In Sunday's The Review there was a letter written by Holly Smith Jr. of Loganville,Georgia. Miss Smith said she was a "marshal" in Georgia although she didn't specify what type of marshal. We can only presume she is in law enforcement. Do they call police people marshals in Georgia? I don't know nor do I know if she is a native of the ville.
In her letter she made comments on the appearance of our fair village with the over grown weeds and how this appearance could be discouraging for new business to locate here. She was also critical of our village officials for not using law offenders as free labor to clean up some of the areas in need of attention. What she did not mention or failed to take into consideration was the economics of not only our village but also that of the whole area.
If memory serves me correctly council and our mayor considered using law offenders as free labor but it was tabled because of the liability insurance issue. Also it would take away from our established labor pool such as village employees. Someone would have to supervise these indentured laborers which would take them away from their regular jobs. In short it would cost money to go this route.
I don't know Miss Smith but she could be too young to remember what life was like back when the steel mills, potteries and brickyards were booming in the area. Although we're going back years, in those days people had money to support local businesses. They bought cars. They bought houses and lawn mowers and other implements to spruce up their properties. That was back in the days when local businesses - the mom & pop stores - were our only choice. There wasn't a Wal-Mart underpricing every little speciality store in the area putting them out of business.
Considering all we've been through over the years I think we have done fairly well to maintain what we have left. Overall the appearance of the ville is in darn good shape for the budgets we are working with. Yea, there is room for improvement and that will come in time when we have money to pay for it. Our industrial base in the local area is next to nothing but we are expecting big things in the near future. The downward cycle is about to take a swing upward for our area economics. Miss Smith must have overlooked the contributing factors in her short sighted comments to the editor. I see Loganville is a suburb of Atlanta. Wouldn't it be nice to be in that economic base. I guess Miss Smith came to town to kick us around a bit and play up the way things are much better where she's living. They may be better down that way but it ain't home.
ole nib
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Old nib: When I read your blog I was somewhat taken back for you have, in the past, usually nailed issues on the head. In this instant, I think you may have missed the point. I also read the article to which you referred. However, I read it from a very different perspective. First, what I read was a native who had good memories of maybe where she was raised and sadness as to what has happened. I thought, when reading, she was offering not criticism but what she thought might help. For example, how would she know about an issue being tabled? Having said that, I would questioned if this was still true about the insurance issue? I also don’t see how it would cost more money as you would have 5 maybe 8 people doing the work what that one paid person who was supervising them would have been doing. In my mind, the Ville would be getting 4 to 7 the amount of work being done for the same money. Second, the ability to welcome others insights especially those not seeing what we see everyday should be welcomed. You know the old saying “sometimes one can’t see the forest for the trees”. This saying is especially true for a number of the residents of the Ville. Just look at some the yards or the dilapidated houses around the Ville. Third, If the Ville is to dwell on the past, “the way it was”, it will never move forward. Her comments about the ville’s appearance about possibly discouraging for new business to locate here probably could not be a truer observance. You make it sound as if the residents of the Ville did not have money to spend because of a lack of jobs. However, you said it yourself; the residents are spending money at Wal-Mart, etc. I believe maybe, just maybe, if we had those stores, not the size as Wal-Mart of course, within the Ville the residents would support them. In any case, it starts with businesses wanting to enter an area they feel has potential not one who does not have pride in their appearance. In addition, as for what the ville looks like based on the money available, I would remind you all of the improvements made by the ville were either made in the past twelve months or by generous volunteers. Little if any projects were accomplished in the first three years of this administration. This has not helped. In closing, I would just like to see the ordinances, in place, enforced. Maybe then the Hollys coming home to the Ville would not feel as we have so obliviously made her feel.
This was just some "brilliant strategy" trying to make the mayor look bad. They didn't want to sign their own name so they got someone from out of town. It backfired on them because it just seemed to piss people off.
Wow, the mayor's people sure are paranoid these days! It's easy to show how full of it "anonymous" is. The Review does not print any letter to the editor until the writer is contacted and their identity is verified. Claiming that it was a phony letter planted by someone who wants to make the mayor look bad is absurd. It is doubly absurd when a commenter who refuses to sign his/her own name on this blog claims that the person who wrote the Review letter "didn't want to sign [her] own name," especially when she did sign her own name. How fundamentally stupid can you get?
This is ultimately the problem with Surace supporters. They make fools of themselves and their candidate every time they open their mouths or type a comment. Under the circumstances, they have good reason to be paranoid.
