Thursday, December 26, 2013

Gathering the Tribes of Darkness Part II – The Disordered


by Melinda Pillsbury-Foster

Sam Vaknin, Ph.D., is an admitted psychopath who makes a tidy living through his site. His book, “Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited,” is sold on his site (samvak.tripod.com). Sam offers consultations and provides a media kit.

The behavioral strategy followed by the disordered is laid out in “The Corporate Psychopath,” by the FBI on their site. This is outlined as beginning “by creating a mask, known as a psychopathic fiction, in the minds of those targeted.” The mask is the disguise the psychopath uses to operate.

Disordered individuals, lacking empathy, work diligently to simulate emotions. They must persuade their potential victims they are trust-worthy. Training classes in these skills are given by other psychopaths.

Their numbers are large enough, 1% according to experts at the University of Chicago, to make it more than likely any normal person will encounter multiple disordered individuals during their lives.

It is also large enough for those who identify themselves as disordered to seek associations with their kind. These associations founded, in self-interest, for instance, share information and resources.

Psychopaths of all kinds, are predators who routinely lie to get what they want. The FBI site credits them with, “superficial charm and grandiose sense of self make them likable on first meeting. Their ability to impress others with entertaining and captivating stories about their lives and accomplishments can result in instant rapport.”

The Disordered come in all kinds, at all levels of intelligence, race, gender, and income.

Resources on the web include such sites as Psychic Vampire (psychicvampire.org), or Tribes of Darkness. This site numbers the community participating in their forum as 5000 and defines a psychic Vampire as “a person, Who by reason of a condition of their spirit, needs to obtain vital energy from outside sources.” The site makes no judgements on what is done, merely asking for donations to off-set the cost of information.

The following instructions for stealing energy from others from their Resources page.

Focus on a donor from across the room.. Reach out with your mind, envision a long tendril extending from your subtle body to the donors.. Attach your tendril so that it penetrates, if it does not the first time...Try again.. Now envision your tendril is hollow, and suck in the energy like a vortex , using your will....As you inhale, draw in the energy.”

Who do you know who might be a psivampire?

Saturday, December 21, 2013

The Economic Melt Down - Praying for Psychopaths



by Melinda Pillsbury-Foster 
 
Father Teo is a former Catholic priest who started a ministry to Hispanics after founding, and running, a high school in Bolivia in the 70s. Several years ago he started another ministry, assisted by members of his congregation. This ministry is a prayer outreach to psychopaths, individuals who are characterized by lack of empathy, compassion and conscience. 
 
To date, the group has managed to alleviate the lack of empathy and conscience in one young woman after two years. Since experts in the condition hold out no hope for change this is really quite amazing. 
 
Psychopathy was once thought to be a psychological condition. This is untrue. According to neuroscience the issue centers in the amygdala, a portion of the brain. It is not working correctly and so causing the problem. 
 
An article in Scientific American by neuroscientists Kent A. Kiehl and Joshua W. Buckholtz states, “They lie and manipulate yet feel no compunction or regrets—in fact, they don’t feel particularly deeply about anything at all.” The article sets the cost to us for just those psychopaths who are engage in criminal behavior to be between 200 – 400 billion dollars in a year. 
 
Psychopathy was also believed to occur only in criminals. This has now changed. 
 
The projected cost of psychopathy shifts dramatically when the arena is not just crime, but the larger economy. Clive R. Boddy, a British academic propagated the theory the present financial crisis was caused by “corporate psychopaths” at the helm of financial institutions in a recent issue of Journal of Business Ethics citing lack of “conscience, have few emotions and display an inability to have any feelings, sympathy or empathy for other people.” 
 
This certainly would explain how Cadawalder, Wickersham & Taft, the law firm who did the registration for the first securitized derivative could have ignored what is now being recognized as a blatant fraud. ARTICLE 
 
How many kinds of psychopaths are there? Have they always been with us? Think charismatic, narcissistic, people who use lies and manipulation to get what they want. 
 
