tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post4446007203410286791..comments2024-01-12T14:51:23.690-08:00Comments on All Things Wildly Considered: The Recall of the Mayor of Portsmouth, OhioFrank Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18214921895704057150noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-68368451112901481352012-09-22T22:19:13.224-07:002012-09-22T22:19:13.224-07:00d bailey, thank you for acknowleging that Terry is...d bailey, thank you for acknowleging that Terry is a good guy. I have known Terry for 48 years...becuase he is my cousin. He is from a very good family of which some live in Florida after retiring. Terry DOES NOT, own a pain pill clinic, whoever the CAVEMAN is, has no idea what he is talking about. It sounds like this person is a jelous person for all that Terry has acomplished.Larrinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-25733946357511066222011-01-12T13:18:24.684-08:002011-01-12T13:18:24.684-08:00the other anonymous proved he is clueless.the other anonymous proved he is clueless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-56469436061617723642010-12-21T08:49:26.175-08:002010-12-21T08:49:26.175-08:00"Terry is know to be a Florida pain clinic ow..."Terry is know to be a Florida pain clinic owner and another pill pusher coming to P Town' Welcome just what we need" <br /><br />I see the CAVE PEople are already starting their crap...starting and spreading stupid anonymous rumors on the internet.d baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-35457915606048537412010-12-21T07:48:31.906-08:002010-12-21T07:48:31.906-08:00Terry is know to be a Florida pain clinic owner an...Terry is know to be a Florida pain clinic owner and another pill pusher coming to P Town' Welcome just what we needAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-6288906968897582682010-12-20T05:48:38.127-08:002010-12-20T05:48:38.127-08:00Terry's a good guy. I hope he is appointed.Terry's a good guy. I hope he is appointed.d baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-89806601267000255822010-12-18T19:42:55.468-08:002010-12-18T19:42:55.468-08:00It's all predetermined that Terry Ockerman wil...It's all predetermined that Terry Ockerman will take the second ward seat this post is 12/18/10 now lets see who's right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-84024723028811297992010-12-16T07:08:15.359-08:002010-12-16T07:08:15.359-08:00Thank God that someone had the guts to stand up fo...Thank God that someone had the guts to stand up for Portsmouth. Obviously, based on the results (63% for the recall) the citizens agreed that it needed to be done. Thank you, Mr. Bihl, for your service to our town adna job well done.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Mr. Bihl's reward for doing so and for an entire career in public service to Portsmouth, is to have know-it-alls like Mr. Vagabond and the CAVE People make smarmy accusations about his character.<br /><br />When Tom Bihl was Police Chief he had a single accident in a city vehicle and was cited for it. Of course, certain citizens went wild with unproven allegations which Mr. Vagabond repeats here as fact.<br /><br />When he was City Auditor, a position to which he was appointed to fill out the term of the previous auditor (again, thank you for your service to our city, Mr. Bihl) his office paid a bill for a repair to his personal vehicle. As I remember, he said the bill had been lying on his desk and it was processed by accident, and he reimbursed the City. He was indicted by the County Prosecutor, who dropped all charges after an investigation. <br /><br />Ask any policeman or fireman. When they retire they get paid for unused sick days and vacation days. Sometimes it can amount to $50,000 or more. For Mr. Vagabond to claim that Bihl "used his position as auditor to pay himself $15,000 for his unused police vacation days with no oversight from other city offices," is just a lie that he is repeating as fact.<br /><br />Finally Vagabond's spiteful accusation that Bihl was acting out of personal interest or gain, with absolutely no evidence, is just pathetic. Attitudes like his are why no reputable person wants to run for office in Portsmouth. That's why we end up with Kroger clerks and nut cases like Murray. What sane, qualfied person wants to take the abuse? Mr. Bihl deserves our thanks.<br /><br />Vagabond. Don't be a CAVE Person. Step into the light.d baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-67662399129770568782010-12-14T13:53:23.319-08:002010-12-14T13:53:23.319-08:00@Danny, if you're not seeing anything in the p...@Danny, if you're not seeing anything in the public record casting doubt of the veracity of Bihl's efforts for the citizens of Portsmouth, then you've chosen not to look. Indictments for misuse of public funds, reckless operation of a vehicle while the city Police Chief, allegations of abuse of power in connection with that reckless operation charge, shady accounting practices while the city auditor, using his position as auditor to pay himself $15,000 for his unused police vacation days with no oversight from other city offices, it's all there. These are not spurious claims, they are verifiable facts. You can keep your head in the sand and deny these facts all you want, it doesn't make them any less true. <br /><br />My original post did not state the Bihl was responsible for the recall, but I did state he was the prime mover. He started the petition and stuck with it through three separate court challenges. Again, we're talking verifiable fact. I also never claimed that Murray was a particularly effective Mayor, or make any arguments as to whether or not she deserved recall.<br /><br />What I DID say, was that the good citizens of Portsmouth should beware of the situation they have bought for themselves. My guess (based on Bihl's verifiable past actions) is that he wasn't acting out of some altruistic civic concern, but rather for his own interest or gain. My advice was to watch out for the eventual reward Mr. Bihl may reap for his hard work. It may be more than Portsmouth voters are willing to pay.