Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Family found dead in Ohio home
Robbers order bar patrons to empty pockets
Man gets 3 years in prison for having sex with horse
Sex-toy study at Duke University raises some eyebrows
Akron man turns himself in after authorities turn up heat
Get ready for detour, delays on Route 8
Man appears alive at own funeral
Blogs:
Pets:
Not 101 Dalmations…but close!
The Heldenfiles:
Friday Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
Saturday entertainment, one more time …
Akron Zips:
No. 1 UA soccer remains perfect, Zips football defeats rival Flashes
Tribe Matters:
Tribe makes roster moves
Cleveland Browns:
Lewis doesn't like boycott
Kent State Sports:
Kent State falls to Akron, 20-28
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Gameblog: Cavs at Knicks
Buckeye Blogging:
Weekly ‘B’ Deck Report – New Mexico St.
Varsity Letters:
Wrestling, bowling teams prepare for season
All Da King's Men:
Bigger And Better Boondoggles
Blog of Mass Destruction:
The Shooter
Akron Law Café:
NEW U.S. Supreme Court Database
See Jane Style:
Muffle Your Muffler
Car Chase:
Perfect Weather for an Autumn Drive
Let's Talk Real Estate:
RUMORS: Downtown Restaurant Explosion
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Jack is looking for a trip to Southern Ohio the week of November 16.
Sound Check:
The Black Keys to perform benefit concert at Musica on November 27
HRLite House:
Personal Rant – Why People Do Not Live in Northeast Ohio
Akron Gamer:
New 'Call of Duty' could set entertainment record
As city leader stands behind his accomplishments, opponent voices why Akron needs change
By Stephanie Warsmith
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009
Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic has compared Warner Mendenhall, who is leading the recall effort against him, to Hitler.
He has called him a ''left-wing extremist'' and an ''insignificant little gnat'' who is obsessed with being mayor.
Mendenhall has described Plusquellic as paranoid, isolated, lonely and a ''corrupt tyrant.''
He says he doesn't want to be mayor, but someone else would do a better job than Plusquellic.
Plusquellic and Mendenhall, who have battled over term limits, speed cameras and sewers in the past two decades, are now in a fight that will decide whether Plusquellic should remain in office and guide Akron's future. The recall election is June 23, though more than 5,900 people have already cast absentee ballots.
As this historic election approaches, the Beacon Journal sat down with Plusquellic and Mendenhall to discuss the recall, their visions for the city, their tangled history and what happens next.
How it began
The two men's feud began during Mendenhall's brief stint on Akron City Council in the early 1990s.
Plusquellic, 59, a former council president who has been mayor since 1987, says Mendenhall did a lousy job of addressing his constituents' concerns and often passed the buck and blamed any lack of response on City Hall.
When a group of Mendenhall's angry constituents complained in 1992 that Plusquellic didn't attend a meeting with them, the mayor shot back with a five-page letter critical of their councilman. The mayor calls it ''the letter.''
''You have apparently been caught up with
what I would describe as Mr. Mendenhall's demagoguery — his unending misrepresentations,'' Plusquellic wrote. ''He can tell you what he wants and can continue to shoot off his mouth, but I believe that the truth will eventually catch up to him.''
Plusquellic also wrote that Mendenhall had ''been bragging how he was going to 'take on the mayor.' ''
Mendenhall, 47, defends his tenure on council, saying he was aggressive on crime and helped form block watch groups. He pointed out that, shortly after he was elected to represent Ward 5 in 1992, a redrawing of the ward boundaries placed his home in Ward 2. He won election to that seat in 1994, but after one term, was defeated in the Democratic primary.
Now an Akron attorney, Mendenhall has faced off against Plusquellic on a number of issues, with both sides scoring victories. Mendenhall prevailed on campaign finance limits and helped defeat the mayor's proposals to increase income taxes for police and economic development and to lease the sewers to fund scholarships. Plusquellic won on term limits and speed cameras in school zones.
Mendenhall supported former Councilman Joe Finley in his challenge to Plusquellic in the Democratic primary in 2007, with Finley surprising many by losing by only about 1,000 votes.
Plusquellic attributes the narrow primary victory on his supporters, who didn't vote because they believed he would win handily. He had no opposition in the general election. He hopes his supporters vote in the recall.
Idea for the recall
Mendenhall says the idea for the recall grew out of the successful effort last fall to defeat Plusquellic's sewers-for-scholarships proposal.
He said opponents of Plusquellic's plan kept asking, ''Can't we get rid of that mayor?''
Plusquellic and his supporters argue that Mendenhall's group has a scheme to avoid a head-to-head campaign against the mayor in a traditional election and instead use what they call ''a loophole'' in the city's charter.
The charter requires the signatures of 20 percent of the voters in the last mayoral election for a recall. Because Plusquellic was unopposed in 2007, the turnout was low and only 3,179 valid signatures were needed to trigger a recall.
Mendenhall disputes the scheme theory and said not having an alternative to Plusquellic has been the campaign's ''biggest hurdle.'' He said Plusquellic's opponents challenged him in the last election with Finley, but the mayor ''stole'' the election by accepting contributions above the charter limits — the subject of a long battle and a pending lawsuit.
''There's a huge group who feels he is not a legitimate elected mayor,'' Mendenhall said. ''He can legitimize himself if he wins.''
Because the recall will be a special election, the city will have to pick up the estimated $175,000 tab.
Mendenhall said this is less than 85 cents per person in Akron and is less than Plusquellic would cost the city if he remains in office and continues his excessive spending.
Plusquellic argues Mendenhall's true motivation is his ''20-year obsession'' with being mayor.
Mendenhall, who had been coy during the campaign about his intentions, now says he wouldn't run if Plusquellic is recalled. He said he needs to take care of his nearly $169,000 in federal tax liens, a problem the anti-recall group has delighted in highlighting.
So far, Mike Williams, an at-large Akron councilman, is the only person who has said he would run for mayor.
City visions
Asked to describe the city in a sentence, Mendenhall said, ''Akron has a good heart.''
Plusquellic's response was, ''We declare ourselves an island, if necessary, to be different than the rest of the state and the country to do things creatively and rebuild our economy by better educating and preparing people for the future.''
The mayor thinks he has made strides in this vision, including by:
• Creating Joint Economic Development Districts and other tax-sharing agreements with surrounding communities.
• Developing the idea to use city income taxes to rebuild the schools and turn them into community centers.
• Retaining jobs, including helping to persuade Goodyear and Bridgestone Firestone to remain in Akron.
• Investing in revitalizing downtown.
Mendenhall, however, thinks Plusquellic has taken the city in the wrong direction. He argues the city's debt is too high; more should have been invested in neighborhoods; and his travels have been expensive and detracted from his duties.
If the recall is successful, Mendenhall thinks the new mayor should start ''neighborhood-based budgeting,'' getting input from citizens on the city's priorities.
When asked what one question he'd like to pose to the mayor, Mendenhall said he wanted to know how much debt — broken down per person — Plusquellic thinks is too much.
Plusquellic objected to the question, saying that's not how rating agencies judge a city's credit worthiness. Instead, they look at the tax base.
''There's no way to answer,'' he said. ''That doesn't relate to the financial market.''
Plusquellic declined to pose a question to Mendenhall, saying he didn't want to elevate him to his level.
''I don't care what he does or says,'' the mayor said. ''He couldn't answer honestly.''
His suggestion for Mendenhall was: ''Go back to Stark County where you came from, if that's the kind of politics you play here.''
Mendenhall's concerns
Mendenhall is analyzing absentee turnout and is concerned about the outcome of the recall. More votes have been cast in pro-Plusquellic areas, such as Ward 8 in West Akron, than Ward 10, which includes most of Goodyear Heights and part of Ellet.
''That is not where we need to be,'' he said. ''Right now, I would say we are down.''
Mendenhall said Citizens for Akron, the anti-recall group, has done a good job of focusing on him and his shortcomings, including in citywide mailers. He argues this focus is misplaced because he isn't the lone recall supporter.
''To counteract that, we would need $60,000, and we will never be in the ballpark of that amount,'' he said.
Finance reports released late Thursday show a figure closer to $4,200. Change Akron Now also brought in about $1,200 more at a fundraiser Thursday night.
Groups supporting the mayor have raised more than $226,000, according to campaign filings.
Plusquellic didn't want to predict any vote numbers, but said Mendenhall is helping the anti-recall campaign.
''He has pushed people to the point where they realize what he is and what he isn't,'' Plusquellic said. ''I think that will work in my favor.''
Other ideas
If Plusquellic prevails, Mendenhall said, Change Akron Now, the pro-recall group, won't try again. Instead, he said, the group will shift its attention to other issues.
Mendenhall said possible ideas include trying again for term limits or changing the charter to require that the law director be elected.
The group also has discussed finding a way to fund scholarships and to address the city's aging housing stock — two issues Plusquellic says also are important to him.
Mendenhall said the group would be willing to work with Plusquellic on these issues, but thinks it unlikely.
Whether or not the recall succeeds, Mendenhall thinks the effort has helped raise important issues. He also hopes the effort helped Plusquellic realize he needs to listen better to citizens' input.
''I hope, if he survives the recall, he will make a change,'' Mendenhall said. ''He could retire a happier man.''
Plusquellic said he's not sure how long he wants to remain mayor but is sure he's not done yet.
