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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

Election 2007: James W. Madison, 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 unedited answers. Below are the responses I received from 1st ward council candidate James W. Madison; 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

Greetings Candidate!

Last week, I sent a copy of the following letter to the candidates running for Findlay and Fostoria mayor, Findlay city council and the Findlay Board of Education. Go ahead and read it...I'll see you on the other side.

I sent each candidate 5-20 questions (depending on the office) and invited them to respond to as many or as few as they deemed appropriate. On the following days, YOU will see their unedited answers and YOU will be able to add your comments:

• Wed Oct 17 - Candidates for Mayor of Fostoria
• Thu Oct 18 - Candidates for Findlay Board of Education
• Fri Oct 19 - James W. Madison, council candidate 1st ward
• Sat Oct 20 - J. Michael Slough, council candidate 1st ward
• Sun Oct 21 - Michael Eier, council candidate 5th ward
• Mon Oct 22 - Debra E. Seng, council candidate 5th ward
• Wed Oct 24 - Mario J. Bower, council candidate at-large
• Thu Oct 25 - James P. Slough, council candidate at-large
• Fri Oct 26 - John T. Urbanski, council candidate at-large
• Sat Oct 27 - Randy C. Ward, council candidate at-large
• Mon Oct 29 - Thomas M. Knopf, Findlay mayoral candidate
• Tue Oct 30 - Peter M. Sehnert, Findlay mayoral candidate

I want you to prepare in advance for the endorsement days. I will give my selections, but through your comments, I want you to participate as well:

• Wed Oct 31 - Findlay school board endorsement
• Thu Nov 1 - Findlay council race endorsements
• Fri Nov 2 - Findlay mayor endorsement

Make sure you keep an open mind going into all of these. But more than anything, make sure you participate! As the saying goes around here..."All Voices Heard"!!

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Have you heard? Some of the individuals who write blogs for The Courier's Virtual Village have been invited to be on Good Mornings with Chris Oaks tomorrow (Wednesday). Yours truly will be among those in attendance telling everyone else how wonderful you all are, as well as trying to promote the National Presidential Caucus (sign up now...I am working on providing babysitting). So, tune in to 1330-WFIN at 8am on Wednesday...and then let me know how it went.

-RSKnopfJr

Local Endorsements I

Tonight in Fostoria, the United Auto Workers CAP (Community Action Program) Council invited candidates from Seneca, Sandusky, Wyandot, Wood and Hancock counties to speak at it's 16th annual candidate's night. The Fostoria Area U.A.W. CAP Council is the local representative of The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

From the Findlay area, Democratic candidates Mario Bower (running for an at-large city council seat) and Thomas Knopf (running for Mayor) had an opportunity to address the assembled audience of union workers and members of the community. Both candidates received an official endorsement from the UAW CAP Council and a financial contribution to their campaigns.

Bower spoke of the history of flooding in Findlay, and how even though past city councils have not addressed the issue, and some people believe that this is not council's role, he wants city council to look out for the welfare of the community by initiating solutions. Knopf used his time to once again talk about the role he envisions for community members, and stated goals of a balanced budget, no income tax increase, and asking city council to pass a living wage law.

A surprise guest for the evening was Henry County Democrat Robin Weirauch, who is running for the 5th District Congressional seat. She spoke about fun her day has been and the amount of traveling she has done since announcing her candidacy. She shared her campaign website address (www.robinforcongress.com) and told how she made her official announcement on YouTube.

-RSKnopfJr

Hancock County Democratic Party BBQ

This past Sunday, I was a guest at the Hancock County Democratic Party summer BBQ. The event was held at the AMVETS shelter house on Melrose, and was attended by about 75 people. I was able to take a few pictures of the event, and did my best to record the audio of the event to share with you. The videos include some of the pictures I took (with generic Democratic/American images to give it a little oomph)...the audio is the speech that each candidate gave to the assembled crowd.

Nancy Stephani, the chairperson of the local Dems, introduced a father whose son just returned from Iraq. The young soldier told the assembled group that it is not true what everyone is hearing...that soldiers are in 'favor' of the war. He said it was just the opposite. His colleagues want to come home before any more get injured or killed. 'Support the Troops - Stop the War' signs were available for those wanted them.

Stephani then introduced Findlay city councilman Michael Eier (fifth ward) who spoke about the opportunity presented to the local party this year. He pointed out that the Democratic Party has made great strides on the national and state levels, and it appears that Hancock County could be next. He went on to point out that, win or lose, this was probably going to be his last run at city council. Eier plans on moving on and becoming more active in his church.

After Eier spoke, Stephani told the group that there is a real opportunity for a Democrat to become the next mayor of Findlay. She then introduced candidate Thomas Knopf. Knopf read prepared remarks before taking a few questions from the audience. In his speech, Knopf's theme was 'Putting People First' and most of the language reflected the hope and opportunities he feels are before the community. Knopf told the crowd that they had the opportunity to make a difference and for their voices to be heard by helping elect him.

If you were at the event and would like to add additional comments, please do so. I look forward to hearing what others thought about the afternoon, and if you think the local Democrats have a real opportunity to be elected this November.

-RSKnopfJr

Burning a Hole in Their Pocket

My daughter's are like many other youth across the nation. On their birthday, at Christmas, or when they receive A's on their report card, they may receive a monetary gift from one of their relatives. Growing up, they did not realize what they could do with these funds...now that they are older, they cannot wait to spend the money on clothes, jewelry, lip gloss or a movie. When my wife and I make the strong suggestion that they put some of that amount in the bank and save it for later, we usually are on the receiving end of a eye-roll and a protest that it is 'their' money.