Good, good. Definitely a step in the right direction! Recall Mayor Don! Hahahaha, not going to happen...

I wonder what all the recall goofs think about this. Don will be your mayor forever.

i'm surprised the branch davidians haven't somehow spun this against king don.

Think about all those annoying calls you get at home during your dinner time and evenings. Mayor Donny is supporting that? Recall the mayor.

@airmon,

OMG appears to have your answer... amazing.

Should people be skeptical?

After all, according to the Ohio Secretary of State's office, MM PLUSONE LLC didn't even exist at the beginning of last week.

In January, 2008 Mayor Don said that the 'parent company' of this business would employee 300.

That was to take the heat off of the fact the building was sold to JBM for $2.00, but appraises today for over $700,000.000

Today, it still employs ZERO.

Now the ABJ runs a story, with a headline that announces an employment level of 1,500.

The owner's quote says "the Akron operations will start with 30 employees in July and should build up its ranks by 50 to 60 new employees a month."

Starting with 30, and adding the upper prediction of 60 per month, the business won't reach Plusquellic's claim of 300 until December, 2009 or the ABJ's touted level of 1,500 until June, 2011.

I'm going to take a 'wait and see' attitude about this announcement and if the over $2 million investment by AKRON TAXPAYERS in this already will actually bare any fruit.

The Branch Davidians? They were all murdered by the Federal Government. Just like almost all of the rubber shop jobs in the Don's kingdom.

From the handout provided during "Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic's 21st State of the City Address, February 7, 2008"


JBM Holdings

The City sold the Former Bank One at
1115 S. Main Street to JBM Holdings.

JBM has invested approximately $2 million in renovations with expectations of creating more than 300 new jobs.


http://ci.akron.oh.us/News_Releases/2008/State%20of%20City.pdf

Wow... A 5-fold increase in the new job 'expectation' level, just a week from recall election day.

Simply amazing!

OK. So we are getting somewhere between 30 jobs and 1500 jobs. Regardless of the number of jobs, it adds to the tax base of the city. Speaking of which, Akron will now be collecting property tax on that building. So, I guess that's not good enough for most of you 'Bots.

Tax on the two dollar purchase price? What is the pay scale for these jobs?

@OldManGrump, no where in the article does it say this call center will be conducting random phone solicitations. Many call centers are tied to a specific product or service and they are only calling those that initiated the contact first. They provide customer support such as technical help, product upgrade, FAQs, etc.

@Overtaxed Voter, how do you get over $2 million investment, when the article says $1.5 million?

@The Voice of Reason, article clearly states the pay scales of the jobs.

And property tax is based on the appraised value, not the sale price of $2.

@GainSome...

Add $1.5 million in "improve sidewalks, lighting, parking and landscaping" to the difference between the $2 price the city charged JBM for the property that is currently valued at $701,300 and you come up with more than $2.2 million in costs to Akron citizens.

====================
@Cruisemaster who posted:

Akron will now be collecting property tax on that building.
====================

Are you SURE???

When one of Plusquellic's buddies get a sweetheart deal ($2 to buy building valued at over $700,000) what makes you think that the package didn't also come with years of tax abatements to boot?

@OV: Even if Don did make a deal on the property tax(which actually would have had to go thru Summit County Council), the City does get the income tax from those emplyees. BTW, that is the same incomeatx that helps funda our safety forces, road repairs, CLC's and the rest of the City's budget.

Pure Propaganda. Goodbye good paying union and non-union manuacturing base jobs. And hello "service economy" 8-12 dollar per jobs.

================
@Cruisemaster

Even if Don did make a deal on the property tax(which actually would have had to go through Summit County Council), the City does get the income tax from those employees
================

1) Do you really think that 'The Don' has any problem getting SuCoCouncil to go along with anything he proposes?

2) How long will it take for the $.16 to $.24 per hour in income tax (the Akron 2% that is not earmarked for CLC's on the $8 - $12 per hour jobs) to pay back the $2.2 million that Akron residents already have invested in this project?

@Overtaxed Voter, very misleading use of math on your part because the current value of the building was never a cost put on the tax payer's shoulders.

What a bunch of grumps. THis building has sat empty and rotting for about 10 yrs, becoming another eyesore for that part of town. It was sliding downhill when Bank one had it. No body wanted it (until this group came along) because of the cost to rehab the property. That is why the city bought it. The fact that Bank One sold it to the city for $1.00 tells you something. Now it has been rehabbed and people will start working in it again. This is a GOOD thing for all. No tax abatement was used to lure the business in. Regarding the county appraisal..if you really believe that rotten building was worth $700k you are sniffing glue. The county tax appraisals are a joke. If this group had not come along that building would probably have been buldozed due to its repair cost. Most of the buildings around it were buldozed years ago. Nobody in their right mind would have paid anything to buy that place.

@GainSome...

What about the cost of those 3 brand new parking lots that were installed (at taxpayer cost) BEFORE the $2.00 sweetheart purchase was completed?

Check out June 4, 2007's Ordinance Number 282-2007

http://www.akroncitycouncil.org/resources/userUploads/Council_Agenda_20070604.SRV_1229635466.pdf

It sounds to me like it's an INBOUND call center, meaning they will be receiving the calls, like customer service, not making out going calls.

I'm just asking... but--- "PLUSONE---- Plusqualic?
was the company named after him?

I AM a Don Plusqualic SUPPORTER by the way... but I'm....

Just Asking!! :)

Want to get an idea of just "how sweet" this "sweetheart deal" really was?

Less than 2 years ago, the City of Akron sold JBM (Jill Bacon-Madden) LLC the BUILDING and LAND at 1115 S. Main for $2.00

TODAY, the City of Akron is wants just under $37,000.00 the .34 acre VACANT LOT parcel at 285 S. Main.

http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/ed/development/downtown/Downtown04.htm

================
@Steven

if you really believe that rotten building was worth $700k you are sniffing glue. The county tax appraisals are a joke.
================

And that is the reason that the next recall election will be to remove John Donofrio from his position as SuCo Fiscal Officer.