Father Teo's group also works with individuals displaying these characteristics who appear to suck the life energy out of others. This raises the question of whether energy vampirism is actually a psychic form of psychopathy. 
 
Some have asked if psychopaths and energy vampires are, in fact, the demons we read about in the Bible since their behavior is strikingly similar when described.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

What Ashtabula County Needs – To Remember the Alamo!


by Melinda Pillsbury-Foster

Leon said, “Keep taxes low, providing the best services possible while building jobs and business.” That is what government is supposed to do.

Leon went on to tell me an interlocal agreement is a contract between government agencies that work to provide services to the public, such as parks and bus systems. He used them while serving three terms as mayor of a town in Texas and ask how these worked for him during his tenure. Leon is a descendant of Erastus Smith, who first cried, “Remember the Alamo!”

I called him because I discovered that Ashtabula is outsourcing services to other governmental entities, for instance Lake County, according to Janice Switzer, in charge of Ashtabula's COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT. Janice announced at a recent meeting, "I am not a planner, I use Lake County to plan.  I am an administrator."
If Lake County is planning and handling the work why does Ashtabula need an administrator? Couldn't the Commissioners do that?

Leon said these local agreements are a fine way to lower costs. What, I asked, would you think if they did not lower costs? There was a pause and he asked why, then, they were using them? Getting the most bang for the buck makes it possible to do more that needs doing.

Keeping it local provides the most jobs and best supports business.

Leon said it makes perfect sense to use interlocal agreements to lower the cost of services to better serve the people, this being what government is supposed to do. Cooperating locally helps make this possible. This also requires people skills, and patience.

When Leon was mayor he helped establish a non profit, BARK, Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels. They found ways to increase the number of cats and dogs adopted into good homes with a facility planned to provide vet services and recreation facilities used by the whole county. To see the kitty or pup is to love them. Leon contacted Doris Day, who provided pointers. BARK is now celebrating its tenth birthday.

While he was mayor Leon brought together all the county towns to provide better ambulance services and re-engineer the infrastructure for drinking water used by folks locally, keeping the cost low. They built a pipeline themselves. It is a very small county, but they got a lot done while Leon was mayor of Clifton, Texas and editor of their local paper.



A lovely gift arrived to be added to this article from a dear friend.  

 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Willis Clay from Rock Creek speaks out



No this a not a play Browns would use on Sunday. It is a sad reflection of the
confidence the voters have in our present form of government in Ashtabula Co.
After 200 years, 66% of the voters did not think it was worth the time to vote to
keep it.

Over the last 4 years millions of dollars in roofing contracts have been awarded
to out of county or out of state companies. An out of county law firm was hired
to sell Nursing home beds. Then we learn it will cost more to replace the roof
than was received from sales of beds. County own property is managed by out
of county firm. Our commissioners gives abatement to out of county business
to move into the county. We trade 20-40 jobs coming into our county and lose
175 jobs not go out of the county.

This could go on for several pages but bottom line is we should look at our people
and business. We would find companies to do quality roof replacement and repair.
We would find attorneys to sell beds and also represent clients best interests in the
oil and gas leases. We would find good people to manage county property.

It is time for commissioners to represent the people who pay taxes and their salaries.
Now for the 34 % who are not the minority. I thank them for taking the time to vote.
Please don’t give up the right to vote. If the voting population continue to shrink, what
minority will rule our future generations. I also want to thank the Star Beacon for the
fairness in covering the two sides of the Charter. (It was a pleasant surprise)

Many of you know that I supported the Charter, You also know it did not pass. But it
did not fail. In the future every decision the commissioner make, they will know 6,000+
voted for the charter and 66% did think it was worth there time to vote against the
Charter.

In my opinion the Charter committee has 3 options:

1. Regroup and came back as is.
2. Restructure and include the 66%.
3. ( my favorite ) a new party. A party that does not create poverty by out sourcing our jobs, manufacturing, resources and technology. A party that supports opportunity and prosperity.
 
