a public event, as Matt said, aimed at helping the public become informed voters.
Good evening, Matt.
Since you asked how things went tonight at the Meet the Candidate Night sponsored by the The Future Voters of Wellsville...I have to say the night was a big success for a Wellsville event. They had four candidates/representatives and two people who spoke on the bond issues attend tonight. They had approximately 40-50 people in attendance. The bond issues were addressed first with a 3-5 minute speech by the spokesperson for the bond issue. Then the Council Candidates were given 3 minutes to tell a little about themselves, followed by a question and answer session of three questions provided by the students. This was followed by the Mayoral Candidates. Candidate Dave Lloyd was given 3 minutes to address the group and then the representative for Mayor Surace, his daughter Kerry, read a prepared statement from the Mayor who had a prior commitment in East Liverpool. The students were greatly appreciative of his efforts. Dave Lloyd was then given an opportunity to answer questions prepared by the students. Kerry was also given the opportunity to answer if she felt she knew how he would answer.
This was followed by an opportunity for everyone to have a chance to speak to the candidates and enjoy the refreshments.
I as a parent would call it a success and I am so very proud of the kids who participated and hope that the group will continue in years to come. It was very nice to see everyone there to support the students in this endeaver and not be on the defensive all the time.
I do not believe that anyone who attended could say that this was "slanted" toward one candidate or another.
Our thanks to all who attended tonight.
We would like to thank, Dave Lloyd, Fire Chief Smith, Councilman Joe Soldano, Randy Allmon, and Mr. Diddle, from Robert Bycroft, for attending The Future Voters of Wellsville's Meet The Candidate Night. Also thanks to Bob Swickard for moderating. The Mayor sent his daughter Kerry to represent him. thank you for that. We had a good crowd there, and we were impressed with all of the Candidates. It was too bad that Tony Cataldo, John McMahon,and Bob Marcin did not attend, but at least the oters are dedicated to the youth of Wellsville to show up. Again thanks guys, for believing in us. Also thanks to Mr. Lydic from The Review, for being there, The Morning Journal did not show.
No way in hell should a Cheif of Police write letters to the editor for political gain. That unprofessional. As far as the pavilion, maybe the cheif should investigated why members of council new nothing about it? Maybe he should of investigated the cooked bidding process. That was the issue.
The all points bulletin is out, so let's shoot our gun in the fire station? That's your response???
You treated officers with
confidentiality and professionalism. All but one.
While at the hardware store for the duck tape, buy this man a bigger shovel to finish the hole he's digging for you Mayor. Then jump in it with him. Not only is he costing you election, but he's helping the up coming law suite.
Matt Wrote:
[excerpt]
In my view, Kent State should do whatever it can to initiate friendly negotiations, but the same goes for Smith. No one is going to pay him hundreds of thousands for a crumbling, useless building. If he continues to stand in the way of progress, he runs the risk of the state playing the eminent domain card. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that, but this is shaping up to be a classic E.D. situation.
[end excerpt]
Don't forget.
That same card can be used to take any other piece of property Kent may someday want that is located in that so called "University District."
On another matter
Matt wrote:
[excerpt]
The announcement earlier this week of the creation of a joint economic development district was great news for the East Liverpool area in more ways than one (see story in The Review). Beyond the specifics of the venture, the move sets a precedent for township-city cooperation and provides a long overdue spark of progressive thinking in the South County region. To everyone involved in the venture, good job!
[end excerpt]
At least two school districts in western Pa has recently mergerd or are in the process opf merging into one school district and day before yesterday I heard on WOHI news that two Beaver County cities are going to proceed with a financial study of benefits of them merging into one city.
The above information about at least one cooperative joint undertaking could perhaps open a door for more cooperative undertakings that could lead to acutal major mergers.
The downtown between what is left of 3rd Street and say 8th Street from Jackson to Walnut could evnetually be the city center for a new community that would use the strengths of ELO, parts of or all of Liverpool Township, etc.
No, not referrign to that nasaty concept of annexing but rather merging and forming a new community, sort of a mega community that is happening in various places across the country.
Esch of the places that were part of the merger could even retain theor own names and indentity as "neighborhoods."
The Future Voters of Wellsville do not deserve the credit they have been receiving. I have asked several high school students of the liitle group, yet no one seems to have any legit information about it. The group decided who they wanted in, they were not open to letting other students in who probably know twice as much as they do. The group is biased towards the people who they associate with and share the same political views with. ANd from what I have heard, the so called intelligent, founder of the group was caught lighting up a cigarette in high school parking lot before school. What a great responsible leader, right? This idea was not even hers, it's just her VOLUNTEER fireman stepdad's way of conning more people into voting Lloyd into office, seeing how he is pro-firemen and against the policemen who protect us every day. Who calls the firemen when someone gets robbed, or a victim of a traffic accident. Come on people.. Use your senses.
buckeyeelo--
In the past I've gone so far as to propose a merger between the city and both Liverpool and St. Clair townships. I did so knowing that most would find it absurd. Although I don't know if you would support such a plan, I'm glad you do not think of the concept of merging as a terrible thing, as most do.
One of the great problems we have in our area is a population that refuses even to entertain new ways of thinking. Most cling to the values and ideas born from conditions that have not existed for 50 years. Clearly there is more than one way to get from point A to point B, but we must adjust our ways of thinking to the 21st century.
While merging of school districts and municipalities is not without its problems, it should be looked at. Most people around here refuse to let it enter their heads, preferring instead a conglomeration of small fiefdoms which compete with one another.
Having said that, I believe we are beginning to see glimmers of progressive thinking in our area. I only hope that it can continue.