Matt,
Since you're so interested in Wellsville politics...You should move to Wellsville! An educated person such as yourself would be a welcome addition to our community.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Wiz & I read the same letter and came away with two different interpretations. When I read her letter I felt she was not considering how everything came about to get where we are today. I'm not dwelling in the past. Quite the contrary, I'm very much looking toward the future.
Also, I have not endorsed either of the mayoral candidates and I plan to do that somewhere down the road. I'm waiting to see what developes. This is the most quiet campaign I've seen. It seems Lloyd is doing all his campaigning on the internet. His web page recently announced they aren't going to spend any money on signs and things of that nature. Surace came out with the discount card and a statement on the Alumni web site. Other than that he has been extremely quiet. Other people have already drawn their line in the sand and picked their candidate. We'll see. Has anyone heard any more about whether or not they are still going to hold the Meet-the-Candidate night at the Alumni Center? It's the same night as the MJ/Channel 27 scehduled debate in Lisbon. I think both candidates will get more exporsure if they went to Lisbon. As the Wiz use to say, of course, that is just my opinion.
Just wanted to jump in for a sec and correct something.
Lloyd did not say he wasn't going to spend any money on signs. What he said was, "...decided not to spend senseless amounts of money on too many campaign ads, fancy billboards with pictures of the candidate, or anything that simply gets Dave's 'name' out."
I have been reading these posts of everyone and everything that has to do with wellsville.. Seems that Wellsville is the target, Well at least thats where it starts, then its on to the mayor bash.. never been to a bash like that but all of you anonymous people seem to have a ball while there.. I wasnt going to post anythnig in reply but I just couldnt stand it any longer. First of all,,, everyone that post here act like we are some sort of oddity to society. Look around you,, Every town in every state all accross the US has the same sort of problems. No matter who is running things there will always be someone there to complain about WHAT they think is worng. You cant please everyone all the time.. But some ,, ok lets be honest most of you here hate Joe Surace and anyone associated to him. But what is funny is almost no one has the nerve to post their real name anywhere. Why is that? hmmm.. I have heard that some people worry about what might happen to them.. Come on.. Whatever your reason. My thinking is if I have something to say. I want you to know who said it. I realize the ability to post anonymously allows users to say what is on their mind without worry about ANYTHING.. Well most of you seem to be older, at least at seems, so it all goes back to if you cant say something to someones face then say nothing at all. Now I apparently have alot of haters myself, but thats ok. I can respond and argue with the best of you/them....You all seem to think that all of the problems here in Wellsville are the cause of the mayor, police chief, and so on.. I feel that we all contribute to everything or nothing. I know that this is election time and the smear campains or running wild, but if everyone would stop worrying so much about the little things that people do and making posts about things that are so totally stupid, yes im talking about the prescription card,,, come on people, do you actually hate this man that much? Then why not post your name and deal with it like an adult and stop hiding behind the anonymous posts.. Im only saying this because I see these posts everyday and if you truly cared about your village then you wouldnt worry about who know about you posting whatever. .you would stand up for what you beleive in and say hey this is how I feel about this.. But no one does that.. I am sure I am going to take some fire for this and some of you wil llook for some dirt and hell might even find some. I dont care..So until next time. .Just think about what Ive said
Matt has nothing to do with the Ville but for some odd reason he has launched his own campaign against our Mayor. Why not sticking to the Liverpool politics. I fear for my life every time I drive thru there at night. It's like a freakin parade at all hours of the night. Only most of these in the parade are on foot. I lock my door everytime I have to stop by and look the other way at the druggies on their steps or porch or in the road. The police dept has their share of dirty cops and same goes for the fire dept. Mayor Swogger has his faults as do the council. If we were only as perfect as you..
Mr. Brown,
Some of what you say is true and I believe every town has it's problems. But I have to ask you sir, do you live in Wellsville and how long have you lived here? As a life long resident and that's plenty of years, I can say this is the worse that I have seen things. I have heard from family and friends and even friends of the mayor, that they will not speak out because of fear of retaliation. Our police department has become the laughing stock of the Tri-State area and it is because of a mayor who will not use his authority and take control of situations that are spinning out of control. In regards to the prescription savings card, it's a gimmick on the mayor's behalf. I'm not saying the card is bad nor was it a bad idea, but I would have believed in the mayor's sincerity if he hadn't put his official picture on it. Just because you don't support a candidate doesn't mean you hate them and just because the majority of citizens are displeased with his administration and the problems plaguing village hall, doesn't mean we hate the man. I hate what he has done or the lack thereof, but I do not hate the man.
Leona Moore
Bravo!
That really sums up about everything that I could have written if I knew how to put things into words a little better. I do not hat Joe either, but it's time for some new people in village hall.
