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RiverPlace Council Vote

Well, what did you think?

I sat here and watched the entire city council meeting, and just a few observations:

• It was interesting that 2 of the 3 speakers in favor of RiverPlace were from outside Findlay. I like to think big, but Indianapolis (population: 785,597) and Fort Wayne (population: 223,341) are hardly comparable to our community or what we can accomplish and support.
• I would have been more comfortable with Lynn Child's comments if we knew who she was exactly speaking for. Was she speaking for GFI, the board of trustees of The University of Findlay or the Findlay Downtown Area Association? Just curious.
• Sharinda Welton came back with more signatures; I guess there were actually people who weren't happy with this project.
• There was more discussion from council members AFTER the vote, then took place before. It may have been procedural and not appropriate to bring up when debating legislation, but it seemed like everyone who spoke were trying to put this behind them.
• The 'duh' statement(s) of the night were uttered by one of the public speakers and Ron Monday - paraphrasing, "I already know how city council is going to vote on this tonight".  Uh, really?!?
• The only thing I had a problem with was the lecture the community received from Tony Iriti at the end of the evening. It may have been the volume of the microphone, but it sure sounded like he had a tone to his voice, and the words coming out reminded me of someone who was tired of being questioned.

Here is how city council voted (7 in favor, 2 against), and their addresses/phone numbers if you would like to communicate your support or concerns:

Randy C. Ward - AYE
Council at Large
424 Hillshafer Drive
Res: 419-422-7439

James P. Slough - AYE
Council at Large
304 Greenlawn Avenue
Bus: 419-423-0001

M.A. (Andy) Peters - AYE
Council At Large
449 Strathaven Drive
Res: 419-425-5980

J. Michael Slough - AYE
First Ward
148 Laquineo Street
Res: 419-423-1935

H. Richard Rowe - AYE
Second Ward
2533 FoxFire Lane
Res: 419-422-3573   Bus: 419-425-4300

K. C. Collette - AYE
Third Ward
1128 S. Main Street
Res: 419-420-9594   Bus: 419-424-7873

R. Ronald Monday - NAY
Fourth Ward
332 West Sawmill Road
Res: 419-422-8646

Michael F. Eier - NAY
Fifth Ward
227 Lexington Avenue
Res: 419-424-4019

William J. Schedel, Jr. - AYE
Sixth Ward
1708 South Main Street
Res: 419-423-5725

No matter your opinions leading up to tonight's vote, it is now over. If things did not go your way, it does no one any good to hold any sort of resentment or be upset with the results. We will know eventually whether this was a good or poor idea, and everyone is free to make comments along the way. If you feel that council members acted appropriately, keep them in office; if you think they made the wrong decision, keep that in mind in May and November of 2009.

Maybe there are some community members who feel strongly enough about what is going on to run for office in the future (I would like to see a lot more people from across the political spectrum on the ballot). The important thing is that this city comes together and we support each other as we move forward. As always, your comments about this evening and how we move on are welcome and appreciated, by myself and others.

-RSKnopfJr

GOTV

A new mayor, new members on city council and school boards across the county, as well as a bevy of levys. The 2007 election has a little bit for everyone. The board of elections is predicting that only 35% of registered voters will be going to the polls, but once again, I have faith that the people of Findlay and Hancock County are really going to come out tomorrow and beat that number.

For Findlay City Council, FCPolitico endorses...

Flooding, Towne Center, Port Authority, Sidewalks, Building Code...there are quite a few issues that city council needs to deal with over the next two years. It is always important to have the right mix of individuals in order to be effective when working toward solutions, and with a new administration coming in, city council will be relied on more than ever to provide leadership, guidance and support. For city council, I am only covering races that are being contested.

Election 2007: Randy C. Ward, candidate for Findlay City Council-At-Large

On September 28, I sent letters to the candidates running for Findlay City Council. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from council-at-large candidate Randy C. Ward; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be on city council?

no response

Election 2007: John T. Urbanski, candidate for Findlay City Council-At-Large

On September 28, I sent letters to the candidates running for Findlay City Council. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from council-at-large candidate John T. Urbanski; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be on city council?

no response

Election 2007: James P. Slough, candidate for Findlay City Council-At-Large

On September 28, I sent letters to the candidates running for Findlay City Council. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from council-at-large candidate James P. Slough; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be on city council?

no response

Election 2007: Mario J. Bower, candidate for Findlay City Council-At-Large

On September 28, I sent letters to the candidates running for Findlay City Council. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from council-at-large candidate Mario J. Bower; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be on city council?

The main reason I would like to be on Findlay City Council is to try to put some contributions back into the community I was raised in and love. Over the year’s family, friends and other individuals from this area helped my out in so many wonderful ways and I would like to say thank-you in return by helping to make decisions that will effect their live in a positive manner. Things that will help open Findlay to outsiders that would like to expand and enjoy our community but will not overburden our town with negative influences that would take away from our home town atmosphere.

Election 2007: Debra E. Seng, 5th ward candidate for Findlay City Council

On September 28, I sent letters to the candidates running for Findlay City Council. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from 5th ward council candidate Debra E. Seng; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be on city council?

Election 2007: Michael Eier, 5th ward candidate for Findlay City Council

On September 28, I sent letters to the candidates running for Findlay City Council. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from 5th ward council candidate Michael Eier; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be on city council?

no response

Election 2007: J. Michael Slough, 1st ward candidate for Findlay City Council

On September 28, I sent letters to the candidates running for Findlay City Council. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from 1st ward council candidate J. Michael Slough; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be on city council?

no response