On the back page of Section B in this morning's Review was a piece by Lucille Huston about Wellsville's Mayor Joe Surace taking the Chamber of Commerce on a "talking tour" of the village. As per usual when the Mayor and his trusty sidekick, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, start talking more questions come to mind. To me the "talking tour" sounded more like a political sound bite but hey, the rah-rah publicity was free. It was all positive.
Now lets move on the the questions that will probably be unanswered for the most part:
1. When they stopped at the light at Rt. 45 & Lisbon Street where were they? There's a stop sign there but the traffic light is long gone.
2. When mentioning the rerouting of the water line for Highland Ave. the good mayor said a new street is to be installed. Are we talking about the old dirt road street that came off Rt. 45 a little bit further up from the current street going up the side of the hill? I think that one was an access road to the the water tower. Where is the street going to be? The last time I was up there it was so congested I turned around and got out of there. With just about every family having two or more cars they do need a way to get off the hill without having to reverse their course. It's a good idea but the money it will cost in this cash strapped village worries me. How do you plan on paying for this?
3. The mayor also has visions of a small park with benches. Again I ask where? Is this going to be another grant application? Whatever happened to the Riverside project?
4. A day care center is another excellent idea. It would be a good use for the 9th Street pottery site. Since the Rev. Thompson is involved is this going to be a religious affiliated day care? If it comes to past who will own and maintain it? Who will be financially responsible for the cost of building it?
5. The Gazebo does need repairs. It would be wonderful if the Joint Vocational School would undertake the labor with their construction students. Who will pay for the materials? Has it been determined exactly what needs to be done and a cost study made for the repairs? Will it be put up for bid? When is this going to get done? We're getting close to the end of the school year. Maybe Mrs. Gates will right the wrong with the Whittacre House Stone memorial in conjunction with this project.
6. So it was ODOT that dumped the contaminated soil at 9th St. With all the shrugging of shoulders a few months ago I never was sure until today. Go get 'em Joe. Hopefully we won't have to waste money going to court to get ODOT to clean up the dirty soil and dispose of it properly. I never could fathom someone sneaking in truck loads of lead laced soil and dumping it there under the cover of darkness.
7. Why do we need a new building for Village Hall? Why, why,why? It may sound like I'm whining but it just doesn't make sense to me economically. Granted a new roof and fixing the brick work will be expensive but to me that would be more cost effective than taking on the cost of a newly constructed building. If the foundation is 100 year old stone walls it would be cheaper to shore them up with new block and support beams. McDonald School would be more expensive to repair and maintain. I'm told the roof on that building is very questionable too.
8. A company by the name of Bench Electric from Alliance finally got all the lights on Broadway working. It looks nice. What did that job cost us? With all the trucks and electricians that worked on them it had to cost a pretty penny. Are the Logans still taking on the cost of getting the fountains going? A few years ago it was told that in honor of their parents the Logans were sponsoring this project. The Logans use to live on Broadway.
9. What's coming in the way of additional murals for the flood wall? Gina Hampson has done a wonderful job with what is up there. Don't keep us in suspense. What new scenes are planned?
10. Finally the mayor said that the OEPA has zero tolerance for the coal dust being tracked out of Wellsville Terminals. I've already written and asked about the costs of a new road for the coal buckets. My question today is who is enforcing the OEPA's zero tolerance? Just yesterday I happened down that way and witnessed a loaded truck leaving there. If that sucker had been hosed down I'll eat my hat. There was no signs of water, wetness or dampness visible on that truck. I even circled around to catch the truck on Clark to double check. The driver stopped at the convenience store on 17th and his truck was dry as a bone. Could fines be issued for being in noncompliance with this policy?
All of this sounds wonderful and I would like to see it happen. A politician has to have dreams and visions for accomplishments but we taxpaying voters would like to know the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey use to say. It was reassuring to hear that all departments are staying within their budgets but what's going to become of the funding for the budgets if even half of these items see the light of day? We got to be realistic if we're going to stay the course.