A party that does not separate society in groups. But provides equal representation for all.
This will never happen, it is the dream of a silly old man of a time and place long gone and will never return.


Willis Clay
Rock Creek
         

Friday, November 15, 2013

FYI for Dan Claypool regarding public corruption

From: Cornell University Law School

We know Dan will be grateful for this clarification.  

Public corruption


Public corruption involves a breach of public trust and/or abuse of position by federal, state, or local officials and their private sector accomplices. By broad definition, a government official, whether elected, appointed or hired, may violate federal law when he/she asks, demands, solicits, accepts, or agrees to receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of their official duties.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Correspondence from another County about the Charter

 
 
 
   In all my years of advising and dealing with local governments and municipal and county charter proposals, I have never encountered a more devoted and energetic group of citizens than those who of you who have made up New Ashtabula Now.  I admire greatly your public-spiritedness and  the determination that you have demonstrated in working to improve your community and to challenge the status quo.  Whatever the outcome of the election, you have reason to be proud of your efforts.  It is has been an honor for me to have been able to work with all of, and I wish you the best of success in the future, as I know you will continue in whatever ways you find appropriate to make Ashtabula County an even better place in which to live and work and raise families.
                                                                                                                                     Gene Kramer
 
Eugene L. KramerAttorney at Law1422 Euclid Avenue Suite 706Cleveland, Ohio 44115216-621-7974 Fax 216-937-0103

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Beatitude House – Doing More Good With Less Money

by Melinda Pillsbury-Foster

Sarah Masek, Housing Director for Beatitude House, stayed in Ashtabula County after finishing college. She loves her work, assisting disadvantaged women and children, many caught in the seemingly impossible confluence of generational poverty and an economy which has been in a persistent downward spiral since 2008. 

One job benefit, which lights up her eyes, are the hugs she receives from children who live at Beatitude House, located on Lake Avenue. With their mothers, children find stability in the apartments provided. Local organizations sponsor some of these, for instance, St. Peter's Church. 

Sometimes these challenges lead to insights and sharing. Many not-for-profits are reaching now out to work together. Beatitude House ensures their clients know about programs available elsewhere, for instance at the YMCA, just down the street. 

With others in the not-for-profit sector, finding the means to continue helping clients change the future, for themselves and their children, created more cooperation within the community and thinking smarter. 

Sarah's first job, after finishing her Master's Degree, was at United Way. There, Sarah first used a tool she had originated which allows an organization to improve services provided to clients. Called a Logic Model, actions taken are tracked. This reveals how successfully programs are working to deliver the desired impact. Tracking includes resources, activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts for each program. 

One of the lessons those in social work have found is understanding how poverty changes thinking. Those struggling with poverty, domestic violence, and other problems, shorten their horizon for planning. When bare survival is in question long term planning is abandoned. For many clients coming through Beatitude House, planning incremental actions for re-establishing credit, having a driver's license, and keeping a job, were missing steps to success. 

Over the last decades many, now locked in poverty, lost this ability to plan for the future. In part, the need was negated by programs which made it unnecessary. Today, these skills are being relearned. 

The question of how the Logic Model could be applied to County government came up, raised by discussion of unsuccessful County programs. Sarah's method, applied to smaller programs, provides insights needed to reallocate resources, increasing success for larger programs. This way, helping more people, with less money, can be accomplished, keeping expenditures within the budget. 

Thinking smarter and using the right tools make success possible. 

Wouldn't it be nice if Sarah was a County Commissioner?

Who Benefits? From Ancient Rome to Ashtabula, this is the Question.

by Monique Lawalek


In ancient Rome a  there lived a highly regarded consul, Lucius Cassius.  Cassius was held in high regard as a wise and honest judge and was known to repeat the phrase "Cui Bono?" Cui Bono means, As a Benefit to Whom? Cassius, known for his analytical and curious nature was always asking this question.  Whether he was investigating misconduct or exposing political corruption.

