According to Ohio law, the job of a city auditor is to;
"keep the books of the city and exhibit accurate statements of all moneys received and expended, of all property owned by the city and the income derived therefrom, and of all taxes and assessments."
It is the responsibility of the mayor to submit a budget to city council.
Except in the buck stops some where else world of Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli.
In Massillon, it appears that the city auditor is just another mayoral lackey, who has been tasked by the boss, in this case Mayor Cicchinelli, to deal with the budget.
The City of Massillon's budget is woefully short this year.
As a matter of fact, the city's unbalanced budget will have $337,000 less in revenue than the unbalanced budget city council rejected in December.
What did the mayor... excuse us... what did Auditor Jayne Ferrero do with the money?
"Ferrero said Sunday that the money was taken out of police and fire pensions to pay for bills from 2010" (The Independent, January 31, 2011).
So, not only was the 2011 budget unbalanced to start with, but it is going to be an extra $337,000 dollars short, because 2011 money was used to pay 2010 bills.
The proposed budget that city council rejected in December was short on revenue by about one million dollars. Time to add another $337,000 dollars to the shortfall.
As we all know, you don't get to be mayor for life by proposing an unbalanced budget, and shorting police and fire salaries and pensions.
That's the auditor's job.
The mayor's job is to pass out pay raises.
Don't worry, the money for these raises will be there;
"We'll be able to pay for these increases," Cicchinelli said. "I'm not concerned about it. We will be there. I feel confident the dollars will be there to make it through this year and we'll have the dollars to make it through next year" (The Independent, July 6, 2010).
Guess what, mayor?
The dollars weren't there to make it through 2010. You were... excuse us, the auditor was $337,000 dollars short.
And the dollars won't be there for 2011.
The auditor better get busy and find "new revenue streams."
We have one suggestion. If the auditor is going to do the mayor's job, perhaps she should also receive the mayor's salary.
Just a suggestion.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Old Grey Mare
It looks like a faithful Massillon Review reader, or two, found their way to Friday's 'State of the City' address and question and answer session with Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli.
We were surprised when the moderator allowed a question about "hijacking" parks and recreation fund money to pay the debt at the golf course.
Our mayor's response was that this issue is a "dead horse."
"The Legends was a project that everyone in government felt was a good project," he said. "We still believe it was a good project We have stated this consistently that the mistake was to build the third nine (holes). We can continue to beat that dead horse that it was wrong to do. That's a fact. But... the debt is still there to be paid" (The Independent, January 29, 2011).
Our Bad
We shouldn't still be discussing this. It's like beating a dead horse.
It is, however, an expensive dead horse.
We the taxpayers still owe $9,788,907.50 in interest and principal payments on the golf course.
The course, on a good day, is probably only worth about $2.5 million dollars.
The Golf Course will not be paid off until 2032.
21 more years of payments.
This year's payment alone is over $524,000 dollars.
It should be paid off about mid way through our mayor for life's 12th term in office.
But no, don't discuss it. It's like beating a dead horse.
If you would like to watch the 'State of the City' address, tune in tonight, at 7PM. It will be shown on Massillon Cable channel 22.
We were surprised when the moderator allowed a question about "hijacking" parks and recreation fund money to pay the debt at the golf course.
Our mayor's response was that this issue is a "dead horse."
"The Legends was a project that everyone in government felt was a good project," he said. "We still believe it was a good project We have stated this consistently that the mistake was to build the third nine (holes). We can continue to beat that dead horse that it was wrong to do. That's a fact. But... the debt is still there to be paid" (The Independent, January 29, 2011).
Our Bad
We shouldn't still be discussing this. It's like beating a dead horse.
It is, however, an expensive dead horse.
We the taxpayers still owe $9,788,907.50 in interest and principal payments on the golf course.
The course, on a good day, is probably only worth about $2.5 million dollars.
The Golf Course will not be paid off until 2032.
21 more years of payments.
This year's payment alone is over $524,000 dollars.
It should be paid off about mid way through our mayor for life's 12th term in office.
But no, don't discuss it. It's like beating a dead horse.
If you would like to watch the 'State of the City' address, tune in tonight, at 7PM. It will be shown on Massillon Cable channel 22.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Let's Make a Deal
The hard working Massillon Review Staff feels they were punished this week. They have suffered greatly and are demanding better working conditions.
Why?
They were asked to watch the first episode of Everybody Loves Marshall, also known as the televised Massillon School Board meeting.
The entire staff tuned in to watch a "decision made out of strength" unfold.
We tuned in to watch "one of the issues tearing at the board" be put to rest.
We tuned in to watch President Marshall Weinberg lead our schools.
While we were were certainly struck by President Weinberg's impeccable fashion, his constant need to prattle on expertly, and endlessly, about every single topic on the agenda forced us to rate the evening's entertainment as two thumbs down.
It appears that President Weinberg was the board member who spearheaded the idea of broadcasting the meetings.
At this past Wednesday's meeting, the school board had to pass a resolution to pay for the broadcasts. It was revealed that it will cost approximately $10,000 dollars annually to record the monthly board meetings, as well as an additional $2,500 dollars for microphones and equipment to support, what Board Member Vicki Becherucci called, "the travelling school board meeting" as it meets at different schools during different months.
The $10,000 dollars does include some unspecified other school related teleproduction costs, but would not be necessary at all without the need to televise the meetings.
A spirited debate then unfolded regarding the proposed expenditure, and when the vote was called, it was a split board, with President Weinberg, and members Elum and Miller voting in the affirmative, and members Becherucci and Seesan in opposition.
While President Weinberg was defending the expenditure of these funds to televise the board meetings, he revealed some insight into why he felt this was a necessary expenditure.
Firstly, President Weinberg talked about how the school board had just elected new officers in January, coincidentally choosing Weinberg as president, and that the local newspaper did not properly cover the event.
Weinberg then referred to the main reason why he wanted to spend $10,000 dollars to televise the meetings;
"if there is one part of it (serving on the board) that has been less than enjoyable it is the amazing amount of misinformation that is put out to our public. And where do they turn for the information? They go to these anonymous blogs" (Marshall Weinberg, Massillon School Board Meeting, January 26, 2011).
Apparently, Marshall Weinberg needs a taxpayer supported forum to set the record straight.