''I feel I do a great job here,'' he said. ''Sometimes, when I wake up or in the evenings, I drive around and look at things.''
He dreams of new ways to improve Akron.
''I feel like my first year as mayor,'' he said.
Asked whether he will make any changes if he remains in office, Plusquellic referred to a comment by state Sen. Tom Sawyer, the spokesman for the anti-recall effort, about the low threshold of signatures needed for a recall. Sawyer noted the number represented about 2 percent of Akron's population and said, ''You could get 2 percent who don't like apple pie.''
''Maybe we should ban apple pie,'' Plusquellic said, laughing.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic has compared Warner Mendenhall, who is leading the recall effort against him, to Hitler.
He has called him a ''left-wing extremist'' and an ''insignificant little gnat'' who is obsessed with being mayor.
Mendenhall has described Plusquellic as paranoid, isolated, lonely and a ''corrupt tyrant.''
He says he doesn't want to be mayor, but someone else would do a better job than Plusquellic.
Plusquellic and Mendenhall, who have battled over term limits, speed cameras and sewers in the past two decades, are now in a fight that will decide whether Plusquellic should remain in office and guide Akron's future. The recall election is June 23, though more than 5,900 people have already cast absentee ballots.
As this historic election approaches, the Beacon Journal sat down with Plusquellic and Mendenhall to discuss the recall, their visions for the city, their tangled history and what happens next.
How it began
The two men's feud began during Mendenhall's brief stint on Akron City Council in the early 1990s.
Plusquellic, 59, a former council president who has been mayor since 1987, says Mendenhall did a lousy job of addressing his constituents' concerns and often passed the buck and blamed any lack of response on City Hall.
When a group of Mendenhall's angry constituents complained in 1992 that Plusquellic didn't attend a meeting with them, the mayor shot back with a five-page letter critical of their councilman. The mayor calls it ''the letter.''
''You have apparently been caught up with
what I would describe as Mr. Mendenhall's demagoguery — his unending misrepresentations,'' Plusquellic wrote. ''He can tell you what he wants and can continue to shoot off his mouth, but I believe that the truth will eventually catch up to him.''
Plusquellic also wrote that Mendenhall had ''been bragging how he was going to 'take on the mayor.' ''
Mendenhall, 47, defends his tenure on council, saying he was aggressive on crime and helped form block watch groups. He pointed out that, shortly after he was elected to represent Ward 5 in 1992, a redrawing of the ward boundaries placed his home in Ward 2. He won election to that seat in 1994, but after one term, was defeated in the Democratic primary.
Now an Akron attorney, Mendenhall has faced off against Plusquellic on a number of issues, with both sides scoring victories. Mendenhall prevailed on campaign finance limits and helped defeat the mayor's proposals to increase income taxes for police and economic development and to lease the sewers to fund scholarships. Plusquellic won on term limits and speed cameras in school zones.
Mendenhall supported former Councilman Joe Finley in his challenge to Plusquellic in the Democratic primary in 2007, with Finley surprising many by losing by only about 1,000 votes.
Plusquellic attributes the narrow primary victory on his supporters, who didn't vote because they believed he would win handily. He had no opposition in the general election. He hopes his supporters vote in the recall.
Idea for the recall
Mendenhall says the idea for the recall grew out of the successful effort last fall to defeat Plusquellic's sewers-for-scholarships proposal.
He said opponents of Plusquellic's plan kept asking, ''Can't we get rid of that mayor?''
Plusquellic and his supporters argue that Mendenhall's group has a scheme to avoid a head-to-head campaign against the mayor in a traditional election and instead use what they call ''a loophole'' in the city's charter.
The charter requires the signatures of 20 percent of the voters in the last mayoral election for a recall. Because Plusquellic was unopposed in 2007, the turnout was low and only 3,179 valid signatures were needed to trigger a recall.
Mendenhall disputes the scheme theory and said not having an alternative to Plusquellic has been the campaign's ''biggest hurdle.'' He said Plusquellic's opponents challenged him in the last election with Finley, but the mayor ''stole'' the election by accepting contributions above the charter limits — the subject of a long battle and a pending lawsuit.
''There's a huge group who feels he is not a legitimate elected mayor,'' Mendenhall said. ''He can legitimize himself if he wins.''
Because the recall will be a special election, the city will have to pick up the estimated $175,000 tab.
Mendenhall said this is less than 85 cents per person in Akron and is less than Plusquellic would cost the city if he remains in office and continues his excessive spending.
Plusquellic argues Mendenhall's true motivation is his ''20-year obsession'' with being mayor.
Mendenhall, who had been coy during the campaign about his intentions, now says he wouldn't run if Plusquellic is recalled. He said he needs to take care of his nearly $169,000 in federal tax liens, a problem the anti-recall group has delighted in highlighting.
So far, Mike Williams, an at-large Akron councilman, is the only person who has said he would run for mayor.
City visions
Asked to describe the city in a sentence, Mendenhall said, ''Akron has a good heart.''
Plusquellic's response was, ''We declare ourselves an island, if necessary, to be different than the rest of the state and the country to do things creatively and rebuild our economy by better educating and preparing people for the future.''
The mayor thinks he has made strides in this vision, including by:
• Creating Joint Economic Development Districts and other tax-sharing agreements with surrounding communities.
• Developing the idea to use city income taxes to rebuild the schools and turn them into community centers.
• Retaining jobs, including helping to persuade Goodyear and Bridgestone Firestone to remain in Akron.
• Investing in revitalizing downtown.
Mendenhall, however, thinks Plusquellic has taken the city in the wrong direction. He argues the city's debt is too high; more should have been invested in neighborhoods; and his travels have been expensive and detracted from his duties.
If the recall is successful, Mendenhall thinks the new mayor should start ''neighborhood-based budgeting,'' getting input from citizens on the city's priorities.
When asked what one question he'd like to pose to the mayor, Mendenhall said he wanted to know how much debt — broken down per person — Plusquellic thinks is too much.
Plusquellic objected to the question, saying that's not how rating agencies judge a city's credit worthiness. Instead, they look at the tax base.
''There's no way to answer,'' he said. ''That doesn't relate to the financial market.''
Plusquellic declined to pose a question to Mendenhall, saying he didn't want to elevate him to his level.
''I don't care what he does or says,'' the mayor said. ''He couldn't answer honestly.''
His suggestion for Mendenhall was: ''Go back to Stark County where you came from, if that's the kind of politics you play here.''
Mendenhall's concerns
Mendenhall is analyzing absentee turnout and is concerned about the outcome of the recall. More votes have been cast in pro-Plusquellic areas, such as Ward 8 in West Akron, than Ward 10, which includes most of Goodyear Heights and part of Ellet.
''That is not where we need to be,'' he said. ''Right now, I would say we are down.''
Mendenhall said Citizens for Akron, the anti-recall group, has done a good job of focusing on him and his shortcomings, including in citywide mailers. He argues this focus is misplaced because he isn't the lone recall supporter.
''To counteract that, we would need $60,000, and we will never be in the ballpark of that amount,'' he said.
Finance reports released late Thursday show a figure closer to $4,200. Change Akron Now also brought in about $1,200 more at a fundraiser Thursday night.
Groups supporting the mayor have raised more than $226,000, according to campaign filings.
Plusquellic didn't want to predict any vote numbers, but said Mendenhall is helping the anti-recall campaign.
''He has pushed people to the point where they realize what he is and what he isn't,'' Plusquellic said. ''I think that will work in my favor.''
Other ideas
If Plusquellic prevails, Mendenhall said, Change Akron Now, the pro-recall group, won't try again. Instead, he said, the group will shift its attention to other issues.
Mendenhall said possible ideas include trying again for term limits or changing the charter to require that the law director be elected.
The group also has discussed finding a way to fund scholarships and to address the city's aging housing stock — two issues Plusquellic says also are important to him.
Mendenhall said the group would be willing to work with Plusquellic on these issues, but thinks it unlikely.
Whether or not the recall succeeds, Mendenhall thinks the effort has helped raise important issues. He also hopes the effort helped Plusquellic realize he needs to listen better to citizens' input.
''I hope, if he survives the recall, he will make a change,'' Mendenhall said. ''He could retire a happier man.''
Plusquellic said he's not sure how long he wants to remain mayor but is sure he's not done yet.
''I feel I do a great job here,'' he said. ''Sometimes, when I wake up or in the evenings, I drive around and look at things.''
He dreams of new ways to improve Akron.
''I feel like my first year as mayor,'' he said.
Asked whether he will make any changes if he remains in office, Plusquellic referred to a comment by state Sen. Tom Sawyer, the spokesman for the anti-recall effort, about the low threshold of signatures needed for a recall. Sawyer noted the number represented about 2 percent of Akron's population and said, ''You could get 2 percent who don't like apple pie.''
''Maybe we should ban apple pie,'' Plusquellic said, laughing.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Posted 02:54 AM, 06/14/2009
Mendenhalls effort on this project if applied to his 169,000 Federal Tax Bill, may keep him out of jail. Ronnie Doutch
Tepplin, DC
Posted 03:55 AM, 06/14/2009
Mendenhall said, ''Akron has a good heart.''
Plusquellic's response was, ''We declare ourselves an island, if necessary, to be different than the rest of the state and the country to do things creatively and rebuild our economy by better educating and preparing people for the future.''
