Ben Konop unveils "Give it Back George" website

Press Release this morning from the Ben Konop for Lucas County Commissioner Campaign:

WWW.GIVEITBACKGEORGE.COM Unveiled Online
Site features online petition, empowers citizens with opportunity to call for return of Noe money to rightful owners: the taxpayers and injured workers of Ohio

Toledo, OH- Empowering the voters of Lucas County with the opportunity to personally and conveniently join their voices in calling for the return of Tom Noe's money to its rightful owners, www.giveitbackgeorge.com officially debuted online this morning. The site, produced by the Konop for Commissioner Campaign, features an online petition for citizens to sign, encouraging Konop’s opponent, Republican George Sarantou, to refund to the taxpayers the multiple campaign contributions he received from Tom Noe. Sarantou currently has the Noe money in his campaign account.

Konop will be holding a press conference at 413 N. Michigan Street in Toledo at 10:30 AM today to officially unveil the website, personally sign the petition and take questions on the issue of the Noe funds.

"When I'm out knocking on doors and talking to voters, I hear loud and clear that the citizens of Lucas County are aware of and interested in the behavior of their elected officials," stated Ben Konop, Democratic Candidate for Lucas County Commissioner. "This website offers us, as a community, the opportunity to demonstrate that awareness and to demand a higher standard."

On June 13th, Konop called on his Republican opponent to refund to the taxpayers of Ohio the political contributions he has received from Tom Noe, stating, in part, "In 2005, you declined to return the Noe money... Today, I am calling on you to, in fact, do the ethical thing and return the funds given to you by Mr. Noe to the Bureau of Workers Compensation." It appears that Sarantou has not returned the Noe funds since that time.

Konop, an attorney who is representing a small business in a lawsuit suing the Republican party for the return of Noe contributions, also stated in the June 13th letter that "Many prominent members of the Republican Party have returned their contributions from Mr. Noe… Republicans like President Bush, Gov. Taft, Sen. DeWine, Sen. Voinovich, Auditor Montgomery, Attorney General Petro, and Secretary of State Blackwell have all returned Mr. Noe’s donations."

"The taxpayers of Ohio deserve the funds returned to them," stated Konop. "I hope the online petition helps to empower the citizens to take back their government from the culture of corruption."

Paid for by Konop for Lucas County, Tony Pizza, Chair, 100 S. Huron St., Suite 7C, Toledo, OH 43602

UPDATE Tuesday:

The Toledo Blade has an article about yesterday's press conference. Also as pointed out on the petition by Frank Szollosi was this Toledo Blade article from June 2005.

Who really killed Toledo's "Hoop" Dreams?

Today's Toledo Blade covers part of what past stories written on this issue by the Blade have also detailed that I think are relevant to seeing why the facility failed.

Even the title of Today's story: Owner cries foul as time runs out for sports center

COUNCIL CRIES FOUL OVER HOOP PROJECT is a headline from 2001 when Toledo City Council was arguing with the Mayor over who was responsible for costs related to environmental clean up.

At that point it appears it was City Council not the Mayor who did not want to pay the payment of $165,000, to reimburse the developers their costs for dealing with environmental problems at the site, including the discovery of 117 barrels containing paint sludge buried at the site.

"Send it back to the mayor," Councilman Louis Escobar demanded. "Tell them to clean it up."

It also appears that the Mayor and his administration was following what they were told by Law Director Barbara Herring that the charges were appropriate for the city to pay under the terms of the lease.

Yet is that the only reason why this facility failed when the one in Columbus has done well?

Even when the idea of the Hoops facility was first created there were concerns. In 1999:

Title: RESIDENTS SLAM PRIVATE BASKETBALL CENTER IN PARK
Author: TOM JEWELL BLADE STAFF WRITER
Date: August 11, 1999

About 60 people turned out for a public hearing on a proposal to locate the privately operated facility in Colony Park in West Toledo. The opposition was overwhelming.The city administration is proposing the location for The Hoop Basketball and Fitness Center, which would offer basketball players indoor courts around the clock, along with a running track, weight room, and aerobics unit in a 46,000-square-foot building.

Even then the admission price was a concern and residents were against the intial proposed location that might have proven more successful.

In 2000, George Karl was here in Toledo for the opening of the Hoops Facility.

KARL FRUSTRATED ABOUT UNC JOB MILWAUKEE DENIED HIM CHANCE TO COACH AT SCHOOL WHERE HE PLAYED
Author: DONALD EMMONS
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
Date: August 10, 2000

Karl and Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner helped break ground on Karl's development project in North Toledo - but in a new way. Instead of the traditional silver shovels digging in the dirt, Finkbeiner and Karl shot some baskets.

Both men were on hand to talk about The Hoop, Karl's new, 24-hour basketball and fitness facility located at Manhattan Boulevard and Colony Street.

"It's so wonderful to have a person like George investing in Toledo," the mayor said. "This is going to provide a lot of fun and learning for a lot of kids."

Karl and his associates are building the 43,000-square-foot facility. Toledo will be the second market to have The Hoop, after Columbus. The city of Toledo owns the land and is leasing it to The Hoop for $500 a year. It is also providing a tax break.

Karl says he has no interest in making money off his basketball centers. He said he's not sure if the Columbus center turns a profit, and he said he'd be happy "to open up the books to the people of Toledo." Instead, he views the centers as a way to give back to the game that has given him so much by getting young people involved.

But, in 2003:

Title: BASKETBALL FACILITY CUTS OPERATING HOURS
Author: GEORGE J. TANBER BLADE STAFF WRITER
Date: April 11, 2003

The owners of a North Toledo athletic club for youths, citing financial problems related to a long-simmering squabble with the city, cut its operating hours yesterday and are threatening to close the facility.

The company also alleged that the city failed, as promised, to build other sports and recreation facilities near its complex, and that it declined to transfer city-operated basketball and volleyball leagues there.

"We need those recreation leagues there to give us an additional revenue stream," Mr. Cecutti said. "We promised to build them a nice building, and we did."

Councilman Michael Ashford, who represents District 4, has a different view. "They city never guaranteed it would provide programs. There's nothing like that in writing," he said.

"They are not around households that can support it on a daily basis," said Mr. Ashford. "They can't give a reduced rate to disadvantaged kids or families. They need the money to operate. [But at] $5 each time, how many times do you think a kid from a low-class family can go there?"

Maybe the lack of TARTA access is also an issue but it was not mentioned in any of the previous Blade articles. The main focus seemed to be on the arguments surrounding how much of the environmental costs would be reimbursed then later belief that the City did not transfer city leagues there or build more facilities there. Since 1999 the cost to play there has been mentioned as a concern. The Blade article from today also mentioned the cost factor:

But some who used the facility said the fees - $5 a person for 3 hours or $35 a month - were too high, especially for the targeted market of lower-income patrons.

"It was cool. But the fee was just too high," said 21-year-old Gary Brazzel, who regularly played on The Hoop's courts during winter weekends. "In the winter time, when there was no other place to play, that's where you go."

What is obvious is the community did not support this venture. Was it the location? Was it the cost? Is this something that can be blamed mainly on Carty and the City? Or does this show if you build it and they can't afford it they won't come? That I'm not sure about, and while it is popular at this point in time to blame Carty for most things, I'm not sure how much of this he could have avoided.

Maumee Days Parade

Complete set of photos at the title link but the picture selected to be featured is of the group of cheerleaders who were vocally supporting Anita Lopez with a special cheer that included "Vote Lopez!". They got the attention of the crowd:




Even though it rained earlier, the weather was great for a parade. The crowd turn out was huge and the candy was plentiful much to the joy of my youngest and every child I saw. There was also quite a bit of "swag" handed out, political and local business alike, even small American flags. Mayor Tim Wagener was the first candyman of the parade. The Safety City Graduates following behind the DARE truck received many smiles from the crowd. The Maumee Band was excellent and there were several different groups of cheerleaders and dance squads.

Political Candidates and their supporters were also in abundance, with the exception of the Sherrod Brown and Ted Strickland groups all local candidates who had supporters/vehicles in the parade were also there in person waving or doing a quick meet and greet along the parade route. Miguel was able to get photos of almost every group and some of the candidates; in order of appearance... (or close)

Anita Lopez for County Auditor, Mark Wagoner for District 46, Ben Konop for Lucas County Commissioner, Judge Parish for Court of Appeals, Judge Doneghy for Court of Common Pleas, Mark Dansack for District 46, Teresa Fedor for State Senator, Sherrod Brown for Senator, Ted Strickland for Governor, Judge Jennings for Court of Common Pleas, George Sarantou for Lucas County Commissioner, Judge Osowik for Court of Common Pleas, Larry Kaczala for Auditor, Jim Nusbaum for Court of Common Pleas, and Stacy Cook for Court of Common Pleas.

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of the volunteers who support their local candidates running for office. We only attend a small number of the various public events they do and the dedication they have to their candidates gets a moment of applause from me.