How are you going to put 300 people in there let alone 1500? My hubby worked there in the late 80's for Bank One and they had about 50 people and it was PACKED with not enough parking. Lets see how many jobs this actually brings in before getting all excited

@JustAsking...

Since the Ohio Secretary of State's office isn't making the original application / filing certificate for MM PLUSONE LLC available yet on its website, one can only imagine the names that might be listed as parties in the company.

I wonder if Ohio.com will make a 'slight' re-write to this story before morning and use that as an excuse to wipe out all of the comments posted here tonight and start fresh?

His name will not be on the list/application.
I'm still a supporter, but his name will not be on ANY list for a while after the recall fails.

@Overtaxed Voter, what about the cost of the parking? What is your point?

@olfuzzster, it is clear you have not drove by the building recently. There is plenty of new parking now.

==============
The ABJ story reports:

Madden said the venture has already invested more than $5 million in equipment and renovating the bank.
==============

Hmm....

Looking at the documents from the Summit County Fiscal Office, Parcel 6729298 at 1115 S. Main Street has just one building permit issued.

Permit #882415, issued on Jan 2, 2007 is for a $150,000 "Interior Alteration".

That is 6 months before the transfer of title from the City of Akron to JBM Holdings LLC on July 12, 2007.

Where is the building permit for the (presumably millions) that Madden has supposedly spent "renovating" the bank?

@GainSome...

You stated that "the current value of the building was never a cost put on the tax payer's shoulders".

Well, it turns out that taxpayer's shoulders and pocketbooks were burdened by the full construction costs of THREE new parking lots on that property, between the time of its purchase for $1 and its sale for $2.

@Overtaxed Voter, are you the king of the obvious? The article clearly states the parking improvements and the costs associated.

But you cannot throw the current value of the property into the costs the tax payers paid, because that amount was never paid by the city. It bought for $1 and sold for $2. You are only looking to make the numbers worse than they are with your lies.

1500 jobs? Someone's puffin' on Obama's blunt. When are we going to demand action from our elected representatives and call them on the fluff? It's great some new jobs are coming, but why advertise change greater than truth? Another stroke on the "stimulus" package. No jobs yet, no more money..that's change I can believe in. We common folk foot the bill for everything they want and I'm sick of it.

@Gain Some...

The ABJ story states:

"Bacon-Madden purchased the building for $2 from the city in 2007. Akron officials estimate the city has spent about $1.5 million to improve sidewalks, lighting, parking and landscaping."

The "Akron officials" don't make it clear when the "$1.5 million" was spent, but it doesn't make sense for it to have happened before the property was sold for development.

That means the construction of 3 new parking lots on the property prior to its sale in 2007 WAS something that cost the taxpayers and IS something that impacts the value of the property.

And we wonder why the city and county are having financial troubles.

Let's take a look at the 2006 Tax Bill details for Parcel 6729298 (1115 S. Main Street)


$65,248.93 DELQ REAL ESTATE & ASSESSMENT TAX:
$1,908.66 AUGUST INTEREST:
=========
$67,157.59

-$67,157.59 ADJUSTMENT

$8,838.95 REAL ESTATE CHARGES
$0.00 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT CHARGES
=========
$8,838.95


Wow...

With one waive of someone's "Magic Wand" $75,996.54 in delinquent property taxes are magically wiped away.

Earlier in this recall campaign, it was asked "Who ate all the steaks" when $59,000 worth of meals came to light.

I'm going to ask... WHO HAS THE POWER TO MAKE A NEARLY $76,000 "ADJUSTMENT" TO A PROPERTY TAX BILL?

Check out the 2006 Tax Bill Details yourself at http://tinyurl.com/MagicWandTaxAdjustment

And we wonder why the city and county are having financial troubles.

Let's take a look at the 2006 Tax Bill details for Parcel 6729298 (1115 S. Main Street)


$65,248.93 DELQ REAL ESTATE & ASSESSMENT TAX:
$1,908.66 AUGUST INTEREST:
=========
$67,157.59

-$67,157.59 ADJUSTMENT

$8,838.95 REAL ESTATE CHARGES:
$0.00 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT CHARGES:
=========
$8,838.95

-$8,838.95 ADJUSTMENT

$0.00 TOTAL CHARGES:
$0.00 TOTAL PAYMENTS:
=====
$0.00

$0.00 FH/SH AMOUNT DUE:


Wow...

With one waive of someone's "Magic Wand" $75,996.54 in delinquent property taxes are magically wiped away.

Earlier in this recall campaign, it was asked "Who ate all the steaks" when $59,000 worth of meals came to light.

I'm going to ask... WHO HAS THE POWER TO MAKE A NEARLY $76,000 "ADJUSTMENT" TO A PROPERTY TAX BILL?

Check out the 2006 Tax Bill Details yourself at http://tinyurl.com/MagicWandTaxAdjustment

Bump the total of those 2006 Tax Bill adjustments to $82,926.83 after adding in the 2nd half balance that was also adjusted to zero, just like the delinquent amount, interest, penalty, and 1st half amounts.

Oh and FYI, JBM Holdings (et al) have paid their taxes on time since buying the building.

Toodles.

Sell me a $700,000 building for $2 and I'll also figure out a way to keep up with my property taxes.

I want to know who the taxpayers can hold accountable for the fact that Bank One was allowed to be shown as delinquent on their taxes on this property for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006?

Would you or I be allowed to to have our property be delinquent for 6 straight years without it being sold at a tax sale? No way!

This reminds me of the Akron Thermal fiasco. They didn't pay their city water bills or taxes for years, but nothing was said or done (until a City insider finally took the matter to the media).

BS like this is EXACTLY why this city (and county) needs a housecleaning in governmental leadership.

The first chance to get out the broom is next Tuesday.

Vote YES on the RECALL on June 23.

The question here is can someone live off the income from these jobs? Is the pay enough to have a nice house, in a good part of town, a reliable car and have a good standard of living? I doubt if this is a high paying job.