That, folks, is the difference between these two men. One is vague and uses a simple "feel good" emotional appeal. The other lays out a concise, practical master plan for the city in a single statement.
Having a good heart is nice, as Mendenhall believes, but by itself, it doesn't make or keep Akron that way.
Plusquellic, on the other hand, has taken the initiative to keep Akron afloat and viable as a city, when and where State and Regional leadership have utterly and completely failed.
Take a drive around Ohio. Save Columbus, which has the unique benefit of being the state's capital and so is home to many government agencies and thousands of jobs which support that city's local economy, you will quickly see that the rest of Ohio when compared to Akron is not doing so well.
Cities big and small around this state are not only reeling from the loss of industry and most recently, the auto giants, but now many of them, Columbus included, are running budget deficits that are forcing them to cut police, infrastructure maintenance and other services.
Guess what? Not only is Akron NOT among these other cities in terms of running a budget deficit, but the city of Akron is looking to actually ADD additional police officers to our streets.
You may or may not agree with Plusquellic's management style. However, you must admit, that when Akron stands out as one of the few success stories of the Rust Belt, and people are coming to town to find out what we are actually doing RIGHT, vs. Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, Youngstown, etc., the Mayor IS getting the job done. And THAT's what really matters here.
Posted 04:00 AM, 06/14/2009
King Don needs to go. We need to implement term limits. Im sure Don and his buddies are already rich enough.
Tepplin, DC
Posted 04:08 AM, 06/14/2009
Certainly, had Akron simply followed the lead of Cleveland, a socially and politically fractured city whose leaders can't even agree to disagree on the necessity of government reform, our city would already be bankrupt, its' police force decimated, and it's future bleak to such a degree that even a shiny new U of A campus would offer little hope of a rebirth.
As it stands, Akron is the envy of Northeast Ohio and one of the few success stories of the Rust Belt. Cleveland and even Youngstown wish they had a politician with vision and the will and determination to fight for them, the way Plusquellic does for Akron.
Akron, Oh
Posted 06:36 AM, 06/14/2009
Goodyear Heights at one time was home to Goodyear employees and retirees. Each home had a family. And the streets were maintained (paved, repaired) the intersection islands of grass were mowed, sidewalks repaired....money was coming to the area. Now Goodyear Heights is full of empty houses and section 8 rentals. Guess what, no money into Goodyear Heights now. Since the families moved out and rentals are eveywhere, I guess it is OK for the city to let another meighborhood crumble into ghetto'ism. Shall I move to a better area of Akron? I would but I can't find any good areas anymore. Downtown is great, meanwhile our meighborhoods are crime ridden ghettos. Thanks for all your Service Don! I appreciate it.
akron, oh
Posted 07:12 AM, 06/14/2009
Another slam dunk for OUR Mayor Don Plusquellic! Way to go Mayor, those of us who are paying attention are behind you! Let's keep moving Akron forward-- VOTE AGAINST THE RECALL!
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 07:23 AM, 06/14/2009
This shows exactly why Mayor Donny Boy has to go. What has he done for Akron? NOTHING for the common man.
Recall the Mayor!!!
Copley, OH
Posted 07:26 AM, 06/14/2009
Why is the mayor's house appraised for $181,720?
He paid $268,700 for the property. He must not be very smart to over pay that much.
Akron, oh
Posted 07:55 AM, 06/14/2009
Got your Back Don! I left the Summit County area for six years and moved back two years ago. I chose Akron to live in and Im proud of the City of Akron and its Mayor. From the time I left until the time I moved back, I saw the positive change and development of the city. You dont have that without a positive, and motivated Leader! Don has my vote!
Akron, OH
Posted 08:00 AM, 06/14/2009
@Urban,
Yeah, we do know how to vote!
KEEP THE DON!!
Akron, OH
Posted 08:17 AM, 06/14/2009
• Creating Joint Economic Development Districts and other tax-sharing agreements with surrounding communities.
Hmmm, I don't think the city hall hero prioneered this concept. But we can thank him for addin' increased sewage to our already overburdened system, where he hasn't used a dime of the JEDD money to help correct the problem.
• Developing the idea to use city income taxes to rebuild the schools and turn them into community centers.
Well, actually he promoted a tax increase for this. I doubt iff'n few folks disagreed with this one though.
• Retaining jobs, including helping to persuade Goodyear and Bridgestone Firestone to remain in Akron.
Yup, my favorite is his stated 5900 jobs that paid $0.31/hr. Oddly, though, how many times had we all read about businesses that left Akron, that we didn't hear a pep from the city hall hero about them one way or the other.
• Investing in revitalizing downtown.
See Akron's debt and reduced bond ratin' for this one.
{{{When a group of Mendenhall's angry constituents complained in 1992 that Plusquellic didn't attend a meeting with them, the mayor shot back with a five-page letter critical of their councilman}}}
Gee, a simple explaination that he couldn't make it would have sufficed, instead of the usual tirade of him railin' against any-buddy that doesn't agree with him.
{{{He dreams of new ways to improve Akron.}}}
Would that be like when he was on vacation and decided to look at parkin' decks and had that wonderful idea to install shops on the street level to draw folks to downtown? That very trip, where he wrote off the vacation on the taxpayers for that idea, of which never happened beyond him gettin' his vacation paid for.
Oh the dreams the city hall hero has.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:27 AM, 06/14/2009
@ Urban Renaissance
You posted: "Mayor Don and MTV-generation floozy "girlfriend"
This is just another example of the type of mentality that supports the recall. When you lack substance you resort to insults..even on those who have nothing to do with the operation of the city.
I don't know this girl, haven't even seen her, but to make her a target of your frustration just sums up the caliber of person yoou are and paints the other recall supporters with the same brush!
LOSER!
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:27 AM, 06/14/2009
@Ignorance Kills, exactly!
Akron, OH
Posted 08:33 AM, 06/14/2009
Term limits is a wonderful idea. It could have prevented this whole mess. Other cities have them. It prevents any one person from attaining so much power that they have a grip on a political party, businesses, municipal agencies, etc. It stops someone from using a city as their own personal empire. Eight years is long enough to do some good, implement programs and move on.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:48 AM, 06/14/2009
@ Maria B
We have term limits..it's called elections.
If you think term limits are so grand..just look at what they've done for the Ohio General Assembly and in turn, Ohio. Good Grief!
Posted 09:01 AM, 06/14/2009
I have to say that Akron has come along way in the last 23 years. I think he may have done a good job, but like all business and corporations, its time for new blood and new ideas. I work with people who have years experence 20 yrs, in the company I work for, but its time they move on or retire. They get to a point that your ideas are shot down, and they are set in their ways and afraid of change and computers and the cheating from the company is obvious to other co-workers but most of us keep our mouth shut. So I guess Mendenhall must know something we don't and we should run the recall and lets see what the good Lord does!!! This Mendenhall guy obviously has some guts not just let things go and I have kind of admired that this last year. Not many people would stick this out, I sure couldn't do it and neither could you. If everything turns out fine and the Mayor stays put...I do believe a limit of time should be put in the mayors position so that this will not happen again.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:04 AM, 06/14/2009
As one who lived downtown in the 80s, I can vouch first hand how much the mayor's leadership improved the entire downtown district. In those days, anybody could wander and loot whatever they could find in the old abandoned buildings lining each side of Main Street.
Until someone shows me something other than gossip and innuendo, I'm voting against the recall.
Akron, oh
Posted 09:14 AM, 06/14/2009
Adolph Plusquellic. Look at Akron Economics for the past 20 yrs you have been Mayor. Akron has gone Down Hill.
I believe Hitler was less arrogant as the Don is in public. He is above the law and above the working mans goals of work and reward. His motto is welfare and reward of re election.
You can build ball parks, change names of streets but you cannot get buisness into Akron. You tax it right out of the city limits.
Streets are unsafe, economic growth of Akron has decline and you are the leader that made it happen.
No love lost whern you are gone
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:14 AM, 06/14/2009
@ Maria B --
Akros is right -- we're adults, and can vote out inept/corrupt politicians.
Even the early supporters of statewide term limits have since said they backfired because it robbed the state of valuable, experienced leaders in the legislature. Instead, we now have State Reps and Senators who go there for a couple of years, try to make a name for themselves, and then get jobs elsewhere -- with no long-term vision or planning occurring in the statehouse (which has helped create the current state of economic chaos that its in).
The only real reason that Warner and Company want term limits is because they realize they cannot beat the Mayor or a number of the other council members fair and square (i.e. Merlitti, Freeman, Hurley, Jones, Crawford), so he wants to change the rules so that they can't run anymore.
I'm an educated adult. If I think a councilperson is doing a bad job (i.e. Mike Williams or Bruce Kilby), then I have a right to vote against them -- and if enough other people think that, then that politician is booted from office. That's the democratic process.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:19 AM, 06/14/2009
Marla you are exactly right. The general public is too stupid to vote for the most qualified candidate. Let's have term limits to protect them from themselves.
Give me a break!
Akron, OH
Posted 09:21 AM, 06/14/2009
==================
The ABJ's history lesson points out:
When a group of Mendenhall's angry constituents complained in 1992 that Plusquellic didn't attend a meeting with them, the mayor shot back with a five-page letter critical of their councilman.
==================
So Plusquellic hasn't changed in the past 17 years.
