Passion

I want to address the last couple posts for people that might not really know me.

I am passionate about Columbus, this is my home and where I plan on spending the rest of my life.   One of the problems with our towns government is that people don't always know EXACTLY what is going on.  I understand the need for closed door meetings at times but many things are discussed and people OUTSIDE of the loop can only hear what is presented to the public and then we must make our own opinions.

This can, of course, lead to wrong conclusions and the since there is very very little of the nuts and bolts presented to the public, there is lack of communication.  If I had my way there would be more communication to the citizens about what is going on with their town. I believe the "city" should have it's own column in the newspaper.  People are actually interested in sludge and how things happen. 

Now - as I said I'm passionate and pretty harmless for the most part.  But when I feel there is something wrong, when something really gets under my craw,  I let it be known.  Free speech and all that.  I talk to a lot of people in my district who do not have a voice - I HAVE A VOICE.  

I feel I'm a very very fair person, neither a right winger or left winger, Oh I lean left socially but tend to be more centrist financially. I understand business and how it interacts with consumers.  I have no problem with The Gateway or the Commerce Center.  Both are a needed growth that will cost Columbus a LOT of money in the long term but are still needed.  They will help Columbus financially in the short term (20 years-politicians rejoice as it makes them look good) and will harm Columbus with long term liability which most politicians ignore because they will not be around. 

So if people get upset on what I say - HEY - I'm not the only one saying it.

In a comment from a few days ago someone in our city's government was defending Mike Eisenga which I sort of laugh at . . .really?  defending? are you serious? 

ANYWAY #1- he brings up his side of the TIFF story and defends the purchase which I have no idea what he is talking about or even why he is defending it. Obviously if he feels he needs to defend it there must be ANOTHER side to the story that I am unaware of and will need to look into this. 

I was talking about tax breaks (for lack of a better term) or perhaps what I meant was letting late fee penlites go because it's "only $10,000"  (an alderman's actual words).  Geez, I think the Senior Center would like $10,000. 

ANYWAY#2
 Then out of the blue he goes on about Badger Care Plus like he has a clue -  my best friend for 55 years, the guy I went to kindergarten with is on Badger Care Plus, I know every freaking detail of that plan and the Badger Care Plus Core.  I help fill out all his papers and know all about that system and how wonderful it is for people that really need it.  I have worked at a homeless shelter and most people are clueless what "poor" and homeless REALLY means.

Then there is the slander comment.  What? Lost me on that one but I do know that slander is when you have a phone bank (or one person) spreading lies before elections!  I'll talk slander if you want, I have a recording from her. 

HOWEVER -  IamanOGRE does say something correctly "If you don’t change your ways your political career will most likely be very short lived".  

WOW - that sounds like a threat to me doesn't it?  Coming from someone that knows the inner workings of government and hides behind a newly created alias?  hmmmmmm  And it's the day before my birthday, how rude is that!

Well, perhaps you are right.  I should become a politician that speaks out of both sides of my mouth like a true politician.  The guy I ran against last year said in a newspaper article that roads were a big priority yet, I guess not in reality, a TRUE politician it seems. From here on I'll keep things all happy and nice and not make waves.     
  
Sadly a lot of what are on these pages are the EXACT things people tell me when I go door to door. So SOMEBODY is not making a good impression with the people of Columbus.  I'm just a giant piece of tofu soaking up peoples feelings. If I knock on 20 doors and hear almost the same thing every house . . . . . .?  Should I just ignore them?  Is that what politicians do?

It's about time someone who was passionate about the town he lives in wants to help the citizens of Columbus.  I'm tired of one guy and his friends being on city council.

Outspoken?  yes, Passionate?  yes.  Willing to say what is not my mind, right or wrong?  yes and never ever afraid of admitting I was wrong. Sadly many times being wrong FINALLY brings out the truth.  I will freely admit when I'm wrong.        

People that have lived here all their life do not understand what they have in this town.  It's a breath of fresh air that opens your eyes opens your heart.  Columbus is the inhaler for someone with asthma. People are drown to Columbus not because of it's thriving business atmosphere but because of the way of life, the people, the small townishness.     

That is why I'm running for City Council. Because I see things drifting away from the people of Columbus.  I hear people saying our government does not care.  

I care.  
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New postcards appearing at West James Gallery sometime this week.

Here is #1