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By Stephanie Warsmith
Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 06:42 p.m. EDT, Oct 27, 2009
An Akron firefighter met with Mayor Don Plusquellic on Tuesday afternoon and apologized for his role in a recent incident in which police stopped and questioned the mayor.
''I want to express that I regret that my actions of Oct. 17, 2009, which triggered a series of events that led to your being questioned by the Akron police and subsequent media frenzy,'' Lt. Dennis Shumaker said in a written apology.
Plusquellic said he accepts Shumaker's apology and will seek no disciplinary action against him.
''I assured him that his apology would end this matter as far as I was concerned, and that I would take no action'' against him or anyone else, the mayor said.
Plusquellic said he also doesn't plan to pursue an outside investigation into Shumaker's actions or allegations that Akron firefighters had — on several occasions — offered to pay police officers $1,000 to target Plusquellic and other city leaders.
''All of us make mistakes,'' Plusquellic said. ''This apology puts this matter behind us.''
Shumaker and his girlfriend called 911 about 1 a.m. Oct. 17, claiming Plusquellic was driving erratically after leaving a birthday party at a Tallmadge restaurant. Akron police officers stopped and questioned Plusquellic but did not cite him.
Plusquellic had said Shumaker and his girlfriend were out to get him as part of a concerted effort by ''rogue'' Akron firefighters and their supporters upset about the recent layoffs of 38 firefighters to help bridge a budget shortfall.
''It is unfortunate for everyone involved that emotions over public policy decisions I have to make have produced strong reactions, rather than discussions on solutions,'' Plusquellic said. ''Tough decisions — including residency for public employees and requirements to balance the budget in this difficult economic downturn — must be made by mayors around the country every day.''
Plusquellic said Shumaker told him he didn't want to comment beyond his apology letter. Ron Gatts, Shumaker's Akron attorney, couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
In Shumaker's five-paragraph, typed letter, he said he ''never participated in any plan, scheme, conspiracy or made any suggestions regarding the payment of cash to Akron police officers to conduct a traffic stop of your vehicle.''
Shumaker also said it was never his intention, as some have suggested, to run Plusquellic's car off the road as he and his girlfriend tailed the mayor after he left the restaurant.
''I have been an Akron firefighter for 15 years and I'm proud of my department and my city and it would never be my intention to dishonor either,'' he wrote.
Shumaker, who received backlash from some firefighters and police after the incident involving the mayor, planned to meet with Plusquellic to apologize last Friday afternoon. Scheduling conflicts delayed the meeting until Tuesday.
Plusquellic said Shumaker has had no previous disciplinary problems, and there is nothing to indicate this was part of a pattern of behavior.
''This proves I wasn't misleading anyone,'' the mayor said.
Plusquellic described his meeting with Shumaker as cordial and said he jokingly told the firefighter that he owed him a beer.
Plusquellic said he thinks Phil Gauer, president of the Akron fire union who defended Shumaker and his girlfriend by saying they were doing their civic duty by calling police, also owes him an apology.
Gauer didn't return a phone message Tuesday afternoon.
After the incident, Gauer questioned whether Plusquellic should have been driving his city-owned vehicle if he knew he was going to a party where he planned to drink and drive. He said the city's vehicle policy prohibits using a city-issued car, except for driving to and from work.
Plusquellic has said he had several drinks at the party but switched to ice water and ate dinner before leaving to return to Akron. He said he drives his city-owned car — his only vehicle — all the time because he is always on call, and it is equipped with a police and fire radio. He also said he makes sure he isn't impaired to drive.
Akron doesn't have a policy that prohibits city employees from driving a city-issued vehicle within a certain time period of drinking. Mark Williamson, a city spokesman, said the city asks employees ''to use common sense.''
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
An Akron firefighter met with Mayor Don Plusquellic on Tuesday afternoon and apologized for his role in a recent incident in which police stopped and questioned the mayor.
''I want to express that I regret that my actions of Oct. 17, 2009, which triggered a series of events that led to your being questioned by the Akron police and subsequent media frenzy,'' Lt. Dennis Shumaker said in a written apology.
Plusquellic said he accepts Shumaker's apology and will seek no disciplinary action against him.
''I assured him that his apology would end this matter as far as I was concerned, and that I would take no action'' against him or anyone else, the mayor said.
Plusquellic said he also doesn't plan to pursue an outside investigation into Shumaker's actions or allegations that Akron firefighters had — on several occasions — offered to pay police officers $1,000 to target Plusquellic and other city leaders.
''All of us make mistakes,'' Plusquellic said. ''This apology puts this matter behind us.''