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578918682897536518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-24200851923520811332010-12-14T09:04:55.970-08:002010-12-14T09:04:55.970-08:00Vagabond, First of all, Bihl spent his entire care...Vagabond, First of all, Bihl spent his entire career in service to Portsmouth. I've never seen anything in "the public record" that makes me believe he was "less than above board," as you claim.<br /><br />And no matter what you claim he did, he still had every right to call for a vote on Murray's performance as mayor.<br /><br />Tom Bihl DID NOT recall Jane Murray. The citizens of Portsmouth DID. And pretty overwhelmingly. Bihl just pointed out that the "Empress had no clothes."d baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-82485845567040189422010-12-13T14:31:46.120-08:002010-12-13T14:31:46.120-08:00@danny, Tom Bihl's public record leaves no dou...@danny, Tom Bihl's public record leaves no doubt as to his less than above board behavior as a public servant. It's all there for anyone to see in the public archives. I'm not claiming Murray was an effective Mayor, but there are no records indicating that she has been indicted for misuse of public funds, covered up personal misconduct or violated the city charter by funding initiatives that there was no money to pay for in the budget. Tom Bihl can't say the same. Don't believe me? You don't have to take my word for it. Look through the city records.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578918682897536518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-39718099212968901992010-12-13T11:29:19.297-08:002010-12-13T11:29:19.297-08:00To vagabond:
What makes you think Tom Bihl is ...To vagabond:<br /><br />What makes you think Tom Bihl is 'shady'? <br /><br />As is typical, when Jane Murray's supporters couldn't defend her actions in the last few months they spread a lot of lies about those who they saw as her enemies. It is a very common tactic that they use to intimidate anyone from taking a stand on certain issues. They typically accuse those they disagree with of being Klan sympathizers, homosexuals, drunks, etc. Just because you read something on the internet doesn't make it true.<br /><br />And as the election results proved the issue was Murray herself (who is not an honest person) not Tom Bihl, who is just a man who exercised his rights as a citizen.<br /><br />Dannyd baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-20965261798735023242010-12-13T10:39:27.903-08:002010-12-13T10:39:27.903-08:00I guess I look at this whole political transaction...I guess I look at this whole political transaction from a "buyer beware" perspective. Tom Bihl, the prime mover in the mayoral recall initiative, has a pretty shady past as Portsmouth's Police Chief and City Auditor. Shady money deals, graft and a colorful driving record leading to abuse of power allegations number among his highlights as a public trustee. Stay tuned to see what sweatheart deal is coming to him as a result. The voters of Portsmouth may have traded a stubborn, ineffective but honest mayor for more of the same backroom dealing that's been the norm for the last four decades.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578918682897536518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-29770442498112415002010-12-12T11:42:26.338-08:002010-12-12T11:42:26.338-08:00I didn't say a word about salary for city coun...I didn't say a word about salary for city council members. I have no idea what they receive. I am a concerned citizen and not a person who wants to "open new cans of worms." To accuse me of being misinformed is a little unfair. After all, I am calling for people to work together and make compromises. Why must everyone be so critical of other people's ideas? The entire theme of my entry was to underscore the need the cooperation and a new attitude toward the future.Frank Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18214921895704057150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-59367697890552106352010-12-11T20:44:47.023-08:002010-12-11T20:44:47.023-08:00Frank you need to do some investigating before you...Frank you need to do some investigating before you say they only get 50 dollars a month. Council members voted themselves full health insurance, which by the way is costing thousands a month to taxpayers. Some of them have doubled claimed health problems which by city insurance is legal. What I'm saying they had 2 insurance carriers and one paid the bill and the other was turned in to the city insurance which paid the client cash. Now if you think this is far fetched like I said do some checking on your own. I'll help you where to start if your really interested.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-13955239094207912922010-12-11T11:10:14.241-08:002010-12-11T11:10:14.241-08:00I have to agree with Danny. Anytime I have had a ...I have to agree with Danny. Anytime I have had a problem, I call Mr. Albrecht and he has always helped me. Mr. Albrecht should be judged by the good work he does, not by how many doors he knocks on at election time. If that is how you judge whether or not your councilman in effective or not, then all you are going to get is a professional politician who only cares about getting votes. Mr. Albrecht is not a professional politician, instead he is someone who cares about people.<br /><br />SamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-22795168357976093682010-12-11T09:28:25.505-08:002010-12-11T09:28:25.505-08:00Frank,