Some things to catch up on...

I missed Nookular Option on Tuesday, Ben Konop was featured as an interview. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can download the podcast.

Paul Miller over at Northwest Ohio Net has a good post on the recent school grade cards and this week's Carnival of Ohio Politics is a recommended read too.

I haven't had as much extra blog time recently but As Ohio Goes has had some great posts this week.

We've discussed Learn and Earn here a few times but Lincon Logs has done a great job in covering this issue and making it easy to locate.

There is also a great article over at La Prensa about Anita Rios who is the running mate of Bob Fitrakis.

Now we are almost caught up...


:-)

An "uniformed opinion" on Ohio Turnpike?

As I was scanning the title linked Toledo Blade article, this made me laugh:

(Ken Blackwell's Spokesman) Mr. (Carlo) LoParo responded that eliminating tolls is "an uninformed opinion" because there is no replacement source for the revenue.

Despite what Ohio Legislators did in 1993 to create a way to continue to collect tolls as discussed back in June, the original intent was for the Turnpike to become a non-toll road.

Flashing back to the 1940's...

Ohio's leaders envisioned a nonstop span across the state superior to anything that had ever been built. In 1949, the legislature authorized creation of the Ohio Turnpike Commission. To fund the new superhighway, the Commission issued $326 million in revenue bonds. The Turnpike would be the biggest construction project in Ohio's history to that time.

Ground was broken on October 27, 1952. At peak construction, 10,000 workers were on the job and the landscape became dotted with more than 2,300 bulldozers, graders, loaders and other machines. Building the 241 mile highway took only 38 months.

On October 1, 1955, the massive project was completed. Hundreds of eager motorists were lined up to be among the first to drive nonstop all the way across Ohio. Opening Day traffic totaled 44,000 vehicles. The Turnpike was in business.

It does not appear that they envisioned a never ending cash cow for gubernatorial candidates to consider trying to sell or lease to foreign companies...Granted government actually following thru on promises it has made to voters is becoming more and more rare but I think the original intent is very clear.

On cutting costs in Toledo...

The Toledo Blade article by Tom Troy is linked in the title that covers Joe McNamara's press conference yesterday. You can read the full text of Joe's Press Release on Politics in Mudville.

I guess what surprised me from today's Blade article was that I didn't realize it was Lourdes Santiago's idea for there to be no Economic Director for Toledo. I missed that. I don't think any of the candidates would disagree with the city saving money as Bob Vasquez pointed out in the one example of the City and the County working together for the new radio communications system. The arena still seems to have a rather large question mark at this point.

It's also great news that revenue collection from taxes is up in Toledo, which means now more than ever would be a great time to trim any necessary fat so that these new tax dollars would be used most efficiently. Dave Schulz had some specific cuts that he suggested in a press release that I thought you might like some more detail on:

(These figures were based on the 2006 City Budget)

Reducing the size of City Council from 12 to 9 or 7 members and reducing some council staff: $378,000 to $453,000

Eliminating the Board of Community Relations: $176,900

Merging the Affirmative Action Office functions with other departments such as Law and Purchasing): $200,000

Merging the Youth Commission functions with Parks and Recreation and Economic Development: $300,000

Sister Cities funding: $71,000

These reductions would save approximately $1.2 million. Schulz strongly believes that millions more can be saved by examining every department and every line item for cost savings. Many opportunities also exist for consolidating functions and services with Lucas County that could save all taxpayers their hard earned money. The city must begin reorganizing itself so that it takes care of delivering basic services well and has the ability to use the savings to reduce fees and taxes that throttle economic development.

Joe McNamara also believes as he stated in part:

Consolidated services and joint purchasing between local governments would save taxpayers money and promote economic growth by fostering regional cooperation.

Have we become as efficient as possible? Is there more room for consolidation of services/purchases? If revenue has increased is it necessary to continue to raise assessments? Is the LCIC going to be able to perform the duties that the Economic Director did for Toledo? Those were my initial questions as I read this article, and re-read both of the press releases from Dave and Joe.

Downtown, Democrats and more....

Some more photo adventures at the title link, this time by me since Miguel wasn't with Aubrey and I. This photo below is the one I had in mind taking because I wanted to get a shot of Jim Nusbaum's banner that can be seen from inside the ball field. This one's for you Jim...



One of the many reasons I wanted to move back into Toledo was to be able to do what I did today. Aubrey and I took TARTA downtown and wandered around for a few hours before the Community Voices Forum that I wrote about below took place. I've been re-exploring downtown but this was her first adventure of just walking around. It was also her first time riding TARTA on a regular bus route and she really enjoyed the fact that the bus "talked". She has of course been to Fifth Third Field many times and has been downtown but we've always had a specific destination. This afternoon there wasn't one, except my wanting to make sure I had the one photo and the later Forum.

Most of our time was spent walking around the perimeter of Fifth Third Field, down Huron and over by S. St. Clair. We stopped and looked at several places she could have decided to eat at, Frickers, Spagetti Warehouse, Homeslice and Packo's. She decided on Packo's. Our timing was perfect because the before the game crowd had not really hit downtown so things were getting busy after we were already seated. Then we spent some time in Swan Creek Candle Shop. The collection of Democratic signs on Jack Wilson's building caught my eye, as you can see they are in the front, side and back of the building. A woman who was leaving the parking lot as I was taking pictures of the back stopped and told me that the upstairs was the best place for Yoga in Toledo. That would be Zen in the District. My photo skills are not as good as Miguel's, so maybe next time he can get a better close up of the dragonlike creature that is above Jack Wilson's sign. I'm also really fond of the building next store, I can see the huge potential it has though I'd want to keep the ivy.

We could have easily spent more time downtown, we didn't even get a chance to head over to the river or near the Library or the many other places like the Erie Street Market or go earlier in the day to the Farmer's Market. Many future trips will come, while for me it's not the same as it was during the busy days of Downtown when I was about Aubrey's age, or even during the Portside days, Downtown has really started to make a comeback. All it needs is more of us to go down and enjoy it.

:-)

Community Voices Forum tonight

Tonight I attended my first Community Voices Forum, the format of tonight was a bit different than what I had been told past forums were but I enjoyed it very much and will definitely be attending future ones. Even my youngest daughter who accompanied me enjoyed attending, however I realize part of her enjoyment factor was directly related to Ben Konop sitting with us.

First I have to say how wonderful the Leslie Adams Gallery is. Not just the art that is displayed but the interior design and the decor of the Gallery is exceptional.

FOX Toledo’s Laura Emerson was the moderator; Maggie Thurber graciously accepted a last minute request from Michael Miller to attend to discuss the topic of the downtown arena proposal. She very thoroughly discussed some of the points on this proposal that those of you familiar with this blog and her blog as well as recent listeners to when she has been on WSPD would be aware of. Maggie urged those present to read not only the proposal but the exhibits which she has linked on her blog and they are also on the Lucas County website. The questions from the audience were mainly related to concern about the financing and what the end result would be if no compromise could be reached with UT. It was also pointed out that the suggested increase in the hotel/motel tax would place Toledo as tied with Columbus as far as total percentage tax and make us in the top five of highest tax rates for motel/hotel costs in the nation. One member of the audience astutely pointed out that this additional cost would be one of the last things a visitor to Toledo would remember. It seems people are supportive of the concept of an arena, they are just concerned about how it would be financed and would prefer to see more marketing information and more of a firm commitment from actual teams.

Until tonight I was not aware that the recent Triple AAA championship that came to Toledo did not generate an increase in revenue for downtown businesses. Infact, those present reported they made less than what they normally do. It seems clear to me that we have to do more to support these downtown businesses as a community if we want a successful, viable downtown. (More on that later.)

Bob Fitrakis, who is running for Governor as an Independent due to Ohio's Election Laws was up next. I knew a bit about him because I've followed some of his previous work especially related to election fraud issues and I often read the blog of Andrew Warner who writes often about Bob and his campaign.

Anita Rios, who is from Toledo, is Bob's running mate as Lt. Governor, was also in attendance tonight. I think Bob did an excellent job in letting the audience see the difference in the Green Party platform as opposed to the two traditional political parties. Not only is he a very informed and experienced person but he has a great sense of humor that he used through out his discussion time with those in attendance. Redeveloping urban centers, mass transportation, increased support of green energy and trying to legalize the growth of hemp as an industrial product were a few of the topics he discussed. He very strongly feels that our colleges in Ohio are a great resource that we do not provide enough funding for and that we don't utilize enough as a catalyst for growth especially in technology related industries. Candidates such as Bob Fitrakis bring quite a bit to the table as far as ideas, it's unfortunate that they don't often get the same coverage to be able to access the public to share those ideas. However, events like tonight do give us the opportunity to start the discussion.