Shumaker and his girlfriend called 911 about 1 a.m. Oct. 17, claiming Plusquellic was driving erratically after leaving a birthday party at a Tallmadge restaurant. Akron police officers stopped and questioned Plusquellic but did not cite him.
Plusquellic had said Shumaker and his girlfriend were out to get him as part of a concerted effort by ''rogue'' Akron firefighters and their supporters upset about the recent layoffs of 38 firefighters to help bridge a budget shortfall.
''It is unfortunate for everyone involved that emotions over public policy decisions I have to make have produced strong reactions, rather than discussions on solutions,'' Plusquellic said. ''Tough decisions — including residency for public employees and requirements to balance the budget in this difficult economic downturn — must be made by mayors around the country every day.''
Plusquellic said Shumaker told him he didn't want to comment beyond his apology letter. Ron Gatts, Shumaker's Akron attorney, couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
In Shumaker's five-paragraph, typed letter, he said he ''never participated in any plan, scheme, conspiracy or made any suggestions regarding the payment of cash to Akron police officers to conduct a traffic stop of your vehicle.''
Shumaker also said it was never his intention, as some have suggested, to run Plusquellic's car off the road as he and his girlfriend tailed the mayor after he left the restaurant.
''I have been an Akron firefighter for 15 years and I'm proud of my department and my city and it would never be my intention to dishonor either,'' he wrote.
Shumaker, who received backlash from some firefighters and police after the incident involving the mayor, planned to meet with Plusquellic to apologize last Friday afternoon. Scheduling conflicts delayed the meeting until Tuesday.
Plusquellic said Shumaker has had no previous disciplinary problems, and there is nothing to indicate this was part of a pattern of behavior.
''This proves I wasn't misleading anyone,'' the mayor said.
Plusquellic described his meeting with Shumaker as cordial and said he jokingly told the firefighter that he owed him a beer.
Plusquellic said he thinks Phil Gauer, president of the Akron fire union who defended Shumaker and his girlfriend by saying they were doing their civic duty by calling police, also owes him an apology.
Gauer didn't return a phone message Tuesday afternoon.
After the incident, Gauer questioned whether Plusquellic should have been driving his city-owned vehicle if he knew he was going to a party where he planned to drink and drive. He said the city's vehicle policy prohibits using a city-issued car, except for driving to and from work.
Plusquellic has said he had several drinks at the party but switched to ice water and ate dinner before leaving to return to Akron. He said he drives his city-owned car — his only vehicle — all the time because he is always on call, and it is equipped with a police and fire radio. He also said he makes sure he isn't impaired to drive.
Akron doesn't have a policy that prohibits city employees from driving a city-issued vehicle within a certain time period of drinking. Mark Williamson, a city spokesman, said the city asks employees ''to use common sense.''
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Posted 06:49 PM, 10/27/2009
A guy drives a publicly owned car after drinking and HE gets the apology. Where is the apology to the taxpayers?
akron, oh
Posted 07:06 PM, 10/27/2009
@True Republican -- right on! Where's our apology? Why is a city employee allowed to drive a city vehicle into another city to drink alcohol? Any amount should be against policy, doesn't matter the BAC.
Why were the names released so quickly of the people involved in calling 911? I think every citizen has a right to call to report a suspected drunk driver. I would only release their names if they were actually stalking him and making a habit of this.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:11 PM, 10/27/2009
It is over. The LT did the right thing.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:23 PM, 10/27/2009
@knowsbetter, the accusation was that they were stalking him in the restaurant and followed him afterwards. Whether or not it is true, which we will not know, that was why the names were released.
highland lakes, nj
Posted 07:44 PM, 10/27/2009
And on and on and on and on....with the ice water...
hazzard, nc
Posted 07:48 PM, 10/27/2009
alright everybody let it go.....
AKRON, OH
Posted 07:49 PM, 10/27/2009
The LT. did. Nut we still have a drunk Mayor that break laws and get away with it.Time is ticking.
highland lakes, nj
Posted 07:52 PM, 10/27/2009
and on and on .....
Barberton, oh
Posted 07:59 PM, 10/27/2009
I said it before I'll say it again,
''All of us make mistakes,'' Plusquellic said. ''This apology puts this matter behind us.''
O.K. Mr. Mayor, that means it's over, not someday when you feel assaulted about something else, YOU dredge it back up again.
Also-
"Plusquellic said he also doesn't plan to go forward with an outside investigation into the actions of Shumaker and his girlfriend-".