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22 comments:
Nib:
As usual you hit the nail on the head with each issue. If you believe this Mayor (if we have to call him that) has any intentions of doing anything in an upfront and unquestionable nature I wouldn’t hold my breath. But, I don’t believe that will be the case based on his highness’s track record.
Wanted to mention one thing. He (the almighty, said last year the barrels would be decreased significantly. To date, after he made his comment, a Saturday has not been missed. This year, albeit the cold weather, they have started again with a vengeance. My opinion is that this man cannot be trusted and most certainly not entrusted with the highest office in the Ville. It is truly sad that no one is running against him. Very sad!
Surace is taking credit for everything that other people have accomplished during his administration. He had nothing to do with anything that he's taking credit for, the flood wall murals, the new road going in on Port Authority property, the liquid coal plant, the list goes on. When are the people of Wellsville going to wake up and out this guy??
Walrus: It is unfortunate but true that everything you say is accurate. Unfortunate also in the reality that he will be around for another term, unless he get so bold and careless that there is no alternative but to let the outside forces remove him. Based on some of his actions he may be sliding down that slippery slope. Fingers crossed!
Who will run against surace? I think it is a decent job to have. It will pay $20,000 a year, plus you get the mayormobile!
It's interesting to think that there are people among us who actually believe $20,000. a year is a good wage.
Talia: Keep in mind when you talk about what is a good salary and what is not that everything is relative. And in this case I believe $20K for this man (not this position, mind you) is very high in the dollars scheme.
It doesn't matter who holds the office of mayor or any office or position in this town.
There is always going to be constant bitchers/complainers!
Why is it that so many people are trying to belittle this current administration?
I have lived my entire life in this town and this is the worst I have ever seen so much backlash!
For pete's sake,the town is now out of fiscal emergency,it seems like the port authority is going to get the plant in,the mural's look beautiful,council and the mayor are trying their best to see where monies are going to be best well spent.Granted,mistakes or mis-calculations along the way,but not everyone makes the perfect decisions at all times.
And it has taken this mayor and this council to see that these projects come to light.
The police dept. are doing what they can to control drug and crimes in this town with what little they have to work with.
You have a handful of individuals who are trying to take care of the cat and dog problems in this town ,all on their own and I appreciate their concern and care.
We have churches and people donating their own time to help paint much needed houses because the homeowners do not have the money to do it on their own.
Sewage lines are being replaced,the Broadway Park is heading back to the beautiful park it once was. Council is going to try and apply for sidewalk grants once more.
I understand clearly that the ole' Ville is not the booming town it once was many years ago,but give these people a chance. They are trying. We don't have a hell of alot to work with since this town consist mostly of retired/senior citizens and poverty level income homes.
The jobs are no longer here and the kids are moving away from here to seek descent employment,which makes common sense.
But,I don't see this bleak picture. I see a town that is trying to revive itself and it sure the hell isn't going to happen overnight.
As far as the mayor's salary,I have to laugh! Would you take on his postion for that wage? I doubt it! And that mayor puts in more hours in that office than any sitting mayor that I can remember.
He will also respond to and take the time to personally listen to anyone and try his best to work with you.
He might not be Einstein or have the best speaking abilities,but I feel his heart is for and behind this town. He has not written this town off!
Sure it is an election year and sure you will see and hear more from him,but that is politics. If you or anyone else were in a political postion,wouldn't you be pounding the pavement as well?
I don't want to vote for someone that is not heard of or seen.That's not saying I am voting for him. But I do like to see and hear from the candidates.
If anyone else out there that knows of someone who would like to try and fill his shoes or any council person's chair,then run. Stop bitching or at least try and work with the community and not against it!
Wellsville has too many cry babies and whiner's and back stabbers and where the hell is that getting us? Nowhere!
For crying out loud people, stop the behind the scenes bitching and name calling and show your faces and speak your voices. You might be surprised how much better this town would fair if people tried working together instead of working against the people that were "elected" to do their jobs.