No excuse or apology for his failure or mistake, just a lot of 'blame game' from Plusquellic.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:35 AM, 06/14/2009
Three weeks ago, Stephanie Warsmith and the ABJ asked readers to submit questions that would be posed to both sides.
Where are these?
I read only ONE SINGLE question that was posed to Mayor Don, and according to the ABJ's story " Plusquellic objected to the question" and "There's no way to answer".
Wow... After three decades in office and now "in the fight of my political life", Plusquellic side steps the only question the ABJ asks him.
The ABJ and WAKR promoted this weekend as giving us detailed campaign coverage.
What we got was a mayor who didn't answer the ABJ's single question and is using Tom Sawyer to represent him on today's WAKR interview as Plusquellic refused to participate without WAKR agreeing to the Don's pre-conditions. WAKR refused to bow to Plusquellic's pressure, so no "Don" on today's radio interview either.
When you have a mayor who will not attend public events where residents may pose questions, EVERY CITIZEN should be highly SUSPICIOUS of that same elected official who REFUSES to answer questions from the MEDIA.
It's time for Change!
Vote "YES" on the "RECALL" on June 23.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:35 AM, 06/14/2009
KenmoreKid: You can read the facts about Plusquellic at:
www.recallmayordon.com
www.changeakronnow.com
www.akronwatch.org
Hope this helps.
Posted 09:45 AM, 06/14/2009
I'm a 30 something Gen-X'er that grew up and was educated in Akron and graduated from Akron U. I live here and make a fantastic living. I stay here despite the trend of young people leaving other cities in Ohio for the South or Southwest because I love my city. I have seen what I needed to see in terms of my mayor and it's city council doing what they need to do to improve our city and make it a great place to live. Had our Mayor not turned Akron into what it is today, I wouldn't have stuck around. This is the kind of city that can attract young talent unlike our other neighboring cities that are dying. Go Mayor Don, THE RECALL WILL FAIL!!
AKRON, ohio
Posted 10:09 AM, 06/14/2009
When the recall fails, MendingHole will have to find a new way to waste taxpayers dollars.(aside from dodging his personal tax obligation)
barberton, oh
Posted 10:12 AM, 06/14/2009
when you lose on facts, resort to name calling...
H I T L E R
nice.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:17 AM, 06/14/2009
A huge article about the Mayor, but not one single time does the word "POLICE" or "CRIME" appear in relation to Plusquellic or his 3 decades in office.
Since crime is a huge issue to Akron residents, shame on the ABJ for not bringing this up one single time in this 'blockbuster' story.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 10:18 AM, 06/14/2009
Revitalizing downtown? All I see is a university run amok. The businesses down there are struggling to stay afloat because of the construction. Does the U of A really NEED more square footage?!?
Don, you don't get to build one baseball stadium in 1996 and then point to it as an example of progress for 13 years.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:18 AM, 06/14/2009
@ Akros jes' confirmed what ever-buddy has been thinkin' about the city hall hero when he uttered: " When you lack substance you resort to insults"
Or he was bein' a hypocrite, whichever comes first.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:23 AM, 06/14/2009
I think Tom Joad made the right connection concernin' the city hall hero when he prosed:
"I'm an educated adult. If I think a councilperson is doing a bad job (i.e. Mike Williams or Bruce Kilby), then I have a right to vote against them -- and if enough other people think that, then that politician is booted from office. That's the democratic process. "
The recall is indeed part of the democratic process. And the folks involved and/or for the recall are educated folks as well. Thanks to Tom for confirmin' that for us.
AKRON, OH
Posted 10:25 AM, 06/14/2009
Ward 8 in West Akron, than Ward 10, A LOT OF WARD 8 IS VOTING RECALL.10% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN AKRON.SECTIONS OF WARD 8 GHETTO, DRUG SELLING, ROBBERIES, SHOOTINGS, THURMONT/ N HAWKINS AREA.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 10:26 AM, 06/14/2009
1.5 weeks left and STILL no reasons to recall have been put forth (unless continuous posting of websites and Betamax's half-truths count as "reasons"). Time is running out.
I can't wait until the City can get back to business and leave this baseless effort behind.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 10:27 AM, 06/14/2009
Crime of the Century,
Honestly, when is the last time you were downtown for a night of entertainment?
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 10:29 AM, 06/14/2009
Overtaxed Voter,
Sure, they could have asked his take on the improvements in the crime rate made from 1995 to 2008. If you need some help in constructing some spin to deflect that FACT, ask Beta. He has some experience.
Posted 10:30 AM, 06/14/2009
After 26 plus years with the city, I watched Don go from someone who had the best interests of the city in the forefront, as a councilman, to what's in the best interests of Don, as a tenured mayor. I saw the dictatorship develop and become "it's Don's way or the highway!" Even with advice from people in the Law Dept or the Labor Relations Dept that his positions or intentions were wrong, his edict was "Do it anyway - Let them sue us or Let them file a greivance." Those that defied him were soon out of a job. When you have been in a position of authority and gradually gotten away with things that you shouldn't have, as time passes, a feeling develops that you can do anything you want and that is what has happened with Don. That is primarily why you find comparisons to Hitler and I would add a comparison to J. Edgar Hoover at this point as well. Look at some of Don's decisions with high profile employee appointments the last 15 years or so and some of the suits and arbitrations that have been brought against the city over violations of laws, contracts, etc. It's time to say goodbye even if this recall is not going to be the successful vehicle that causes the departure or not.
Lorain, oh
Posted 10:48 AM, 06/14/2009
For a guy that's been in office 20 plus years Mayor Don's accomplishments are laughable at best...one being that he came up with an idea?!?
Posted 10:49 AM, 06/14/2009
I agree with RETIRED IN INDIANA....
I moved from Akron 6 years ago and have not looked back. Best move of my life.
If there is a recall election taking place, your mayor is in doubt and should resign. But the Don's ego won't allow that. When he leaves, Akron will rise.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:56 AM, 06/14/2009
I agree with Akros on one point, namely, that this is NOT about the mayor's girlfriend as a person. If she benefited on the taxpayers dime with free travel, etc. then THAT fact is fair game ..
As for name calling.. both sides have been very good at that.. useless rhetoric to say the least.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 11:02 AM, 06/14/2009
william,
With all due respect, it sounds like we're more vested in Akron (physically and emotionally) then you, so why should we take your opinion into account?
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 11:03 AM, 06/14/2009
Matt,
Wow, a guy from Lorain putting down leadership from Akron?? Now that's good.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:23 AM, 06/14/2009
@ TOJ - ((chucklin')) Well we certainly have a quandry. Y'all haven't been able to figure out the information provided and ever-buddy else can't figure out how y'all could possibly not be bright enough to catch a single one of them.
But y'all are correct, in a week and a half, the city hall hero will be wingin' his way around the world again on the taxpayer dime. And, have an extra $200 K in the kitty, thanks to the recall folks.
I think the city hall hero should at least express some gratitude for that little windfall.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:33 AM, 06/14/2009
TOJ uttered: "If you need some help in constructing some spin to deflect that FACT, ask Beta"
((chucklin')) Yes, do ask me.
The answer is that Jason stated that the FBI reports that crime was lower durin' earlier years, which he attributes to the city hall hero, yet, when crime increases, well then, he jes' can't see how the city hall hero can be blamed for that.
I suppose that would make sense in some twisted manical way. But for the rest of us, it's plain hypocrisy on his part.
Thank y'all Jason, for remindin' ever-buddy how wishy-washy y'all can be.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:42 AM, 06/14/2009
@ TOJ prosed: ""With all due respect, it sounds like we're more vested in Akron (physically and emotionally) then you, so why should we take your opinion into account?""
With all due respect. The same could be said about Jason. I've certainly been here longer than him, as well as many others. Why should we then take his opinion into account, as he suggested??
Jason, I only mention this to show how weak that argument is.
A person who left 6 years ago, would still have been exposed to the city hall hero for some 25 years, therefore capable of makin' an informed opinion of the man.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 11:52 AM, 06/14/2009
Beta,
Let me spell out the entire issue so we can see again what exactly you are spinning.
Reported Crimes (http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm):
Figures are: People / Crime ---> Higher # is better
Total; Violent; Property
1995: 14.0; 98.3; 16.3
2007: 16.8; 130.6; 19.3
2008: 16.4; 109.0; 19.3
As you can see, you are guilty of the "can't see the forest for the trees" idiom. So tell me again what your claim is regarding crime?
Posted 11:52 AM, 06/14/2009
Last time I sent a message somehow it didnt go through, it was against ol Don, their wasnt any swear words in it, but it was about some of the waisted money that he loves to throw away. Hey Don, should we remind you of all the tax breaks you gave to some of these companies that promised all those jobs, well you approved it and here we are with no job, but you are getting schools built and raised the taxes, and people are losing their homes, and we didnt need to build new schools, but you know how you are, a rotten mayor, and alot of people know and agree, so if you do get booted out, go out and do us a favor, we wont cry a tear, why should we, you big bag of wind. By the way why havent we heard about your ex wife? We knew you was getting a divorce, and seen nothing else about it in the paper, oh thats right, you are a private man, and hope you lose the re call then you will be a private citizen like us. Akron will have a going away party for you, after you leave.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 11:55 AM, 06/14/2009
Betamax,
You can't figure out the difference between a citizen being more vested in their city than someone who lives in another state? You're reaching into the contingency material today, aren't you?