Remember 10-21-09,
Quote,
"The mayor said that Schumacher and Melanie could be subjects of further investigation, but it's a matter that's out of his hands."
Just a reminder.
Posted 08:03 PM, 10/27/2009
Ja, the Mayor is now a "major" although we all know him as a major pain in the ___.
This headline musta been written by an illegal immigrant.
AKRON, OH
Posted 08:03 PM, 10/27/2009
Plusquellic owes every taxpaying Akronite an apologizy.Drinking and driving,Speeding.Pulling rank on officers doing their jobs.1.280 billion dollar debt.Crime on the rise.City shrinking,utility bills skyrocketing.Trying to force people to live where they do not want to live.Thank God for the Supreme Court of Ohio.failed school system.Downgraded credit rating.
AKRON, OH
Posted 08:08 PM, 10/27/2009
The Mayor of Crazytown:You know better than to believe anything a drunk says.Revenge is in his blood.Anyone wants to up the bounty?LOL
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:16 PM, 10/27/2009
stephend6
Move
Whoever envies another confesses his superiority. ~Samuel Johnson
You will be ok big guy. The Don is the Mayor and you struggle with that. Envy.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:30 PM, 10/27/2009
=============
Plusquellic said he accepts Shumaker's apology and will seek no disciplinary action against him.
=============
Mr. Mayor...
Exactly what kind of disciplinary action could you take against someone over something that occurred away from the workplace, on his own personal time?
=============
"This proves I wasn't misleading anyone," the mayor said.
=============
Huh???
You never provided one single iota of evidence of a plot to place a $1,000 bounty on you, and Lt. Shumaker's apology doesn't bother to address your claim.
How does this 'prove you weren't misleading anyone'?
highland lakes, nj
Posted 08:34 PM, 10/27/2009
stephend6.. you seem to know all that's wrong with the city you are being "forced" to live in so why not run in the election to replace Don?? But first you'll need to learn how to write and speak a proper sentence!!!
Posted 08:35 PM, 10/27/2009
My slovenkso impersonation..."Wow"
I gained a little more respect for each of them the way this played out today.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:22 PM, 10/27/2009
@Overtaxed,
You posted: "You never provided one single iota of evidence of a plot to place a $1,000 bounty on you, and Lt. Shumaker's apology doesn't bother to address your claim."
It doesn't mean it wasn't taking place, does it?
Where is the "Get Out of Jail Free" card from the AFD?
From your posts that actually I read, you should consider not posting comments that expose opportunity to the opposition. :0)
Just a thought.....
:0/
Akron, OH
Posted 09:45 PM, 10/27/2009
@Burgermister...
The burden is on the Mayor.
You know (as was brought up on last Friday's episode of NewsNight Akron with 3 current or former ABJ staffers) that the Mayor would be the first one to slam any public official, media source, website, or blog that made unsubstantiated claims about the Mayor, but here he is doing the exact same thing.
What puzzles me is the Mayor's claim today that "This proves I wasn't misleading anyone."
Seems like the Mayor is still hearing footsteps.
Akron, OH
Posted 09:50 PM, 10/27/2009
==============
ABJ story reports:
Akron doesn't have a policy that prohibits city employees from driving a city-issued vehicle within a certain time period of drinking.
==============
Hello Akron City Council...
Rather than rushing a charter change to the ballot (one year before the normal 10 year review), how about putting some rules in place concerning the use of TAXPAYER owned property by city employees?
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:32 PM, 10/27/2009
Well this sheds some light on what went down in reference to the Mayor getting away with drinking and driving. The Mayor's car has a POLICE RADIO!!! So he certainly heard the complaint being dispatched to the officers patrol cars. He knew he had been spotted and that someone called in to report him. So he pulls over and starts covering his own backside by calling in himself. He probably personally issued the order that no patrol officers were to approach his car....only the lieutenant.
Is it possible to get a record of all dispatch communications that night? A transcript for dispatch to car and car to car transmissions?
The mayor sqeaked by this one by the skin of his teeth. Nobody owes him an apology. Shumaker caved because he values his career. Guess I can't blame him.
Posted 10:36 PM, 10/27/2009
Everyone makes mistakes and apologizes, except our leading functional alcoholic.
Stow, Oh
Posted 10:38 PM, 10/27/2009
Unbelievable.
You talk about blackmail apology.
Who wouldn't apologize to someone who holds their job in their hands?
Even if by law he obviously did nothing wrong & keeps his job, the mayor would or could find a way to make it miserable.
What a joke!
new york, ny
Posted 10:46 PM, 10/27/2009
And Johnboy continues continues continues continues ..oh i'm sorry I must sound like a broken record record record record .....