To the THE DON, timing is everything. You read 1500 jobs then see it will actually be 30 and more added as time goes on maybe. Recall vote is near and they make this announcement??? Give THE DON one final finger salute for his efforts - vote yes to recall the mayor.

Old Man: You should be concentrating your efforts to recall the mayor of Tallmadge. You know Tallmadge, the town with a beautiful town center that you recently pointed out to us! I'm still trying to figure out just exactly where that is!

@Goodrich70-87

Nope, one got away. He is our own "City Hall Zero".

Funny all this comes out just now. Seems very coincidental.

1500 jobs......at what pay scale, minimum wage? Call centers come and go like the circus. I'm not impressed. I'd rather hear about a factory coming to Akron and setting up machinery and hiring skilled labor for a real wage.

OV raises some very interesting points related to the property. GSMR needs to do just that if he really believes properties are bought and sold for a few dollars.

@Overtaxed --> I don't usually agree with you too much (to each his own!) but you did highlight some interesting facts here... "BS like this is EXACTLY why this city (and county) needs a housecleaning in governmental leadership." Well said! I just don't agree with the recall.

@Overtaxed Voter, you cannot read. I have never said the taxpayers were not on the hook for the parking. and the article clearly states that parking was an expense of that city within the $1.5 million dollars.

But you keep trying to add in the value of the prooerty as a taxpayer expense. It is NOT because the money was never spent. It was a loss opportunity or a sacrifice the city made to not recoup costs but it was NOT a direct cost to the taxpayers like you are trying to make it in all your calculations.

They "COULD" be hiring up to 1500 jobs. That is the key word. They also "COULD" be out of business within 3 months with this economy. Amazing how this announcement along with these civic groups regarding the police situation are all coming out this week. This is nothing but a desperate man who feels he is losing the recall, throwing out a bone to save his sinking behind. I think most people with sense realize that Don thinks he's running for Senior Class President. Bring a big bag of candy to school and hand it out so the classmates will vote for him.

@average86, why do you think special deals will stop with no politicians? This is how all cities and governments operate to bring in new businesses and opportunities. It is not unique to Akron or Summit County.

Why do people keep asking about the pay when the article clearly states how much the pay will be?

Who really cares what the tax cheat,Mendenhall says!!! Why the beacon staff writers must give him credence is beyond clear thought.
As for new business, many fools will find fault!

Goodness, those parkin' lots, sidewalks and landscapin' must be the envy of the Beverly Hills High rent district. $1.5 million??

I'll have to take a drive by there to see what an expensive parkin' lot looks like.

It's my guess, a portion of that money, like the $6 million for developement of the acute care center on E Market, went towardsthe rehab of this buildin'.
It certainly rings of how the city hall hero works things.

With that said, it's good to see another business come to Akron, where so many leave, and I look forward to seein' the city hall hero's 1500 employees there, jes' like we're all waitin' for the 200 employees at the Acute Care Center.

Sum-times, I think they quote accumilative lifetime numbers for some of these employment numbers.

@Betamax, that money includes the reconstruction of the roadway and sidewalks on the 3 sides of the buildings with roadways, so that cost is probably not that high.

Wednesday's convenient dose of Backpocket BJ propaganda, lies, and half-truths. Not buying it for a second.

Why are new jobs even if it's just a few making people so angry? Why is taking a old wasted vacant building in a rough part of town putting some money into it even if it's tax payer money a bad thing? Overtaxed - If it was up to you would you rather the building stay vacant? And the jobs go somewhere else?

Overtaxed Voter,

Do you have a condition that doesn't allow you to comprehend more than one sentence at a time?

"Bacon-Madden purchased the building for $2 from the city in 2007. The city had previously purchased it for $1 from the former Bank One."

What part of bought for $1, sold for $2 is so hard to understand? But nice fake outrage all the same. Me, I'll just be happy about new job creation. You, you can just keep creating stories where there are none.

You can tell Overtaxed Voter is threatened by this announcement per his 18 posts (by my count) on the matter.

Overtaxed, you realy hate Akron, and love not leaving.

@GSMR - All I said was that I agree with the housecleaning idea. I know that 'special deals' are the status quo and its not unique to our area. I like the Mayor, its some of the other elected/appointed politicians that I wish we could/would recall starting with anyone and everyone involved with public school funding policies.

@Gain Some More Reality - That would make more sense, though I would wonder why they didn't include that information, should that be the case.

These are McJobs. The turnover rate for these types of jobs is phenomenal. Akron. The new sweatshop capital. Thank Don next Tuesday.

Thank you Maddens.

Add TruthPatrol to the "threatened" list. How does it feel to root against your hometown?

$10 to $15/hr jobs = "McJobs."

After Donny is recalled...perhaps he and his girlyfriend can get a job there. I'm sure they would be hired. And Donny could stay downtown...kinda....

yeah its great. that building WAS an eyesore for a LONG time. But now....its not even a safe neighborhood for peoplel to work in. i mean who will work there....

MORE Plusquellic lies. Don't fall for them! For the TRUTH, visit:

www.recallmayordon.com

www.akronwatch.org

www.changeakronnow.com

vote FOR the RECALL!

@Betamax, anyone that has driven past there would have seen the work being done. It is the typical ABJ story with details missing I guess.

Another day, another story about idiots and con artists in Akron, OH! It never ends. To the mature citizens (over 60), you don't deserve this. To the younger citizens, you are idiots for remaining in beautiful NE Ohio where corruption reigns and con artists prey on the mature citizens.

Overtaxed and other recall supporters complaining about the 2 price paid for this property.

After the city bought it for $1 they tried to sell it for fair market value, but couldn't find a buyer. So they eventually sold it (and made a 100% profit).

Besides, that was quite some time ago.

I also like thist statement by Mendehnhall in the article
''I think it's great,'' Mendenhall said. ''Anything that brings jobs to Akron is good.''

Sure, except when the city invests money to bring jobs to Akron. Then its a giant waste of money, wreckless spending, kickbacks to the Mayor's cronies, increasing the citys debt by too much.