This simple concept still applies today especially when it comes to government.  Our government here in Ashtabula County is top heavy.  Taxes are not just going to pay for services for our communities. Our taxes are being used to fund governments bloated infrastructure.  Our taxes are being used to fund empty promises to voters to ensure continued tenure in office.

If Issue #1 YES to Charter prevails, Cui Bono?
Who Benefits?  The citizens of Ashtabula County do.

Day to day very little is likely to change for citizens. Residents will continue to enjoy the services they have but they will have a more accountable government, transparent and responsive to their changing needs. In this way we can enjoy a more sustainable government for ourselves and our children.

With NON PARTISAN ELECTIONS voters will enjoy a more civil discourse in the voting season. Regular people will have a motivation as well as a mechanism to run for office.  Right now we have to settle for the 'next crony in line' rammed down our throat by both political parties. 

By replacing the 3 part time commissioners with 7 PART TIME REPRESENTATIVES we will have more accessibility to those we have elected to represent us.  By voting for a representative who will go to the table to serve us citizens, we will regain a voting power lost in these past years where the commissioners consistently serve the areas where they receive the most votes.

NO MORE TAX INCREASES without a vote from the people. 

Real ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT which will increase the likelihood of children staying and working here in the county.

There are more benefits.  I urge you to read about them at www.newashtabula.com.

Now, If we leave the status quo, Cui Bono? Who Benefits? The bureaucrats and political parties do.

The machine will continue to suck money out of the taxpayers for their own benefit.  The bureaucrats will continue to use their positions to create positions paid for by the tax payers but with no benefit to the taxpayer.

The bureaucrats will continue to mortgage the fiscal future of this county for present personal gain.

We all know it is the political cronies who make the rules, not us. They will do what is to their benefit to maintain the status quo, to keep power and prevent the exposure of things they have done.

History is right here in front of us.  This Charter is a threat to the current political Party Rule in this county.  The system is fundamentally broken.  Take the political power and return it to the people. Make government more responsive to the concerns of citizens of Ashtabula County and this will bring about positive political and social change for everyone.

George Distel keeps telling everyone how complicated the Charter is.  He is hoping citizens will believe him and be dissuaded from reading it. Envision George reaching out to you in a big hug saying, "Don't worry guys, you don't have to read that, Uncle George will take care of you." 

The next time you hear someone tell you just vote no on issue #1, ask yourself  CUI BONO?  Who will benefit if the Charter fails?



Friday, October 25, 2013

FEC Report for the Commissioners' Perk Protection Campaign

The last report filed before Election Day on who had donated, and how much, to Protect Our Perks (Also known as 'Protect Your Vote - Vote No on County Charter' is now publicly available here for your perusal.  This report does not indicate the far larger amounts which are generally donated after this date.  Those amounts cannot be accessed until after the election.  The gush of cash and checks in the last two weeks is a Rovian Tradition which, clearly, the Commissioners have picked up. 







Thursday, October 24, 2013

Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment – Simple Justice Long Overdue


by Melinda Pillsbury-Foster


Luanna Hale gave us a ride to the Membership Meeting for the League of Women Voters on Tuesday.. The day was just mellowing to dusk as we arrived at The Winery at Spring Hill.

The LWV, founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920, began its work championing legislation. Today the League focuses on organizing debates and forums for candidates and issues.

Affirming women's right to vote, was a long time coming. Although women had capitalized the Revolution with sweat equity and, in the New England States, expected to be confirmed in their rights when the war was won, this didn't happen.

A Quaker , Lucretia Mott, née Coffin, began the long battle for women's rights in the years after the Revolution as one of her chosen causes.

In 1848 Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, called the first Women's Convention at Seneca Falls, New York.

The Convention came at a time when the new country was alive with movements for social justice. Women had just found an avenue to independence as teachers, working for about one-third the salary paid to men.

Stanton and Mott declared a revolution for women echoing the 1776 Declaration of Independence, in their 1848 Declaration of Sentiments. As the chief philosopher of the coming generation, Stanton applied the theories of Natural Rights in her work.