Why is it that some people have so much trouble with my interest in Wellsville? I covered the village for six years for the newspapers and have many friends and associates there. It's an interesting town with an active political scene. I have in the past and continue to lend my time and expertise to groups there. I patronize Wellsville businesses and enjoy seeing my old friends when I'm in town.
I guess it's just good old-fashion Wellsville clannishness that leads people to say things like, "Stay in your own town."
Also, Viller's claim that she fears for her life when driving through Liverpool at night is just plain silly. I live in Liverpool and I have no fear WALKING the streets at night, let alone driving. These kinds of ridiculous statements are why we have so much trouble with progress and cooperation in this area. Provincialism, clannishness, irrational fear--these are not admirable characteristics.
The Future Voters of Wellsville are looking into changing their date. The debate in Lisbon is important and hopefully, a few of the group's members will be able to attend to see how the debate process works. I will let everyone know when the date has been rescheduled.
People need to know that the members of Future Voters of Wellsville are not only interested in the mayoral race but also Council seats and three bond issues that will also be on the ballot in November.
I appreciate you posting ...along with your name, I do live in Wellsville. and have for a few years now. and have lived here for a few years back sometime.. Does that make me an expert of the town. no way.. but the same things go on in East Liverpool too. just look at how much heat J Swogger takes. I know of a few people that used to tear him apart, I didnt agree with any of that but I dont control what people say or do either.. But one thing I have to say is at least they werent afraid of letting you know that THEY were saying it. I guess that is my biggest problem. Not that you haTe the mayor or me or anyone else for that matter... The way I see it is that we have someone leading a pack of wolves... Sorry but the minute any story comes up, with anything about wellsville,, it starts....I rarely hear anything about the good things that people are doing.. and if the owners of the blogs do post something good either it doesnt get too many replies or someone seems to be able to twist it... So why is that?
Have nothing better to talk about then the Mayor? there are plenty of things to talk about.. come on guys give something fresh and new and see how that goes.. People talk about how bad the review is and the new is nothing NEW... but I see the same thing here.. Dont get me wrong I have read some stories here and at Matts site that have been good reading. but someone always has to ruin the story with a remark about how bad it is in wellsville and who caused it all.. I find it hard to beleive that ONE man is the downfall of Wellsville, and If Dave LLoyd is elected the merry times are jsut around the corner... Im not here to stand up for anyone or anything. I just see alot of finger pointers everyday posting here but yet are to afraid to post your name... and for fear of retaliation,,,thats an excuse...waht are you afraid will happen..And what I meant to come across on the whole prescription card thing s was that "WHO CARES" i mean really,, whether it was a gimmick or whatever. how did it affect anyone other than give you all something to complain about.. that is so petty...for those of you that do post who you are.. great job.. you are the few.
TBrown
T Brown: you say you don’t control what people say but isn’t that exactly what you are trying to do by suggesting what they write. In other words, are you suggesting you only want to read positive aspects of any given subject? For you or anyone to suggest that there is hate speech going on this or Matt’s Blog is ludicrous. Are their strong opinions, on both sides, you bet! But hate I believe is a false opinion. In addition, I have to disagree with you as to all the blogs being about bad things. Evidently, you have just recently started reading the sites. For example, this site of "old nibs" is loaded with good, feel good blogs. If you look into Matt’s archives, I believe you will find the same. For what it is worth, all blogs are intended to start a debate, which, of course, will culminate into different view as well as varying degrees of emotions. As to your opinion regarding people signing their own names, I believe you will be hard pressed to find a blog that operates in that manner. Why is this? In my opinion, it permits people to voice their true opinions without fear of reprisal but not the type you referred to. When you state “isn’t there any better subjects to talk about other than the mayor, may I remind you there is an election coming up and that evidently there is a lot of interest in who will lead the ville for the next four years. Again, everyone has an opinion and everyone should be able to express theirs in the way they see best. When you say that you cannot believe that one man can be the downfall of Wellsville what you have just done was express your opinion. Please try to bear with those who do not share you thinking. When you mention the prescription card issue and your comment WHO CARES, well I believe everyone in the ville should care. The reason being, the mayor has never answered the following: who has access to the card, what was his intent behind getting the cards, what is the reasoning behind having his picture on the card, why at this time, why did he pick this one company out of the 5,200,000 providers available, why did he have them issue in the manner in which he has, when does he intend to offer them officially to all residents of the ville and how does he intend to advertise so all residents are included? These questions are not, nor ever have been, based on hate. Just information residents of the ville are entitled to know.