So basically any new jobs that come to Akron which don't require the city to do anything or spend any money are great. This is not Fantasy Island.

@Gain Some More Reality- Admittedly, it's not an area I frequent. And I would agree about the ABJ's lack of details.

But allow me a degree of skepticism, based on the lack of additional details.

He should force them to live in the city. THAT will save Akron lol.

OK. I don't have a dog in this fight, but this is ridiculous. The headline touts 1000 jobs. The article states 30-50. The Beacon is really doing thecitizens of Akron adis-service by printing something so misleading.

Beacon- this is why you wont last much longer. 12 year olds see through this scheme!

Please, June 24th, arrive.

OT, You want to recall the county council, city council and every last elected official. These will be the next recall campaigns you say. So who will lead these recall campaigns? The tax cheat Mendenhall? Dillusional Overtaxed Voter? The bitter Old Man Grump? Or everybody's favorite hillbilly talking Betamax?

Good luck with that effort. You might want to wait and see how miserably the recall fails to start with.

New jobs = good Nobody is going to open up a manufacturing plant in Akron that pays $25 an hour. We are lucky that anybody is willing to open a new business and add jobs. I'm sure the negative reactions by some here don't help future efforts to attract businesses.

Big J,Listen to yourself Don will be your mayor forever. its not about Don.Its about the office.Pres.Roosevelt was in office from 1932-45 until his death.He was one of the best presidents we ever had,Social Security Act,FDIC, Labor Laws,Work programs,National Housing Act,Federal Securities Act,Unemployment Insurance.Got us through the great depression,And going out of WWII.THE list goes on and on.But Congress seen a problem.The Constitution did not want a Dictator,Being elected over and over or by any other means.So the wisdom of the congress changed the law to two 4 year terms.Your talk is dangerous.

=====================
@Steve

After the city bought it for $1 they tried to sell it for fair market value, but couldn't find a buyer. So they eventually sold it (and made a 100% profit).
=====================

Steve,

Don't gloss over the fact that nearly $83,000 in property tax was waived and THREE brand new parking lots were constructed at taxpayer expense so that the property could be sold for $2.

The article states 30 to start and then an add rate of 50-60 per month. In theory, it will take 2.0 - 2.5 years to become "fully staffed."

I would be skeptical if it said they were going all in from the start. You need to secure service contracts and train new employees, so you can't add 1,500 employees in one shot, lest you be laying off 1,000 employees six months later.

Amazing how an article about new jobs in a depressed economy brought up so much animosity and vitriol. Akron sold an eye sore of a building to a company looking to expand business operations in the city for $1. Big deal, these types of deals happen all the time in cities across America. Otherwise what incentive does a company have to purchase a rundown, out of date factory at full market price when they can just build a newer facility elsewhere?

And to the point about exactly how many jobs this will bring. As the title clearly states, "COULD bring 1,500 jobs.." Could denotes it is a possibility, not a foregone conclusion. I can't understand why some of you are up in arms about this. At no point does it say it's a definite there will be 1,500 new jobs. What it does suggest is hope for out of work individuals looking for a solid job to support a family. I still am at a loss trying to figure out how that is necessarily a bad thing?

An overtaxed voter, I have seen many, many private homeowners delinquent on taxes for much longer than six (6) years before the US Attorney's office or similar state entities actually step in and do something about it.

Even more interesting news...

Seems that PlusOne is going to be just a new name on the paychecks and a new building to work in for the activities and employees who currently work for Teleperformance USA on Market Street.

TelePerformance is the troubled call center that was supposed to bring 1500 jobs to Akron back in 2006. They actually have about 350.

(Remember, in Mayor Don's 02/2008 flyer, he said JBM, now known as PlusOne, would bring over 300 jobs to the property on Main Street.)

Guess whose 'clients' PlusOne has. Yep, the ones under current contract at TelePerformance.

Guess who the landlord is for the TelePerformance office on Market Street. Yep, Robert and Jill Madden... the President of PlusOne and the owner of JBM (Jill Bacon-Madden) LLC.

I said it from the start... this is just more Plusquellic "Smoke and Mirrors", moving 300 jobs from one business to another, from one building to another isn't "Economic Development" or "Job Creation".

@Overtaxed --> "nearly $83,000 in property tax was waived" Waived or paid? My cell phone bill (for one) shows a line item called 'adjustments/credits' which is the payment I made. Don't know if its the same thing though. As far as the parking lots, it's sort of a necessary evil, I suppose, in order to get the land to sell - which didn't work out too well, BTW, if it only sold for $2!

==============
@ Steve

OT, You want to recall the county council, city council and every last elected official. These will be the next recall campaigns you say.
==============

Really?

Steve, please find a single time I called for the recall of the laundry list you have written here.

I said that the Summit County Fiscal Officer John Donofrio, and only him, should be the next elected official to be under threat of recall.


==============
New jobs = good

We are lucky that anybody is willing to open a new business and add jobs.
==============


Agreed, but just moving 300 jobs from 150 E. Market to 1115 S. Main doesn't qualify as "add jobs".

==============
@JSandy...

overtaxed voter, I have seen many, many private homeowners delinquent on taxes for much longer than six (6) years before the US Attorney's office or similar state entities actually step in and do something about it.
==============

What does the "US Attorney's office or similar state entities" have to do with property taxes?

The Summit County Fiscal Officer and his office are responsible for the collection of property taxes and for filing suit against / ordering sale of properties with delinquent property taxes.

Public outrage finally got Donofrio to get off his behind when it was discovered that no action action had yet been taken on the $305,244 that is owed by the owners of Rolling Acres Mall.

Nice to see a business move into Akron. Hopefully we end up with 1,500 people answering phones.

==========
@Average86

"nearly $83,000 in property tax was waived"

Waived or paid?
==========

WAIVED (actually 'adjusted' to zero).

If you looked at the document at http://tinyurl.com/MagicWandTaxAdjustment you will see that payments are listed separately from adjustments.

