Well, folks it ain't over yet. The campaigning is over but the decision on the mayor is still hanging out there. Articles in both papers yesterday reported that there are 286 provisional ballots that have to be dealt with by the County Election Board. Most of the provisional ballots are for voters that didn't have identification with them or are living at a different address then what was on the board's records. The board has to go through them and determine if they are valid. This won't be done until the 19th or 20th of this month.
As we know Surace's unofficial victory was only by seven votes which automatically requires a recount by law. When the provisional ballots are added in he could very well lose this election. It's still possible Dave Lloyd could be our mayor. We just have to wait to find out.
I was beginning to think that Surace's practically silent campaigning was ingenious until I read the editorial in yesterday's MJ. In it - it stated that Surace made two appointments with a MJ reporter for an interview prior to the election. Surace didn't show for either of them and didn't call to let the reporter know he couldn't make it. The first time could have been an honest mistake but the second time was down right rude. I don't know if he did this on his own or on advice of one of his political advisers. Whichever it might be it sure didn't look well for him. Maybe the Silver Fox should get an appointment book and check it every day. Choosing not to take part in a forum was his decision but being discourteous to the press was just not right. Now he's got both papers slamming him.
His slim, unofficial victory speaks loud and clear that the voters of the ville are not happy. From what I'm reading accountability and job performance are what most are concerned about. If the victory stands after the recount hopefully we will see some improvement.
ole nib
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Not Quite What We Were Lead To Believe
Wellsville Council and the mayor released the police investigation report last night. Since reading both news paper accounts this morning there is still one dominant thought coming to mind - WOW! This is not good. I read and reread both reports. I've long suspected that Scarabino and Wilson had issues with each other. This goes way back when they were both just officers and over the years I've neither seen nor heard anything to change my opinion. Now we have outsiders from Cleveland come in, look around and pick up on it in just a few weeks... The report is not quite what we were lead to believe, was it? It's not what the Wilson supporters lead us to believe. It is not what Dinch lead us to believe. I think I'm beginning to understand what Ms. Gross meant when she was quoted as saying "reading is fundamental" at the Dinch press conference.
If you don't have print copies the reports are available in the on-line editions of both the Review and the MJ. Although neither Jeremy Lydic or Erin Colella made any mention of it there is clearly an overtone of failure to perform in the chain of command at the WPD from that report. No matter who is mayor, after the provisional ballots are either validated or disqualified, they most certainly have a hand full dealing with the WPD situation. They will most definitely have to research to see what can be done and have a plan of correction in place to work with.
Andy Beech will probably have to go to the books on this one. I'm just wondering if that chain of command is salvageable. What do you think? I got a mix of emotions on this issue. They range from dread, to disappointment & betrayal and to being seriously mad.
This is not good.
ole nib
If you don't have print copies the reports are available in the on-line editions of both the Review and the MJ. Although neither Jeremy Lydic or Erin Colella made any mention of it there is clearly an overtone of failure to perform in the chain of command at the WPD from that report. No matter who is mayor, after the provisional ballots are either validated or disqualified, they most certainly have a hand full dealing with the WPD situation. They will most definitely have to research to see what can be done and have a plan of correction in place to work with.
Andy Beech will probably have to go to the books on this one. I'm just wondering if that chain of command is salvageable. What do you think? I got a mix of emotions on this issue. They range from dread, to disappointment & betrayal and to being seriously mad.
This is not good.
ole nib
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Post Election Morning After Thoughts
Well, it's over - almost. We have to await the recount but I don't think it will change anything. I could be wrong but I think the recount on the mayor's race will stand as reported by the Election Board's final count last night.
I don't know about you but speaking for myself I'm glad it's over. It seems that for the last few weeks we were consumed with this election. It got to the point that yesterday I didn't even turn on my computer. Even today I only checked the Election Board's web site and came here to note a few thoughts after reading the papers this morning. Maybe tomorrow I'll go surfing on the net. My folder of clippings is overflowing with articles to be considered for future posts. For now it's time to step back and reflect. There is more to life than politics.
There's been a lot of comments posted and I want to thank each and everyone of you who participated. Just remember you're responsible for your comments. Some were thoughtful. Some were outrageous and some of the banter fell somewhere in between. It has all been interesting and hopefully we can continue.
We got "new blood" on village council. Congratulations to all the winners. It's going to be challenging to keep your campaign promises and even more challenging to find the means to finance a lot of it.