I never intended to control what people say or how they say it.. You say a debate. These blogs that I have read for a long time now have never been about a debate. I agree that some of the posts that Ole Nib and Matt have put on these blogs have been in good reading, As I jsut said in my earlier post. But someone always has to turn even them into a bad thing start with the mud slinging.. Ok an election coming up I give you that. but what about all the previous months before. or was that jsut prep work for the upcoming election. Im not trying to ruffle any feathers here jsut stating what I see. I see alot of angry people for some reason most of the time. And yes that is your right and everyone has a right to "their" opinion. Ive had things said about me on these forums and without any research or to even ask me the facts before posting. and yes that was from "OLE NIB" and I didnt see that as a "feel good" post but based only only speculation. Now as far as posting anonymous. again that is your right. Im not trying to say that you HAVE to post your name, maybe just my opinion getting the best of me again. But I feel that if you have something to say about someone then you should at least give that person enough respect to post your name. This makes me think of school kids who talk behind each others backs but face to face they are just fine. I think we are all above that.. I try not to say anything about anyone that I cannot say to their face. Now matt I have to say that you dont care who knows what you say, I give that to you. But I do have to agree with some others that it does come across that you do have it in for the mayor for some reason that we will probably never know. And you seem to know just the right buttons to push and how to right your columns as to lead the conversation. Not saying anything bad about your writing abilities. Trust me I know NOTHING about writing, OR journalism for that matter.. But i can read. If everyone that comes to these forums would put just as much energy into doing something about what they are complaining about, you might get somewhere. Are you right or wrong .. thats not for me or anyone else to decide. To each his own. but when you stand up for something as you all seem to be trying to do in these forums. then at least do that. goto city hall. goto these meetings that you read about in the paper and then come here to complain about. If you only voice your opinions in these blogs then no one wil ever hear you. So dont take me the wrong way. Just saying if you want things to change, then help change it.
Mr. Brown,
I do believe I know where you're coming from. I believe in freedom of speech and we all have a right to let our voices and opinions be heard, but who is to say the posters have not done this to no avail. Neither you, nor I, know if any of these blog posters have ever went and spoke out publicly at a meeting. For now, we will assume they have and received no response or they feel what they said has fallen on deaf ears. Writing is therapeutic and if it helps someone to put their thoughts and feelings in words that can be read, not only by themself, but by others, then who are we to judge what they are writing about. I haven't been witness to any real mudslinging in regards to Mayor Surace on this blog, but I do know the Wiz is correct in saying village citizens have a right to ask questions of their mayor and have those questions answered. You seem to be an intelligent man, Mr. Brown, and you would have to agree. I will not pretend to know what M.'s issues are in regards to Mayor Surace, he will surely speak for himself, but if you've been watching our town closely then you know there has been plenty of reasons for people to be upset. Yes, you have those who are not happy no matter what and will complain just to hear themselves do so, but I think Wellsville is full of very good people who want pride in living in a small town and they deserve that much.
Leona Moore
I agree.. well put Leona
TBrown
T Brown:
I agree with your agreeing with Leona. Now isn't that something positive? Keep smiling!
Thanks folks. This posting has the most responses of any of my prior posts even without my comments. I wanted this blog to be mainly about the ville. Other than reporters and one ex-reporter that I know of we haven't had anyone who lives in town since Stu Wilson did his weekly broadcast from his home on WOHI to represent us. Remember Stu? That goes back a few years and was at a time when WOHI was a local station.
Matt - you're welcome in the ville anytime you care to come as far as I'm concerned, especially if you're spending money. :-)
Mr. Brown is chiding us for being anonymous but my main purpose is out of fear of retaliation. I've witnessed it in the past right here in this river village. Some of the players then are still around. I wouldn't want my family to go through that and I'd rather not either. I'll face off with the best of them but family comes first. Of course I may get my butt kicked but right now I'll remain "ole nib" until it's time for my obituary.
I'll allow folks to reply as anonymous as long as they aren't purposely just slamming someone because of personal feelings. All comments are owned by the one making them. Even though politics is a horse of a different color I wouldn't hesitate to delete any comments that are made out of immature meaness. I'm referring to age, race, religion, origin and anything outlandish that is not based on fact or honest discourse. My hope is that this blog will be an exhange of ideas and information.
I disagree about Matt being welcome in Wellsville anytime. I know you said as far as you are concerned. But, Matt has gone pretty far, and people who never talked badly about him before, do now. I dont think he is going to be very welcome here by alot of people. Not just people who dont like the mayor. Many people now dont seem to feel he is a serious journalist, just vindictive. Its to bad, what was supposed to be a real magazine one day, is now Star Magazine. Just a gossip column on-line.
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