There was $0.00 in payments, but downward adjustments of $82,926.83 to bring the current, delinquent, interest, and penalty to ZERO.


==========
As far as the parking lots, it's sort of a necessary evil, I suppose, in order to get the land to sell - which didn't work out too well, BTW, if it only sold for $2!
==========

That's my point.

Every one of us would buy a property for $2 if it was valued at over $700,000, had no other encumbrances, and the city would provide $1.5 million in free improvements.

The problem is, this offer wasn't made to 'everyone'.

It was a sweetheart deal for a Hudson couple who want to move existing jobs to a new location, about 2 miles south.

@Overtaxed --> agreed. Also, I just read your comment about these jobs being moved from one place to another... very interesting, thanks for all the info.

OverTaxed Intellect said:"Every one of us would buy a property for $2 if it was valued at over $700,000, had no other encumbrances, and the city would provide $1.5 million in free improvements."

Not true. Those of us who are really business people would realize that we'd have to cough up a bunch of property tax money pretty quickly.

Even $2.00 isn't free.

@overtaxed --> (sorry, if this posted twice) agreed. Also, interesting stuff on this company just moving from one place to another... thanks for the info!

Gain Some More Reality, OMG is a very lonely and bitter person. The best thing is to pretend his posts don't exist and they will go away. Just like the automotive jobs did are under Obamination's watch.

"Think about all those annoying calls you get at home during your dinner time and evenings."

Old Man Grump - read the article again....

"PlusOne workers, Madden said, will have special expertise in the products they are representing when fielding calls from consumers."

What has this city become that the addition of 1500 crappy jobs is cause for excitement. Show me a single first grader who writes a story about how he/she wants to be a call center employee when they grow up. Jobs like these do little more than perpetuate the burden upon the state. The majority of these workers will still be eligible for their Ohio Direction Card, Medicaid, SCHIP, etc while paying back on average $200 per year in state taxes after deductions.

Everyone feel proud now that corporations have 100% of the bargaining power and there are thousands of applicants for $8 per hour jobs in retail and at Call Centers?

So much ink to every breath the mayor takes. Really draws light to the fact that he's always working for the city, even when tactics and motives are challenged. I think this recall effort just might make Plusquellic even stronger and more effective than he already is as one of the best mayors in the republic.

Gain Some-I HAVE been by that rathole: crappy neighboorhood and there sure isn't parking for 300 cars let alone 1000 or 1500. Who wants to work in that dumpy ghetto area anysways for 8.00 just to get car jacked. HOW ABOUT SOME REAL JOBS AKRON!!!!

@runuts: "MORE Plusquellic lies. Don't fall for them! For the TRUTH, visit: ..."

Good lord! Here's a couple who are INVESTING good money into this community and some of you people are p!$$ing all over them! Can't somebody just acknowledge the time and effort they are putting into this project. Look, they're not offering rocket scientist jobs nor are they paying rocket scientist wages. But at least they are offering jobs and opportunities to this city, and especially that neighborhood.

I could care less about the mayor, or Mendenhall, or all the alphabetic recall websites. There's plenty of spin to go all the way around.

Thank you Maddens for all that you are trying to do!

Math 101

$20,000 / 2,080 hours = $9.61
$30,000 / 2,080 hours = $14.42

Seeing as how 800 people applied for that janitor job downs towards Canton a few months back, I'm guessing there will be no shortage of candidates for these jobs.

Smart Alex,
The ABJ headline may be a little misleading, but the story spells out the details. The reader does themself a greater disservice if all they do is read headlines to get the news.

Overtaxed,
Why not gloss over details, you do it all the time. They paid $1, and got $2 for the land. Property taxes waived don't matter. The $2 million in improvements was to atract a buyer that would use the building. But I know, you, Mendenhall and other supporters are really against new jobs in Akron if they cost any money. Or if Mayor Don is involved in the deal. Or if there was a full moon that day.

Overtaxed,

Ok, so you didn't call for the recall of all elected officials, others were doing that. But you did make it as a statement of fact that that there would be a recall election to remove Donofrio. Don't you have to get petitions signed first? Or doesn't the democratic process (like the regularly scheduled elections) count.

You are just a big blowhard who has an axe to grind with the mayor. Its personal, you don't like him, you haven't voted for him, and you think that the people who did vote for him are idiots. You (Mendenhall, and the rest of the recall supporters) know better than the thousands that have elected the mayor over the last 20 years.

Tha is the big problem many of us have with the recall. We may not be the biggest supporters of the mayor. But we recognize a mob of people trying to overturn the will of the people using the recall measure which was meant to remove somebody from office for doing really bad things (that usually occured after the election, or were not know at that time).

Overtaxed voter wrote
And that is the reason that the next recall election will be to remove John Donofrio from his position as SuCo Fiscal Officer.

Math 102

$169,000 / $14.42 = 11,720 hours = 5.6 years

@Steve - Why thank y'all for thinkin' so highly of me steve. See how nice y'all can be with a little effort.

As for recalls, I support or not support them on their merits. As in the case of the city hall hero, the evidence of city records amassed raised questions, that the city hall hero wanted to answer.

With that in mind, and my own personal opinion on how he runs our city, support this effort.

As for any-buddy else in politics, I'd like to see hard information, like we got for the city hall hero, before makin' a decision on whether or not I'd support such a venue.

Knowledge dictates decisions, not personal opinions.

@ Minna orated: I think this recall effort just might make Plusquellic even stronger and more effective than he already is.....

I agree with thios portion of minna's comment.

Then again, I also thought the same thing when the city hall hero's narrow victory at the primary's, seemed to wake him up for a moment.

As for the city hall hero bein' the best mayor in the republic???? He has a better chance of takin' worldwide vacations on the taxpayers dime, before that happens.

((chucklin'))

Here are a few clarifications:

*This is an INBOUND call center. Employees are over-the-phone information technology and communications helpers, not telemarketers. It will likely be internet provider or software help, with a possibility of expanding into the health care field.

*They DO already employ people. The training facility in the basement is currently in use and helping to gear up around 30-40 initial people who will likely then help to train another set.