We believe that President Marshall Weinberg is making an incredible mistake in televising these board meetings. When Weinberg once again says something completely ridiculous, as he will inevitably do, there will be a permanent record.
If it is blogs President Weinberg is worried about, we are offering a deal which will save the school district thousands of dollars, and keep President Weinberg out of cyberspace, so that he may enjoy the respect and dignity that a president deserves.
If the school board doesn't spend the $10,000 dollars to televise the meetings, the Massillon Review will never mention Marshall Weinberg's name ever again.
With one caveat.
That they take half that money, $5,000 dollars, and donate it to the newly established Vicki Becherucci-Gary Miller scholarship fund.
We named it after Becherucci and Miller because they have sat next to Marshall on the school board for now over three years. Their suffering must be more than we can imagine.
The money then must be given to a graduating Washington High School Senior who plans on studying education in college. We want the money to defray college expenses for a future teacher.
Sounds reasonable. More reasonable than Marshall Weinberg wanting to televise himself bloviating every month and assuaging his ego because the paper did not pay him proper homage, and because a blog reprints his outlandish quotes and discusses his questionable actions as a school board member.
If Weinberg's skin was any thinner, we would think he was mayor.
Why?
They were asked to watch the first episode of Everybody Loves Marshall, also known as the televised Massillon School Board meeting.
The entire staff tuned in to watch a "decision made out of strength" unfold.
We tuned in to watch "one of the issues tearing at the board" be put to rest.
We tuned in to watch President Marshall Weinberg lead our schools.
While we were were certainly struck by President Weinberg's impeccable fashion, his constant need to prattle on expertly, and endlessly, about every single topic on the agenda forced us to rate the evening's entertainment as two thumbs down.
It appears that President Weinberg was the board member who spearheaded the idea of broadcasting the meetings.
At this past Wednesday's meeting, the school board had to pass a resolution to pay for the broadcasts. It was revealed that it will cost approximately $10,000 dollars annually to record the monthly board meetings, as well as an additional $2,500 dollars for microphones and equipment to support, what Board Member Vicki Becherucci called, "the travelling school board meeting" as it meets at different schools during different months.
The $10,000 dollars does include some unspecified other school related teleproduction costs, but would not be necessary at all without the need to televise the meetings.
A spirited debate then unfolded regarding the proposed expenditure, and when the vote was called, it was a split board, with President Weinberg, and members Elum and Miller voting in the affirmative, and members Becherucci and Seesan in opposition.
While President Weinberg was defending the expenditure of these funds to televise the board meetings, he revealed some insight into why he felt this was a necessary expenditure.
Firstly, President Weinberg talked about how the school board had just elected new officers in January, coincidentally choosing Weinberg as president, and that the local newspaper did not properly cover the event.
Weinberg then referred to the main reason why he wanted to spend $10,000 dollars to televise the meetings;
"if there is one part of it (serving on the board) that has been less than enjoyable it is the amazing amount of misinformation that is put out to our public. And where do they turn for the information? They go to these anonymous blogs" (Marshall Weinberg, Massillon School Board Meeting, January 26, 2011).
Apparently, Marshall Weinberg needs a taxpayer supported forum to set the record straight.
We believe that President Marshall Weinberg is making an incredible mistake in televising these board meetings. When Weinberg once again says something completely ridiculous, as he will inevitably do, there will be a permanent record.
If it is blogs President Weinberg is worried about, we are offering a deal which will save the school district thousands of dollars, and keep President Weinberg out of cyberspace, so that he may enjoy the respect and dignity that a president deserves.
If the school board doesn't spend the $10,000 dollars to televise the meetings, the Massillon Review will never mention Marshall Weinberg's name ever again.
With one caveat.
That they take half that money, $5,000 dollars, and donate it to the newly established Vicki Becherucci-Gary Miller scholarship fund.
We named it after Becherucci and Miller because they have sat next to Marshall on the school board for now over three years. Their suffering must be more than we can imagine.
The money then must be given to a graduating Washington High School Senior who plans on studying education in college. We want the money to defray college expenses for a future teacher.
Sounds reasonable. More reasonable than Marshall Weinberg wanting to televise himself bloviating every month and assuaging his ego because the paper did not pay him proper homage, and because a blog reprints his outlandish quotes and discusses his questionable actions as a school board member.
If Weinberg's skin was any thinner, we would think he was mayor.
Friday, January 28, 2011
We Have Questions
This morning, Massillon's Mayor for Life will be delivering his annual 'State of the City' address at the Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles.
The audience will be filled with loyal lap dogs, city employees, and city department heads who have been 'encouraged' to buy tickets, and pass them out to their employees.
People may ask the mayor questions, but they must first put them in writing, including the media, and the mayor will decide if he wishes to answer a particular question.
This sham format is being orchestrated by Bob Sanderson, Massillon Chamber of Commerce President, and a former Cicchinelli employee.
The questions are being screened, so that our mayor for life will not be embarrassed, and will not have to answer the tough questions.
Tough questions about the unprofitable golf course, its staggering debt, and how he raids the park income tax to subsidize it.
Questions about the private hotel we pay the mortgage on, a restaurant we bought without a business plan, a dam about to burst, and unvoted lifetime pay raises for elected officials.
No, these questions won't be answered.
They will, however, be asked.
A number of our faithful readers are attending the 'State of the City,' and they will be asking these questions.
We suspect they will be screened.
We suspect the mayor will not be answering them.
The mayor for life will not be handling the tough questions because...
You don't get to be mayor for life by answering the tough questions in a room full of people, with the local press covering the event.
The question and answer session is a joke. The format is a sham.
This is a campaign event, and the local media should treat it as such.
The audience will be filled with loyal lap dogs, city employees, and city department heads who have been 'encouraged' to buy tickets, and pass them out to their employees.
People may ask the mayor questions, but they must first put them in writing, including the media, and the mayor will decide if he wishes to answer a particular question.
This sham format is being orchestrated by Bob Sanderson, Massillon Chamber of Commerce President, and a former Cicchinelli employee.
The questions are being screened, so that our mayor for life will not be embarrassed, and will not have to answer the tough questions.
Tough questions about the unprofitable golf course, its staggering debt, and how he raids the park income tax to subsidize it.
Questions about the private hotel we pay the mortgage on, a restaurant we bought without a business plan, a dam about to burst, and unvoted lifetime pay raises for elected officials.
No, these questions won't be answered.
They will, however, be asked.