Voting was only one of these goals. Seventy years would pass before the 19th Amendment, spear-headed by Alice Paul, ratified women's right to vote.

Equally under the Constitution, their primary goal, is yet to be achieved. Partisan divisions are at the core of this failure, which leaves women vulnerable to legislative acts at the state level.

Strong supporters of the 19th Amendment, the LWV did not support Paul's Equal Rights Amendment when it was introduced in 1923. A divergence in agendas had divided women.

Democrats opposed the ERA through the New Deal of the 30s, as did labor unions, not uniting behind the proposed amendment until 1972.

The Republican Party Platform included the ERA beginning in 1940, continuing support until Ronald Reagan removed, as requested by Joseph Coors, a significant donor, in 1980.

The partisan division which began in 1923 reverses neatly under the beginning hegemony of the Neocons.

Wording, ERA “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. “

And it was a lovely dinner.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Answers to the Questions thrown up by the Commissioners

Short Film by New Ashtabula which answers questions about the Charter.

Charter Discussion Subpoena Powers








Saturday, October 19, 2013

The AFL - CIO comes to the Aid of the Clearly Terrified Commissioners



Tim Burga is clearly reality challenged, entirely unfamiliar with the concept of citizen activism.  At each point in the 'letter' below Burga lies, intentionally misstating what happened and ignoring the definition of such elemental concepts as 'representation.'

Of course, it is likely the letter is the result of a panicked call from one or more of the Commissioners or someone on the Democratic Central Committee to someone who they know will support their dirty politics totally and without question.

Working people, now far more aware of the huge salaries and magnificent perks accorded to those who control their 'labor unions.' These institutions, founded on the heroic Americans in the early years of the 20th Century with the intention of protecting the rights of workers, all too soon were corrupted, becoming sources of largess for a small elite, blood brothers to the very corporations they were intended to oppose. 

Tim W. Burga appears to live in a home built in 1999, which he seems to have purchased in 2002.  The house is 2688 square foot, has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms and is valued at around $335,000.








Friday, October 18, 2013

Body, Mind, and Spirit are Y They Are Here


by Melinda Pillsbury-Foster



Kids are overweight. We need to help them get into shape, ” said Jennifer Keener, Finance Director at the YMCA here in Ashtabula. She and everyone I talked to this morning while I was there for my Yoga class agrees our children have needs which must be met, weight control is only one of these.
The conversation ranged on to the mission and goals for which the YMCA was founded in 1844 by George Williams, a twenty-two-year-old farmer-turned-department store worker. Disturbed by what he saw happening to young men from the country when they encountered the city, with 11 friends he founded the YMCA to be an escape and resource for young men new to the hazards of London. The mission was solving problems and remains so today.
At the Ashtabula Y seeing problems and searching for solutions is part of the legacy, and the job. YMCA s did not begin to build gymnasiums until 1869.
Athletics remains a core mission for the YMCA. The term, “Body Building” originated with YMCA staffer Robert J. Roberts in 1881. The YMCA was responsible for originating basketball, volleyball and racquetball.
Programs for children, which help kids improve their health and self image, are only part of what happens there.
Trevor Sprague, CEO, is also making plans to extend the Y's reach. The big thing that we are in the process of doing right now is reaching outside the walls of the building. We want to partner with other organizations and extend our services to make sure we are making the biggest possible impact in our community.”
Continuing, Trevor cited the organizations newly forming Teen Leaders Club, which will have its first meeting at the YMCA on Oct 28th 7pm. Participants will set their own agenda, deciding what projects to take up with the assistance of adult counselors. Teens will learn about problems our community faces and be encouraged to help find, and provide solutions.
Learning leadership and skills cannot be accomplished without this, commented Trevor. Teens will be encouraged to extend their activism into Ashtabula and make a difference.
Each aspect, Trevor said, should help the individual grow in spirit, mind and body.
The original Y, founded by George Williams extended their mission into its community. One of their accomplishments was altering the rigid lines separating English social classes.
Today, the Y in Ashtabula sees a need to build lines of cooperation here.