We were happy to see that the floodwall and fire levy passed with such margins. Both are vital to our village and us residents. It's a small price to pay for such services and in the long run our cost of home insurance will offset the cost of the levies compared to the rates we would have to pay if we didn't have them.
Many predicted that the mayor's race would be close. So much for the 2 to 1 for Lloyd in the MJ internet poll. It was interesting to see that the Review did not endorse any candidates or issues and they call themselves a community paper. I can remember the day when the Review was very active in endorsing candidates and issues. Their neutral stand in these times is disappointing. Right or wrong at least the MJ had the moxie to do some endorsements for us to consider. You didn't have to agree with them but you have to respect them for doing it.
Now Mayor Joe Surace will have to step back and consider long and hard about his administration's policies with the close vote tally. The people of the village have spoken loud and clear. His first term has been a learning experience. Now it's time to make doubly sure all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed. We feel you got us going in the right direction especially in the past year. For the first time in decades our future is looking up and Joe has been there in its' infancy. Let's continue on in that manner. The people have spoken at the polls and you can bet they will be watching with eagle eyes.
There have been a lot of shots taken at each other in this election. It's over. Now is the time to get together with each other from both sides and pull together for the good of the community. It's time to be mature about our community and move on.
Let the healing begin...
ole nib
I don't know about you but speaking for myself I'm glad it's over. It seems that for the last few weeks we were consumed with this election. It got to the point that yesterday I didn't even turn on my computer. Even today I only checked the Election Board's web site and came here to note a few thoughts after reading the papers this morning. Maybe tomorrow I'll go surfing on the net. My folder of clippings is overflowing with articles to be considered for future posts. For now it's time to step back and reflect. There is more to life than politics.
There's been a lot of comments posted and I want to thank each and everyone of you who participated. Just remember you're responsible for your comments. Some were thoughtful. Some were outrageous and some of the banter fell somewhere in between. It has all been interesting and hopefully we can continue.
We got "new blood" on village council. Congratulations to all the winners. It's going to be challenging to keep your campaign promises and even more challenging to find the means to finance a lot of it.
We were happy to see that the floodwall and fire levy passed with such margins. Both are vital to our village and us residents. It's a small price to pay for such services and in the long run our cost of home insurance will offset the cost of the levies compared to the rates we would have to pay if we didn't have them.
Many predicted that the mayor's race would be close. So much for the 2 to 1 for Lloyd in the MJ internet poll. It was interesting to see that the Review did not endorse any candidates or issues and they call themselves a community paper. I can remember the day when the Review was very active in endorsing candidates and issues. Their neutral stand in these times is disappointing. Right or wrong at least the MJ had the moxie to do some endorsements for us to consider. You didn't have to agree with them but you have to respect them for doing it.
Now Mayor Joe Surace will have to step back and consider long and hard about his administration's policies with the close vote tally. The people of the village have spoken loud and clear. His first term has been a learning experience. Now it's time to make doubly sure all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed. We feel you got us going in the right direction especially in the past year. For the first time in decades our future is looking up and Joe has been there in its' infancy. Let's continue on in that manner. The people have spoken at the polls and you can bet they will be watching with eagle eyes.
There have been a lot of shots taken at each other in this election. It's over. Now is the time to get together with each other from both sides and pull together for the good of the community. It's time to be mature about our community and move on.
Let the healing begin...
ole nib
Phyllis Thrasher
It was with great sadness I read of the passing of Phyllis Thrasher yesterday. Wellsville lost a very good friend and an extremely active member of the community. In my opinion she was the type of woman that was the best of the best. Not only was she active in community affairs she was a devoted family member. I remember years ago frequently seeing Phyllis at sports events with young ones in tow. I can only assume those young ones were grandchildren. It took a devoted woman to sit through all kinds of weather to root for the Tigers, her kids and all.
Her list of accomplishments are many. Just read her obituary. She was a real dynamo in the Chamber of Commerce up until her health forced her to slow down. As with her family she will be sorely missed there. When you see the Christmas decorations go up and the annual parade just remember that Phyllis was the one mostly responsible for us having them. When you drive into the village from the north or east you can thank Phyllis for that beautiful little park that greats you at the intersection of Rt. 45 and Wells Ave. That park should be named and dedicated to Phyllis.
We will miss you Phyllis. You will be a tough act to follow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Our condolences to all your family. You left us a legacy with the example you set. You were special.