A number of our faithful readers are attending the 'State of the City,' and they will be asking these questions.
We suspect they will be screened.
We suspect the mayor will not be answering them.
The mayor for life will not be handling the tough questions because...
You don't get to be mayor for life by answering the tough questions in a room full of people, with the local press covering the event.
The question and answer session is a joke. The format is a sham.
This is a campaign event, and the local media should treat it as such.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Rumor and Innuendo
At last night's Massillon School Board meeting, Massillon school district officials claimed that a plan to close the district's natatorium was just a rumor. Faced with unhappy parents, Tiger Sharks, and members of the community, we were told that the pool was not closing any time soon;
"Addressing concerns about the possibility of closing the district pool and discontinuing the elementary swim program, they let their voices be heard regarding what district officials called "rumors" (The Independent, January 27, 2011).
"Rumors"
How does a crazy rumor like the school district closing the pool get started?
Probably when the Superintendent tells the local newspaper that the pool is going to close.
"Come summertime, City Schools Administrators will be moving out. In an effort to slash spending and address a $5 million projected deficit in 2013, the district plans to relocate administrative offices, currently located at the old Washington High School, and close the building. That plan would also mean closing the district's pool..." (The Independent, December 10, 2010).
"Utility costs for the pool are astronomical," Carmichael said, adding that Massillon can no longer afford to support it. Carmichael wants to make use of other community resources when the pool closes. Ideally she would like to make use of the Massillon Family YMCA" (The Independent, December 10, 2010).
We believe it might have been the use of the words, "when the pool closes" that spurred this crazy rumor on.
Perhaps before the Superintendent runs to the local paper to explain that the administration is moving to new, and we assume better, office space and that the pool is closing, she may wish to check in with the members of the school board first.
Not the two who rubber stamp her every whim, but with the three who don't.
"Addressing concerns about the possibility of closing the district pool and discontinuing the elementary swim program, they let their voices be heard regarding what district officials called "rumors" (The Independent, January 27, 2011).
"Rumors"
How does a crazy rumor like the school district closing the pool get started?
Probably when the Superintendent tells the local newspaper that the pool is going to close.
"Come summertime, City Schools Administrators will be moving out. In an effort to slash spending and address a $5 million projected deficit in 2013, the district plans to relocate administrative offices, currently located at the old Washington High School, and close the building. That plan would also mean closing the district's pool..." (The Independent, December 10, 2010).
"Utility costs for the pool are astronomical," Carmichael said, adding that Massillon can no longer afford to support it. Carmichael wants to make use of other community resources when the pool closes. Ideally she would like to make use of the Massillon Family YMCA" (The Independent, December 10, 2010).
We believe it might have been the use of the words, "when the pool closes" that spurred this crazy rumor on.
Perhaps before the Superintendent runs to the local paper to explain that the administration is moving to new, and we assume better, office space and that the pool is closing, she may wish to check in with the members of the school board first.
Not the two who rubber stamp her every whim, but with the three who don't.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Rubber Stamp Wanted
Wanted - Rubber Stamp to ratify everything Massillon's Mayor for Life wants on the Massillon Parks and Recreation Board.
Applicant must have ability to blindly follow orders, to raid the park budget whenever the mayor desires, and must have no independent thought process.
Must be willing to hijack the park income tax to subsidize the failing golf course, and when the dam at Reservoir Park bursts, must be willing to accept the blame. Must always remember that the buck never stops at the mayor's desk in Massillon.
Experience in real estate may be helpful, as the mayor for life has put together a list of parks he is considering selling.
Concern or interest in our park system is not a requirement.
Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, is accepting applications for a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Board. The mayor appoints a working majority, three of the five members, to the board.
Controversial board member Ron Pribich has resigned. Pribich was truly an example of the fox watching the hen house.
It was Pribich and his associates who sold our city the land for the debacle known as the nine hole expansion at the Legends of Massillon golf course, a decision that has mired our city in debt until 2032.
It won't matter. We have given up all hope of the mayor appointing a competent applicant who will do what is right to replace Pribich.
The next appointee will not give a damn about the park system.
He, or she, will be appointed to vote however Frank Cicchinelli tells them to vote.
To expect any thing different on our part would be foolish.
We won't even hold out hope for a park board member who actually wants to fix the parks.
Ain't gonna happen.
History is our guide.
Ink up the rubber stamp, our mayor for life will be making an appointment to the Park Board.
Applicant must have ability to blindly follow orders, to raid the park budget whenever the mayor desires, and must have no independent thought process.
Must be willing to hijack the park income tax to subsidize the failing golf course, and when the dam at Reservoir Park bursts, must be willing to accept the blame. Must always remember that the buck never stops at the mayor's desk in Massillon.
Experience in real estate may be helpful, as the mayor for life has put together a list of parks he is considering selling.
Concern or interest in our park system is not a requirement.
Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, is accepting applications for a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Board. The mayor appoints a working majority, three of the five members, to the board.
Controversial board member Ron Pribich has resigned. Pribich was truly an example of the fox watching the hen house.
It was Pribich and his associates who sold our city the land for the debacle known as the nine hole expansion at the Legends of Massillon golf course, a decision that has mired our city in debt until 2032.
It won't matter. We have given up all hope of the mayor appointing a competent applicant who will do what is right to replace Pribich.
The next appointee will not give a damn about the park system.
He, or she, will be appointed to vote however Frank Cicchinelli tells them to vote.
To expect any thing different on our part would be foolish.
We won't even hold out hope for a park board member who actually wants to fix the parks.
Ain't gonna happen.
History is our guide.
Ink up the rubber stamp, our mayor for life will be making an appointment to the Park Board.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Must See TV
Earlier this month, our Glorious Leader and Commander In Chief, Massillon School Board President Marshall Weinberg promised we the peasantry bread and circuses.
The Marshall Weinberg Variety Hour, also known as the Massillon School Board Meetings, were supposed to be televised so that we the public could be communicated with, according to our president, "fully and accurately."
Board member Becherucci, the ethical conscience of the board, was opposed to the broadcasting of the meetings.
The Board stopped televising the school board sessions about eight years ago.
According to Becherucci, it was because "We were becoming fodder for entertainment" (The Independent, January 6, 2011).
Yes. And we fully expect that you will be again.
So, the big question is...
When will the meetings be broadcast, and on what channel will they be shown?