My vote = 1
Your vote = 1 (not 1.1 or 1.25, just 1.0)
William's vote = 0
Posted 11:58 AM, 06/14/2009
The mayor's campaign signature is namecalling, and that speaks to his and his supporters moral character. To compare anyone to Hitler is outrageous! That alone is why I will vote for the recall. On the issue of schools...did Akron really need all of these new schools? The population of Akron is decreasing and so is school enrollment. Until the issue of crime is addressed in Akron, and until more police are hired (not just 2o but at least 50-75) Akron will keep losing students. People just do not want to send their kids to school with thugs. The fights on the streets after school near the high schools go basically unreported in the news. Ask anyone who lives near an Akron high school or middle school, and they will tell you that the kids fill the streets, won't move for traffic, cuss them out and fight while parents and adults join in the fights. The mayor needs to address this issue too. It's good that it's summer, but the fighting will now probably intesify in the neighborhoods and at the local malls. Crime is prevelant in Akron. I will vote for a candidate who can bolster the police force; the mayor has NOT done this!
AKRON, OH
Posted 12:01 PM, 06/14/2009
Retired to Indiana,Right on the mark.The people who worked for the city as myself, all have seen the same thing.J. Edgar Hoover 50 years.Had half of Washington DC frighten of him,After his death in the 70's 10year max.as director.Term limits are good.Power puffs up and need to be put in check.The voters are the boss not Don, He has forgotten that after 23yrs.Call your boss dumb, hardheaded, have your place in hell,Hitler,Leave the city and see how long you will be their.Your job would need no other reason to fire you.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:28 PM, 06/14/2009
To The Ghost of Tom Joad - PLEASE change your name. Tom Joad was a man who stood up for the little guy and fought against power-mongers like Il Duce Don. John Steinbeck is spinning in his grave!!
Again, the article tried to make this "Mendenhall vs. Plusquellic." It is not...it's a grass-roots effort that is trying to remove a mayor that should have been gone 15 years ago. Mendenhall is the spokesman , and was never seeking the mayor's office.
VOTE TOO RECALL THE MAYOR JUNE 23.
Posted 12:46 PM, 06/14/2009
Here's a simple idea. Instead of sparing with these vague misleading little comments in the local RAG paper how about a open debate? Don sure has gall calling someone little Hitler. Plain and simply Mendenhall would bury Plusquellic in an open forum regarding the recall. That's because Mendenhall has right on his side and Plusquellic can't justify the facts brought against him.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:06 PM, 06/14/2009
@whackamole, the people already voted in term limits. It failed.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:06 PM, 06/14/2009
@voice You know that won't happen.. the mayor's people say that this is too trivial a matter to warrant the mayor's time and effort. Translation: NO WAY I can effectively refute the allegations.. so I will call people names like Hitler and an insignificant little gnat.. and in that way avoid answering the charges.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:13 PM, 06/14/2009
@taxpaying citizen, you clearly have never owned a house and/or understand the difference between bank appraised value for a mortgage versus county appraised value versus sale price. The appraised value by the county is often quite a bit lower than the actual sale prices that people pay and/or mortgage.
Your comment does not make the mayor look bad but instead demonstrates your lack of understanding.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:15 PM, 06/14/2009
@Betamax, your false math is getting annoying when it comes to the value of the Goodyear jobs.
akron, oh
Posted 01:18 PM, 06/14/2009
Let them battle it out in the ring ,both sides gangs can get in too.The winner will keep spending our money on their in sider buddys activities and nothing projects and living it up. While the loser goes back to their fancy smansy life style ,until they re group and find another way to make a run at taking over our riches as their own.Let's get ready to rumble !!!!
Akron, OH
Posted 01:19 PM, 06/14/2009
@Crime of the Century, it is very clear you have never even been downtown if you cannot see the improvements and new companies.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:20 PM, 06/14/2009
@stephend6, if that ward is bad as you suggest, a lot of the ward will not even be voting.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:22 PM, 06/14/2009
Im @ a loss here. We look to the national scene and say that Obama is making this a socialist nation to which i agree somewhat but we turn back to Akron and try to implement communist rule. The people of Akron voted to have this mayor for another 4 years. Why are people trying to overturn the will of the people. If you dont like the "Don" (by the way i think hes an arrogant SOB) then come the next election vote his arrogant a** out. If hes as crooked as some people say then call the FBI on that SOB to get him arrested like they are doing in Cleveland as we speak. To overturn the will of the people because the guy is an SOB is so unamerican to me that its pitiful. If you dont like it get you but out and vote. I cant vote for the mayor cause i reside in Tallmadge and in no way will i sit here and tell the people of Akron whats best for them just like i dont want them getting into the Tallmadge political scene but it seems so unamerican to me and a waste of tax payers dollars when hes going to win anyway. The same people that put him in office the first time will go back out and put him in office again (ill take any bet no matter the dollar amount that he wins). Some of u need to get a grip. This recall is unamerican. Its the ideology that you dont have to pay for the seeds you sow are insane. THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE VOTED HIM IN OFFICE.....SUCK IT UP AND MOVE ON AND VOTE HIM OUT NEXT ROUND! DONT SPEND TAX PAYER $$$$ CAUSE YOU CANT GET YOUR WAY!. And you have the nerve to dis Obama with the way hes doing stuff????? Makes me sick to watch what is going on in Akron. IF HES CROOKED THEN HE SHOULD BE ARRESTED....GO VOTE NEXT RACE AND SHUT UP. This recall wont work and its UNAMERICAN
akron, oh
Posted 01:30 PM, 06/14/2009
By the way what happens to the money raised?
Akron, , OH
Posted 01:52 PM, 06/14/2009
I say strike Mendenhall from the tablets and his name never be mentioned again.
There are plenty with wisdom and diplomacy to take his place.
Orrville, Oh
Posted 02:50 PM, 06/14/2009
There is no reason to believe Plusquellic and Mendenhall adolescent name calling. Will Akron into compliance with demands of Natural Law: what Mother Nature, God, or Whatever Power decreed to be the reality of the real world, democracy, capitalism, the US Constitution, and free, fair, and affordable commerce?
Demands every corporation, farmer, business, outsourcer sweatshop, and nonprofit, tax-exempt, organization and Church markets the cost in the wholesale and retail price of his or her product and service; Of every workers, consumers, and taxpayers living (including pension and health care). Enabling parents to love, nurse, nurture, discipline, protect, and provide, for every child (job) they conceive and fund schools, infrastructure, national security, government services, and etc.; with money derived from wages or independent business profit.
Complying with realities demands Makes free, fair, and affordable commerce POSSIBLE; Makes funding schools POSSIBLE; Makes balancing every budget POSSIBLE; Makes union workers, consumers, taxpayers, and America’s grandchildren’s children LIFE AFFORDABLE!
akron, OH
Posted 02:51 PM, 06/14/2009
I agree with Betamax that TOJ is correct.
Akron, Oh
Posted 03:13 PM, 06/14/2009
9 More days and this recall business will finally go away. Everyone knows when Tom Erickson is on your side that means it's going to lose. He has jinxed things numerous times before like supporting Joe Finley and this one will be no different. And Warner can go back to worrying about his taxes or pretending to worry about them.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:22 PM, 06/14/2009
Learn the FACTS about Mayor Plusquellic, and how he has RUINED the City of Akron at:
www.changeakronnow.com
www.akronwatch.org
www.recallmayordon.com
Vote FOR the RECALL on June 23, 2009
Now that Plusquellic has been exposed, the voters who voted him into office may have regrets. Now is the time to make things right ... to correct your vote.
Vote FOR the RECALL!
akron, oh
Posted 04:03 PM, 06/14/2009
yawn....... whatever. i have been reading you losers on this blog to know that one thing is for sure.... Akron really must be the capital of West Virgina, not Barberton. The Mayor will regain his throne and you losers will go along like the dumb lemmings you all are. I am a life long resident of this forsaken city... and in a couple of more years i am voting with my feet and leaving this crumbling city and it's losers of leaders in the review mirror. now i know one of you dumb dumbs will say something clever like, cya loser or don't let the door hit ya on the way out... so, whatever.
Tepplin, DC
Posted 04:13 PM, 06/14/2009
Logic: "So I guess Mendenhall must know something we don't and we should run the recall and lets see what the good Lord does!!! This Mendenhall guy obviously has some guts not just let things go and I have kind of admired that this last year. Not many people would stick this out, I sure couldn't do it and neither could you."
How do you make the distinction between justified determination and utter foolishness? I think the two are separated only by a fine line.
If Mendenhall had a real plan, I might be inclined to believe that he embodies the former. That he doesn't, speaks to the latter. In the face of this, you suggest trusting God and throwing all caution to the wind. How exactly is that LOGICal?
Logic: "I do believe a limit of time should be put in the mayors position so that this will not happen again."
Putting a mandatory revolving door on a management -- or mayor's -- office MIGHT bring in fresh new ideas, but it also runs the risk of ejecting good managers whose method of leadership remains both timely and vital to the company's -- or city's -- effective operation.
What you are actually suggesting is a mandatory spin of the "Wheel of Fortune" for new leaders every eight years or so. What if there is no one ready to be those new leaders? What if the pointer lands on "Bankrupt?" Do you still force change for the sake of change, even if it creates a void in capable leadership and leaves the city in ruins? What does this do to the company, or a city for that matter, when no one is ready or able to take the reigns?
