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....