Besides Ben Konop and Maggie Thurber as previously mentioned, Lourdes Santiago was also in attendance for most of tonight's forum as well. There were less people at tonight's forum than the one last month from what I understand and in reading the thread on Toledo Talk it's unfortunate that some didn't feel they would benefit from hearing Mr. Fitrakis speak.

For it being my first time I've attended? I was impressed and I defintely plan to attend as many future forums as I can. Granted I'm biased towards the Toledo Free Press but I think this is a very awesome community opportunity and I thank them and Toledo Talk as well as Fox's Laura Emerson and the Leslie Adams Gallery and other downtown businesses who helped to support this. I also extend kudos to those who attended including Maggie and Bob Fitrakis for speaking tonight.

The School Report cards are out...

There's been some discussion on the local numbers on Toledo Talk but I was curious as to how other large public school districts were doing in Ohio. For a moment I almost felt sorry for Dr. Sanders who left Toledo to become the Superintendent of the Cleveland Public School system. Cleveland Public Schools did not meet any of the 25 indicators yet somehow ended up in "Academic Watch" because of their performance score of 71.2. I guess the bright spot for Dr. Sanders is he has ample room to demonstrate improvement even if only on indicator ends up being met.

Columbus did better than Cleveland with 5 out of 25 indicators met and a performance score of 79.2. Cincinnati tied with Toledo in scoring 6 out of 25 indicators, however Cinci had a performance score of 81.5, just above Toledo's 80.4. It's often been said that from a size comparison that Dayton (16348 daily enrollment) or Akron (26827 daily enrollment) are similar to Toledo (29157 daily enrollment). Akron scored 7 out of 25 and a performance score of 85.8; Dayton fared worse than Toledo with only one out of 25 indicators met and a performance score of 73.2.

You'd think that with such low numbers the Cleveland Plain Dealer would be focusing on that but, I was surprised to see what started out as a more upbeat almost fluffy piece that didn't mention the Cleveland Public School systems ratings until page 3 then only briefly in passing. Dayton Daily News also presented the information on their area schools in a rather upbeat fashion, pointing out at least they were ranked better than Cleveland. The Akron Beacon Journal called it as they saw it, pointing out that Forty-three local districts missed this federal threshold, up six from last year.

In Cinci? The Enquirer focused first on the positive and even has a quote from Ken Blackwell's wife on Cincini's performance:

"We are very pleased with our progress," Superintendent Rosa Blackwell said. "To retain the status of continuous improvement is a good thing, but we also know we have to continue to strive for excellence."

Here in Toledo though, the almost similar rating was stated as:

Toledo Public Schools, the region’s largest school system with about 30,000 students, held on to its continuous improvement status.

Interim Superintendent John Foley promised the district would continue to improve and said the system’s five-year plan is to reach the effective rating.

In Lucas County, Toledo Public Schools was the only district not rated effective or excellent.

However what the Toledo Blade article doesn't point out is there are no larger public school systems rated effective or excellent. All but Cleveland are listed as Continuous Improvement, Cleveland is in Academic Watch. Which leads me to my pet peeve about the whole report card system, you can't even made a valid comparison of your own district from one year to the next because they change the number of indicators every year. This additional Toledo Blade article gave more information but still no specifics such as...

Some schools within the Toledo Public School system were ranked "Effective", Arlington Elementary, Crossgates Elementary, Elmhurst Elementary, Grove Patterson Academy Elementary, Hawkins Elementary, Larchmont Elementary, Navarre Elementary, Old West End Academy, Ottawa River Elementary, Bowsher High School (my former high school!) and Start High School.

Beverly (my former elementary school!) was ranked "Excellent", as well as Harvard Elementary and Toledo Technology Academy High School

Cherry was ranked "Academic Emergency" along with Hale Elementary, King Elementary, Lagrange Elementary, Pickett Elementary and Sherman Elementary. All other local elementaries and high schools were either "Academic Watch" or "Continuous Improvement". So there are some good schools within the Toledo Public School System, and some that still have a ways to go. From all reports next year will be more difficult since the indicators will again change...

:-)

UPDATE: for another parent's view on this issue stop by and visit Random Thoughts on TPS.

Blog it Toledo goes a bit family and....

This week's Blog it has some newly discovered blogs, among them is one by a parent of the Toledo Public School system, a recent entry into MySpace by my favorite Republican and a photo website by my favorite husband.

There is of course much more in this week's Toledo Free Press, another great cover story this time on Dave Ball and Jimmy Jackson, who have news they want you to know about progress at the Steam plant. Michael Miller writes about how his billboard adventure started out in fun but took a turn...

Tom Richard's column makes me flash back to when I briefly tried to sell Encyclopedias and Kevin Milliken makes some demands on cable access of Council meetings.

Make sure to visit the Toledo Free Press online or pick up your copy today.

:-)

Frank Szollosi's Media Release on Toledo Population Loss

And what Taxes have to do with it....

Frank's holding a press conference as I write this, media and political response later. Politics in Mudville has the full text of the release.

Some interesting points from the material Frank provided with the media release from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

The richest Ohio taxpayers—with average incomes of $660,000—pay 9.7% of their income in Ohio state and local taxes before accounting for the tax savings from federal itemized deductions. After the federal offset, they pay only 6.7%.

Middle-income taxpayers in Ohio—those earning between $27,000 and $41,000—pay 10.7 of their income in Ohio state and local taxes before the offset and 10.3 after — much greater than the share the rich pay.

Ohio families earning less than $15,000—the poorest fifth of Ohio non-elderly taxpayers—pay 10.9% of their income in Ohio state and local taxes which is almost one and a half times the rate the richest Ohio taxpayers pay.

I recommend taking a look at the pdf, including the charts on page 3 and 4 for a more detailed look at the information.

And our first update:

The Blade reports that Bob Vasquez joined Frank at the Press Conference and also points out that Joe McNamara has also brought up the assessment issue.

Second update:

More from the Toledo Blade and in the comments the full text of the bullet points I received from Bob Vasquez's campaign on the issue of assessments.

Former Mayor Jack Ford asks some questions about GOTV...

In last week's edition of Sojourner's Truth, Jack Ford has his regular column My View in which he touches on several topics but one in particular is questions concerning why he has not seen a GOTV effort in the central city district of Toledo:

Let me shift to state politics. We have less than 100 days until the election of a new governor and the conclusion of the U.S. Senate race. In times past, the machinery for a strong voter registration effort would be gearing up in Ohio. Yet I see nothing being done to increase the ranks of minority voters.

Usually we see the beginning of a get out the vote (GOTV) effort reflected in the placing of a GOTV office in the central city, usually where Robinson Junior High School is being rebuilt. I see nothing going on.

Is it because the Democrats do not want a heavy black turnout for fear that the vote will help Blackwell? Is Blackwell content to let the minority vote be less than what it could be because he does not know how the black vote will go? Why aren’t Toledo leaders organizing strong registration efforts anyway, just for the hell of it?

There's more at the link, when the next edition comes out the articles are still available using the pdf archive link at Sojourner's Truth.

Can Toledo compete with UT and should they?

In today's Toledo Blade a few things become pretty clear.

It's obvious there is some concern that this area could sustain two arenas. It's also obvious that the Lucas County Commissioners or at least Pete Gerken seems to think that UT should do what he feels is best for Toledo as opposed to what is best for UT. Given one of the stipulations for the donation to UT that it was to be used for their facility only and not one downtown, we are at an impass.

Yet, why spend taxpayer dollars to place us in a situation where we are going to be competing with UT? If the goal is to have an arena what better way to have one then to have someone else pay for it to be built.

Even if UT only attracts half of the events planned at the proposed new downtown arena that would have a huge impact, especially if the plans for an arena football team don't work out or worse yet if it's not something Lucas County residents embrace if a team is found. The Hockey team situation has some serious questions since most leagues have rules that Not for Profit Corporations can not own them. The plan is to have the new downtown arena ran by an NPC. Without a hockey team and without an arena football team what would the downtown arena have?

Those are questions I think needs to be answered before the first property is bought to raze. Shouldn't negotiations be happening with teams right now to demonstrate there is interest? Shouldn't questions concerning NPC ownership be addressed now? Shouldn't a detailed market survey include UT's new plans so that there is an accurate picture of how much usage a downtown arena can expect?

Dr. Lloyd Jacobs stated:

he's "having a lot of unreasonable conversations, not a lot of reasonable ones" about the downtown arena.

Maybe it's time to become reasonable....

Which is more bothersome?

The fact that there was an attempt to cover up information or the fact that employees of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation let the cover up happen?

After reading this Toledo Blade article, especially this:

On Oct. 27, 2004 - just six days before President Bush was re-elected after narrowly winning Ohio - Mr. Conrad expressed his concern about a potential "leak" of the losses in an e-mail to John Annarino, then the bureau's chief legal counsel and ethics officer. In the e-mail, Mr. Conrad advised how Mr. Annarino and James McLean, then the bureau's investment director, should manage the agency's investment staff to keep the potentially explosive losses under wraps.

