Whip it out
by M. Stewart
Like many of you, I read today's Lisbon Morning Journal story about the conflict between county Commissioner Mike Halleck and Common Pleas Judge C. Ashley Pike with great interest.
Let me start by saying that I have immense respect for Judge Pike and not so much for Mike Halleck, who is one of our more brazen local politicians. But hey, the guy got East Liverpool a downpayment on its Buckeye Water bill, so he ain't all that bad.
Aside from yet another demonstration of Republican incivility, the specifics of the argument are not important to county citizens. It's clearly not about courthouse security. Instead, it's just a pissing match instigated by Halleck, who apparently has it out for Pike.
Perhaps the most telling moment came when Halleck said to Pike, "What can we do to please you? We're not going to come up and kiss your ring" (Morning Journal). The comment reveals that Halleck sees the issue merely as a power play, and the contempt is obvious. Halleck even attempted to isolate Pike by claiming that he's had no problems with other judges in the county. The sheer narcissism of the comment is stunning.
I also enjoyed the part about the "scruffy looking man" Commissioner Jim Hoppel said he spotted in the courthouse one day. Hoppel used the "incident" as an example of lax security at the courthouse. I like Jim Hoppel and have always supported him in the voting booth, but man o man, Jim, what are you doing? Stay out of this business. Besides, "scruffy looking" describes a whole lot of people in these parts. I'm kind of scruffy looking myself, and so are some of my friends.
Whatever sparked this feud, it provides some local political theater for summer newspaper readers. We're all waiting for the next installment. Could it be Republican payback for Pike's ruling in favor of East Liverpool in the Buckeye Water case? Will Commissioner Halleck tell the judge to go fuck himself at the Spread Eagle Tavern, sparking a drunken brawl? Will the public back Pike or Halleck? Will people bet money on a winner?
As the Chinese might say: Halleck throw down on Pike, but he who wield bigger sword win.
Like many of you, I read today's Lisbon Morning Journal story about the conflict between county Commissioner Mike Halleck and Common Pleas Judge C. Ashley Pike with great interest.
Let me start by saying that I have immense respect for Judge Pike and not so much for Mike Halleck, who is one of our more brazen local politicians. But hey, the guy got East Liverpool a downpayment on its Buckeye Water bill, so he ain't all that bad.
Aside from yet another demonstration of Republican incivility, the specifics of the argument are not important to county citizens. It's clearly not about courthouse security. Instead, it's just a pissing match instigated by Halleck, who apparently has it out for Pike.
Perhaps the most telling moment came when Halleck said to Pike, "What can we do to please you? We're not going to come up and kiss your ring" (Morning Journal). The comment reveals that Halleck sees the issue merely as a power play, and the contempt is obvious. Halleck even attempted to isolate Pike by claiming that he's had no problems with other judges in the county. The sheer narcissism of the comment is stunning.
I also enjoyed the part about the "scruffy looking man" Commissioner Jim Hoppel said he spotted in the courthouse one day. Hoppel used the "incident" as an example of lax security at the courthouse. I like Jim Hoppel and have always supported him in the voting booth, but man o man, Jim, what are you doing? Stay out of this business. Besides, "scruffy looking" describes a whole lot of people in these parts. I'm kind of scruffy looking myself, and so are some of my friends.
Whatever sparked this feud, it provides some local political theater for summer newspaper readers. We're all waiting for the next installment. Could it be Republican payback for Pike's ruling in favor of East Liverpool in the Buckeye Water case? Will Commissioner Halleck tell the judge to go fuck himself at the Spread Eagle Tavern, sparking a drunken brawl? Will the public back Pike or Halleck? Will people bet money on a winner?
As the Chinese might say: Halleck throw down on Pike, but he who wield bigger sword win.
posted by M. | 11:01 AM
7 Comments:
What was that you all said about health care costs not going up under ObamaCare?
I'll bet on Pike as long as he doesn't walk away to avoid more media attention. If he takes it to the end he will win.
Halleck is a pitbull, once he puts his bite on you he won't let go.
Lisbon--
You make a good point. Judge Pike very well could decide that this battle isn't worth fighting. After all, does it really matter who manages security in the courthouse? More public mudslinging makes everybody look ridiculous.
djr--
I agree that Mr. Halleck is more likely to push the issue and stay engaged.
I wonder who would win in a fight.
Just build PIKE his own courthouse, then he can rule it as he sees fit. We have plenty of money.
Only one problem, when we move all the courtrooms out of the old courthouse what are we going to call it?
Talk to anybody who works in the courthouse and they'll tell you about Mike Halleck. The people of Columbiana County deserve what they are getting.
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