Akron, OH
Posted 11:02 PM, 10/27/2009
Methinks JohnBoy is AFD still looking for the big payoff!
Hmmmmm!
:0)
Akron, Oh
Posted 11:08 PM, 10/27/2009
The Mayor's car has a POLICE RADIO!!!!
He heard the calls being dispatched, he knew he had been spotted and a complaint was phoned in regarding his driving. He simply pulled over and started damage control.
Posted 11:09 PM, 10/27/2009
Everybody get a life and leave that man alone. I dont live in akron. I live in Stark county and I am glad. Sounds like a bunch of immature idiots. Who cares if he had a few drinks with his dinner.
akron, oh
Posted 11:12 PM, 10/27/2009
Here we go again! The city pulls out another victory by bullying the little guy. what would have happened here is, the city would have pushed Lt. Schumaker into a suspension or discharge if no apology was made. How long would Schumaker been able to go with out a paycheck? I believe Schumaker did the best thing he could do in the situation he was in. He probably was even offered a pre-written apology that would make the mayor happy! Keep your head up Dennis, we all know the truth, that includes the mayor and his little nome liberith.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:14 PM, 10/27/2009
@Overtaxed,
WRONG!
The last time I checked, the "Burden of Proof" was the responsibility of Prosecution; not the Accused.
You may want to read up on some of the documents that founded our great country.
;0)
Akron, Oh
Posted 11:16 PM, 10/27/2009
@ Big Apples
It's amazing how your lips reach the Akron Mayor's buttocks all the way from New York, NY?
You are a little scary the way you show such concern for our little ole town....New York ain't big enough for you? Try jumping off the George Washington bridge...you won't be missed.
new york, ny
Posted 11:46 PM, 10/27/2009
@ Johnboy; That was better. Keep practicing on new one's and I might keep reading. By the way, I'm actually an Akronite transplanted here so I still have a little concern for your little ole town. And for the bridge,but I'd miss you!! Can you post early tomorrow cause I got a Yankees game to attend. Oh forget it, I'll just read your "post" from yesterday and the day before and the day before and so on and so on....
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 11:52 PM, 10/27/2009
didn't the Lt. or his girlfriend file a false police report? Anyone else would be prosecuted. The mayor, the cops and the firemen are all prema donnas who are all overpaid and are ripping off us taxpayers.
Akron, Oh
Posted 03:28 AM, 10/28/2009
where's the Tom Erickson and Matt Patrick apologies for running their mouths and being wrong haha.
akron, oh
Posted 06:53 AM, 10/28/2009
you voted him in you live with him,
I myself left the city it is corrupt don and his merry men..... all he needs is green tights !
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:57 AM, 10/28/2009
How come Mr. Chizek will admit when he's wrong, but Mr. Erickson won't hmmmm interesting. Probably for the same reason he would not discuss the whole animal shelter thing involving his daughter on the air either.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:00 AM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, you are more paranoid than the mayor.
If he actual heard the radio traffic as you suggest, he would not have even been found.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:00 AM, 10/28/2009
Smart Firefighter...this is what happens when your emotions take over your brain...sorta like when the little head takes over for the big head on your shoulders...now dump the girlfriend as well...and never mess with the " Don " ...
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:03 AM, 10/28/2009
Someone told me last night Erickson said if you want to bash him or his daughter on the air, he isn't bleeping you out anymore. That may not be the best idea. But at least Tom has guts, unlike Mr. Patrick on the other station who bashes people and then hides. Haha
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:04 AM, 10/28/2009
How was Erickson wrong? What did he say or what position did he take on the subject?
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:07 AM, 10/28/2009
==========================
Gain Some More Reality
Akron, OH
Posted 08:00 AM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, you are more paranoid than the mayor.
If he actual heard the radio traffic as you suggest, he would not have even been found.
==========================
Yeah, your right! Silly me. I'll just conveniently forget that he was being followed by the caller like you just did.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:11 AM, 10/28/2009
=======================
Doug217
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 11:52 PM, 10/27/2009
didn't the Lt. or his girlfriend file a false police report? Anyone else would be prosecuted. The mayor, the cops and the firemen are all prema donnas who are all overpaid and are ripping off us taxpayers.
=====================
How is it a false report? He was drinking. He was later driving. The drinking driver was reported. The crime is that he was let off the hook because of his position as Mayor.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:14 AM, 10/28/2009
@ big apples
You sound consistent yourself. Each post you make all the way from NY has a 'pro mayor' stench to it.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:48 AM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, it is also apparent that you have not listened to the call, because the caller lost sight of the mayor during the call.