"When you and Jim meet with the employees of Investments make sure it is the friendly, jovial John Annarino not the brow beat attorney John Annarino," Mr. Conrad wrote. "You want them to feel comfortable coming up and expressing their thoughts and concerns."

Mr. Conrad continued: "Jim told me this morning that he thought the major chance of us getting involved with the MDL situation is with a leak from OUR employees."

We can only speculate as to would this have made a difference in the 2004 elections, and it's very disturbing that the Governor's office appears to still be in denial over this situation:

Mark Rickel, a spokesman for Mr. Taft, referred to the allegation of a cover-up before the 2004 election as "absurd."

Somehow given the emails and the other information? Doesn't seem absurd to me...

Joe McNamara V Omar Sharif

I have to admit that reading this Toledo Blade article this morning gave me quite the chuckle.

You may have seen him on local television news, or on one of those 30-second campaign infomercials. No, that wasn't a young Omar Sharif of Doctor Zhivago fame - a thick head of dark hair with good looks to spare - that was Toledo City Council candidate Joe McNamara.

Now I like Joe, and I do agree he is attractive but Omar Sharif? Sorry Barbara Hendel but you are dealing with a huge fan of Omar Shariff including Dr. Zhivago which I've watched enough to have worn out two VHS versions and now have the DVD version.

Here is Omar Sharif:



Here is a recent picture Miguel took of Joe:



Now if we give Joe a Mustache:



I'm still not feeling the whole Omar Sharif thing. I've never voted for a candidate on the basis of his or her looks, I'd like to believe most of us are not that shallow that it would matter. As an all in fun fluff piece the Blade article was entertaining, and it is true that a component of a campaign is packaging the candidate. After I met with Richard Cordray, my thoughts were not "man is he hot", it was "he knows his stuff". Ben Konop is another one that friends and some of my daughters feel is "hot" but he's more than just looks as well.

Joe is more than just his looks too, which is why I'm not taking the article that seriously. If I did, then I'd have to go into the whole shallowness of placing looks above what is inside. Of how too much pressure is put on our children, especially our daughters to make them believe that they have to look like models, that they all have to be a size 2. I'd have to go into the whole increase in plastic surgery because people seem to feel that what is on the outside matters most.

While I know Joe can take me picking on him using the above photos, I'd also then have to get into what would bother me most of all if I took this seriously. The fact that what I do know about Joe personally is he is the last person that would judge another person by their looks alone. But then again I'm not taking this seriously...

:-)

Mark Dansack and the Parade in Monclova

Miguel and I headed out to Monclova Township for their Monclova Homecoming Parade this morning. Mark had told me he was going to be participating and since we had missed meeting in person at few other events, that was my main mission of the morning. It was a great parade, and had all of the perfect elements, with a pretty good turn out from the looks of it.

I normally don't have my picture taken with candidates, that's Aubrey's job. However she wasn't with us today so? A pretty rare circumstance, me pictured below with Mark Dansack.



There are a few more pictures up at the title link at my flickr account for those who want to check them out. I really liked the jet shaped car, I'm thinking I'd really like one of those. :-)

Anita Lopez was there, as well as Mark Wagoner. Supporters of Linda Jennings, Ben Konop, George Sarantou were also a part of the parade. We had a temporary camera issue so Miguel was not able to take pictures of all of the various political supporters/candidates that were present. It was my error in not deleting enough photos from the camera card, future events I'm going to bring along one of my extra cards.

A Wagoner supporter approached us and gave us stickers, she then proceeded to tell me that the "other" candidate (meaning Mark Dansack) was trying to capitalize on the name 'Mark". Somehow I don't think that the reason that Mark Dansack decided to run for office had anything to do with his or his opponent's first name. She was walking right along side of the Dansack supporters rather than with the Wagoner group that was a few cars back. It appears she was telling quite a few people her theory as she progressed down the parade route.

Anyway, it was a beautiful day for a parade, and it appeared everyone present, especially the children with their bags ready for the candy that is thrown had a great time. Monclova did a very nice job and their pride in their community is well deserved. Mark Dansack might have more on the parade on his blog later.

:-)

A detailed look at downtown parking...

This week's Toledo City Paper has a very interesting look at the parking situation in Downtown Toledo. If you haven't read it yet and the topic of parking interests you, especially in relation to the proposed new arena? I recommend you visit the title link...

However I don't suggest you take them up on any of their suggested places where parking regulations are not enforced as I'm sure those who a part of parking enforcement might have read it as well.

:-)

Not every convenience store ends up selling beer or wine...

As I read the title linked Toledo Blade article, I started to wonder when I read this:

"I look around the neighborhood and all I see are these gas stations going up with liquor permits," said Matthew Lintz, 18, who spoke against a proposed store at 801 South Byrne Rd., saying it would promote drug and alcohol abuse.

In going to the Toledo Planning Commission Active Files and then doing a search thru the various data bases at the Ohio Division of Liquor Control I was able to determine the following:

According to the data base from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, a request for a permit was filed on 05/09/2006 for a C1 license to sell alcohol at 801 S. Byrne.

On the special use permit for a convenience store at 3125-3137 Cherry that was before the Planning Commission, the ODLC data base shows, a permit request for on 04/24/2006 for Telluride Grocery Store on 3139 Cherry for a C1 License.

On the special use permit for a Convenience store at 5624 Secor Rd, a permit request on 04/19/2006 for 5614 Secor Rd for a C1 License was made.

On the special use permit for a convenience store at 4625 N. Detroit Ave, there is no permit request on file as of the last update of the data base. However there is a License on file for that location already under the name of Qusra Brothers, Toledo Check Cashing Center on 4625 N. Detroit. It is a C1 and C2 License.

On the special use permit for a convenience store/fuel sales at 441 Langdon, there does not appear to be a request for a permit filed with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control nor permit on file for that location.

On the special use permit for a convenience store/fuel sales at 1829 Eastgate. There is an permit that has been granted for 1853 Eastgate for a C1 C2 License but none on file as requested or granted for 1829 Eastgate.

It's important to point out that the application of a request for a Liquor permit does not guarantee one will be granted. If you look at the data base there are many places that have been waiting for there to be a population increase that would allow the quota numbers to change so that they could be granted a license to sell alcohol.

So before Toledo City Council decides to put a six-month moratorium on Convenience Stores, I think now would be a good time to provide some information to the community as to what is involved in getting a license to sell alcohol, taking a look at the quota system that the State of Ohio has developed which is only supposed to allow so many licensed operations in a certain area based on population numbers. In theory this system designed to prevent the very concerns Mr. Lintz has, too many locations in one area selling alcohol...So if this is a problem, the solution does not appear to me to placing such limits on businesses that might not even be able to get a liquor license in the first place. The logical solution would be to address the liquor license aspect if that is the problem.

As a part of their Frequently Asked Questions page, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control provides some basic information that those interested in this topic might find of interest. Their pdf of the brochure detailing the steps necessary to obtain a Liquor License is one I hope City Council is familiar with, as well as Community Options; Dealing With A Problem Liquor Permit Premises information.

Rather than City Council placing barriers in the way of new businesses, it seems more productive to address the concerns and to provide information on the quotas for those areas. If these particular areas are deep into a quota situation it could possibly take years if ever for these convenience stores that do not already have a license to sell alcohol to obtain one.

Rib Off V Ribs by the River

We just returned from the Rib Off at the new location, the Lucas County Rec Center. Unfortunately I forgot the camera so no pictures. When you first approach it's not very appealing unless you are a fan of port-a-potties. It does appear they are planning on many visitors given the number of potties in a row.

The Vendors are placed in a similar manner as they are at the Ribs by the River, and there were tables and chairs available though I don't think there would be enough if it is busier than it was tonight. Similar to Ribs by the River the stage area for the band is set up in a grassy area so that you can sit on the grass or if you brought lawn chairs sit there to enjoy the music. You can also hear the music quite well from the rest of the area.

The atmosphere is not the same as the Ribs by the River though, that location is a nicer one as far as that aspect. There is no comparison to the River and the Fair Grounds. However, depsite the few who felt it would smell like animal poop? Nope, the overwhelming aroma was ribs and onion rings. Same as Ribs by the River.

One advantage to the Rib Off is the prices. Ribs by the River did not have the two bones for $3.00 samplers, the sampler plates there that we tried were three bones for $5.00. So from a cost factor the Rib Off is more rib for your buck. If it was very hot it would not be that comfortable since there is limited shade but the weather tonight made that not a factor.

Another advantage of the Rib Off is the Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich and the dipped Cheescake on a stick...That was not available at the Ribs by the River and let me tell you, those two desert items? Replaced me wanting a funnel cake (which they also did have as well).

An advantage to the way the Ribs by the River was done was for non-alcholic beverages. You did not have to go thru the hassle of waiting in one line to buy tickets then another one to get a bottle of pop like the Rib Off requires. You merely went to the pop vendor and paid cash and received your bottle of pop. I understand the reason behind doing that for beer but it's really silly to do that with pop.