There is a school board meeting tomorrow at 6:00 PM, and we are confident that our faithful readers do not wish to miss a minute of must see TV.
Will the natatorium be closed because the price of chlorine went up?
Will Superintendent Carmichael find another job?
Will the 'Friends of the Program' get a third vote to "reorganize" the athletic department?
Will President Weinberg give his much anticipated 'State of the Schools' address?
We need to tune in, and find out!
The school board, and it's president need to do a better job of advertising.
The Marshall Weinberg Variety Hour, also known as the Massillon School Board Meetings, were supposed to be televised so that we the public could be communicated with, according to our president, "fully and accurately."
Board member Becherucci, the ethical conscience of the board, was opposed to the broadcasting of the meetings.
The Board stopped televising the school board sessions about eight years ago.
According to Becherucci, it was because "We were becoming fodder for entertainment" (The Independent, January 6, 2011).
Yes. And we fully expect that you will be again.
So, the big question is...
When will the meetings be broadcast, and on what channel will they be shown?
There is a school board meeting tomorrow at 6:00 PM, and we are confident that our faithful readers do not wish to miss a minute of must see TV.
Will the natatorium be closed because the price of chlorine went up?
Will Superintendent Carmichael find another job?
Will the 'Friends of the Program' get a third vote to "reorganize" the athletic department?
Will President Weinberg give his much anticipated 'State of the Schools' address?
We need to tune in, and find out!
The school board, and it's president need to do a better job of advertising.
Cost Cutting
Our crack Massillon Review research team has been investigating how the Massillon City schools can cut costs and save money.
We believe the Massillon School Board can save money by closing Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Just think of the cost cutting. No electric to light the lights. No maintenance and upkeep.
Besides, we have a perfectly good football stadium just three miles up the road at Perry.
Our kids can practice and play when Perry isn't using it.
We can tear down Paul Brown Stadium and create additional, much needed parking for the high school.
Call it consolidation. Or regionalization.
No?
Bad idea?
So is closing the Bob Wherry Natatorium.
It will devastate our youth swimming programs and end the Massillon Aquatic Club (MAC).
It will end the elementary swim program.
And the Tiger Sharks?
They can swim at the Y - When no one else is using the pool.
Massillon's Diva in Residence, Superintendent Lisa Carmichael, wants to close the Administration building, and with it the natatorium, under the guise of cost cutting.
She and the rest of the administration will then be able to move into nicer offices, office space which will befit a school superintendent.
What the swim program needs, quite honestly, is a reorganization of the athletic department.
Let's make the head swim coach the athletic director, and the assistant swim coach the assistant athletic director.
Then swimming will move to the top of the athletic department pyramid.
And the natatorium will stay open.
It will be interesting to see how our Commander In Chief, President Weinberg, comes down on this issue.
Our guess is that he and the Superintendent will be seeing eye to eye on this one.
It isn't football.
Weinberg won't give a damn.
We believe the Massillon School Board can save money by closing Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Just think of the cost cutting. No electric to light the lights. No maintenance and upkeep.
Besides, we have a perfectly good football stadium just three miles up the road at Perry.
Our kids can practice and play when Perry isn't using it.
We can tear down Paul Brown Stadium and create additional, much needed parking for the high school.
Call it consolidation. Or regionalization.
No?
Bad idea?
So is closing the Bob Wherry Natatorium.
It will devastate our youth swimming programs and end the Massillon Aquatic Club (MAC).
It will end the elementary swim program.
And the Tiger Sharks?
They can swim at the Y - When no one else is using the pool.
Massillon's Diva in Residence, Superintendent Lisa Carmichael, wants to close the Administration building, and with it the natatorium, under the guise of cost cutting.
She and the rest of the administration will then be able to move into nicer offices, office space which will befit a school superintendent.
What the swim program needs, quite honestly, is a reorganization of the athletic department.
Let's make the head swim coach the athletic director, and the assistant swim coach the assistant athletic director.
Then swimming will move to the top of the athletic department pyramid.
And the natatorium will stay open.
It will be interesting to see how our Commander In Chief, President Weinberg, comes down on this issue.
Our guess is that he and the Superintendent will be seeing eye to eye on this one.
It isn't football.
Weinberg won't give a damn.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Stop the Insanity
While the City of Massillon is going broke, and while the salaries of the mayor for life, city council, the president of council, the auditor, the law director, and the treasurer continue to rise, without a vote, did not one of these office holders think this was a problem?
Did not one person think it was the height of hypocrisy for these elected official to take raises in 2009, when other city employees were taking layoffs and furloughs?
Did not one person say, "Hey, the city's broke and the economy is struggling, and just maybe, the mayor's salary shouldn't go up 74% in 15 years, and maybe, just maybe, we shouldn't get unvoted pay raises for life."
Did not one person try and stop the insanity?
Yes. One person. One woman tried to stop the madness.
In 2009, Councilwoman Kathy Catazaro-Perry introduced legislation to repeal Ordinance No. 251-1995, and end the annual unvoted pay raise for life scheme.
Her efforts, of course, went no where.
The Mayor's Loyal Enforcer, Council President Glenn Gamber, vigorously worked to prevent a vote on Catazaro-Perry's resolution.
The mayor didn't want his pay raises ended, and the rubber stamps didn't want to be on record opposing the repeal.
Gamber didn't allow a council vote. He instead asked for an informal, off the record, show of hands.
No official on the record vote was ever taken.
Kathy Catazaro-Perry's plan to end the pay raise for life scheme died for a lack of support.
And the annual, unvoted pay raises continue for another year.
Did not one person think it was the height of hypocrisy for these elected official to take raises in 2009, when other city employees were taking layoffs and furloughs?
Did not one person say, "Hey, the city's broke and the economy is struggling, and just maybe, the mayor's salary shouldn't go up 74% in 15 years, and maybe, just maybe, we shouldn't get unvoted pay raises for life."
Did not one person try and stop the insanity?
Yes. One person. One woman tried to stop the madness.
In 2009, Councilwoman Kathy Catazaro-Perry introduced legislation to repeal Ordinance No. 251-1995, and end the annual unvoted pay raise for life scheme.
Her efforts, of course, went no where.
The Mayor's Loyal Enforcer, Council President Glenn Gamber, vigorously worked to prevent a vote on Catazaro-Perry's resolution.