Does this work well? Let's look to the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus and see what exactly our state legislature has accomplished since 1992, when term limits were instituted. Anyone want to take a guess on how successful it has been since that point?
Tepplin, DC
Posted 04:14 PM, 06/14/2009
I'd be a lot more considerate of Mendenhall had he outlined an actual strategy for building his version of a better Akron. I'm sorry, but simply counting on the goodness of people's hearts might work in Disney World, but even there you have to deal with evil witches, dragons and sorcerers. Hopeful idealism does not trump real world practicalities.
Crime of the Century: "Revitalizing downtown? All I see is a university run amok. The businesses down there are struggling to stay afloat because of the construction. Does the U of A really NEED more square footage?!?"
Seriously? You think the UA is bad news for Downtown Akron??? Have you been to Downtown CANTON lately? That's pretty much what Akron's Downtown would look like without the Aeros' stadium or the University's presence.
Akron, OH
Posted 04:18 PM, 06/14/2009
@dduckster, at least us they remain know how to spell "Virginia", know it is "its", know "I" is capitalized, know you start sentence with a capital letter, and know that this is not a blog but a comments area on a newspaper. I do not see any lose to Akron when you hit the road.
Akron, OH
Posted 05:27 PM, 06/14/2009
Term limits might not be necessary in a city where voters get a choice at a variety of legitimate candidates but in our case, Mayor Don has had a strangle hold on the democratic party for 23 years. He discredits any dem who stands up against him - he calls them names, slanders them to the point where view people will run against him. No republican is ever strong enough to get elected in Akron, so they are a non-issue, thanks to Alex.
The last primary election finally showed that Plusquellic's power may be fading - with Finley's election results almost equal to Plusquellic's. But once again, no republican ran against him in the general.
Term limits would prevent this kind of accumulation of power in one community, by one person.
Paradise, Oh
Posted 05:42 PM, 06/14/2009
There will come a day when Akron will be known as the Paris of Summit County.
Lower Akron, OH
Posted 06:05 PM, 06/14/2009
Goodbye Don. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
akron, oh
Posted 07:03 PM, 06/14/2009
@Noodles... already is a paris in summit county. oh wait, thats paris st. in LA (lower akron), my bad.
akron, oh
Posted 07:05 PM, 06/14/2009
i am assuming that i vote at the same place i normally would for any election?
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:05 PM, 06/14/2009
I'd love to see the "time" Warner Mendenhall charges clients as he "works" on their cases to see if the charges coincides with the same times he makes stupid comments on this website. He is a shiesty fool. I would guarantee you there are clients of his out there getting billed for time spent on Ohio.com. All this non-sense will catch up with him and I can't wait.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:19 PM, 06/14/2009
I'm guessing Warner should have spent more time raising money for his cause than comment here on the Beacon's website.
Posted 07:28 PM, 06/14/2009
@Betamax
So, if the mayor is a jerk because he resorts to insults, what does that make those who insult him, or his girlfriend? Can't have it just one way no matter where it comes from. No substance is just that..enough said on that matter.
Posted 07:34 PM, 06/14/2009
@ Farwest Side:
You posted " If she benefited on the taxpayers dime with free travel, etc. then THAT fact is fair game .. "
"If" is speculative. Speculative and innuendo is what the recall effort has been all about. Show me the money!
AKRON, OH
Posted 08:53 PM, 06/14/2009
Do anyone remember when someone tried to rob the bingo hall that was being held at the national guard armory, And the guard (who was an retired police officer)shot him in the face.YEP ward 8 N.Hawkins.Kids getting off the bus on that corner,Drug dealers going up to them to sell drugs,Comming from the apartment building on N.Hawkins.APD Knows about it.
AKRON, OH
Posted 09:16 PM, 06/14/2009
1ST.To get his people out of the depression.
1ST.To build an expressway system in the world.
1ST.And only one to build air cooled cars ( engines)So everyone could have affordable cars.
1ST.To use synthetic oil.
1ST.Jet engines.
1ST.To build Rockets.
1ST.To have power steering.
So why would people want to get rid of a person who did all this for his paople.That's right.
Hail Hitler!!!
Hail The Don !!!
AKRON, OH
Posted 09:18 PM, 06/14/2009
people not paople.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:30 PM, 06/14/2009
The DON must go NOW!!!
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:51 PM, 06/14/2009
@Akros..good points on both your previous posts. You're right "can't have it only one way". The recall establishment as well as the
anti-recallers, those in charge of both camps, should repudiae personally insulting posts and bring substance to these posts not vicious attacks, especially on those who are not really the focus.
Just an observation, but, Mr. Mendenhall, by his silence here, is permitting his supporters to take the same level he claims the mayor is guilty of. This only diminishes the perceptions readers have of not only his supporters, but his purpose. Might be a good idea for the mayor to do the same. Just a thought.
Doylestown, OH
Posted 11:10 PM, 06/14/2009
Dang marlab fltrflo is salty with you, but if this is a war old wits fltr is out of ammo for sure, and also needs a dictionary or to learn first grade grammer.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:55 PM, 06/14/2009
===========
@Jax who posted:
Everyone knows when Tom Erickson is on your side that means it's going to lose.
===========
Last time I check, Erickson was against the Mayor's "Stools For Schools" and "Economic Development" Income Tax.
I'd say Tom was 2 for 2!
Akron, Oh
Posted 12:41 AM, 06/15/2009
I can say that the Mayor has been able to save money in one specific way that is clear. By using the Akron Beacon Journal as his personal public relations agency, he's probably saved the taxpayers tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now that's leadership.
Posted 01:13 AM, 06/15/2009
Speaking of name calling , i heard about a trashy blog that canton repository editor jeff gauger has called i hate canton. From what i understand, the editor excerpts comments from posters from the paper at his choosing and they are called names like village idiots for speaking their minds. even if there is nothing wrong with the comment. Has anyone seen this or know where the site is by any chance?
Posted 01:16 AM, 06/15/2009
It's funny to watch "the Don" supporters think he is doing such a great job. This city is dying fast. Jobs flow like water out of Akron, its hilarious people can't even see it.
Any crappy mayor could do what Don did, you people certainly don't have high expectations of your mayors. There are many more would could do a better job.
Akron, OH
Posted 06:01 AM, 06/15/2009
Loren do you use the same crazy rant for every article you comment on? Can anyone tell me what
ever-buddy is a sub for.
Akron, OH
Posted 06:37 AM, 06/15/2009
@ TOJ, sorry, But I spent yesterday outside enjoyin' the weather instead of in the basement like y'all apparently did.
Let me help y'all with this one, y'all seem to be not gettin' enough fresh air.
When the city hall hero was blamed for the rise in crime, as reported by the ABJ, y'all quoted the FBI's figures for earlier years, and wanted it noted that the crime was lower before and the city halln hero was responsible for the lower crime.
I agreed. The city hall hero is indeed responsible.
As for william, y'all asked why his opinion should count. After I called y'all out on that and pointed out y'alls continuely flawed thinkin', y'all changed that from opinions to votes.
No-buddy was talkin' about votes. Do try to stay on subject.
His opinion counts because he spent more time here than y'all have, based on y'alls own comments. Also based on that comment, I and ever-buddy else, who's been here longer than y'all, opinions count more than y'alls. Again, based on y'alls comment.
Akron, OH
Posted 06:44 AM, 06/15/2009
@ Gain some - ((chucklin')) Y'all need to actually read the newspaper son. It was y'alls hero, that the ABJ quoted, that he brought or saved 5900 jobs durin' a certtain time period, and he quoted an annual gross, which broke down into $0.31/hr per employees job he saved.
Whoopee.
As for Goodyear's jobs, we can value that at $101 million taxpayers dollars. Firestones we can value at $79 million taxpayer dollars.
There, I hope I've clear that up for y'all.
Akron, OH
Posted 06:54 AM, 06/15/2009
@ Irishlou - Gee, that's a toughy.
Politicians who calls citizens names first.
Citizens who call politicians names.'
Two classes of folks. One should never call citizens names, the other shouldn't lower themselves down to his level.
As for the girlyfriend, sorry, but she became fair game the instant the city hall hero stated she was his political advisor.
But she raises another interestin' question.
Iff'n the city hall hero, had no qualms deceivin' and cheatin' on his wife, what makes folks think he'd give it a second thought about doin' the same thing to the citizens of Akron?
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 07:40 AM, 06/15/2009
Really, Beta? Even when you are smacked in the face with hard data, you can't own up to it. I threw in the "higher number is better" just for you and it still wasn't effective. Nice spin.
One week left. I hope you milk it for all it's worth.
http://www.ohio.com/news/48047587.html
Akron, OH
Posted 07:59 AM, 06/15/2009
@whackamole, the numbers do not show "jobs flow like water out of Akron". In fact they show employment has been fairly stable even when the economy is harming other cities at a greater rate in Northeast Ohio and similar cities throughout Ohio.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:02 AM, 06/15/2009
@Betamax, and the article did not say every job started on the exact same day and all the money was divided between all the jobs from day number one. You are an illogical quack if that is how you interpret numbers.
Posted 08:07 AM, 06/15/2009
I do not live in Akron but have been following the story with great interest.
I seriously think there should be term limits as Mr Don has gotten way TOO powerful and lazy.