Thursday, October 17, 2013

The Charter Measure Approaches Election Day.


by Melinda Pillsbury-Foster


An anonymous comment appeared in response to an article on Ashtabula Times titled, “"Local group proposes charter form of Ashtabula Cou..." Saturday, May 25, 2013. The article was a repost, with appropriate link and attribution, of an article appearing in the Star Beacon the day before, May 24, 2013.

It is unusual for older articles to receive new comments, and this was the first this repost received on Ashtabula Times.
As a matter of policy we treat anonymous comments differently than those which identify  the commenting individual. If these 'comments' appear to have an agenda we often decline to publish them. This one, commenting on an article made months ago, arrested my interest because of the lapse in time and impending election.
The as yet unpublished comment read, “Dave Glotzbecker wrote to the Star Beacon and denied he was a member of this committee or went to any of their meetings. Might want to check with the Editor of the Star Beacon as they ran the item in June or July. “
David Glotzbecker's name appears on the petition circulated by the New Ashtabula Charter Committee.
It took little research to ascertain what happened, Dr. Malinowski said, for publication, David and he are old friends. They, along with their wives, had been going out to dinner together for many years. The subject of problems with county government, about which Malinowski and Glotzbecker, were both concerned, was a common subject for conversation.
Then the idea of a change in county government was raised Doc Malinowski asked his friend, David, if he would like to be on a committee to study, and suggest a change to a charter form of government for the county. David enthusiastically agreed to serve.

The two discussed the matter on many occasions over many dinners and on the phone.
Over the next weeks others were invited onto the committee, the wording was finalized, and the petitions printed. All members of the original group were named on the petition. Circulation of petitions began.
Abruptly, David asked his name be removed from the petitions. Doc Malinowski pointed out this was impossible. The petitions were being circulated and signed by voters. From 20 people circulating the number of people in the county committed enough to the measure had swelled to 85, all volunteers.
For a petition to be valid only three, not five, proponents are required, by law. Pulling the petitions would waste time, be costly, and deny to those who had already signed the voice the petition process offers. Doc Malinowski told his old friend this was unacceptable.
David, Doc said, had been enthusiastic in his support until after the petitions were printed. Doc believes Dave was beginning to be pressured but promised to make it clear to the Board of Elections David wanted to be taken off the list of committee members as soon as the signature drive was complete.
Later, Doc learned David was being pressured by his wife and people within the county who had seen his name on the petition.
Dave told Doc his wife had threatened to divorce him because she, “did not want him involved in politics.” Although he would not use names for this article Doc admitted he knows who Dave was talking about. These are politicians, he said, very active at the county level.
Disrupting a life-long friendship, the two had no more contact until Doc heard Dave had been hospitalized and in bad shape. During their visit, Doc told him about the progress which had been made, moving the petition onto the ballot for November. Dave said he was glad.

Circulating the petitions allowed circulators to discover party affiliation, making it possible for the Charter Committee to confirm their belief support for the change was coming very equally from both Republicans and Democrats. Independents were also strong in participation.
At the same time, it is clear a small number of people, associated with County government, are strongly opposed to the change.
In late June the completed petitions were handed over to the Board of Elections in Jefferson.
Although the Charter Committee had turned in 3,500 signatures 8% were invalid. These signatures were declared to be illegible or from people not registered to vote. Immediately, it was announced the petition had failed and would not appear on the ballot in November. In answer to objections, a special meeting was announced for Friday, July 5th.


Over 25 people crowded themselves into the small meeting room at the Board of Elections in Jefferson in support of the Charter. After a tense discussion, and by unanimous vote of the Board of Elections, time was granted for the collection of 275 more signatures.