Things don't happen over night and not everyone is going to be pleased with people and what is or isn't being done. That's just part of life.
It is so nice when the town has it's All-Class Reunion. There seems to be so much love in the air and people seem so happy to be together and talk of the nice things and nice people that are still around here. There is an aura of tranquility and peace.
I think it can be like this year round if everyone would just try and pull together as a team and work together,look for a brighter outlook for this community instead of seeing it for it's faults and the people who are holding office as assholes and thieves.
Don't judge a book by it's cover. Read the content inside first. Then if you don't like what you have read,then take a positive step forward and do something about it.
If you think "his highness" cannot be trusted,then I'd say run against him. Same goes with council. Do we need to wipe the slate clean? Will it be better for the town if we had all new faces in there? And all new police officers as well?
I guess the only way to find that out is to get out and speak up,voice your opinions,concerns,and find someone you feel who can be fully trusted to run this town. Until then,we have to settle for what we have. He may not be the best person in every individuals eyes at the time,but I have seen worse and have seen this village in worse shape.
Go to the council meetings if you haven't done so. Speak up,come up with ideas. I'm sure that people are going to butt heads and say a few choice words and probably want to punch someone in the face,but if you want change for the good and feel we are being railroaded by this administration,then don't sit in the background people,get out there and be heard. If you have some ideas or complaints,get out there and lay them on the plate.If you don't like what is put on that plate,then do something about it.
I'd donate my time to fix up the gazebo, I want to see McGraw's sidewalk put back in at their expense and not the village's.
I bitch about the potholes and snow removal;I am not happy with everything that is or isn't being done for this town,but I sure am not afraid to voice my opinion in a professional manner. We may not always get what we want,but I think if we would all try and work together,we would get some things done. That would be better than nothing!
And don't forget,Wellsville isn't sitting on a mountain of money. We have to do with what we have for the time being. We have to hope for the better of this village and by sitting back and bitching,well,it ain't getting us anywhere!
Okay Wiz and Ole' Nib,let me have it! lol I try to be neutral and look at the glass half full! lol and give people the benefit of the doubt....that's just me!....and my opinion!!!!
Can someone clarify for me, is this mayor actually taking credit away from deserving people? Or is he taking pride in the accomplishments throughout the village in general? The barrels do get annoying, but I figure if I toss in a dollar in the barrel they might not end up at my door step selling something that costs more.
Talia:
As to your two questions, each person will have to figure those answers for themselves.
As for your other statement about the barrels, that you would rather put a dollar in rather then spending more if someone came to your door. I believe you lost sight of the issue....1st the barrels do nothing except project a picture of welfare (no work needed, just beg), 2nd door-to-doors sales I thought were not permitted unless approved by the Ville (I know there were signs up to that effect in the past) so your concerns are without merit on this point, but the 3rd and the major reason why they should not be permitted, except for very rare causes is the danger associated with them. If you look into the situation I believe you will find many more "ash" trucks on Saturdays than any other day of the week rounding the turn at the bottom of "45". As an ending note, if you don't believe that this causes people to avoid the "ville" you are mistaken, it does. As always, just my opinion!
These "begging barrels" have been going on long before this administration. Has anyone ever addressed council about their concerns with the barrels? Or is this just one of the latest bitches thrown at this current administration?
I believe the administration has in plan to have the barrels located at the street lights located in town at 9th and 5th and Main.So he has taken some serious thought and consideration into this long term problem that could very well end up into a tragedy.
Yes,the dump trucks are very dangerous as well as dirty. I hope for all purposes they do build a road from the terminal to re-route these trucks and make it safer and cleaner. That,too has been brought up on the table.
We all just have to hope for what is and will be for the best for this community.
I get disqusted at times over these barrels being up constantly on Saturdays. But,I would much rather throw in a buck or two in to help the schools and charities,because I feel it is money being donated to good causes.
However,they do need to be located in safer places.
I feel that since this issue has been brought to the mayor's and council's attention,they will be relocated and not over-abused.