*The first floor is already operational, with at least 200 computer and smart-phone stations.

*What was initially promised was 1000-1500 jobs over a 15 month period. The second floor of the building is about half done, while the third is in basics. The estimate given was around 40-50 new employees a month hired starting in July.

A tour of the building was available for the curious today, which I attended. Considering I am close to a few of these new hire employees, I know that it isn't a simple relocation of jobs. Also during the FIFTEEN minute tour I witnessed two people come in and ask for applications.

These jobs are obviously needed, and I fear I was misled by the conversation here. There is nothing wrong with a safe bit of skepticism, however some of the posts here are just plain mongering.

Beta,

COL! (chucklin' out loud)

Right, because you took time before forming an opinion.

maybe Akron has a chance after all...lets keep our fingers crossed!

Wow, low paying jobs--were do I sign up?

=======================
@Steve

Property taxes waived don't matter.
=======================

Why shouldn't Bank One or the new property owner be responsible for the $82,926.83 in property taxes?

If it doesn't matter if property taxes are waived, where do I sign up for my $83k 'waiver'?

Overtaxed,

You are such a whiny DOWNER. You know, the same type of guy who looks a GIFT HORSE in the mouth.

Bottom line is, this company is bringing JOBS to Akron. Ultimiately we will have 1,500 new jobs.

Say it again. 1-5-0-0 NEW JOBS!

And again. One-THOUSAND-FIVE HUNDRED NEW JOBS!

1,500 Jobs. 1,500 Jobs! And living wage at that! In Akron! And in Firestone Park at that!

When was the last time Firestone Park could claim that kind of increase in employment? Probably not since Firestone Rubber and Tire was still producing tires... in the 1970s!

1,500 Jobs! How many other cities in Ohio can claim that number these days?

Gee, you think some of them might be envious?

===================
@

you did make it as a statement of fact that that there would be a recall election to remove Donofrio.
===================

No, I made a statement "the NEXT recall election will be to remove John Donofrio".

Unless someone else is involved in a new recall election before Donofrio, my statement will not be wrong.

Ishiwadede,

Thanks for the perspective. Don't worry, about 96% of those here know this is good. There just seems to be a 4% subset of the ohio.com population that has a hard time understanding this news.

NathanG,

You can sign up at 1115 S. Main St.

http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/48252582.html

@olfuzzster, there is easily parking for the first number of 300 with the new lots. Next time make sure you look to both sides of Main as you pass.

Ignorance Kills,

The worst part is that Overtaxed spends his other 50% of the time complaining about people on public assistance. So he hates the availability of jobs and he hates people who don't work.

In addition, what is the point of all these posts on the quality of the work?

I mean honestly, what do you expect?

"Hello Mr/Ms (possibly) uneducated (probably) unemployed worker, lets sit down and look at your options. We have an opening as a doctor, or an astronaut, or possibly an airplane pilot. Would you like to start tomorrow?"

There have and always will be jobs that pay less than ideal. This line of argument is silly in my opinion, and demeaning to those that actually need them.

Yeah right I'll make sure to look for all those spots while I try not to run over the crack heads and losers in that neighboorhood. The building is too small your not going to stuff all those people in there.

Ignorance-yes it does KILL- 8.00 hr jobs are not living wage 40x8=320 before tax minus taxes and decductions-health insurance(such a great co is going to provide health insurance right???) you'll be lucky to bring home a grand a month, $12,000 a year-less than poverty level. If these telemarketing jobs are so great then why does Infocision have want ads every week? Ask any telemarketer if they are making 20-30 grand a year-guess not. Great that a company wants to come here but these ARE NOT good paying jobs.

Perhaps some of these "crack heads and losers" might benefit from a hub of new jobs in the area? Well, than again, lets appeal to your wallet rather than your heart. Perhaps employing some of these "crack heads and losers" will divert your tax money to a different cause rather than sustaining these "crack heads and losers".

olfuzzster

Sorry but I'll believe the opinion of somebody who has seen the building and knows how many people it will be set up to hold. Have you seen how they cram people into small cubicles in a call center. We could probably fit 300 in my office where only 25 currently work.

But y'all (including you Beta) keep tearing this good news of NEW JOBS in Akron apart. I'm sure that entrepeneurs who read your BS will be happy to invest more time and money in our wonderful city to create jobs.

Wow, look at olfuzzster throwing out incorrect figures left and right.

1. The jobs pay $9.61 ($20k annual) - $14.42 ($30k annual) per hour. Your $8.00 figure is a lie or a miscalculation. I won't judge your intent.

2. 2009 Federal poverty levels are:

Family Size Annual Wages
1.................$10,830
2.................$14,570
3.................$18,310
4.................$22,050
5.................$25,790
6.................$29,530

http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml

Wow...

Eric Mansfield isn't prepared to drink the Plusquellic/PlusOne Communications Kool-Aid.

The following comes from Eric's most recent Twitter posting.

========================
EricMansfield
11 minutes ago from web

Akron's newest employer -- PlusOne Communications -- heavy on job openings, tight-lipped about customers and clients.
========================

@Overtaxed Voter:

IF YOU BOTHERED TO READ WHAT YOU were quoting, ***THE CITY waived taxes for THE CITY***. *THEY* OWNED THE BUILDING from 2001-2007.

Or would you have preferred they wrote a check to themselves?

Check the tax records.

While you're busy making 20 posts, calculating interest and penalties, you may want to actually see WHO owns the building.

Insert foot in mouth.

================
@IgnoranceKills

this company is bringing JOBS to Akron. Ultimately we will have 1,500 new jobs.
================

IF, at any time in the next 3 years, this company employs 1,500 full-time people in Akron for 6 or more consecutive months I will take out an ad in the Akron Beacon Journal that reads "Ignorance Kills was right and Overtaxed Voter was wrong".

Will you make a similar, in-kind offer if PlusOne doesn't meet those standards?

@Jason,

Agreed. Sometimes, people fall so far down into a pit of negativity, pessimism and defeatism that they don't know their way up out of it, even when somebody is literally handing them a lifeline.