Hey Roman Pony: This is really good…I am sure the mayor didn’t put you up to your comments, since he is always saying how he is for the children of the Ville. Why don’t you tell us who you talked to and who was with you on your spying mission? By the way you need to get the party line response right, before it was her mother who started it. Boy you people can’t even keep your lies straight. For your information, election get-togethers are the way people decides who they will vote for. Something your mayor may want to remember after he sees how the votes are piling up against him. Oh, I forgot he got the sheep pack behind him. As a closing comment, you may want to publicly apologize to the young lady, for your comments are shameful no matter what side of the fence you are on.
Way to go Italian Stallion: Call it like it is. The girl is taking lots of heat at school over this from other kids. My daughter goes to school with her, and the kids turned her in because of comments she made in the paper against a teacher and other students not caring about things that dont affect them. The Lloyd people used this girl, and she is paying a heavy price because Matt and her parents wanted a debate. They had no regard what this child might put up with. What a group of compassionate people they are. You would think the geniuses would have come up with a better name that Future Voters seeing Lloyd doesnt vote. Also, the girl in question wont even be able to vote because she wont be 18 on Election Day. It is a joke.
I would just like to know why it is that you idiots can't leave a 17 year old girl alone. She is a very intelligent responsible teenager!! Tell me that you NEVER smoked in high school or made any other mistakes. Do any of you know of the GPA this girl holds???? Bet your child's can't even touch it! Sounds like your just mad cause your child wasn't bright enough to think of it. On the point of this not being an "open" group, once it was turned down by the school it doesn't matter! She is a very strong minded person and I highly doubt she was EVER "pushed" into anything!!! Get a life and leave her ALONE!!!
I've sat back and listened to the bashing long enough. Again we have people out there who don't know what the f--k they are talking about and it comes time to set them straight. First I had nothing to do with the Future Voters that was Amanda trying to do something for the youth of Wellsville and to get credit for community service hours toward the NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY . Second I am not the one against the Police Department I have been one the biggest supporters of certain members of that department who have been wrongly accused and am not afraid to come out and say it because I DO KNOW ALL THE FACTS. Third I don't need to con anyone or bash people on blogs, and anything I write or say I am not afraid to sign my name to, unlike some who make comments and hide behind usernames because they choose to take pot shots at children because they don't know the facts.
I've Known Mayor Surace for many years and think he is a nice person and have enjoyed many conversations with him. But have never bashed him publicly or privately I might not agree with all of his decisions and choose to support another candidate but that is my right.
I would like to thank all that attended last nights meet the candidate night including Mayor Surace who was at least thoughtful enough to send someone in his absence.
Fourth as for Amanda getting caught tossing her boyfriends cigarette out of her car window on school property she was punished for it both at school and at home and is no on elses business but her mothers and the schools
And last I dare anyone to say last nights event was bias in anyway, it was moderated by a neutral party and was conducted in calm oderly fashion. I would like to ad that I am very proud of her because even with all the basshing (because she does read both local blogs) she still chose to pursue on with the event because she said: " I'm going to still do it because I am not a quitter."
Douglas A. Verzella
Okay, Babysitter. First of all, shouldn't you be in school or something? Because it is so very obvious that you are a teenage girl. You might want to get your parents' permission to get on a sight such as this. And as for the whole GPA thing, my daughter and all of her friends were at the 3.75 Banquet, so you can find something else to defend the Datri girl with. By the way, I thought it was her boyfriend's cigarette she was throwing out... At least that's what Verzella claim.
Italian Stallion--
Alright, as I stood up for myself on Ole Nib's site, I will do the same on here.
The babysitter watches my little sister and she is well over 20 years old and has 2 children of her own. So she is far from being a teenage girl.
And, it was my boyfriend's cigarette that I was throwing out my window but that's none of anyone's business but mine and my mother's like Doug has stated in a previous comment.
You should know your facts first before you comment on things you don't know anything about.
Okay, Amanda, maybe my comment about the Babysitter being a teenager was inaccurate, and I appoligize for that. But maybe it's her own fault I made that accusation because she does speak like she is thirteen years old. And as for me not having my facts straight, I would like to state that I know a little more about you than you think I do. Not for one minute do I believe that the cigarette wasn't yours. I have had words with several people who have actually seen you with it in your mouth, but enough said about that. That isn't my business, although I feel that some of the qualities that you pocess are not some that I would associate with a leader or mentor for the youth of Wellsville. Also, I find it humorous that you won't even be of age to vote for the upcoming election.
Amanda ~ Thanks so much for "comming to my rescue" but I can handle this. You are a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL and INTELLIGENT person and I commend you for your achievements.
Stallion ~ I should not have questioned the intellegence of your children because that puts me on your level. For that I apologize. For your information I am a 28 year old mother of 2 and the wife of a US soldier. I promise you I lack nothing in the knowledge department. I was unaware of the entire cigarette thing until I read it on this blog. I am in that home everyday but unlike other's I DON'T stick my nose where it CLEARLY doesn't belong!!! I really don't think it matter's whose it was anyway, she made a STUPID mistake and it's been handled. As I said before tell me you have NEVER done anything of the sort! I also can't believe that you are slamming a good thing our village, instead of the bad??? Kids are doing drugs, drinking and who knows what else and you want to point fingers and Amanda and complain that she was "pushed" into this. Trust me if you knew Amanda as I do you would know that NO ONE pushes her into anything! She is about the most bullheaded individual I know!!!! ~ Sorry Manda you know this is true!!! ~ So here's an idea, get off the computer and do something worth while instead of bashing a KID!
I know you don't lack in the knowledge dept., but coming has 1 M, and matters really isn't possesive.
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