The mayor didn't want his pay raises ended, and the rubber stamps didn't want to be on record opposing the repeal.
Gamber didn't allow a council vote. He instead asked for an informal, off the record, show of hands.
No official on the record vote was ever taken.
Kathy Catazaro-Perry's plan to end the pay raise for life scheme died for a lack of support.
And the annual, unvoted pay raises continue for another year.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
It's Good to be the King
In December 1995, Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, signed legislation granting himself, city council, the council president, the law director, the auditor, and the city treasurer annual, unvoted pay raises for life.
In 1996, our mayor for life received a 21% pay hike, and then every year after would be granted a pay hike based on the increase in the United States Consumer Price Index. And it never had to be voted on. It was automatic. Forever.
And how much has our mayor for life's pay gone up in the 15 years and one month since he signed this ordinance?
The mayor's salary has gone up 74%.
We kid you not. 74%.
How can this be so?
In 1996, the mayor received a 21% pay hike. He received smaller pay hikes in 14 of the next 15 years. He received a 4.1% pay hike in 2009, when he expected city workers to take furlough days and pay cuts.
The pay raises compound. Just as bank interest compounds.
When interest is added to the principal, the added interest also earns interest.
When the mayor gets a raise, for example 21% in 1996, the additional amount is included for the next year's percentage of increase.
It compounds.
The net effect is that in about 15 years, the mayor's salary has gone up 74%.
We bet you won't see that statistic in the mayor's campaign advertising.
It really is good to be the king.
In 1996, our mayor for life received a 21% pay hike, and then every year after would be granted a pay hike based on the increase in the United States Consumer Price Index. And it never had to be voted on. It was automatic. Forever.
And how much has our mayor for life's pay gone up in the 15 years and one month since he signed this ordinance?
The mayor's salary has gone up 74%.
We kid you not. 74%.
How can this be so?
In 1996, the mayor received a 21% pay hike. He received smaller pay hikes in 14 of the next 15 years. He received a 4.1% pay hike in 2009, when he expected city workers to take furlough days and pay cuts.
The pay raises compound. Just as bank interest compounds.
When interest is added to the principal, the added interest also earns interest.
When the mayor gets a raise, for example 21% in 1996, the additional amount is included for the next year's percentage of increase.
It compounds.
The net effect is that in about 15 years, the mayor's salary has gone up 74%.
We bet you won't see that statistic in the mayor's campaign advertising.
It really is good to be the king.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A Critical Emergency
On December 21, 1995, Massillon City Council passed Ordinance No. 251-1995.
On December 22, 1995, Mayor Francis Cicchinelli signed Ordinance No. 251-1995.
Ordinance No. 251-1995 granted Mayor Frank Cicchinelli a 21% pay raise for 1996.
It then granted him, members of city council, the council president, the auditor, the law director, and the treasurer unvoted pay raises for life.
If you are going to be mayor for life, you may as well receive pay raises for life.
"Effective January 1, 1997, and thereafter, the elected officials shall receive an increase in pay based on the previous years United States Consumer Price Index" (Ordinance No. 251-1995).
From Section 3 of Ordinance No. 251-1995 -
"That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the community and for the additional reason that the provisions hereby enacted are immediately necessary to amend the pay scale for City Officials prior to December 31, 1995."
"emergency measure"
"necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare of the community"
Really?
The "emergency" was that elected officials may not, by law, receive a salary increase once their term of office starts. In Mayor Cicchinelli's case, his third term in office began January 1, 1996 and wouldn't end until January 1, 2000.
If he didn't get his raise by December 31, he wouldn't be eligible for one until the year 2000.
That was the "emergency necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare of the community."
The pay raise scheme was passed right before Christmas, because right before Christmas, most of the city's residents aren't paying attention to city government. They didn't realize that the mayor they just elected to a third term had engineered unvoted pay raises for life. The public was busy getting ready for Christmas. People were shopping, cleaning, cooking, wrapping presents, and making merry.
The mayor for life has made a habit of pushing through controversial legislation right before Christmas. The mayor, if nothing else, is one shrewd politician.
If the Frank Cicchinelli pay raise ordinance wasn't passed as "an emergency," the ordinance would have required three readings in council, over three different council meetings, and would not have been passed until early 1996.
And our mayor for life would not have received his pay raise for four years.
And that was the "emergency."
Funny thing, when Frank Cicchinelli was running for his third term back in 1995, we don't recall his campaign platform mentioning a 21% raise for himself when he got elected, and an annual, unvoted, lifetime pay raise every year there after.
We are guessing that he did not share this plan with the voters while he was campaigning.
The residents were not made aware of this critical city emergency.
On December 22, 1995, Mayor Francis Cicchinelli signed Ordinance No. 251-1995.
Ordinance No. 251-1995 granted Mayor Frank Cicchinelli a 21% pay raise for 1996.
It then granted him, members of city council, the council president, the auditor, the law director, and the treasurer unvoted pay raises for life.
If you are going to be mayor for life, you may as well receive pay raises for life.
"Effective January 1, 1997, and thereafter, the elected officials shall receive an increase in pay based on the previous years United States Consumer Price Index" (Ordinance No. 251-1995).
From Section 3 of Ordinance No. 251-1995 -
"That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the community and for the additional reason that the provisions hereby enacted are immediately necessary to amend the pay scale for City Officials prior to December 31, 1995."
"emergency measure"
"necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare of the community"
Really?
The "emergency" was that elected officials may not, by law, receive a salary increase once their term of office starts. In Mayor Cicchinelli's case, his third term in office began January 1, 1996 and wouldn't end until January 1, 2000.
If he didn't get his raise by December 31, he wouldn't be eligible for one until the year 2000.
That was the "emergency necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare of the community."
The pay raise scheme was passed right before Christmas, because right before Christmas, most of the city's residents aren't paying attention to city government. They didn't realize that the mayor they just elected to a third term had engineered unvoted pay raises for life. The public was busy getting ready for Christmas. People were shopping, cleaning, cooking, wrapping presents, and making merry.
The mayor for life has made a habit of pushing through controversial legislation right before Christmas. The mayor, if nothing else, is one shrewd politician.
If the Frank Cicchinelli pay raise ordinance wasn't passed as "an emergency," the ordinance would have required three readings in council, over three different council meetings, and would not have been passed until early 1996.
And our mayor for life would not have received his pay raise for four years.