If Firestone, Goodyear, Goodrich and General Tire all announced tomorrow that they were bringing "up to 10,000 factory union jobs back" to Akron, no doubt, the recall folks would immediately chime in and claim that this was "anti-recall/pro-Plusquellic propaganda" timed for strategic release by the ABJ.

And we'd no doubt have another flurry of "fuzzy math" posts by Overtaxed, whining ad nauseum over the tax breaks the old Akron "Big Tire" companies were getting to open their new factories.

I DO understand being practical and seeking out the facts behind any deal, but you don't have to be a total sourpuss about it. These days, you have to take what you can get. ANY living wage job that comes to Akron is one we didn't have before, and also one that other places from Detroit to Denver would gladly accept on our behalf if we don't want them here.

====================
@SquareWest who posted:

@Overtaxed Voter
IF YOU BOTHERED TO READ WHAT YOU were quoting, ***THE CITY waived taxes for THE CITY***. *THEY* OWNED THE BUILDING from 2001-2007.
====================

If YOU will read the Summit County Tax Records for this property, you will find that the City of Akron did not take ownership of the property until May 17, 2007 (2 parcels) and July 12, 2007 (1 parcel), not 2001 as you claim.

Scroll down to the section titled "Sales Information For Parcel 6729298" at
http://tinyurl.com/MagicWandTaxAdjustment
for the full history of ownership changes for 1115 S. Main

Where has the poster known as 'akronwatch' gone? Ever since I pointed out his ties to SANEO, he has gone AWOL. What gives?

Can I get an APB on akronwatch/SANEO?

Overtaxed: "IF, at any time in the next 3 years, this company employs 1,500 full-time people in Akron for 6 or more consecutive months I will take out an ad in the Akron Beacon Journal that reads "Ignorance Kills was right and Overtaxed Voter was wrong".

Will you make a similar, in-kind offer if PlusOne doesn't meet those standards?"

In the spirit of good faith in seeing jobs return to Akron, and barring circumstances that would render trade and commerce as we now know it impossible, I am willing to take you up on that offer, Overtaxed.

@Overtaxed Voter:

I did read it. The names listed are the GRANTORS.
Grantors are the SELLERS, not the BUYERS.

Pull the tax records from 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and you'll see:

"OWNER CITY OF AKRON"

Scroll down to the section titled "Sales Information For Parcel 6729298" at
http://tinyurl.com/MagicWandTaxAdjustment
for the full history of ownership changes for 1115 S. Main.

Take your own advice, then read the WHOLE of ALL the documents, and buy a magic wand to make a dictionary appear, smart guy.

Perhaps I should add that I'm all for eliminating government waste and other nonsense. But to make such a massive accusation, inaccurately I might add, because you don't know the definition of grantor - well, that makes you look really ridiculous.

But I applaud your enthusiasm.

@The_Original_Jason - Yup, far more time than y'all did.

I seem to recall y'all denounced the recall before y'all admitted that y'all looked at the evidence that supported their allegeations.

Just curious overtaxed voter. How many jobs have you created?

Betamax,

Yes, especially when almost every document or "FACT" was dated before 11/07. It's not hard for me to form an opinion under those circumstances.

@SquareWest...

Thank you for the clarification. You are correct regarding Grantor.

I am also glad that you applaud my enthusiasm, because that and your observation has stirred up even more questions about this situation.

According to the Summit County Fiscal Office records, the City of Akron (Grantor) sold Verge Building LLC (part of that whole JBM Holdings LLC / MM PLUSONE LLC consortium) parcel #6860859 which is still another part of the property at 1115 S. Main and is valued at $134,640 just THREE WEEKS AGO.

Mayor Don.... Please tell us how much the Madden's paid the City for this nearly $135,000 parcel!

Cue up the dramatic music and grab some popcorn. This whole Plusquellic scheme gets better by the moment!

Feel free to carry on digging. Just double check everything.

Well at least Mr. Madden isn't secretive about the relationship to Mayor.

The following comes from AkronNewsNow's coverage:

=========================
Madden says the name of the company (PlusOne Communications LLC) is partially derived from the mayor's name because of his commitment to the project.
=========================

Does "commitment" mean more "sweetheart deals", like the May 15, 2009 sale by the City of Akron of another parcel (valued at nearly $135,000) to the Madden's?

Akron businesses Stockholders (money marketers) refusing to comply 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.
Demanding 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 users of Plus One Communications paying with money derived from wages or independent business profit; 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.
This makes paying Plus One Communications employees wages enabling them to afford life IMPOSSIBLE!

@all of you guys:

A few other points:

*1,500 jobs in the building: telemarketers need very little space, perhaps a 4'x4' cubicle. The building has about 12,500 sq feet. Before you complain about the math, consider they're probably not all in the building at the same time (See next point):

*1,500 jobs, period: Maybe. Everyone is presuming they're all full time 9-5. In actuality a lot of call center jobs are part time, and they operate two full-time shifts or multiple p/t. From experience many moons ago, out of 1,500 maybe 25% of them would be full time and the rest part time.
So, kind of a double edged sword there - yes, potentially many jobs, but also most will most likely be part time.

*Poverty level as a gauge: Simple point, the poverty level as a gauge is garbage. That is not a gauge of a "living wage," it's mostly used to calculate eligibility for government programs. No person with a child can live without assistance on $12,000 a year. F/T daycare runs about $700 a month for pre-k kids.

*Wages period: Plenty of people would be ok to work for $20,000 a year. Sure it doesn't sound appealing (it's not much) but consider that it's enough for person to live inexpensively. No, these are not tech jobs - these are jobs that make the difference between a HS graduate being able to afford rent and a used car or collecting section 8 and food stamps. Live well? No. Live? Yes.

*Wages: Are they hourly? In the olden days many that had a sales element also paid commission. Big deal, no, but it could make the difference between $20,000 a year and $24,000 a year. Again, not much, but consider that's a 20% increase in pay - if they do that, I don't know.