Thus ends the comparison, whichever Rib event you decide to go to next year or if you decide on both as we did - one thing both share is awesome food.

:-)

Where do you go for fun at night in the Toledo area?

A friend wrote me an email asking if I would poll the readers of this blog to see where you go at night to have fun. She's looking for ideas that could be done on any night and that preferrably don't involve the bar scene since she and her Significant Other don't drink.

Considering going to the Ribs by the River was the first time Miguel and I had gone anywhere in months, I'm not the best expert on social entertainment options in Toledo. A wild night here consists of Yahtzee, Canasta or if we are feeling really frisky..Poker.

:-)

I declare today Lucas County Press Release Day!

Ben Konop, Joe McNamara, Bob Vasquez and Dave Schulz all have press releases that were issued last night or this morning.

Ben's Joe's and Bob's have all been posted on Politics in Mudville.

Dave Schulz's Campaign responded to Joe McNamara's Press release with:

Schulz Challenges Opponent On Spending Limit Proposal

City Council candidate Dave Schulz released the following statement regarding another McNamara gimmick.

McNamara is proposing a law formally restricting growth in city spending:

The facts are that city spending has been increasing at a very modest clip for many years because of flat tax revenue. Most of the general fund increase is due to health insurance, union contracts, homeland security and utilities. THE LAW IS UNNECESSARY AND IS JUST A GIMMICK.

What the city needs are elected officials who have the political courage to make cuts in non-essential government programs and departments and not politicians who trot out these gimmicks during election time.

Schulz challenged McNamara to name 3-4 departments he proposes eliminating, cutting or consolidating within other departments. “I am willing to do that but is he willing to make the tough decisions that are required to move our government into the fiscal reality of the 21st century.”, Schulz declared.

Reducing the mayor’s spending limit is just a gimmick as well and doesn’t address the the core problem of government spending. Schulz points out McNamara’s hypocrisy. “His initial campaign message was that leadership isn’t about political gamesmanship. His attack on the mayor last week and now, these gimmicks make his message ring hollow.”, Schulz stated.


More as the day progresses and I'd also point out this Toledo Blade article on the Ethics Issue.

Toledo Journal on Konop EITC plan...

Though we went into some discussion here on this topic, the title linked Toledo Journal article goes into more detail. Including getting the opinion of a CPA, one small part of that article:

George Sarantou says Ben Konop’s proposal to help more people get Earned Income Tax Credit refunds is unnecessary because the Internal Revenue Service is already taking care of it. But a Toledo certified public accountant says Mr. Sarantou’s comments are “reckless” because he’s suggesting that low-wage earners can merely sit back and wait for their tax credit checks to arrive in the mail. “If you listen to Sarantou, you could be missing out on this credit,” the CPA said. He requested anonymity because he doesn’t want his accounting firm embroiled in the Sarantou-Konop election battle for a seat on the Lucas County Commission.

There is quite a bit more at the link, including:

It’s pretty well automatic,” Mr. Sarantou said. He said taxpayers can wait for the IRS to provide the refund. The IRS notifies people who qualify but had not realized it, he said. “There a letter with a check. The check’s always included,” Mr. Sarantou said. He later said the envelope with the check might arrive a week or so after the notification letter from the IRS, but that the process remains automatic.

The CPA disagreed, as an example:

He said the IRS does have computers that “sometimes” flag a potential EITC-qualifying income tax filing. The IRS will notify the filer by mail, but a recipient who is not expecting a check might be hesitant to open an envelope from the federal government, he said. If he does, he’ll read a notice that probably will say he “may be eligible” for the EITC but that he’ll have to complete paperwork. “The letter does not say ‘Wow! You qualify for the tax credit! Here’s your money!’” the CPA told The Journal.

I recommend reading the whole article...

Toledo City Council folds under pressure from ONYX

I was very disappointed to read this in today's Toledo Blade:

Council rejected a permit for the Spot Mini Mart, 525 Dorr, bowing to pressure from the Organized Neighbors Yielding eXcellence Inc. community development group to stop the spread of alcohol retailers in the central city.

WilliAnn Moore, president of the ONYX board, thanked council for its stand. "We have too many [carryouts] in the ONYX neighborhood. We don't want any more beer, wine, and cigarettes," she said.

Yassar Zreiqat, one of the co-owners, said he felt discriminated against because of his Middle Eastern origin. He said council members backed Councilman Michael Ashford's drive to defeat the permit only because Mr. Ashford pressured them.

"They vote to support each other - nothing to do with right or wrong," Mr. Zreiqat said.

Mr. Ludeman said police reports do not support neighbors' claims that the store has fueled an increase in neighborhood crime, and he said the city will now be forced to defend itself in court.

What Toledo City Council is basically doing is punishing a small business owner thru no mistake of his own. He was allowed to go into business, spend money to start the business, enter into a lease and now? He's in theory supposed to take a huge financial loss not because his store really is the source of increased crime but because a City Employee made an error. Is the City going to reimburse him for all of the expenses he incurred in starting up this business that is now going to be shut down thru no fault of his own? Or will this be overturned on Administrative Appeal? That we will have to wait to find out.

While I understand the concern of having too many businesses in one area that sell alcohol and tobacco, there is obviously a market for it in that neighborhood. Else some of those businesses would fail on their own. Eliminating one store that also sold grocery items is not going to do anything but increase traffic to one of the other stores. People are not going to magically stop buying beer, wine and smokes just because one location was forced shut. It would be interesting to discover who owns the carry out locations closest to this store. Realistically they stand to gain the most.

Yesterday's Press Conference by Bob Vasquez...

Liberal Dem posted some of the details yesterday and the Toledo Blade reported on it with comments from Mr. Vasquez's opponents as well as the Mayor. I received a copy of the Press Release last night.

In the Press Release, Bob Vasquez states six specific concerns:

1. The management agreement has yet to be negotiated with Mr. Dillin's attorney and is "subject to change". Why would Council allocate funds to pay Mr. Dillin when the parameters of the agreement are still unknown?

2. Mayor Finkbeinerfired the Pizzuti Company for not meeting his deadline, yet there are no deadlines for Dillin's Phase II. Why not?

3. Mr. Dillin would work with the current City of Toledo project team. Don Monroe, the current Marina District Coordinator, has received $9000 for his work despite the fact that there has not been an approved contract for that work. Will Mr. Monroe still receive a consulting fee despite bringing on Mr. Dillin? Does that mean that taxpayers will be asked to pay for two consultants?

4. Mr. Dillin wants $65,000 for Phase I, including overhead and out of pocket expenses. What are the parameters of these extras and how much are we willing to spend in additional funds? What will Mr. Dillin's contact actually cost taxpayers, from beginning to end?

5. Mr. Dillin wants the right of first refusal when it comes to the Sports Arena, the Acme Plant, and others. He would also assist in reviewing offers to the city. When would Mr. Dillin exercise his right to first refusal, before or after other offers come in?

6. Finally, there has been little mention of local participation in this project. What are the concrete plans to include Toledo companies?

I tend to agree with Mr. Vasquez's opponents and the mayor as quoted in the Toledo Blade article, that Dillin can handle both projects. That said, I do think that these are valid questions and I would be interested in learning the answers as well.

Blogher focus on Blog it Toledo and more...

This week's Blog it takes a look at Blogher thanks to Val who was the source of my inspiration. This week's cover story is about Toledo Express Airport, I try to always fly out of Toledo Express, and you should too!

Michael Miller has a inspirational experience and this article by Tony Gonzalez brings back memories of when I was in Chess Club. Tom Richard focuses on Simple Speak as well as we discover he does not like ketchup at breakfast..

There is of course much more waiting for you in print or online in this week's Toledo Freepress. They even still have that Sudoku Puzzle that yours truly has never mastered.

:-)

I love a happy ending...

Miguel and I went for a walk, and this chocolate lab comes up to us on Arlington, which is busy. The dog runs across the street, then back again almost getting hit. We look at each other, Miguel gets the dog and we bring her home. No ID tag but a Lucas County tag but the Dog Warden is closed for the day. While she is drinking large amounts of water I make up some found dog signs and off we head with Aubrey this time who of course wants to keep the dog and the dog to see if we can find anyone who a) recognizes the dog or b) at least hang signs.

As we walk down several streets near the house a van stops. It is the owner of the dog out driving looking for her dog. Dog and owner reunited, it seems someone unhooked their back gate and they didn't realize it when the dog went outside. We walk back home, taking the found signs we put up down.


:-)

Toledo Police Patrolmen's Association endorses Mary Taylor

I read this over at Lincoln Logs, I checked the TPPA website but they don't have who they have endorsed listed, nor is it in their latest newsletter. I ventured over to Mary Taylor's website and it is listed there under endorsements.