In ten days, using 20 volunteer circulators, the drive ended. The Board of Elections received over 650 signatures, almost all good. The final count came to 300 over what was needed. Granting extra time is routine, and guaranteed by law.
Further objections by County Prosecutor Thomas Santini on the point a line of print had not been BOLDED on the petition. The matter was formally laid before John Husted, Ohio Secretary of State by two members of the Board of Elections, Carol Lovas and Duane Feher. On August 2nd Husted responded with this letter making it clear this was not a matter of great portent.
The Charter Committee moved right along, beginning to meet with town governments to explain how the new form of government will work.
Sitting down with small groups the Charter Team went over the proposal in detail from throughout the county from the time enough signatures had been collected on.

A rumor was floated the Charter was intended to replace town government, an outright lie. The need to refute this and other untruths shocked Charter activists, none of whom are seeking careers in government.
The County seemed to make every imaginable objection to the petition, also using county funds to appeal to the Attorney General of the State of Ohio to quash the measure.
Then, in early September County Prosecutor Thomas Sartini found a provision which seemed to him to indicate it was unnecessary for the Commissioners to mail copies of the Charter Measure to voters. Soon, the language was explained to him.

Sartini admitted his error saying, “I was incorrect in my interpretation of the law and I believe the commissioners are obligated to provide a copy of the charter to the electorate,” Sartini said. “I advised them of this as soon as I realized my mistake and I believe they are going to do so in compliance with the law.”
At this time, Commissioners decided they needed a new website, more professional and slicker, at a cost of  over $50,000. The passed a Resolution on this. They needed it immediately, ignoring how unnecessary this would be if the Charter Measure was adopted by the voters in November.
Meetings included requests to speak to both the Democratic and Republican Parties. The Executive Committee of the Democratic Party refused to allow them to speak and in early October the Democratic Committee, chaired by Duane Feher, having refused to allow the Charter Committee to address them, voted to oppose the Charter Measure. This is the letter generated by the vote of the Democratic Party.
According to the cross section of those signing the petitions, most members of the Democratic Party of Ashtabula support the Charter.
The first large meeting for debate on the Charter was sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The Charter Team was told by Barb Schaab three spokesmen would be present from the opposition, Tom Robertson, George Distel, and Roger Corlett. The three appeared dressed in power suits.
Only Doc Malinowski was to speak for the Charter. Two more spokesmen were added, Bernie Baranowski and Isaac Arthur.
Perhaps the most memorable comment of the evening was from Bernie Baranowski, who said about what Ashtabula produces, “our biggest export is our children.”
Young people, who do not return from college because of the lack of opportunities in Ashtabula County, have been a recognized problem for many years.
At the back of the room sat County Sheriff William "Billy" Johnson. He was not wearing a power suit.

The Commissioners canceled meetings for the week of October 21st, according to this email from Lisa L. Hawkins, Clerk of the Board.
A certified letter was sent to Doc Malinowski, demanding the Charter Committee participate in a forum to take place October 9th at A Tech in Jefferson.

Doc Malinowski responded with a letter, dated October 10th, pointing out the Charter Committee had begun committing to a schedule for debate in, “in July or August before the dates get booked up.” He also mentioned they had already spoken to over 100 groups.
Malinowski then said, “Our group is comprised mainly of ordinary citizens from all walks of life who feel that our current government has let the people of our county down and feel the charter will get our great county moving again and give them a greater voice in the operations of government and their futures. They do not have time for this type of political gamesmanship.”
The League of Women Voters, when it was pointed out to them could not host an event if both sides were not participating, pulled out.
In the days remaining until Election Day on November several questions will be answered.
One of these is how much money the Commissioners will spend on advertising. Producing such a television ad was the most likely motive for their demand for a forum which they, effectively, controlled. This may also account for the rescheduling of meetings for the week of October 21st.
The second question is the source for the money they are spending in their campaign against the Charter.
With time, all questions are answered.







Democratic Central Committee votes Against Charter




County Commissioner's Website Delight Resolution No. 2013-203

They decided since it was going to cost over $50,000 they should get a couple more bids. 