Rest in peace...
ole nib
Her list of accomplishments are many. Just read her obituary. She was a real dynamo in the Chamber of Commerce up until her health forced her to slow down. As with her family she will be sorely missed there. When you see the Christmas decorations go up and the annual parade just remember that Phyllis was the one mostly responsible for us having them. When you drive into the village from the north or east you can thank Phyllis for that beautiful little park that greats you at the intersection of Rt. 45 and Wells Ave. That park should be named and dedicated to Phyllis.
We will miss you Phyllis. You will be a tough act to follow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Our condolences to all your family. You left us a legacy with the example you set. You were special.
Rest in peace...
ole nib
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Wellsville Levies
Ok, everone is getting all heated up and passionate on their choice for mayor. Let's look at another aspect of this election that we will be deciding this coming Tuesday. In addition to electing a mayor and council people we will be looking at four different levies here in the ville.
According to the MJ there will be two county wide issues to be voted on. The biggest one getting most of the attention is the MRDD/Robert Bycroft new levy. If passed it will generate an additional $3.5 million a year. This is in addition to the four existing levies that will generate $6.3 million plus the state and federal tax revenues that add another $3.4 million income. We county residents just approved a replacement levy for them last May. On top of all that it came out in the papers this past week that they have a $6 million balance already on the books.
Now I'm all for supporting and recommending that we support the special needs people. However, in this case I'm inclined to agree with my friend up the river on this issue. Yea operating costs are going up. Just ask anyone trying to pay their heating costs. To me the money in the bank and anticipated revenue look pretty good to maintain and continue the services at MRDD. We recommend voting no for this issue. As Mr. Stewart said, if Bill Devon's predictions turn out to be correct we can address this at a later date.
The second county wide issue we will be looking at is the 1 mill operating levy that will be on the ballot for the County Career Center. It is a new levy that will be used to upgrade equipment and make improvements to the facilities. The last time they asked us for money was 13 years ago in 1994.
The Career Center is part of our educational system that prepares some of our students in various trades. Not every child is cut out or wants to go on to college after high school. The ones that attend CC Career Center get training in fields that are just as important as doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs. They are the ones that will be providing integral services that is needed in every community. The tax bite will be a small price to pay for this much needed part of school system. We recommend voting yes on this levy.
Locally in our village we will be voting on two levies. The first is the 1.4 mill renewal levy for our Fire Dept. Wellsville is fortunate to have a top notch fire department. Many of us have seen them in action and I'm always impressed with their professionalism and well trained personnel. Our fire department consists of a small full time force and the volunteers. These good people work extremely well as one unit when the alarm rings with the common goal to protect us and our structures. I rest easy knowing they are there if needed. Maintaining that service is an important part of Wellsville's infrastructure. We heartily recommend voting yes for the fire levy. This is the kind of levy I like. It will not cost us any additional taxes.
The second local levy that we will be voting on is the 0.5 replacement levy for the the floodwall. This part of our infrastructure was first used in 1942 and several times over the years have save the biggest part of our village from the ravages of rising water. Making it a replacement levy will enable taking advantage of the reevaluated real estate rates but it will still be a very small price to pay for the service it provides. Also it is very important to show we are doing everything possible within our means to maintain the floodwall. Down the road when we apply for state and federal aid to refurbish the floodwall it will be a plus in getting that help. We also heartily recommend voting yes for the floodwall levy.
Come next Tuesday, November 6th, the polls will be open for 13 hours from 6:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M. Surely if you're eligible and registered you will be able to go vote in that time frame. The Election Board predicted a light turn out. Let's show them we ville people take our right to vote seriously.
ole nib
According to the MJ there will be two county wide issues to be voted on. The biggest one getting most of the attention is the MRDD/Robert Bycroft new levy. If passed it will generate an additional $3.5 million a year. This is in addition to the four existing levies that will generate $6.3 million plus the state and federal tax revenues that add another $3.4 million income. We county residents just approved a replacement levy for them last May. On top of all that it came out in the papers this past week that they have a $6 million balance already on the books.
Now I'm all for supporting and recommending that we support the special needs people. However, in this case I'm inclined to agree with my friend up the river on this issue. Yea operating costs are going up. Just ask anyone trying to pay their heating costs. To me the money in the bank and anticipated revenue look pretty good to maintain and continue the services at MRDD. We recommend voting no for this issue. As Mr. Stewart said, if Bill Devon's predictions turn out to be correct we can address this at a later date.