What would "rare causes" be for the need of these barrels? The school system[sports],KofC,Shriners,? Who would be eliminated from these "begging barrels"? I wouldn't want to be the person to have to pick and chose,they all seem like worthy causes to me.
If you don't want to donate,then don't. I've yet to be called a jerk or asshole by not donating. If you feel intimidated by these people at the barrels,let the police dept. or council and the mayor deal with it.
People or organizations with that kind of an attitude don't belong there in the first place!
I sure do miss the old days..."Tag Days" when the students went door to door. It would be much nicer to have that back again and it would be more deserving of a donation since the kids are actually putting some physical effort behind their cause for the monies.
Times have changed and noone can stop "change",it's part of living. However,things can be put into place to make things safer for all involved. Safety is a major concern for all.
If the schools and the other organizations aren't going to except the change like being re-located,then evidentally they don't care about their own safety as well as others or as far as that goes,their reason for asking for donations in the first place.
Let's see what the administration is going to do and see if they follow through with the plans.....makes sense to me!!!!
Teamplayer: I was in the process of answering your statements made in your Apr 21, 9:18 response but when I read your comment of Apr 22, @ 8:26 am I wanted to get that response out of the way so here goes on the issue of the “beggers”. In the 1st place you wouldn’t be nor would you expected to make the decision as to who goes and who doesn’t. That would be the mayor job with the recommendation of the Council. At least that is the way it should work! Whether or not this issue has been going on before this administration took over is a mute issue. The point is, if the Mayor was connected to the ville as you say he is and looking out for it’s best interest then the issue should have already been taken care, without the need for someone like me to complain about it. As with all leaders positions, especially in government, the safety of all persons the position is responsible for is paramount importance. In this matter that would be all residents of the Ville. So Teamplayer, let me make sure I understand your position of the situation and that would be to accept it a just a “change” we have to accept. Well, I for one do not accept that. I believe our young people are worth more than just learning to “beg”!
Well your preamble in your Apr 21, 9:18 response was very interesting and truly a masterful “pie in the sky” approach. Much more so than “a glass half full approach. Is this to say that I disagree with you…..not in the least, just that the “highness” is not what you paint him to be. Let me try to explain.
You said “It doesn't matter who holds the office of mayor and that there is always going to be constant bitchers/complainers! This statement is true and actually the way it should be, especially when it is justified. You then said “why is it that so many people are trying to belittle this current administration“ I guess it is because that is the way people feel. Permit me to provide my own reason for my dislike of this person: (1) he (the mayor) said they would look into the Barrel days…..to date zip! (2) he (the mayor) said 9th street pottery was going to be completed….zip to date (over 1 year)! (3) he said there would be a Riverfront park…to date zip and no explanation as to any status if any. No forethought as to what the visitors would do after their walking tour and I could go on and on and on…..
You said “the town is now out of fiscal emergency“. To be honest about this issue the credit for this should be given to the prior administration, not this one. You may want to verify this. You said “it seems like the port authority is going to get the plant in”. I along with a lot of others are hopeful you are correct, but I seem to recall we thought we were going to have other business also. No credit should be taken by anyone at this stage of the game, I would think. You said “the mural's look beautiful,“ this is true, however, as you are aware he (the mayor) had nothing to do with this as all private parties funded this project. You said “council and the mayor are trying their best to see where monies are going to be best well spent“. I agree with the Council portion, however, sorry but as I recall the park at the other end of town (between Maple and Lincoln) I believe he (the mayor) acknowledged his error in this . For me personally it isn’t a matter of mistakes or miscalculations along the way, but rather the dishonest approach that seems to be a part of his (the mayor) makeup.
Kudos should, as you said, be given to those persons/organizations you mentioned (the cat and dog problems, Broadway Park, painting much needed houses but keep in mind we were talking about him (the mayor) as far as I know he (the mayor) has nothing to do with these endeavors. As far as the sewage lines and sidewalk grants this not only should have been done but nothing he (the mayor) should be taking credit for, especially since they haven’t happened as yet and maybe since the people are footing the bill maybe that is where the credit should be directed..