To BOLD or not to Bold, Question Decided by Ohio Sec. of State Jon Husted





Thomas L. Sartini Learns a Lesson





October 10th Response to Robertson Letter - Mr. Robert Malinowski

Letter from Robertson Dated October 5th

Thursday, October 10th, 2013








Tom Robertson
Treasurer
Protect Your Vote-Vote No on County Charter
6386 S. Ridge Road West
Geneva, Ohio 44041


Dear Mr. Robertson,


We received your certified letter yesterday regarding a public forum (debate) at A Tech for Monday, October 14th or Wednesday, October 16th. After conferring with the petition committee members on those dates I regretfully inform you that we have prior commitments on these dates as well.


The Committee for a New Ashtabula understands the importance of the charter to the people of Ashtabula County. We have spoken to well over 100 groups and organizations over the last three months answering questions about the charter. We have had a “forum” with your committee hosted by the League of Woman Voters at the Nursing home in Jefferson a few weeks ago. We have another scheduled for Thursday, October 17th with the Ashtabula County Township Association facilitated by the League of Woman Voters. We have another for Monday, October 21st in Rome Twp., and yet another with your Political Action Committee for October 24th in Andover and both are conducted by the Ashtabula Counties Chambers of Commerce.


I can't help but feel that getting sent certified mail from your PAC group and copying the letter to the press is nothing more than a political attempt at grandstanding. Because of your actions we must respond in kind. My phone number is in the phone book. I am easy to find and am very open to talking about the charter with anyone. Scheduling these type of events typically occurs in July or August before the dates get booked up. Until recently we have not had any contact with your group. Perhaps your fellow opponents or yourself should contact us in that time frame. Instead at that time they were more interested in legal hair-splitting in an attempt to deny the people of their constitutional right to even vote on the issue.


Our group is comprised mainly of ordinary citizens from all walks of life who feel that our current government has let the people of our county down and feel the charter will get our great county moving again and give them a greater voice in the operations of government and their futures. They do not have time for this type of political gamesmanship. Your PAC is comprised mainly of former and current elected officials hiding behind the name of the PAC. Commissioner Peggy Carlo called me to set up the last failed forum at A Tech. Commissioner Dan Claypool filed the paperwork for the PAC you are the Treasurer of. County Recorder Barb Schaab was the contact for your PAC with regards to our last forum in Jefferson.


I am writing this to inform the media and the people of this county that the organized effort against this charter is coming right from the County Seat. If they are opposed to this charter they should come out openly against it and quit playing games. The people of this county are sick of partisan politics. They deserve better.


Respectfully,






Robert Malinowski
(997-7688)


CC: The Star Beacon
The Gazette Newspapers
Fran Hanselman
Dan Claypool
Peggy Carlo
George Distel
Rodger Corlett

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Anti-Committee Letter to Robert (Doc) Malinowski




Ashtabula County Commissioners clear their decks for Politics as Usual


 

Email from the Office of the County Commissioners for Ashtabula announcing there will be no meetings for the week of October 21st. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lisa L. Hawkins <LLHawkins@ashtabulacounty.us>
Sent: Fri, Oct 11, 2013 2:28 pm
Subject: next weeks schedule

 
Thursday, 10/17          10:00 a.m.  Work Session- General Matters/Agenda Items** note time/date change**
                                  10:30a.m.  Work Session- water/sewer
                                  1:00 p.m.    Agenda
                                  1:30p.m.    Recorders Micrographic Fund Public Hearing
                                  2:00p.m.    Work Session- CCAO/electric
 
 
THERE WILL BE NO MEETINGS (WORK SESSION OR AGENDA SESSION) DURING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 21, 2013.
 
 
Monday, 10/28            1:30p.m.    Work Session – at the County home- 5740 Dibble Road, Kingsville, OH 44048
 
Tuesday, 10/29            10:00 a.m.  Work Session- General Matters/Agenda Items
                                  1:00 p.m.    Agenda
 
 
 
 
 
Ashtabula County Commissioners
Lisa L. Hawkins, Clerk of the Board
25 W. Jefferson St.
Jefferson, OH 44047
 
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