*Government financial assistance: No medium-large employer is going to just fall here. Too many cities will pay. Towns in WV will sell their souls for a call center. Unfortunately, that's life now.

@Loren, you need to come in, honey. Exercise hour is over, and it's ice cream night!

================
*Wages: Are they hourly? In the olden days many that had a sales element also paid commission. Big deal, no, but it could make the difference between $20,000 a year and $24,000 a year. Again, not much, but consider that's a 20% increase in pay - if they do that, I don't know.
================

The following comes from today's AkronNewsNow interview with PlusOne Communications president Bob Madden:

"We've come up with a new format, it's... it's.. about paying people uhh... performance bonuses based on attendance, based on doing great work, and doing something great for somebody else that works in the company, in the center with us."

Huh? Clear as mud?

@OverTaxed Intellect:

Is your keyboard smoking yet??

there should be a limit on bloggers like overtaxed... it needs a new name like "over abundance of diarrhea of the keyboard" maybe your comp time could be better spent helping people out there instead of your main tyrant on EVERY topic on EVERY blog is blaming mayor don ... sheesh you need a new hobby dude!!!

Overtaxed Voter: You have WAY too much free time. I will now refer to you as KOPI (King of Public Information). Are you that guy that calls me at work to complain just because he has nothing better to do? I'm guessing you're that retired guy with too much spare time on his hands. Get a part time job. If you have one, you clearly need one that requires you to work.

Only in this city would people find a way to complain about new jobs.

What are the odds that this business takes residence in Akron and/or Summit County (even if they only produce 30 jobs) if they have to pay $80k in back taxes on a property?

A tax abatement is not a bad thing. You people that whine about companies getting tax breaks to move into/stay in the county and P-!-$-$ and moan about the lack of job creation/retention in the same breath amuse me.

Should Bank One be responsible for these taxes? Probably, but commercial properties are often held to different standards than residential ones. Don't agree? See Rolling Acres Mall, I'm sure KOPI would love to look up that parcel number for you.

Squarewest welcome to the debate. Nice to see somebody that reads things thoroughly and can debunk all the BS being thrown about.

TOJ I think Akronwatch went back to their website to update it some. I man the what's new page has information from April 2009. Nothing new with the recall effort since then? HA-HA, real professional looking site NOT!
http://www.akronwatch.org/whats_new.asp

I support the mayor, but would it be too much to ask the newspaper to do a little investigation of claims? I mean, come on. Stop going through the motions ABJ. What would happen if you found someone's claim to be false? Everyone is counting on you to just print drivel. You deliver every day. Shock us all. ask real questions.

Hey Mendenhall!!! Looks like you can get a second job to help you pay off all the taxes you owe after the recall fails next week.

Adding jobs is better than losing them, but $8-12 an hour...nothing to brag about. Do you think the Don could live on that? Last I heard he was living in a friends mansion in west Akron.

I think Overtaxed Voter needs to apply for one of these jobs. If he/she had a job, then we wouldn't have to suffer through all those excruciating posts everyday. UGH!

KEEP THE DON!

:0)

RECALL OLD MAN GRUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gosh Overtaxed Voter you have too much time on your hands. WLFN awesome and so true! Grump loves it. On a serious note, any one know who to contact to get a job there?

why is only half the story in the paper and the rest here?

I am praying for June 24th also! I can't take anymore Mayor posts.....JUST STOP NOW AND VOTE!

@snoop2000....rite on!

Overtaxedvoter give it a rest,you are doing more harm than GOOD.

I think we should invite investigation of claims from all parties. It's just important to be accurate in our facts, or at least plausible in our as-yet-unverifiable-news speculations.

Although I will say the rabid negativity is a little disheartening. I hope it's the full 1,500 jobs and more within a reasonable scope of financial support by the city, if needed (of course, preferably with none necessary).

I think personal feelings (positive or negative, supportive or non-supportive) about the current regime seem to be clouding the idea that we should all be encouraging positive (and responsible) development in the city and in the region.

That Firestone Bank building is a monstrosity . . . was from the beginning and still is . . . . . . Firestone went all the way to St Louis MO to get an architect (?) for it. Talk about ugliness . . . . that building is the epitome of ugliness. Some non-sensical person thought that she was getting a bargain, and now that person is scamming the city by setting up a phony business there. They say that there will be 1500 jobs . . . . . the building won't even hold a few hundred. More BS from city hall and the Beacon Journal. Those guys blabber. . . . they don't know what they are talking about . . . . . and readers and listeners fall for it. What a scam artist Plusquellic is.

Robert M Kraus Architect
Akron

So let me get this right. The city sold this building to these good people for $2.oo
mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!

It's more efficient to put the collection agents closer to the collectees...

Not clear that these jobs will be a benefit to anybody in this region.

Sad how the twisted, feeble minds of Mendenhall's groupies continue to distort or "invent" facts, trying to convince us that everything positive is somehow negative.

Hopefully, when these clowns get their behinds handed to them on Tuesday, they will wise up and get out of the town they apparently hate so much.

@squarewest: God forbid somebody throws logic into this arguement!

@loren: What in the wide, wide, world of sports is Natural Law?

I have been in that building-ifyou had READ my post my hubby worked for Bank One for several years-it was there cc processing center back in the day and no there wasn't room for 1500 people in there I don't care how small a cube is-you can only call until 9:00pm at night, so your not going to run 3 shifts of people in there even with the time diffrence (east coast-west coast). Also I like how the question of if these jobs are so great then how Infocision-which for the uninformed is the largest telemarketer in the US(according to the ABJ)located here in Akron can't keep anyone for there telemarketing jobs? Sorry these are CRAPPY paying jobs and there is no reason to get all excited for it. If it was Goodyear or Firestone bringing in $15 hour jobs with a decent benefit pack I would be trilled but for these below living wage jobs-no and sorry if you are too stupid to figure that out. And if the crackheads and the losers where so wiling to work-what about MBMA great call center that went in down the street-didn't see a bunch of them lining up for work when that opened.