You said “give these people a chance. They are trying”. How many chances are you proposing?
You said “would you take on his position for that wage?” As I responded to Talia, it is not the position but the person! You said “the mayor puts in more hours, he will also respond and take the time to personally listen to anyone.” I want to remind you this is a salaried position and therefore the amount of time required is not an issue. You said “he might not be Einstein or have the best speaking abilities, but you feel his heart is for and behind this town. He has not written this town off!” I totally agree he (the mayor) is not an Einstein nor are his (the mayor) other abilities the best, but as far as knowing what is in his heart most of the time I find it difficult to know what he does believe or stand for.
You said “If you or anyone else were in a political position wouldn't you be pounding the pavement as well?” My response is “no, not if I was the only candidate!
You said “at least try and work with the community and not against it!” If you haven’t realized it that is exactly what is transpiring on this blog site. Why else would people even take the time to write and respond to blogs such as this? You also said “Things don't happen over night and not everyone is going to be pleased.” You don’t really believe that we are not aware of this, do you? All we are asking is to be kept informed prior to the fact and I might add if this approach was taken you might be surprised the number of people who would support some of the decisions being made!
You said “And don't forget, Wellsville isn't sitting on a mountain of money.” First of all, if they don’t have enough money they should be discussing it with the residents and coming up with a plan to have more. That is what you do when you are in charge and trying to do your best for the “Ville”. Having said that, I wouldn’t want be the one to tell the residents that their taxes are too low and that they should be putting more in the pot. But if that is the case, so be it.
You said “Don't judge a book by it's cover.” In the case of him (the mayor) maybe you would not like the contents of the book if the whole of the book was known. I don’t know, but only react to what I see, hear and read. Let me give you an example…..if you make something happen that you know will please most everyone but you neglect to provide a complete open book for all to see…… the question becomes….are you being honest or playing the people for fools. Let me expound, the street project currently taking place on Lincoln. Great project, especially for those residents of that street, but why was this street picked? When was the job advertised and where was it posted? Who were all the bidders? What were the other bids prices? Why am I saying all of this? Well the episode that recently took place with the structure at the picnic area, I would think most everyone would want to know how their money is being spent. Another thing…why is it with this administration we see so many contractor not only out of the area, but in most cases out of the county? Just curious!
You said “you try to be neutral and look at the glass half full!” I am sure you want and hope everything will turn out great for the “Ville”. I know I do! However, I’m sorry to inform you that if you don’t have people who are critical in their thinking of anyone responsible for the people money and welfare you could end up with a situation like Traficant had going.
Of course these thoughts are my own as well as my own opinions!
Yes, Wiz, point taken, your right about the barrels (value of earning vs begging & safety). Following the discussion between Teamplayer and yourself, I think that the biggest way to make an impact on what is or isn't happening in the ville can be accomplished by attending council meetings and speaking up. Unfortunately the the attendance is low. The administration and council may be in leadership positions, but the residents can play a major role in making things happen by being heard and being persistant. Maybe a good question is. "how many people actually go to council meetings and voice their concerns?" If a person is unhappy about something, but it never goes any further than a website site discussion certainly nothing will change. Personally I think most politicians make a lot of promises (well intended at the time), but when when push comes to shove most are unable to meet all of their objectives. Perhaps the answer rests in choosing attainable goals and following through.
The barrel begging is something every Wellsville person should be ashamed of. I talk to people all over the county and they make fun of us for it. We are Beggarville and Shaketown. Council and the mayor do nothing about it because they get a cut. The biggest begger of all is Surace. The mayor of Wellsville is the only job he can get, no one else will hire him.
I don't see why the barrels are such a big deal. If you don't wanna give, don't give. I think Wellsville people are generous in giving what they can. We may not have everything, but we contribute what we can afford to what we deem worthy. People can call Wellsville what they want. We support our school levies and have very nice facilities. Beaver Local schools are in terrible shape. The people can't afford to pass a levy to build new schools. Calcutta has begging every weekend too, it is at Wal-Mart.