I visited a few other state candidates campaign sites, Ted Strickland's site doesn't appear to have a section for endorsements and there was nothing listed in the news section as of yet. Blackwell's doesn't include it in his list of endorsements either.

Sherrod Brown's site doesn't list endorsements, Mike Dewine's does but? No TPPA listed as of yet. Rich Cordray's site does list endorsements but nothing is listed at this point and his opponent Sandy O'Brien does not have TPPA listed in her endorsements either.

So, either whoever else was endorsed has not updated their webpage yet, or the TPPA has not released it's full list of candidates who have been endorsed, or they only endorsed Mary Taylor. More as it comes via the media or we do have several readers who are members of the TPPA, maybe they'll have more information.

:-)

A whole lotta good might come from this....

Not this, but this...Republicans and Democrats united, against Learn and Earn.

Learn and Earn's statement, as quoted in the Toledo Blade strikes me as ironic. The full press release is not up on their site yet:

"More than a few Ohioans must be wondering how much togetherness we can afford from these two politicians."

I realize what Learn and Earn is trying to "brand" now. The meme that all of these politicians are against poor Learn and Earn who just wants to give our children a college education. Of course the fact that it's only the top 5% that are guaranteed to get anything for 12 years is something not pointed out. They are finally mentioning slot machines.

Attacking Strickland when some of the people that are supposedly behind the creation of this are Democrats makes no sense. Not to mention it's more than just these two that oppose Learn and Earn. The list is rather large of Democrats and Republicans that are not in support. Which leads me to my largest concern. If somehow, someway this passes, it will require legislation from Ohio's House and Senate. If that gets mired down? Gambling still would happen and the language is not clear as to what would happen with the money that is supposed to be set aside for scholarships, or any of the financial promises that have been made. That is exactly why it was written that way, for all we know that's the hope, that they can fool the voters into passing this then? Let the Legislators battle it out, knowing no matter what they'll still get their slot machines. After all, they did an excellent job in getting people into signing petitions, and these gambling corporations do have more than enough to spend on an advertising campaign. That however is depressing to reflect on that voters would be that uniformed, it's as I said all along, it is the voters who are ultimately responsible and no matter what these petition signers tell you or don't tell you? If you are going to sign you should at least care enough to READ what you are agreeing to. If you don't have the time to read it? Don't sign it.

If you have not yet done so, I strongly urge you to read the all of the amendment language. To their credit, Learn and Earn has placed it on their front page, here is the pdf link where I would pay special attention to the Full Text of the Amendment that starts on page 3. That way no matter how you decide to vote? At least you will have all of the information, any promises made in commercials, podcasts, interviews don't mean squat. What matters is what is written that will be a part of the amendment.

Who else besides Wal-Mart needs to wake up...

Yes, I know, Wal-Mart is supposed to be this big huge evil thing that anyone who is liberal is against. I read the title linked Toledo Blade article about the Wake Up Wal-Mart campaign coming into Toledo. Yet I wondered...who else needs to wake up?

"There is a growing disparity and something fundamentally wrong when a company that employs a majority of Americans says that its workers should not enjoy a healthy standard of living," said Mr. Kofinis, a former campaign adviser to Gen. Wesley Clark during the 2004 presidential campaign.

Meijer's starting wage is $6.00 an hour, according to this. (Yes, that's less than Wal-Mart and is not a living wage. It can take years to get to the living wage.)

REAP states:

Over the past three decades – 1980 to the present, the wage differential between the mainly non-union retail industry compared to the more unionized grocery store sector has been closing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics average hourly earnings in the grocery store sector in 1980 were $1.57 an hour above the rest of the retail highly non-union industry. As the following chart shows the grocery store wage advantage has largely disappeared. (The average wage for retail in 2003 was $10.27, the average wage for a grocery store worker was $10.41.)

It is widely believed that the 2003 UFCW retail strike/lockout in Southern California involving 70,000 Kroger, Albertsons and Safeway workers was the beginning of the decline of decent wages and benefits in the retail grocery store industry and certainly in Southern California . It is also widely believed that UFCW completely failed in its overall bargaining/strike strategy and in the challenge of waging an effective struggle against the employer greed.

For sure, the worker concessions in Southern California amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars. But across the country the substantial erosion of UFCW wages and benefits had been taking place for two decades prior to the Southern California clash. Even in Southern and Northern California the retail chain companies had been for years siphoning hundreds of millions of dollars from the workers' pension fund to pay for health care benefits that clearly was the employer's obligation to pay for. Given such a national erosion of UFCW wages and benefits over such a long period of time, it was not surprising that any strategy could avert what amounted to a mop up operation in Southern California to a successful national employer strategy to bludgeon workers into concessions around the country for some two decades.

In North Carolina, Kroger workers are ready to go on strike.

While Target would like you to believe that Wal-Mart is the "Evil Empire":

For years, Target has cultivated an image of itself as the "anti-Wal-Mart," a retailer that refuses to sacrifice workplace standards in the pursuit of higher sales and stock prices.

But now, after a decade of meteoric growth at both Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., labor groups say the two retailers are no longer very different in the way they treat their workers.

Entry-level hourly workers in Target stores earn roughly the same pay and have more difficulty qualifying for healthcare coverage than their peers at Wal-Mart. Both retailers oppose unions and have taken steps to prevent organizing efforts in stores. And both have outsourced jobs overseas to save costs.

Target pays between $6.25 an hour and $8 an hour for entry-level, hourly positions in its Twin Cities stores, according to a recent survey of local Target workers by the Food and Commercial Workers union. That’s in line with what Wal-Mart pays in that market, though some starting-level Wal-Mart workers can earn $9 to $10 an hour, the union said.

Both companies offer healthcare insurance to employees, but Target’s is considered more restrictive. Two years ago, Target dropped health-care insurance coverage for all part-time workers. By contrast, Wal-Mart makes its medical plan available to all workers, full- and part-time.

Now let's do some simple math. If employee A earns $6.25 at a union store and employee B earns $6.25 at a non-union store, who actually takes home more money?

Employee B...because there is no union initiation fee and no monthly dues.

I realize the logic behind demanding Wal-Mart pay more, it's felt that if they can get them to then when contracts are negiotiated for union workers they can demand a higher wage. It's the same principal behind raising the minimum wage, some union contracts have their hourly rate tied to a certain amount above the minimum wage. Those that don't will still use a minimum wage increase to justify a higher hourly rate. Yet if prices increase to cover the raises which is a real possibility, in the end are you really making more money? What about the workers who will not get these automatic or negotiated raises? They actually will have less spendable cash.

So, while people are shaking their fists at Wal-Mart, Target is hoping you won't notice them the same as the local union grocery stores that pay a lower starting wage than Wal-Mart. While all of them would love to "bring the Giant down", very few stop to consider those who pay a lower starting wage. The grocery store market is a competitive one, just ask any former Farmer Jack employee...

Wolcott to add authentic one room School House

I thought this Toledo Blade article was excellent. I've driven by where the original school house sat, at one time dreamed of buying it and restoring it. So I was very happy to read that the Maumee Valley Historical Society was moving the School House to the Wolcott Complex.

Once they are finished with restoring the School House to it's original state, it will be another historical asset for our area.

:-)

Some interesting articles from Toledo's alternative media

In getting caught up in my reading today, the first recommended article is this week's This Strikes Us at Sojourner's Truth. It is about the Voting Rights Act of 1965,

Jack Ford as always writes some interesting political commentary. This week he writes about several topics from an incident involving Toledo City Councilman Michael Ashford to the Point of Sale Ordinance, Ethics and Republican campaign tactics. While I'm not sure I agree on the Point of Sale Ordinance I do agree with the Former Mayor on the ethics issue. I'm also wondering what will be the end result of the situation with Michael Ashford...

The Toledo City Paper has a cover story on the retention pond in Sylvania that has been a hot topic of conversation for Sylvania residents.

Nicki Reamer at the Independent Collegian has a highly recommended article about future job losses in the merger between University of Toledo and MUO. If you aren't registered? It is well worth taking the time to be able to read this and other articles there.

So in addition to the Toledo Free Press, there are my recommended reads of the week.

:-)

I thought I included this article but I didn't, from The Toledo Journal a more detailed report on what happened when the Mayor was in North Toledo...

Ribs by the River...

It was time for another TARTA adventure, this time Miguel joined me and down to Ribs by the River we went. More pictures can be found at the title link. Getting there was a piece of cake, right from the end of our street to almost right at the entry way into the event. It seemed like a decent amount of people were there during the almost four hours we were down there. The necessary food items of ribs, hand cut french fries and funnel cake were consumed with great gusto, especially the funnel cake (it's personal weakness of mine). Miguel went for the elephant ear...

The music was good, the weather was beautiful and I ran into an old high school classmate who recognized me so we chatted for a bit to get caught up on what has happened to since high school. Judy and her family are boaters so she was very happy that the Ribs by the River event had been planned. She stated she was very disappointed when the decision was made to move the Rib Off to Maumee since of course there is no boat access there. For them it's an all day affair and well worth the $35.00 they spend to dock the boat.