I have a great deal of respect for the law enforcement and if they dont like Mr Don then I dont either so even though I cant vote on this issue - VOTE the DON OUT!
akron, oh
Posted 08:09 AM, 06/15/2009
If the mayor is so pro-Akron, bringing jobs to the city..why did he find it necessary to go to Columbus to have printing done for this? My husband who has been in the printing industry 35 years just lost his job to declining business... thanks mayor for supporting local companies!!
Posted 08:13 AM, 06/15/2009
Overtaxed Voter says: A huge article about the Mayor, but not one single time does the word "POLICE" or "CRIME" appear in relation to Plusquellic or his 3 decades in office.
Did U not read this? Who voted against the police here?
Mendenhall prevailed on campaign finance limits and helped defeat the mayor's proposals to increase income taxes for police and economic development and to lease the sewers to fund scholarships.
Akron, , OH
Posted 08:15 AM, 06/15/2009
One thing is for sure!! No matter who commands the Mayors office in the future the complainers and moaners will still flap their jaw on a daily basis!!
There will always be another negative issue for our friends to hang their hat on..
Yet on the other hand it's interesting to see a segment of society that just loves to type and actually say nothing. The court house paper filers hate to be ignored, this is for sure.
Posted 08:23 AM, 06/15/2009
Gee.. I wonder what "political windmill" Mendenhall will attempt to tilt when this is over?
He has become the poster child for another, literary, "Don". So many hairbrained causes, so little time! He's like the "Energizer Bunny". He goes on and on and on. I can't wait to see what he has dreamed up next. NOT!
Akron, OH
Posted 09:04 AM, 06/15/2009
@TOJ - ((chucklin')) It was y'alls data, followed by y'alls interpretation sonny. Own up to it.
Based on y'alls interpretation of the FBI statistics, the city hall hero was responsible for less crime in previous years, therefore, he is responsible for the rise in crime, as quoted in the ABJ.
No way around that one. But thank y'all for tryin'.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:16 AM, 06/15/2009
@ Gain Some - ((chucklin')) I suppose one can consider things illogical and quacklike when one can't do the math.
Congratulations.
Of course, iff'n y'all wish to present some new way to divide the numbers presented, I'm willin' to listen. So will all of mathematic acedeme.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:37 AM, 06/15/2009
Retired cop--"should have been gone 15 years ago" --so you think the will of the voters should have been ignored, or you think he somehow cheated? What did Plusquellic do specifically 15 years ago that should earn him a recall?
akron, oh
Posted 09:46 AM, 06/15/2009
He argues the city's debt is too high.
This is true. The city debt is too high, and needs to be reduced.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 09:58 AM, 06/15/2009
Beta,
Only in your world is starting at 14.0 and going to 16.4 a bad thing (when a higher number is a good thing).
Once again, you "can't see for the forest for the trees." You'll say anything to advance your cause. no matter that you're called out for lying.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 10:00 AM, 06/15/2009
Beta,
No reaction to the article? Let's see your spin on this one. Now that you can leave Akron, why do you continue to stay?
http://www.ohio.com/news/48047587.html
AKRON, OH
Posted 10:07 AM, 06/15/2009
Iran supreme leader orders vote fraud probe.Ahmadinejad defiant.People who are against him are being beat, Sprayed and called names.Sound like someone else and their supporters.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:11 AM, 06/15/2009
@Betamax, you are assuming every job of the 5000 number was saved on the same exact day, which is just wrong. There is no way you can determined from the numbers published the annual salaries. You would need to know the exact date the job was saved, so you can start splitting the pot of money correctly. I know simple division is probably a strain on your intellect but the actual math is just too complicated for you apparently.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:26 AM, 06/15/2009
@Janine
Plusquellic's attempt to get voters to add another 1/3% income tax to themselves was another example of his devious ways... describing the tax as being for police when over 90% of the spending would have been other things.
Fortunately for the taxpayers, voters figured out the falsehood of the income tax hike in time and voted it down, unlike the Mayor's school building scheme took years after the vote to emerge as an absolute lie (rebuild or replace EVERY school in the Akron district my arse) and has become a 30 year pickpocketing of the good people of Akron by the Plusquellic administration.
Vote for Change!
Vote "YES" on the "RECALL" June 23.
AKRON, OH
Posted 10:53 AM, 06/15/2009
Overtaxed Voter A correction, 30 years,You see they can extend it after this time period without voters approval.We are stuck for life with this increase.THANKS DON
AKRON, OH
Posted 10:54 AM, 06/15/2009
Overtaxed Voter A correction, 30 plus years,You see they can extend it after this time period without voters approval.We are stuck for life with this increase.THANKS DON
akron, oh
Posted 11:03 AM, 06/15/2009
i know there is a a special place for don somewhere
impeach impeach
we need to do more that, sounds like he shold be in jail with all the other criminals....oh wait all the criminals an akron are released!!
oh p.s. where DOES he live? i would love to compare this to some others comps.
Make the world a better place... punch a Steeler fan in the face, .
Posted 11:10 AM, 06/15/2009
stephend6,
The only difference is that, even in Iran, the opposition party fields an opponent in an election.
akron, oh
Posted 11:21 AM, 06/15/2009
Gain Some More Reality
Akron, OH
Posted 04:18 PM, 06/14/2009 @dduckster, at least us they remain know how to spell "Virginia", know it is "its", know "I" is capitalized, know you start sentence with a capital letter, and know that this is not a blog but a comments area on a newspaper. I do not see any lose to Akron when you hit the road.
Ahhhhhh... I knew I would draw at least one dumb dumb out on my post. Good catch, I am suprised you know how to spell. I am assuming you where not a product of our great public skool system? lol
I could care less what anyone thinks, and given the people in this city, I am going to assume you are one of great many lemmings sucking on the teet of your great Mayor and his cabinet of idiots. Good luck with your Norf Hill Ghetto... Looks like councilman Hurley is really doing a "Bang-Up" job there! LOL Another loser looking to make his money from Donnie Boy just like Valle.
Shaker Heights, OH
Posted 11:31 AM, 06/15/2009
Ahh yes... Don Plusquellic, always taking the high road that man is!
Posted 11:57 AM, 06/15/2009
@Betamax
You posted that the mayor's girlfriend has become fair game because he refers to her as a "political advisor". OK I'll buy that argument..but to call her an " MTV-generation floozy "girlfriend". goes beyond the scope of "fair game". Criticize her for what she says and does as a "political advisor". To resort to insults does, as I stated previously, place the recall effort in a low-life light and just serves to show that those supporting the recall have no real substance. Y'all.
Posted 12:00 PM, 06/15/2009
In a democracy, the right of the voters to choose their leaders should be absolute, as is one's right to disagree with the majority of the voters or the leaders they elect. The recall backers obviously disagree with the mayor on many fronts, as is their absolute right. However, the voters have elected the mayor six times, and if this were a general election in the fall instead of a special election in the summer, the mayor's re-election would be assured. Those who back this effort are praying for low voter turnout overall but high turnout among those who dislike the mayor, which makes it an effort designed specifically to overturn the will of the voters -- to subvert democracy -- and for that reason, I do not support it.
The mayor is not perfect. However, none of the complaints of the recall supporters rises to the level of dereliction of duty or criminal behavior, which should be required for any recall effort. Instead, they just don't like the direction he has taken the city. This is what elections are for, not recall elections, particularly when they come at such high taxpayer expense.
Don't allow a few unhappy citizens to subvert the rights of the voters.
akron, oh
Posted 12:24 PM, 06/15/2009
@shawn: "I cant vote for the mayor cause i reside in Tallmadge and in no way will i sit here and tell the people of Akron whats best for them just like i dont want them getting into the Tallmadge political scene ..."
God forbid you throw logic into this argument. Hey carpetbagging Old Man Grump, can you read this?
Akron, OH
Posted 12:27 PM, 06/15/2009
Even tho I do not care for the mayor, he has done alot of positive things for the City of Akron. Alot more needs done. I like seeing the projects replaced by attractive housing. I hope that the residents of this housing appreciate and respect where they now live and don't tear it up. If they break anything, they should be fined and after 2 offenses, made to move out.
I like seeing downtown Akron improve, but until you find a better way to house people than the old Mayflower Hotel, downtown will remain somewhat undesireable. People don't want to go downtown and have to deal with the homeless and the people housed in the middle of downtown. There has to be a better way to care for those who live in the old Mayflower Hotel. It needs shut down and torn down. How about making that one of your projects Don.
Posted 12:46 PM, 06/15/2009
the first 4 paragraphs of the article are the best - it sounds like 2 little kids name calling - except with more of a political slant - "Hitler" "corrupt Tyrant" "insignificant gnat"
AKRON, OH
Posted 12:57 PM, 06/15/2009
As a graduate of the UofA and a citizen of Akron. I will say that I am not gong to vote in favor of the recall. I will actively support anyone who opposes Mr. Plusquellic in the next election though. I have witnessed the majority of out cities nieghborhooods going into decline over the past 20 years. I grew up in Goodyear Heights, but am sad to say that I wouldn't go back to that neighborhood to raise children there today. I can not see where the Mayor has done much to improve the quality of life in this city. The UofA, especially under the leadership of Proenza, has made great strides in keeping Akron a viable area to run a business, and has a number of business, adn polymer science programs that are highly rated Nationally. If it werent for Proenza's success at UofA then Akron would be much worse off and the Mayor would have probably been kicked out of office and the majority of small business would have left Akron. Does the UofA need to keep buying up more property downtown? Yes.