Posted 08:51 AM, 10/28/2009
@Doug217 ~ Calling 911 to state that you think you see someone driving erratically or that they almost ran you off the road or even that you think they might be drunk ... Is not filing a false police report. You just called 911 to state what you saw or what you thought was happening. As far as anyone knows ... No report was even written. The police pulled Plusquellic over and then let him go! End of story ...
AKRON, OH
Posted 08:59 AM, 10/28/2009
akronisdynamic posted:Move
Whoever envies another confesses his superiority. ~Samuel Johnson
Who envies a drunk,and a lier.I do not drink.I have a friend who was a drunk and turned his life around.He told me a drunk isn't s@%T.And Don is proof of that.If you and Don are lovers,just say so.You act like a woman trapped in a relationship with a drunk ,and blames everybody except the drunk.As i stated before ,if you are man / woman enough to make me move, than do it.
Posted 09:01 AM, 10/28/2009
@Doug217 ~ "The mayor, the cops and the firemen are all prema donnas who are all overpaid and are ripping off us taxpayers."
Tell that one to the next police man "cop' that responds to your 911 call when someone is either breaking into your house, your car or puts a gun to your head at a ATM. Also tell that one to the firemen that respond when your house is engulfed in flames or you need help from the rescue squad!
While you are beating up our men & women in blue ... You might as well hit up the teachers too. premadonna
AKRON, OH
Posted 09:09 AM, 10/28/2009
Overtaxed Voter. The Mayor stated he was drinking and driving,and was speeding.And yet got away with it because supervisors stops oficers from arresting him at the bar.LT. stop officers from doing their jobs.Godfather Don rules by fear. And his propaganda paper does his dirty work.EXAMPLE start a recall, aperson who is not running for office gets his personal business spread all over the paper because he opposes Don.HE sounds more like Adolf the who is called one.
Go Steelers!!!!!, .
Posted 09:30 AM, 10/28/2009
I thought this over?
Go Steelers!!!!!, .
Posted 09:30 AM, 10/28/2009
was over
Posted 09:48 AM, 10/28/2009
The Mayor jokingly told the Lt you owe me a beer.Then he assured him his apology would end this matter and that he would take no action "against him or anyone else"JUST HAD TO RUB IT IN"You used your office to threaten the Lt into making that apology "against him or anyone else"Who else was you going to go after..his family his friends.LT DENNIS SHUMAKER I am SORRY for what you have been put threw.It is a shame that the mayor can openly abuse his office.He's gone from parking lot atendents,to firemen whos next.Lets all hope its he policemen who are protecting him..
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:52 AM, 10/28/2009
stephend6
It will be ok little guy. The Mayor survives!
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:05 AM, 10/28/2009
===================
Gain Some More Reality
Akron, OH
Posted 08:48 AM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, it is also apparent that you have not listened to the call, because the caller lost sight of the mayor during the call.
=========================
Nice spin. At the very end of the call she regains sight of the mayor and states..."thats him, thats him"
Akron, OH
Posted 10:25 AM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, not spin. She said she lost track of the car. And the mayor would not know all the details of the 911 call anyways as it is not broadcast directly over the police radio. If he heard of the call on the radio, he could have easily got away and not been caught.
Posted 10:50 AM, 10/28/2009
Well that didnt take long we all know whos next Phil Gauer.The mayor wants him to apologize for doing his JOB .Didn't the mayor tell Lt Shumaker that his apology would end this matter.
akron, oh
Posted 11:24 AM, 10/28/2009
@stephan6:
"HE sounds more like Adolf the who is called one."
Huhh?
akron, oh
Posted 11:30 AM, 10/28/2009
Phill Gauer will never apologize for his comments or actions because he did no wrong. I happen to Know Phill and am very good friends with him, he is a good leader. Has anyone ever heard Gauer in the media bash Mayor Don? NO cause you won't. Phill has acted very professional in this whole matter, he was and is alway's protecting the men and women that he was so elected to do. Phill will stand tall and attempt to negotiate a contract in good faith with the city.
Akron, Oh
Posted 11:31 AM, 10/28/2009
@ gain
Wrong dude...quiting trying to do damage control for your stupid drunk Mayor. She reported the description of the car and the PLATE NUMBER...along with the direction it was going in and she followed in that direction. The Mayor, equipped with a POLICE RADIO heard the dispatch, which included his car description, location and plate number...he knew he was in trouble so he pulled over and did what you are attempting to do...DAMAGE CONTROL.
new york, ny
Posted 11:54 AM, 10/28/2009
Good morning Johnboy ..See your up and repeating repeating repeating it all again again again. Same story with a little spin. It's that dang radio radio radio that gets him again again again!!! One more thing; how do you know so much of what the Mayor actually knew while in the car?--------GO YANKEES!!!