Besides political signs only one candidate was spotted, Bob Vasquez. I had heard he was there yesterday too but I don't know if anyone else was there that I didn't spot or was there earlier in the day.

All in all? It was a very enjoyable time though TARTA could make it much easier on new riders...I'm learning...

There's still one more day - tomorrow until 5:00 p.m. to enjoy Ribs by the River.

:-)

A question of constitutionality in Oregon Ohio...

A friend sent me an email about a Second Amendment case that is happening in Oregon, Ohio. It does not appear there has been a lot of media attention on this particular situation. However, it could have a large impact either way it is decided.

The basic points that I do know from reading the information contained in the Motion to Dismiss is that the defendant, Daniel Sayers, was wearing a holster with two guns openly at a gas station. He pumped his gas, checked his oil, washed his windows and left. The police state someone from the gas station called about the defendent wearing the guns. The police then found him driving down the road, pulled him over stating it was a felony stop.

It appears the defendent also had a concealed carry license at the time of the stop. The City of Oregon has in their Revised Code a statute that makes carrying anything that is a projectile or shoots a projectile illegal, including brass knuckles, et., anything that can cause bodily harm is illegal on the streets, alleys, and public places in Oregon.

I'd suggest reading the above linked pdf and the Motion to Supress if you want more background information on the exact arguments of this case. Ohioans for Concealed Carry have been reporting on this case as well as trying to help raise funds. No matter the organizations political leanings, I think this story should be more out there as it is an important one. (I add that caveat only so that this does not turn into a discussion of Blackwell V Strickland on gun rights but remains on this actual case.)

Will the statute be declared unconstitional? The earliest we can discover that is the next court hearing which is scheduled for August 18th.

More on Konop's plan...EIC in Lucas County

Reading the article in the Toledo Blade it appears there are two conflicting views of Ben Konop's recent proposal to increase EITC participation...

Ben Konop:

“By making sure that Lucas County residents get their fair share of tax refunds from the federal government, we can strengthen our community from the ground up,” Mr.Konop said, noting that according to estimates by Policy Matters Ohio — a nonprofit research organization — Lucas County residents have failed to claim about $6 million from the federal government in the last three years.

“This is an initiative aimed at helping families prosper in Lucas County,” he said, noting that his proposal is a three-part plan modeled after similar programs in New York City and West Virginia that were implemented in recent years.

George Sarantou:

“Once again my opponent’s lack of any government experience is showing,” he said. “The EITC has been in place since 1975 and the IRS has in place a system of awarding the credit to people who qualify for it even if they didn’t claim it on their tax returns.”

“Unfortunately, even though Mr. Konop wants to create yet another layer of government, there is no need for this initiative because as long as you file your taxes, the IRS will automatically scan the returns and reward the credit if you qualify for it.”

This of course made me curious... So, yes of course you know what comes next. The Research!

According to this:

The Brookings Institution and others have estimated that at least 15 percent of those eligible do not claim the credit. Those who do claim it often pay high fees to preparers, both to prepare the returns and to provide expensive refund anticipation loans that allow the filer to get the refund a few days earlier. Paying for these services can cost more than $300 for a filer eligible for a $1,500 EITC credit.

According to this:

The IRS estimates that close to 20 percent of those eligible for the credit do not receive it.

In Ohio, more than 300,000 families purchased RALs, and as mentioned, more than 500,000 used paid preparers. If these families spent $120 on tax preparation and $130 on a loan (a conservative estimate), then Ohio's low-income families lost more than $99 million to paid preparers in 2003.

The possible impact on the local economy is clear according to this report by the Brookings Institute, page 17:

The San Antonio study also finds that each $1,000 of federal EITC would generate an additional $2 in local tax revenue. The researchers conclude that modest municipal expenditures on promoting the EITC and free tax return preparation might easily pay for themselves (Texas Perspectives 2003). A similar study in Baltimore found that current EITC receipt generated nearly $600,000 in local income and property tax revenues (Jacob France Institute 2004). Findings from a similar study in Nashville, conducted through a partnership between an EITC outreach campaign and a local university, helped to generate local governmental support for the campaign there (Hamernik 2005).

It also does not appear from this IRS Report that the IRS is automatically giving those who qualify the EIC. It appears what they do is:

Likewise, the IRS continued its efforts to increase EITC awareness:

The IRS sent notices to approximately 958,000 taxpayers during FY 2002, who appeared to qualify for the EITC based on the tax returns filed.

Partnerships were established with key stakeholders, external partners, and intermediaries that provided an overwhelming opportunity to educate taxpayers about EITC, offered free tax preparation, and provided information on financial literacy. As of March 24, 2003,the IRS had completed approximately 42 million EITC contacts.

Further in the PDF it lists this as one of the future goals:

Encourage eligible taxpayers to claim the EITC by increasing outreach efforts and making the requirements for claiming the credit easier to understand;

This leads me to conclude that there is evidence that many Lucas County residents are eligible for EIC that are not currently receiving it and it is also demonstrated by the various studies out there that this can help a local economy as well as be done in an cost effective manner to make happen. It's also evident that there is a general belief that providing more free or low cost tax preparation services would also add to the amount people would receive from EITC and be able to save or spend.

As a semi update, while I was researching this issue, the Konop for Lucas County campaign was as well. The posting time is when I started this a.m.; at 1:30 p.m. I received another Press Release from the Ben Konop campaign, which in part states:

Mr. Sarantou is flat wrong on both counts. According to the IRS itself, the IRS does not voluntarily calculate the tax credit for eligible filers nor does it automatically scan returns and reward the credit if one qualifies for it. This was, in fact, confirmed by the IRS today.

“Unfortunately, my Republican opponent has once again put politics ahead of what’s best for the community. His false and misleading statements do the public a great disservice by disseminating inaccurate information to potential recipients of the EITC,” stated Konop. “Working families need the EITC to help pay for groceries, rising gas prices, or health care costs,” added Konop. “My opponent is obviously not looking out for the public’s best interests by issuing his reckless and inaccurate response,” said Konop.

“Today, for the good of Lucas County taxpayers, I call on my Republican opponent to retract his statement and give Lucas County taxpayers what they deserve: the truth,” concluded Konop.

Over the line in Michigan Republican race turns nasty

I know the focus here is mainly on Lucas County and at times Ohio but after hearing about the vandalism that took place on Sunday at the campaign office of Rep. Joe Schwarz I wanted to write about it.

Schwartz has gone on record as saying:

"Same-sex couples deserve basic human rights and equality."

Evidently someone takes issue with that as according to a press release I received:

SCHWARZ CAMPAIGN’S JACKSON OFFICE VANDALIZED

JACKSON – Signage at U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz’s Jackson campaign office was vandalized sometime between last night and this morning. The signs, or decals, are no longer usable.

Campaign staff have reported the incident to the Jackson Police Department. Three decals on the windows of the downtown Jackson Street office feature a larger-than life-size headshot of the congressman. Two of those decals were vandalized. The left-most decal had the word “FAG” written across it, the other had the congressman’s eyes cut out.

Each of the two decals has a retail value of $250.

“This is obviously not the work of someone supporting my campaign. There has been rampant thefts of my campaign’s yard signs and now vandalizing of my office,” Congressman Schwarz said. “This is the work of people lacking all integrity or values, and I find this type of hate speech disgusting.

“This type of activity is not befitting that of a congressional campaign or anyone who supports civility and respect for property, for that matter. We will prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone caught defacing or stealing our campaign materials. I thank the Jackson Police Department for its prompt response.

“I would expect my opponent to remind his supporters to maintain some civility in the closing days of this race. In 27 years, I have never seen behavior like this in a campaign.”

Paid for by Schwarz for Congress, P.O. Box 2063, Battle Creek, Michigan 49016.

It does not appear from this Detroit Free Press article that civility is going to be accomplished. Which is a shame because this sort of hatred and bias should not be a part of any campaign.

Latest Press Release from Ben Konop...

I held off on posting because I wanted to make sure the weather didn't cause a delay or a resecheduling. It was confirmed that the Press Conference did take place as planned. I will update with media coverage links as they happen.

Konop to unveil initiative aimed at recouping millions of dollars for working families in Lucas County

Democratic candidate for commissioner wants county government to focus on “EITC” for working families.

(Toledo, OH) Democratic candidate for Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop will discuss his plan to have county government assist the working men and women of Lucas County in claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (“EITC”) from the Federal government. Konop will be holding a press conference this morning, Thursday August 3rd, at 10:30 AM in front of the White Castle Restaurant at 1615 Cherry Street to discuss his proposal.

At the press conference, Konop will propose a three-part plan, modeled after similar successful efforts in New York City and West Virginia, to assist Lucas County residents in obtaining their EITC and thus strengthening our local economy and community.