A good written article but in my opinion, ...Frank,<br /><br />A good written article but in my opinion, you're not fully informed with the real problem of city government. I'm not saying the recall wasn't just. What I am saying is, the mayor's position as it is in this city, is a weak mayor. Sure, they are the chief administrator but as has been displayed in many instances, not just during Mayor Murray's term in office, the mayor's power and direction can be easily blocked and diverted. I am of the opinion the true problem rests with council and an auditor who does not completely follow the laws of not only the charter but that of the Ohio Revised Code. If you do not believe me then attend more city council meetings. Observe how business is conducted. Read and research the charter. Read and learn the Ohio Revised Code as it pertains to the city. Read the latest audit of the city and look at the many violations our auditor continues to make over and over. Council makes the laws of this town and is also responsible for spending of monies. The auditor is to sign off on all money to be spent prior to passage assuring the money is or is expected to be there before it is to be approved by council for spending. This he fails to do most of the time. If you are going to step into the political arena and write about it, the least you can do is become informed about what you are writing about. Failure to do that makes you no better than an overwhelming majority of the people of this town which is perhaps the biggest problem of it all, an un or mis-informed citizen. I hate to say this about my fellow citizens but the truth is the truth. If they do not attend council meetings then how are they being informed other than by way of the media or from a fellow neighbor or friend which likely is basing their opinion on that of the very same source, a fellow neighbor or friend, or a biased media. When you look at how many years this town has been in decline, you would think more people would be inclined to become involved in getting to the root of the problem to turn it around but sadly many are like an ostrich and would rather bury their head and hope it goes away.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-91304563596609609822010-12-10T06:37:40.856-08:002010-12-10T06:37:40.856-08:00Frank--
I didn't mean your attitude was the p...Frank--<br /><br />I didn't mean your attitude was the problem. I was referring to the attitude of a person who would leave town because their council person did not "go door to door to introduce himself" or "hold neighborhood meetings." Mr. Albrecht is in his 60s. He gets paid $50 a month to do his job. Last time he ran he saved the city from the only other candidate on the ballot for his ward: Wayne Nichols. I urge you to read this article;<br /><br />http://p-townunderground.blogspot.com/2009/12/on-fourth-day-of-grinchmas.html<br /><br />Mr. Albrecht is a good man who does a good job on City Council. He deserves a medal, not cheapshots from someone who just wants to gripe.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />Dannyd baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-21377032770074045952010-12-10T05:14:18.897-08:002010-12-10T05:14:18.897-08:00Think Tank,
It's a shame you haven't been ...Think Tank,<br />It's a shame you haven't been to more meetings and since I have attended most of them I know you have only attended a few. There are many problems there and one of them is that the majority of 4 rules. We would be much better off if the count was 3 to 3. They would have to consider compromise. This would be a much better mix and I think more would actually be accomplished.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-64489399451325760342010-12-10T05:01:15.744-08:002010-12-10T05:01:15.744-08:00According to our city Charter, if there is a recal...According to our city Charter, if there is a recall or death or some reason the current mayor cannot fullfill their term. the council president is appointed Mayor. Mr. Malone was the council president.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-76230611681720210862010-12-09T22:01:33.954-08:002010-12-09T22:01:33.954-08:00if there was a vote to recall mayor jane murray, h...if there was a vote to recall mayor jane murray, how was david malone made mayor? was there a vote or was he appointed? sorry if the question seems unintelligent.just curious.robnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-37842286326318307652010-12-09T21:25:48.207-08:002010-12-09T21:25:48.207-08:00It is reassuring to know that there is someone wri...It is reassuring to know that there is someone writing commentary about Portsmouth that rises above the childish namecalling and conspiracy theories advanced by certain individuals. I have lived in Portsmouth for most of my life, and have never understood the negativity freely offered up by so many people who live here ("Floodwall Tech", everyone is corrupt, the city is dying, "there's nothing to do here", etc. etc. ad infinitum). Please keep up the good work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-16017872219977874932010-12-09T18:32:52.233-08:002010-12-09T18:32:52.233-08:00Frank--I just wanted to say that you wrote a very ...Frank--I just wanted to say that you wrote a very fine, thoughtful piece. Thanks--It's getting harder and harder to read good writing, and yours is pretty damn good.<br /><br />Jerry HoltJerry Holtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-13110982062893823072010-12-09T17:59:17.975-08:002010-12-09T17:59:17.975-08:00Danny, I've gone to City Council meetings and ...Danny, I've gone to City Council meetings and I have met the mayor. Before I made my mind up to vote for the recall, I talked to many city workers and others who are affected by the administration. I don't like recalls, but I am certain I have done a service for myself and for many by supporting the issue. I understand people have differences but, in this case, I feel justified. This is my first political activity for recall.Frank Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18214921895704057150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-71285467600934462812010-12-09T12:41:42.048-08:002010-12-09T12:41:42.048-08:00Albrecht's number is in the book. Did you ever...Albrecht's number is in the book. Did you ever call him? Did you ever go to a city council meeting? <br /><br />Albrecht is not the problem. Attitudes like yours are.<br /><br />Dannyd baileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-91935445527585019152010-12-09T12:32:51.659-08:002010-12-09T12:32:51.659-08:00Hi Frank...when I lived in Portsmouth our 4th Ward...Hi Frank...when I lived in Portsmouth our 4th Ward councilman was Jerrold Albrecht. No neighborhood meetings no door to door to introduce himself nothing to indicate he had the 4th Ward in his best interest. So when and how do our council folks work for us and express our concerns and, do they really care about pushing Portsmouth forward? This is why I moved, just like others...Sick of the same old same old excuse. Leave Portsmouth alone or if you don't like it, get out, well I got out!Sue Davisnoreply@blogger.com