Posted 01:06 PM, 06/15/2009
Suz,
Well then you should know that at a recent FOP vote to endorse the recall, 168 members voted to support the recall, 166 voted against supporting the recall. So clearly the police are pretty evenly split on whether to recall the mayor or not.
So you may want to make your own decision on whether he should be recalled. Think hard, has he done something illegal, immoral or harmful since he was elected? Just because you didn't support the mayor when he was elected, or don't like him personally, those are not really good reasons to vote in favor of the recall.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:11 PM, 06/15/2009
@STUCKINCRACKRON, I would think you would want to see what candidate runs before putting your support behind them.
Posted 01:14 PM, 06/15/2009
Chris,
Great point, but I think its lost on supporters. I mean their leader (Mendenhall) recently said "Finally after 22 years the people have a voice, a chance to get rid of the mayor." Just like you state, they're hoping this recall effort will get out all of those who hate the mayor, while those who support him (and have elected him numorous times) will stay home.
Like the article stated, one thing the mayor and council should and will try to change is the low threshold required for the recall. 20% isn't bad, but when it relates to voter turnout for an election instead of total eligible/registered voters, it is way too low. I'm sure we can find 3600 people in Akron against many things, apple pie, rap music, perfume, rain, snow. But that doesn't mean they should be able to start a costly process to over turn the will of the people.
Stow, OH
Posted 01:50 PM, 06/15/2009
I think it would be helpful for the parties to articulate their visions as opposed to using terms like "Hitler" and "corrupt tyrant" which is nothing more than trash talk. If I were an Akron voter, I would be disappointed in the level of the discussion.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:56 PM, 06/15/2009
=============
one thing the mayor and council should and will try to change is the low threshold required for the recall. 20% isn't bad, but when it relates to voter turnout for an election instead of total eligible/registered voters, it is way too low.
=============
First, get the Mayor and Council to get overall voter turnout to improve.
The real problem is when 80% of voters sit home on election day.
Canton, Oh
Posted 02:14 PM, 06/15/2009
We would love to have Akron's mayor and get rid of our JOKE of a mayor here in Canton. Please come to Canton if you lose the recall Mayor Don, and run against Healy.
akron, oh
Posted 02:16 PM, 06/15/2009
"There's a huge group who feels he is not a legitimate elected mayor," Mendenhall said. "He can legitimize himself if he wins."
Whoa, wait a minute! Mayor Don has been in office since 1987 and has been reelected numerous times, the last being 1-1/2 years ago. Now Mendenhall is questioning the legitimacy of the mayor's office by inferring the only way to legitimize it is for Plusquellic to survive the Mendenhall-led grass roots recall effort. What a slap in the face to the voters of Akron, saying their votes have been meaningless without the recall! Wow, that's a lot of gall!
And, if Mendenhall thinks the illegitimacy is due to the lack of opposition then his ire should be more directed at the bloated buffoon occupying the throne of the Summit Co. Republican Party, and his inability to front a viable candidate, rather than the good citizens of Akron.
Plusquellic may be an arrogant, pompous arse but I don't think Warner is too far behind!
AKRON, OH
Posted 02:27 PM, 06/15/2009
The_Original_Jason This is not an mayoral election.It is about has this public servant who got to big for his own good be put in check.Why should it be so hard to move a servant.Say to your boss the same things Don says to his(the voters)And see how long you will be their.Voters should be aloud to move any public servant at will,This will stop all this high mindedness.I care less about Mendenhall, Never met him.So why is his personnel life an issue,He is not running for mayor no more than Don girl friend is.
AKRON, OH
Posted 04:13 PM, 06/15/2009
The threshold should be low,You would have the power of the voter taken from them to please or give more power to public servants, For they can keep their jobs.PEOPLE LISTEN TO YOUR SELFS. The more power they can take from the voter the more they fell less accountable to you.And to raise $250,000 to keep his bosses (The voters)FROM FIRING HIM should tell you somthing.POWER HUNGRY.
Tallmadge, OHIO
Posted 05:11 PM, 06/15/2009
@stephend6 said:"The threshold should be low,You would have the power of the voter taken from them to please or give more power to public servants."
Then a super-minority should have the power to over-ride the will of the voter?
That's not what Democracy is about.
Tallmadge, OHIO
Posted 05:20 PM, 06/15/2009
@Overtaxed Voter said:"The real problem is when 80% of voters sit home on election day."
Sure is.
The 2nd issue is that there was nobody else to vote for.
Fat Alex had to have the grease in his hair changed and that blew The Party's budget for 2007.
It's too bad...
AKRON, OH
Posted 07:47 PM, 06/15/2009
nottheusual1, Check out the US Senate.One senator can object and stop a bill or an nominee and filibuster.(Out of 100 Senators).Tell that to the republicains in the senate who is doing it.It is Democracy.The will of the voter is their right to be heard by their public servant,And not push to the side once they have gotten into office.FOR the people by the people.WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION. Not a public servant pushing his weight around.
AKRON, OH
Posted 07:52 PM, 06/15/2009
republicans,sorry no i
AKRON, OH
Posted 08:34 PM, 06/15/2009
Did you also know that although each Sec.of state have certified the election results in their states for the presidential election.The certification must go before a joint session of congress and be presented state by state.And if one Congressperson and one Senator object,That state certification of electoral vote is null and void.Out of 541 members and all that states population,Two members of congress can stopped it
Akron, OH
Posted 09:25 AM, 06/16/2009
@stephend6, your examples are not the same as the recall. Similar but not the same as it is a different process all together.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:30 AM, 06/16/2009
What class these two are showing with all of the name calling. Gotta love who is running things around this country
Posted 01:27 PM, 06/16/2009
Stephend6
Apples and oranges, a filibuster is not the same as electing or recalling an elected official. A low threshold for a recall is NOT a good idea. It can lead to constant recalls being raised everytime a candidate is elected. Surely enough people voted against the candidate to fill the required recall petition numbers.
Nope, it should require a much higher percentage of the voting population.
And overtaxed, I have to agree with you (a first I believe) that the problem is not enough people vote. Not enough register, and of those registered many don't vote except in the big election (for US President, or maybe congressional seats). I'm appalled at the number of family and friend that give me the "what can one vote do" BS. In some small communities, a handful of votes can swing an election of a local official or important issue on the ballot.
AKRON, OH
Posted 01:28 PM, 06/16/2009
Gain Some More Reality If you would read:" Then a super-minority should have the power to over-ride the will of the voter?
That's not what Democracy is about."My examples was to the point.Democracy.Also if it is not democracy, how can one person out of twelve hang a jury? If a super-minority of one can override the eleven.That's why you only need a minority no. of votes to trigger a recall.
AKRON, OH
Posted 01:34 PM, 06/16/2009
The heart of democracy is minority rights.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:37 PM, 06/16/2009
@stephend6, a jury is NOTHING like a vote at the pools. You can only convict with no doubt. Juries are not decided by the majority. The process is nothing like a demoscratic vote. You are really reaching with your examples and trying to compare apples and oranges.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:40 PM, 06/16/2009
polls not pools
Akron, OH
Posted 01:41 PM, 06/16/2009
@stephend6, "minority rights" means that everyone is given the same right to vote. It does not mean the minority makes the decisions for the majority.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:05 PM, 06/16/2009
I really wish Beta wouldn't type with that hillbilly accent so that I could stand to read what he/she says. Yet I have a strange inkling that his/her thought pattern is probably just as indiscernible as the language.
I figured it's okay to insult you as you've become involved in public debate like the mayor's girlfriend.
AKRON, OH
Posted 06:54 PM, 06/16/2009
Gain Some More Reality Oh really, When I was on jury duty we had to vote. It does not mean the minority makes the decisions for the majority.Nobody said it did." what are you reading"."That's why you only need a minority no. of votes to trigger a recall." JURY: GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY VOTE.MAYOR, RECALL OR NOT TO RECALL.VOTE. Jury how do you find.We the jury find( all 12)majority.
AKRON, OH
Posted 07:03 PM, 06/16/2009
Steve, filibuster is not the same as electing or recalling an elected official.This was an example of what one person can do in a democracy.Please read what I am saying I am talking about democracy. nottheusual1 Stated That's not what Democracy is about.
AKRON, OH
Posted 07:14 PM, 06/16/2009
Steve I have to disagree.Politicians(all) needs to be kept on a short rope.The more they see how accountable they are to you and see how fast they can be voted out, The more of the peoples work they will do.And not get highminded about a public job.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:16 PM, 06/16/2009
@stephend6, you are missing the point. You are making a big deal about how the minority has a bearing on the recall, but none of your examples are even closely related to this recall process. Jury duty is nothing like the election process. Filibuster is also nothing like the recall process.
You only need a minority to trigger a recall because it is like an issue that goes on the ballot. issues when never make the ballot if you need a majority to even get to vote on them. It is simple logic. You example has no bearing on the recall nor does it explain why a low number is needed for a recall vote. You are pulling unrelated events to try to prove your point.
AKRON, OH
Posted 07:22 PM, 06/16/2009
Gain Some More Reality
Democracy,Democracy, Democracy .