Since 1975, the Federal government has awarded American taxpayers a tax credit if their income falls below a threshold level (currently around $37,000 for a family of four). Over the last three years, according to estimates by Policy Matters Ohio, Lucas County residents have failed to claim approximately 6,000,000 EITC dollars from the Federal Government. These unclaimed funds could immediately be used to help the citizens of Lucas County buy groceries, cope with rising gas prices, or put a downpayment on a home. Instead, the money sits earmarked for Lucas County yet unclaimed in the federal coffers.

Konop’s EITC initiative is the most recent in a string of new ideas that he has unveiled throughout his campaign. “While my Republican opponent has, unfortunately, yet to offer one pro-active idea for improving our community, our campaign has focused on a new vision for moving Lucas County forward into the 21st century,” stated Konop.

“As Commissioner, I believe it’s my duty to fight for the working men and women of our community,” Konop said. “By making sure that Lucas County residents get their fair share of tax refunds from the Federal government, we can strengthen our community from the ground up,” added Konop.

Paid for by Konop for Lucas County, Tony Pizza, Chair, 100 S. Huron St.
Suite 7C, Toledo, OH 43602

If it helps just one person? It will be priceless...

As I read the Toledo Blade online this morning, I came across this article. It highlights the City of Toledo and Lucas County working together to put an insert to be included with residents water bills on Domestic Abuse/Violence.

Initiated by Lucas County Domestic Violence Task Force, the effort is a collaboration between Toledo and Lucas County officials. Inserts will be in English and Spanish and give a phone number and a Web site where victims can receive help.

The article stated the City of Toledo spent $400.00 on the paper and Lucas County printed the message on the inserts.

This to me deserved a moment of thanks and appreciation.

:-)

People Toledo should be trying to keep...

I realize it's probably no consolation to Keith Bergman that my daughter and her roomates have faced a similar "Welcome Wagon" in their neighborhood which is closer to UT than the Old West End.

As I read his article in the Toledo Free Press I felt a mixture of sadness and anger. I watched my daughter have her home broken into, many items stolen including a laptop, other electronics and her wallet along with the keys to her car and her car. We later got the car back but it was damaged. Not enough to total it but enough to make her wish she had a lower deductible. She of course had to pay to get her car back because after being stolen for over a week, evidently leaving the car on the street an additional hour so she could avoid paying the City's ransom was too much to expect and there was no real investigation. Then recently someone did a sloppy job trying to break into her car again. This time they didn't steal it but she's not going to bother to get the lock repaired because she feels like Keith does. Luckily for her, she and her roomates are only renting. At the end of their lease they can escape.

But we want people like my daughter and like Keith and his wife here in Toledo. Especially those like Keith who work hard to save to own a home. It's sad that we are not beyond the point where race doesn't matter, that a neighborhood would not want good neighbors who were going to care for their home. Merely being white should not make you a target, just as a family being the only blacks, or the only hispanics or the only anything should matter. A soul of a neighborhood is not judged by the color of skin, it's judged by a common bond. Wanting to live in a safe, pleasant place for a family.

If we keep losing the Emily's and the Keith's we are going to have to worry about more than brain drain....

Blog it Toledo and a hot Toledo Free Press

The Blog it! Toledo column is up, you might have heard about the cover story which was done by Tony Gonzalez. It's highly recommended.

Michael Miller takes on a topic that I agree with him on, however I won't go into all of my stories from my days as a nursing mom. Matt Sussman has some Tiger talk; Tom Richard believes honesty is the best policy and there is of course much more waiting for you on line and in print.

:-)

Sitting down with Richard Cordray...

Even on what might be one of the hottest days in Toledo, Richard Cordray was friendly, great to talk to and would definitely earn the title "cool". He was knowledgeable and while I'm sure some of the questions I asked were ones he has answered before, he was not scripted in his response.

Rather than ask him biographical based questions, since his website contains all of that information and I assumed some of his legal background/influences was going to be a part of his interview on Nookular Option. I went straight to my questions.

There has been some media attention paid to the fact that Ted Strickland was given the endorsement of the Ohio Fraternal Order Of Police, (FOP) but what might not be as well known is that Richard Cordray was also selected to receive this endorsement. I asked Rich if he felt that both he and Ted Strickland receiving these endorsements was a sign that Ohio was ready for a change. He responded "Yes", then stated while he was a little disappointed that he and Ted Strickland were the only two Democrats who received this endorsement that he was very pleased to have been selected. It was stated that he felt this was a very important endorsement and explained the relevance of this endorsement to the State Treasurer's Office; "Treasurer is about protecting the money and certainly the police have a special resonance with most of the public on protecting anything, including money and certainly financial crimes so I would say that the police and firefighters are probably the endorsements that carry the most resonance with the public."

The honor of Mr. Cordray being selected County Leader of the Year in 2005 by American City & Government Magazine has been mentioned in previous interviews I read as I did research for this interview. What caught my eye on the Cordray campaign site was this. After congratulation him on his team "Cordray for Treasurer" winning their Second Basketball Championship; I discovered he and his brother both enjoy basketball and they have done this over a decade. Rich played in high school and then while he did not join Magic Johnson in playing at Michigan State; he later played in England while he was attending school there for two years and played basketball in Europe, Egypt and Israel as well during that time period.

We then briefly turned the focus on the differences between himself and his opponent. Rich stated, "I think the key point here that we are starting to talk about is that, I am a Treasurer, I've been a Treasurer for four years. I handle deposits, I invest hundreds of millions of dollars each day and I have a record doing that. My opponent, is not a Treasurer, has never been a Treasurer, has never handled a deposit, never invested a dollar. She has been an Auditor, which is a very different thing". He feels the level of experience that he can bring to State Treasurer is an important point for Ohio voters to consider.

In my research I came across a video that was posted at the Ohio Democratic website back in April, I highly recommend taking the time to visit and watch this video. In it Richard Cordray discusses very thoroughly why he believes so strongly in encouraging personal finance education. It is something he has focused on in Franklin County as Treasurer and would like to bring this to all areas of Ohio. Having both watched the video and spoken in person with him on this topic, this is something he feels would be a huge benefit to our children and our State. I agree with him...Rich would also like to expand the Women and Money Program that is currently offered by the Treasurer's Office.

Rich does support the current Bid Ohio program and has instituted a similar program in Franklin County. One of the State Treasurer employees that was involved in helping to create the program for Ohio came to work for his Franklin County Office. He then stated, "Frankly, in general the principle of competition for public funds is a good solid principle, and when the banks and other institutions compete the tax payers get the best deal."

Ethics is an important issue, especially here in Lucas County. I had found this Cleveland Plain Dealer article in which Mr. Cordray had stated he felt that candidates should opt for mutual funds as opposed to picking stocks. I mentioned the article and asked him if he would like to elaborate on that topic. He said he thinks candidates are better off if they keep their investments more general that it avoids questions concerning inside information and possible concerns about corruption. It was obvious during the conversation that he does care about how the public perceives these actions and is concerned with building public trust. Or it would probably be more accurate to say "rebuilding" public trust.

Richard Cordray is very optimistic about being elected as Treasurer of the State of Ohio but not over-confident. He plans to continue to campaign hard as well as continue the level of fundraising necessary to have a successful television ad campaign. While he was pleased with the latest poll that showed him in the lead, and he felt the Democrats have a very strong ticket there was still work to be done. He does plan on returning to the Toledo/Lucas County again during the course of his campaign. It appears he is knowledgeable about our area and the candidates we have running for office. Rich also knows our current Mayor as well as Former Mayor Jack Ford and has for many years going back before Carty was first Mayor and Jack was a Legislator. I also felt that Rich feels our area is important when it comes to November's election.

We shared some mutual admiration, he for blogging in recognizing the amount of time some of us invest in blogging. Rich also participated in a Meet the Bloggers interview. He stated he felt blogging was a form of patriotic expression and that criticizing the government is not unpatriotic as some in our Federal Government have suggested, since bringing up concerns and discussing them is what at times creates changes that are important. I of course have a great deal of admiration for candidates and elected officials that make themselves accessible to the public. Years ago the chances of a candidate for a State office sitting down and meeting with a Mom of five at a coffee house for a one on one discussion would not often happen. Yet with blogging? It can and does happen and it gives all of us a chance to find out more about candidates than the traditional media can provide.

In closing, the above was what I felt was the key parts of our interview today. I encourage you to visit the links in this post to learn even more information about Richard Cordray. I had a chance to listen to him on the Nookular Option, where there was even a impromptu form of Jeopardy played. I'll add the link to the podcast here when that is available for those of you who didn't get a chance to listen in. I thank Richard Cordray very much, and I hope this was informative to my readers here as well.

:-)

As promised, the link to Nookular Option's podcast of the interview with Rich.

Let's hope Toledo City Council sees this Editorial...

Fix City Council Term Limits

There is still time to get this on the November ballot, as long as Council moves on this soon. Very soon. Hopefully today?

:-)