Posted 12:24 PM, 10/28/2009
Read the story Akron Firefighters apologize to mayor;no disciplinary action planned; Seems the ABJ decided to leave out a few stupid statemants made by the mayor;Reguarding Phil Gauer way to go ABJ.Hope your not trying to cover up his next hit.
Akron, Oh
Posted 12:25 PM, 10/28/2009
Good morning Big Apples Guy ..See your up and repeating repeating repeating it all again again again. Damage control for your favorite drunkard. How can you actually defend someone that is an elected public official that admits drinking and driving? If you think the Mayor is not attempting damage control to his already lousy reputation, then you are just a helpless Donfather lemming.
Do you suppose the Don was to drunk to hear the dispatch relating to him? I suppose that is a possibility. In reality, I'm sure he heard it all go down and prepared the best he could for the inevitable meeting with the police.
Defending a drunkard who drives a city vehicle equipped with a police radio is not a good stance...unless you are a hapless fool.
tallmadge, OH
Posted 12:35 PM, 10/28/2009
You had the chance to get rid of him, but instead, gave him a 3 to 1 approval rating. Take pride in YOUR mayor.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:44 PM, 10/28/2009
This ill-fated run at the Mayor by the Mendenhall group failed dismally just as the plot to recall Don failed.
No just go away!
AKRON, OH
Posted 12:55 PM, 10/28/2009
ScottyBoy: Than who he called Adolf Hitler.The people who opposed him in the recall.
And those of you who talked about Cleveland compared to Akron.(like Gain Some More Reality and The_Original_Jason)
Akron crime rate is going up.
Cleveland Ranks High On Safest City List
POSTED: 11:27 am EDT October 28, 2009
UPDATED: 12:11 pm EDT October 28, 2009
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland is the 10th safest city in the country, according to a survey by Forbes Magazine.
According to the magazine, Cleveland is the 10th safest city in the country. Cleveland scored 15 out of 40 for workplace deaths.
Seventeen out of 40 for traffic deaths and a two out of 40 for the risk of a natural disaster.
Cleveland tied for 10th with Denver on the list.
Minneapolis was No. 1.
Copyright 2009 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved.
new york, ny
Posted 01:07 PM, 10/28/2009
johnboy; Lets say, for argument sake, that everything you say about the Mayor is correct, everything, that he is a drunk, a liar, has a lousy reputation,is a druken lush who drives his radio controlled car at high speeds, spends taxpayer money to go partying and drinking, continually attempts cover ups and damage control,(am I forgetting anything?) and what you fail to remember; 23 years of service, failed re-call by you, a voter,a highly qualified man who could go probably anywhere he would choose for employment but has stayed, evidently appreciated by the majority of Akronites not including the handful who repeat the same things over and over again here, so I ask you Johnboy; What does Johnboy want to see happen with the Don and not upset the majority?? A public flogging, overnight in jail,castration, maybe a big dunce cap, a parade with egg throwing ranters, what will satisfy you Johnboy because you're hel@bent on revenge over this (alleged) drunken driven radio controlled out of control speeding Mayor !!
Fairlawn, Oh
Posted 01:23 PM, 10/28/2009
If only he (DP) would spend 11 days on the budget then the city would not be 12 million in debt. How 'bout that BUBBLEHEAD
Akron, OH
Posted 01:42 PM, 10/28/2009
It's not OK to drink alcohol and drive a city-owned vehicle....PERIOD. Buy a car if you want to act like a college student, Mr. Mayor, you cheapie!
The City is under TREMENDOUS liability everytime he drinks and drives in his city car....which is frequently!
I don't want my tax dollars subsidizing drinking and driving in ANY form. Buy a car, mayor and carry a mobile radio if you must!
Akron, Oh
Posted 02:09 PM, 10/28/2009
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Big Apples Guy
new york, ny
Posted 01:07 PM, 10/28/2009
What does Johnboy want to see happen with the Don
====================
I would like to see the man run out of town on a rail. He is a known liar who avoided the recall with his lies. He lead voters to believe that Akron was in great fiscal shape and that he would hire more police. As a result, the recall fails and then afterwards he mentions the $12,000,000 shortfall and the need to lay off (not hire) police officers.