And that was the "emergency."
Funny thing, when Frank Cicchinelli was running for his third term back in 1995, we don't recall his campaign platform mentioning a 21% raise for himself when he got elected, and an annual, unvoted, lifetime pay raise every year there after.
We are guessing that he did not share this plan with the voters while he was campaigning.
The residents were not made aware of this critical city emergency.
Friday, January 21, 2011
He Just Doesn't Get It
In an article in yesterday's Independent, Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, defends his annual, unvoted pay raise for 2011, a pay raise resulting from legislation he approved back in 1995, right after he was elected to his third term as Massillon's eternal leader.
Cicchinelli claimed the raise was "fair."
Cicchinelli then justified his 2.1 % raise by making the following statement;
"Other city employees are getting a 4% raise" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
Yes Frank, "other city employees are getting a 4% raise" because...
YOU GAVE IT TO THEM.
Let there be no confusion, Frank Cicchinelli negotiated and approved 4% pay raises for the city's unions.
Knowing times were tough, and the city's budget was in the red, he felt it prudent to give 4% pay raises to city employees.
It has been speculated that our beloved mayor for life doled out these raises during his election year to curry support with city workers.
We know. He thought the dollars would be there.
Remember?
"We'll be able to pay for these increases," Cicchinelli said. "I'm not concerned about it. We will be there. I feel confident the dollars will be there to make it through this year and we'll have the dollars to make it through next year" (The Independent, July 6, 2010).
He doesn't have a clue, does he?
As tenuous as our mayor's grip on reality may be, we fortunately have a couple of elected officials who "get it."
Johnnie Maier gets it. Maier hasn't had a pay raise in three years as court clerk, and probably won't see another one for the next six years. If Maier is re-elected this year, he won't be eligible for a raise until his next term is over. That would be in 2018.
By the way, in 2018 we will still be paying the mortgage for the Hampton Inn.
Not every employee in city hall, however, received a pay raise;
"He (Maier) also froze the pay of his employees this year, saying in a letter to City Council in November that he could not justify raises "during these difficult economic times" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
Common Sense. How refreshing.
Maier was joined in the common sense department by wayward Councilman Donnie Peters. Peters hasn't been rubber stamping for the mayor as faithfully as he ought to recently, possibly leading to the 'story' about Peters' tax problems.
"I'll give it back," 5th Ward Councilman Donnie Peters said. "I'll continue to make what I made last year. I'll inform the auditor tomorrow" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
"People out there are hurting," he (Peters) said. "For me to take a raise is a slap in their face" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
Perhaps Mr. Maier and Mr. Peters would take some time to explain to our mayor for life how difficult things really are for most people in our community. Perhaps Mr. Maier and Mr. Peters would explain to our mayor that people are indeed hurting, and that taking a pay raise at this time is truly a "slap in the face" to the citizens of our fair city.
Cicchinelli claimed the raise was "fair."
Cicchinelli then justified his 2.1 % raise by making the following statement;
"Other city employees are getting a 4% raise" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
Yes Frank, "other city employees are getting a 4% raise" because...
YOU GAVE IT TO THEM.
Let there be no confusion, Frank Cicchinelli negotiated and approved 4% pay raises for the city's unions.
Knowing times were tough, and the city's budget was in the red, he felt it prudent to give 4% pay raises to city employees.
It has been speculated that our beloved mayor for life doled out these raises during his election year to curry support with city workers.
We know. He thought the dollars would be there.
Remember?
"We'll be able to pay for these increases," Cicchinelli said. "I'm not concerned about it. We will be there. I feel confident the dollars will be there to make it through this year and we'll have the dollars to make it through next year" (The Independent, July 6, 2010).
He doesn't have a clue, does he?
As tenuous as our mayor's grip on reality may be, we fortunately have a couple of elected officials who "get it."
Johnnie Maier gets it. Maier hasn't had a pay raise in three years as court clerk, and probably won't see another one for the next six years. If Maier is re-elected this year, he won't be eligible for a raise until his next term is over. That would be in 2018.
By the way, in 2018 we will still be paying the mortgage for the Hampton Inn.
Not every employee in city hall, however, received a pay raise;
"He (Maier) also froze the pay of his employees this year, saying in a letter to City Council in November that he could not justify raises "during these difficult economic times" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
Common Sense. How refreshing.
Maier was joined in the common sense department by wayward Councilman Donnie Peters. Peters hasn't been rubber stamping for the mayor as faithfully as he ought to recently, possibly leading to the 'story' about Peters' tax problems.
"I'll give it back," 5th Ward Councilman Donnie Peters said. "I'll continue to make what I made last year. I'll inform the auditor tomorrow" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
"People out there are hurting," he (Peters) said. "For me to take a raise is a slap in their face" (The Independent, January 20, 2011).
Perhaps Mr. Maier and Mr. Peters would take some time to explain to our mayor for life how difficult things really are for most people in our community. Perhaps Mr. Maier and Mr. Peters would explain to our mayor that people are indeed hurting, and that taking a pay raise at this time is truly a "slap in the face" to the citizens of our fair city.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
To the Victor Goes the Spoils
The City of Massillon is facing hard times.
The City is months behind on it's bills.
It still owes millions of dollars on the golf course and hotel, debt that won't be paid off for many years to come.
The dam at Reservoir Park is about to burst. Literally.
"It was given a first class hazard rating during the inspection, meaning that it poses a risk of "probable loss of human life" (The Independent, October 30, 2010).
Probable loss of human life.
The park system is in disrepair, because money from the .3% income tax passed by the residents of Massillon for parks and recreation has been hijacked to subsidize a failing golf course, and to purchase a restaurant with no business plan.
Our sewer rates have been increased, and now we have been hit with a 'Storm Water Utility Fee' (Thank you, Taxman Hersher).
This year alone, we owe over $524,000 for golf course debt, over $200,000 dollars for the mortgage at the Hampton Inn, and $52,000 to finish paying for the restaurant at the golf course.
The budget is unbalanced, and we don't have enough money to pay our police and fire fighters.
On the surface, one would think the city has been governed poorly.
One would be wrong, because the mayor, city council, the law director, auditor, treasurer, and council president are getting pay raises.
Unvoted pay raises.
Automatic pay raises.
Back on December 21, 1995, city council passed, and the mayor for life signed, an ordinance giving himself, council, law director, auditor, treasurer, and council president an annual, unvoted pay raise for life.