Also, why would you call Surace a begger? He works everyday. He didn't beg for anything that i'm aware of. (unless he borrowed the keys to the mayormobile)
Talia, I don't think council and the mayor have made sure money is "well spent" when they allowed $10,000 to be spent on building a pavilion when Village Hall is falling down around them and the gazebo, which highlights your main street, is in desperate need of repair. That was a very poor decision on the mayor's part.
I find it interesting you say you do your complaining in a "professional" manner yet you post anonymously (or at least without a last name). I also wonder, when you encourage people to attend council meetings, if you do the same?
I agree there is entirely too much backstabbing and complaining about Wellsville without anyone offering any constructive solutions. I have said in the past (on Matt's site when Wellsville-bashing was common) that people get the government they deserve.
By not running for office themselves or at least stepping up and being heard during council meetings, people get what they deserve.
'nuff said.
Wow, I seemed to hit on a nerve or two with this piece. I've read and appreciate all your comments and participation. When I started 'thevilleview" I was hoping to find a forum for us ville folks to exchange ideas, especially if the subject pertains to our fair village.
Although I tend to be sarcastic and skeptical I didn't intend to crucify Joe Surace with this piece. My biggest concern was how are we, as Wellsville taxpayers, going to accomplish all these things especially since we got out of fiscal emergency not so long ago. Money is tight all over and more so in the ville with our lack of industrial tax base.
It's an election year and the mayor found an outlet to share with us some of his ideas. In a way I was calling him out. Truth be known I like a lot of his ideas that we went over in this piece. I am just being that thorn in the mayor's side to remind him it takes money for these ideas to come about and we're not exactly rolling in dough. There's been some rough spots with this administration but I think they have learned from their mistakes. True, we are not getting all the story but then for the most part we only hear what is reported in The Review. Maybe all the questions that need answered to keep us informed are not getting asked. Maybe Joe should think about getting a press release person to help in this area.
There are a lot of gray areas in life. As "teamplayer" indicated nothing is certain but change. Wiz touched on the safety aspect of the barrel beggers and that should be seriously looked at. I usually chip in a buck when I pass them. They are all soliciting for good causes. Maybe there is a better way. There's still hope for change there.
I seem to recall the Riverside walk project fell through last year because all the grant money we were going after had already been allocated. Didn't the Carmichael sisters say they were going to try again this year?
I'm rambling so I'll wrap this up with saying that the mark of a good mayor, or leader, is the ability to get good people to work with you and for you. If something happens during the mayor's term of office then there is nothing wrong with saying that this or that got accomplished while he was mayor. He may not have physically accomplished it himself but it was done while he was in office. The process may have already been started but it came about while he was in office.
In response to Devil's Playmate, I do attend council meetings when I can. When I take a stand on something my first and last name are are in print (sometimes misquoted, but there). The timing of the pavillion was disturbing to me, but now that it's done I hope the children will both enjoy and respect it.
My understanding about the riverwalk is that the entire Revitalization committee is continuing to work on getting the funding for the project. They have much to be proud of.
I think the Mayor has done a decent job, it's a thankless job anyway. Nobody is perfect but things do seems to be improving in town, and it's not due to any one person, there are plenty of people that have worked hard to get things improved around here.
Wellsville could be worse, we could be East End.
Snake, that's an unfair pot shot at East End, where many prominent people still live and where there are still many viable, beautiful homes.
Not to mention, were you aware that the majority of the city's business is located in the East End?
There are some bad neighborhoods in East End, but to discount the entire area is not fair.
It maybe unfair but I'm not afraid to be anywhere in Wellsville, but I sure lock my doors and roll up my windows whenever I get the redlight near Gina's Drive Thru. It's not Mayberry around there!
WIZ as always you have it wrong it counsils decision on who goes and who stays this is a village where it is ran by council if we were a city it would be ran by the mayor CHECK YOUR FACTS BEFORE YOU WRITE IT MAKES YOU LOOK STUPID
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