I read to many stories concerning the Mayor out after midnite involving alcohol. I read to many stories concerning the Mayor's travels abroad. I read stories of homes being labeled 'blighted', then eminent domain used to remove people from their homes so a Pro Bass shop can be built, but that was another lie....no Pro Bass shop, just uprooted people.
He is a 23 year mayor with a hand in every cookie jar. He disgusts me. As do his supporters.
Go Steelers!!!!!, .
Posted 02:23 PM, 10/28/2009
stephend6,
I know even you're not foolish enough to use workplace safety rates to fight your safest city fight. Pull the crime stats, Einstein. They'll clearly show Cleveland with a higher CRIME rate.
Ask your fellow citizens how their personal safety and security is affected by the safety practices of the tow motor drivers of Akron. You are too prideful to admit that you're wrong on this issue that you're pulling a survey that includes workplace safety (as in the accident and injury rate, not violence).
Oh, it also included natural disasters. I guess Action Jackson has quelled the tornados better than Donnie, eh?
What a ridiculous post that was.
new york, ny
Posted 02:31 PM, 10/28/2009
@Johnboy; even with all you say, you still seem to be in a minority with your opinion. Maybe the easiest and quickest solution would be for you to move to your perfect Utopia. But please not my way because as great and as successful as our Mike is, he has faults. He doesn't have a car but has been known to tip the ol' bottle and even changed his story now and then but all the wrongs will never out weigh the rights. Maybe it's time for you and your handful to try and refocus on something positive. Maybe the real problem is "THE MAN IN THE MIRROR".
Akron, Oh
Posted 03:01 PM, 10/28/2009
Maybe the problem is Akron politics. Check your own mirror.
new york, ny
Posted 03:10 PM, 10/28/2009
@Johnboy..uhuhuhuh good comeback. By the way, do you and Stephend6 attend the same high school? Or maybe brothers? You think and speak alike!!
AKRON, OH
Posted 03:44 PM, 10/28/2009
The_Original_Jason:
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland is the 10th safest city in the country, according to a survey by Forbes Magazine.Not stephend6 Magazine. Forbes Magazine.Learn when you are wrong.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:44 PM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, not damage control. If the mayor was really listening to all the details as you suggest, he had no reason to pull over as she had already lost him in a major intersection. He easily could have turned and driven off with no one ever finding him in that area.
I also do not recall hearing the plate number in the phone call, but maybe I am mistaken.
Just like we do not know what this fireman and girlfriends motives and actions included, we have no idea about the mayor either.
You are as paranoid as the mayor in trying to rationalize why everyone did what they did.
Go Steelers!!!!!, .
Posted 03:45 PM, 10/28/2009
JohnBoy,
Akron politics is messed up to the extent that there is no credible opposition. There are some serious issues on which to debate, but instead we get twisting of facts and "Plusquellic hates the cops." As evidenced by the recall vote, how do you get expect people to get with that? There's also the credibility problem in that DP's Republican opposition has to feign opposition to keeping two large employers in town.
I can somewhat understand that a Republican won't run in the general mayoral election. But where is the fervent competition on the Democratic side (DINOs invited)? Too many want to grab the megaphone and chant slogans. I believe Al Sharpton has proven that running that play has its limitations.
AKRON, OH
Posted 03:47 PM, 10/28/2009
The_Original_Jason
oh yah,He is still an one term Mayor to right?won by what 70-80% of the primary.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:47 PM, 10/28/2009
@stephend6, again with the lies. I was not the one that brought Cleveland into any of the discussions. That was all you had TOJ. I simply pointed out that you were using the wrong data to try to prove your point and were also comparing apples versus oranges - which is your standard method to try to mislead people.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:50 PM, 10/28/2009
@stephend6, I see you are taking your normal approach of providing irrelevant data to prove your point.
So to prove Cleveland is better on crime than Akron or to show Akron is getting worse on crime (not sure what you real motivation is), you want to highlight a ranking that looked at workplace death (which include many, many non-crime related incidents), natural disasters, and traffic deaths.
Again how does this prove your point that you keep making that Cleveland is doing such a good job on crime?
Akron, Oh
Posted 03:53 PM, 10/28/2009
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Big Apples Guy
new york, ny
Posted 03:10 PM, 10/28/2009
@Johnboy..uhuhuhuh good comeback. By the way, do you and Stephend6 attend the same high school? Or maybe brothers? You think and speak alike!!
===============
Your so grade school.
new york, ny
Posted 03:56 PM, 10/28/2009
Still waiting to hear... Are Stephend6 and Johnboy high school chums or actual brothers??? Their hog poop never stops!!