It doesn't require a vote.
It is open ended, meaning it goes on forever.
It is uncapped, meaning it has no ceiling, and is tied into the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The city is broke. The economy is in shambles.
And Mayor Frank Cicchinelli just got a raise.
To the victor truly goes the spoils.
It is indeed good to be mayor for life.
The City is months behind on it's bills.
It still owes millions of dollars on the golf course and hotel, debt that won't be paid off for many years to come.
The dam at Reservoir Park is about to burst. Literally.
"It was given a first class hazard rating during the inspection, meaning that it poses a risk of "probable loss of human life" (The Independent, October 30, 2010).
Probable loss of human life.
The park system is in disrepair, because money from the .3% income tax passed by the residents of Massillon for parks and recreation has been hijacked to subsidize a failing golf course, and to purchase a restaurant with no business plan.
Our sewer rates have been increased, and now we have been hit with a 'Storm Water Utility Fee' (Thank you, Taxman Hersher).
This year alone, we owe over $524,000 for golf course debt, over $200,000 dollars for the mortgage at the Hampton Inn, and $52,000 to finish paying for the restaurant at the golf course.
The budget is unbalanced, and we don't have enough money to pay our police and fire fighters.
On the surface, one would think the city has been governed poorly.
One would be wrong, because the mayor, city council, the law director, auditor, treasurer, and council president are getting pay raises.
Unvoted pay raises.
Automatic pay raises.
Back on December 21, 1995, city council passed, and the mayor for life signed, an ordinance giving himself, council, law director, auditor, treasurer, and council president an annual, unvoted pay raise for life.
It doesn't require a vote.
It is open ended, meaning it goes on forever.
It is uncapped, meaning it has no ceiling, and is tied into the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The city is broke. The economy is in shambles.
And Mayor Frank Cicchinelli just got a raise.
To the victor truly goes the spoils.
It is indeed good to be mayor for life.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The State of Our City
One of our faithful readers has kindly sent us a picture from last year's 'State of the City' Address. We bet the question and answer session was quite the whirlwind of spontaneity. The mayor looks like he lost some weight. Isn't that Taxman Hersher in the front row?
Live and In Person
The Massillon Review email in box is exploding today from people wanting to know if they may be able to attend the Mayor for Life's 'State of the City' address in person.
Our faithful readers' pencils are sharpened in anticipation of asking the mayor a question, or two, submitted in writing, of course, and pre-screened by King Frank himself.
Yes, we say. You can be there.
From the web site of the Massillon Chamber of Commerce;
State of the City Breakfast with Mayor Frank Cicchinelli
January 28, 2011 7:30am - 9:00am
Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet. Mayor Frank Cicchinelli will give his State of the City Address and take questions from the audience.
Cost: $10 each
Location: Massillon Eagles #190 - 303 Weirich Blvd Massillon
Contact: 330-833-3146
info@massillonchamber.com
Reservations are due by this Friday (January 21), so call today!
Enjoy a hot breakfast, a fine speech, and the farce masquerading as a question and answer session.
We are going out on a limb here, but our guess is that if you are not a friend, relative, employee, or rubber stamp of the mayor for life, your question will probably not make the cut.
Because we all know.
You don't get to be mayor for life by answering the tough questions in public.
Our faithful readers' pencils are sharpened in anticipation of asking the mayor a question, or two, submitted in writing, of course, and pre-screened by King Frank himself.
Yes, we say. You can be there.
From the web site of the Massillon Chamber of Commerce;
State of the City Breakfast with Mayor Frank Cicchinelli
January 28, 2011 7:30am - 9:00am
Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet. Mayor Frank Cicchinelli will give his State of the City Address and take questions from the audience.
Cost: $10 each
Location: Massillon Eagles #190 - 303 Weirich Blvd Massillon
Contact: 330-833-3146
info@massillonchamber.com
Reservations are due by this Friday (January 21), so call today!
Enjoy a hot breakfast, a fine speech, and the farce masquerading as a question and answer session.
We are going out on a limb here, but our guess is that if you are not a friend, relative, employee, or rubber stamp of the mayor for life, your question will probably not make the cut.
Because we all know.
You don't get to be mayor for life by answering the tough questions in public.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Put It in Writing
Massillon's beloved Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, will be presenting his annual 'State of the City' address a week from this Friday (January 28) at 8AM, at the Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles.
This annual event is sponsored by the Massillon Chamber of Commerce, who is so thrilled to have the mayor participate in a community event which is not related to the Tiger football program, that they cheerfully allow him to set the ground rules.
The ground rules are such;
Questions may be asked of our beloved leader, by the audience or by the media, but the questions must be in writing.
Why must they be in writing?
So they can be screened.
Heaven help us if our mayor for life gets an uncomfortable question like;
"Back in July you said the "money would be there," and now the city can't pay its bills. Why?"
or
"Why are we paying $211,000 in annual mortgage payments for a private hotel?"
or
"Why did you hijack park funds to subsidize the failing Legends of Massillon Golf Course when you said you wouldn't?"
Remember? The mayor's plan to merge the parks department with the golf course was "not a big scheme to have the parks department cover the golf course's expenses" (The Repository, December 17, 2002).
Perhaps the mayor would be uncomfortable if someone asked;
"Why did we spend almost $200,000 dollars to buy the restaurant at the golf course and not even have a business plan in place when we took it over?"
No, the questions must be submitted in writing. Even the press must submit questions in writing.
Shame on the Independent if it participates in this sham event and allows it's reporters' questions to be pre screened. If our city's newspaper is not permitted to have it's reporters ask serious questions, then it should not cover this event as a serious endeavour.
The Independent should cover this event for what it really is.
A staged campaign speech.
We can well imagine the tough, probing questions that will be 'selected' from the mayor's lackeys dutifully sitting in the audience, faithfully cheering their beloved leader on;
"Mayor Cicchinelli, while you do a fantastic job as mayor, aren't you tired of the anti-Cicchinelli, anti-Massillon mayor haters who wrongly criticize the selfless work you do as our beloved mayor?"
or
"Shouldn't council members who dare question the wisdom of your vision for our city be forced to resign?"
Yeah, we expect some real tough questions arising from the "written" submissions.