The second county wide issue we will be looking at is the 1 mill operating levy that will be on the ballot for the County Career Center. It is a new levy that will be used to upgrade equipment and make improvements to the facilities. The last time they asked us for money was 13 years ago in 1994.
The Career Center is part of our educational system that prepares some of our students in various trades. Not every child is cut out or wants to go on to college after high school. The ones that attend CC Career Center get training in fields that are just as important as doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs. They are the ones that will be providing integral services that is needed in every community. The tax bite will be a small price to pay for this much needed part of school system. We recommend voting yes on this levy.
Locally in our village we will be voting on two levies. The first is the 1.4 mill renewal levy for our Fire Dept. Wellsville is fortunate to have a top notch fire department. Many of us have seen them in action and I'm always impressed with their professionalism and well trained personnel. Our fire department consists of a small full time force and the volunteers. These good people work extremely well as one unit when the alarm rings with the common goal to protect us and our structures. I rest easy knowing they are there if needed. Maintaining that service is an important part of Wellsville's infrastructure. We heartily recommend voting yes for the fire levy. This is the kind of levy I like. It will not cost us any additional taxes.
The second local levy that we will be voting on is the 0.5 replacement levy for the the floodwall. This part of our infrastructure was first used in 1942 and several times over the years have save the biggest part of our village from the ravages of rising water. Making it a replacement levy will enable taking advantage of the reevaluated real estate rates but it will still be a very small price to pay for the service it provides. Also it is very important to show we are doing everything possible within our means to maintain the floodwall. Down the road when we apply for state and federal aid to refurbish the floodwall it will be a plus in getting that help. We also heartily recommend voting yes for the floodwall levy.
Come next Tuesday, November 6th, the polls will be open for 13 hours from 6:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M. Surely if you're eligible and registered you will be able to go vote in that time frame. The Election Board predicted a light turn out. Let's show them we ville people take our right to vote seriously.
ole nib
Friday, November 2, 2007
Waterbreak?
While others spent time with political commentary and still others plotting their next move we took this bright, sunny afternoon to tour the country side & enjoy what's left of the fall foliage. Coming across the Calcutta-Smithsferry Road I caught sight of this pond with all the ducks. They caught my attention and made me wonder if these feathered fowl actually live there or were just making a lay-over stop on their way south. We don't get out that way too often and couldn't determine which is the story. Being this time of the year I'm inclined to believe the flock stopped by on their way south for the winter season but what do we know. We're village kids. Whichever the case it was interesting to us. Joe Takes A Swing
Found under my door mat this morning was a hand out from the Friends of Joe Surace entitled "Let's Review the Record". In it is referenced several items related to the Fire Department that were noted by the state auditors in their Performance Audit five years ago.
Joe's friends referenced the audit's comments about over-staffing, over-compensation, deficits, lack of record keeping and lack of safety inspections on equipment while his opponent was the Fire Chief in charge of running the WFD.
The audit was requested by then Mayor Joe LaScola in May 2001. The village was $339,000 in the red at the end of April of that year. Consequently the State Auditor declared Wellsville to be in fiscal emergency and the audit began in February 2002. It's all there if you care to review it - all 172 pages of it. All you have to do is pull up the Ohio State Auditor's web site and search the State Performance Audit dated 8/22/02.
I read through it this morning and found their references to be where they said they were. It's not exciting reading but it's there if you are interested. I'll refrain from any other comments and as Joe's Friends said let "You Decide". ORL's Matt Stewart and commenters there and here are all over it already. Enough said...
ole nib
Joe's friends referenced the audit's comments about over-staffing, over-compensation, deficits, lack of record keeping and lack of safety inspections on equipment while his opponent was the Fire Chief in charge of running the WFD.
The audit was requested by then Mayor Joe LaScola in May 2001. The village was $339,000 in the red at the end of April of that year. Consequently the State Auditor declared Wellsville to be in fiscal emergency and the audit began in February 2002. It's all there if you care to review it - all 172 pages of it. All you have to do is pull up the Ohio State Auditor's web site and search the State Performance Audit dated 8/22/02.
I read through it this morning and found their references to be where they said they were. It's not exciting reading but it's there if you are interested. I'll refrain from any other comments and as Joe's Friends said let "You Decide". ORL's Matt Stewart and commenters there and here are all over it already. Enough said...
ole nib
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