Akron, OH
Posted 03:59 PM, 10/28/2009
@stephend6, maybe you should read the article you are citing? It has nothing to do with crime rates.
Here is an example of crime data:
"Cleveland homicides up to 55, seven more than same time last year"
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/07/cleveland_homicides_up_to_55_s.html
You do know Cleveland finds it a victory if they do not have 100 homicides by the end of the year?
Akron, OH
Posted 04:01 PM, 10/28/2009
@stephend6, Cleveland has not had the final election yet for Mayor so how do we know if he will be a one time mayor or not?
Go Steelers!!!!!, .
Posted 04:04 PM, 10/28/2009
stephend6,
Put the cork back in your champagne bottle. He still has to win next week.
Also, I ask again, when is the last time you were in Cleveland?
P.S. Did you find the murder rates on the OSHA website yet?
new york, ny
Posted 04:09 PM, 10/28/2009
@Johnboy; good come back...now go study...
Akron, Oh
Posted 04:12 PM, 10/28/2009
===============
Gain Some More Reality
Akron, OH
Posted 03:44 PM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, not damage control. If the mayor was really listening to all the details as you suggest, he had no reason to pull over as she had already lost him in a major intersection. He easily could have turned and driven off with no one ever finding him in that area.
I also do not recall hearing the plate number in the phone call, but maybe I am mistaken.
====================
You are mistaken. She had the plate number (which traces to the mayors car), she gave a description of vehicle (which is mayors vehicle), she gave the road he was on. Since he has a police radio in his city car, he heard the dispatcher relay the calls to patrol officers. What part of that can't you grasp? He knew he was in trouble plain and simple. Using the radio, he could have easily instructed the LT to respond solo and order patrol officers to remain in their vehicles. The police radio enabled the entire coverup. Without the police radio, I would digress the point of Don pulling strings...but the means were there at hand and the outcome surely resonates with suspicion. Unless one has their head so far up Don's backside that logical and deductive reasoning can no longer reach their brain cells.
Any normal person who admits to earlier drinking in the evening will have to do a field sobriety test and more than likely a BAC test. Unless they are an official who can pull strings via their own personal police radio.
Technically, I'm through with you lemmings. Big Apple has a grade school immaturity, you make excuse after excuse someone who drinks and drives city property, and the rest of you Don supporters are just blind to reality. It is kind of sad if not disgusting.
By the way, paranoia is a fear of a perceived threat toward oneself. So know it is not paranoia. Its called anger.
Akron, Oh
Posted 04:15 PM, 10/28/2009
*for* someone who drinks and drives city property,
highland lakes, nj
Posted 04:30 PM, 10/28/2009
To BIG APPLES: Are we gonna get this game off tonight? Heading over soon for a quick meal in the Upper Club. Also...didn't your son have one of those lemmings as a pet that this Johnboy keeps talking about? See you tonight,Go Yanks!!!
Akron, OH
Posted 04:35 PM, 10/28/2009
I assume stephend6 is a product of the Akron schools.
Akron, OH
Posted 05:29 PM, 10/28/2009
@JohnBoy, I have talked to family that are police. Admitting you were drinking earlier in the evening does not guarantee you would be forced to do any kind of tests. The first impression, when the officer approaches the car, means a lot.
I could care less if someone drives city property after having drinks earlier in the day. If they are legal to drive, they can drive.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:23 PM, 10/28/2009
This is an end of story folks. The Mayor did nothing wrong and the Fire LT apologized. For the small percentage of Mayor haters....too bad for you. However, this powerful and effective Mayor has Hollywood status in Akron. People love to talk about him....throw in a little envy and jealousy and you have haters. The majority of Akronites are proud of their city and the job the Mayor does.
The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves. ~William Penn
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:06 PM, 10/28/2009
This is an end of story folks. The Mayor did nothing wrong and the Fire LT apologized. For the small percentage of Mayor haters....too bad for you. However, this powerful and effective Mayor has Hollywood status in Akron. People love to talk about him....throw in a little envy and jealousy and you have haters. The majority of Akronites are proud of their city and the job the Mayor does.
The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves. ~William Penn
Akron, Oh
Posted 02:02 AM, 10/29/2009
Well said the haters are in the minority.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:25 AM, 10/29/2009
akronisdynamic...."DITTO"....it has been apparent for a very long time that a great deal of the voters approve of and appreciate this mayor ! It is unfortunate that certain detractors go out of their way to make his life harder...I don't live in Akron, but I work in Akron and I don't like all his policies ( I dislike paying taxes for COA schools, when my own district could use that money )but he has kept this City relevant in some extremely difficult times...