Glenn Gamber, Paul Manson, Dave Hersher, Ron Mang, Dave McCune, Mike Loudiana, and Jayne Ferrero, and the bevy of city employees who will be in tow better bring their crayons Friday morning so that they may ask the mayor "tough, but fair" questions.
In writing of course.
Who is responsible for organizing this sham event?
Massillon Chamber of Commerce President Bob Sanderson.
Before Sanderson was Chamber of Commerce president, he was Massillon's Economic Development Director under.... wait for it....
Massillon's Mayor for Life Frank Cicchinelli.
Sanderson was involved in such fine city projects as our 6,500 seat hockey arena.
Oh wait, it was never built. We did, however, manage to spend a million dollars not building it.
Thanks for your help, Bob.
It appears that Mr. Sanderson brought his Frank Cicchinelli pom-pons with him from city hall to the chamber of commerce.
Perhaps the Independent should lay down some ground rules of it's own.
If their reporters can't ask the mayor real questions, then they shouldn't be covering this "event."
If Frank Cicchinelli wants to have a campaign rally disguised as the 'State of the City,' then the press should just ignore it.
And if Frank Cicchinelli doesn't like this idea, he can put his objections in writing.
This annual event is sponsored by the Massillon Chamber of Commerce, who is so thrilled to have the mayor participate in a community event which is not related to the Tiger football program, that they cheerfully allow him to set the ground rules.
The ground rules are such;
Questions may be asked of our beloved leader, by the audience or by the media, but the questions must be in writing.
Why must they be in writing?
So they can be screened.
Heaven help us if our mayor for life gets an uncomfortable question like;
"Back in July you said the "money would be there," and now the city can't pay its bills. Why?"
or
"Why are we paying $211,000 in annual mortgage payments for a private hotel?"
or
"Why did you hijack park funds to subsidize the failing Legends of Massillon Golf Course when you said you wouldn't?"
Remember? The mayor's plan to merge the parks department with the golf course was "not a big scheme to have the parks department cover the golf course's expenses" (The Repository, December 17, 2002).
Perhaps the mayor would be uncomfortable if someone asked;
"Why did we spend almost $200,000 dollars to buy the restaurant at the golf course and not even have a business plan in place when we took it over?"
No, the questions must be submitted in writing. Even the press must submit questions in writing.
Shame on the Independent if it participates in this sham event and allows it's reporters' questions to be pre screened. If our city's newspaper is not permitted to have it's reporters ask serious questions, then it should not cover this event as a serious endeavour.
The Independent should cover this event for what it really is.
A staged campaign speech.
We can well imagine the tough, probing questions that will be 'selected' from the mayor's lackeys dutifully sitting in the audience, faithfully cheering their beloved leader on;
"Mayor Cicchinelli, while you do a fantastic job as mayor, aren't you tired of the anti-Cicchinelli, anti-Massillon mayor haters who wrongly criticize the selfless work you do as our beloved mayor?"
or
"Shouldn't council members who dare question the wisdom of your vision for our city be forced to resign?"
Yeah, we expect some real tough questions arising from the "written" submissions.
Glenn Gamber, Paul Manson, Dave Hersher, Ron Mang, Dave McCune, Mike Loudiana, and Jayne Ferrero, and the bevy of city employees who will be in tow better bring their crayons Friday morning so that they may ask the mayor "tough, but fair" questions.
In writing of course.
Who is responsible for organizing this sham event?
Massillon Chamber of Commerce President Bob Sanderson.
Before Sanderson was Chamber of Commerce president, he was Massillon's Economic Development Director under.... wait for it....
Massillon's Mayor for Life Frank Cicchinelli.
Sanderson was involved in such fine city projects as our 6,500 seat hockey arena.
Oh wait, it was never built. We did, however, manage to spend a million dollars not building it.
Thanks for your help, Bob.
It appears that Mr. Sanderson brought his Frank Cicchinelli pom-pons with him from city hall to the chamber of commerce.
Perhaps the Independent should lay down some ground rules of it's own.
If their reporters can't ask the mayor real questions, then they shouldn't be covering this "event."
If Frank Cicchinelli wants to have a campaign rally disguised as the 'State of the City,' then the press should just ignore it.
And if Frank Cicchinelli doesn't like this idea, he can put his objections in writing.
Monday, January 17, 2011
It's Your Money
Each year, the City of Massillon receives CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) money from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. This money comes from our federal tax dollars.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development web site, CDBG money "works to ensure decent community housing" and is used "to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities."
Apparently, among "the most vulnerable" in our community are hotel developers, because our mayor for life allocated $211,000 dollars of our CDBG money last year to pay the mortgage for the privately owned Hampton Inn hotel.
And he will be allocating even more of our tax dollars in 2011 to pay the mortgage for the Hampton Inn.
We are on the hook for the mortgage.
We will be paying the mortgage until 2019, when we will then owe a crippling $984,000 dollar balloon payment.
Councilman Tony Townsend plans on introducing legislation to set up a program of sidewalk, curb and gutter repair in our fair city.
If a resident follows the proper procedures, the city will pay half the cost of fixing the sidewalk, curb, and gutter.
It's a good idea. Many of the sidewalks and curbing in Massillon are in horrible disrepair.
The City set aside $20,00 for this project from the 2010 CDBG budget.
This amount is less than 1/10th the amount being spent for the hotel mortgage.
Less than one tenth.
$211,000 for a private developer's hotel mortgage.
$20,000 to repair crumbing sidewalks and curbs.
It's your money.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development web site, CDBG money "works to ensure decent community housing" and is used "to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities."
Apparently, among "the most vulnerable" in our community are hotel developers, because our mayor for life allocated $211,000 dollars of our CDBG money last year to pay the mortgage for the privately owned Hampton Inn hotel.
And he will be allocating even more of our tax dollars in 2011 to pay the mortgage for the Hampton Inn.
We are on the hook for the mortgage.
We will be paying the mortgage until 2019, when we will then owe a crippling $984,000 dollar balloon payment.
Councilman Tony Townsend plans on introducing legislation to set up a program of sidewalk, curb and gutter repair in our fair city.
If a resident follows the proper procedures, the city will pay half the cost of fixing the sidewalk, curb, and gutter.
It's a good idea. Many of the sidewalks and curbing in Massillon are in horrible disrepair.
The City set aside $20,00 for this project from the 2010 CDBG budget.
This amount is less than 1/10th the amount being spent for the hotel mortgage.
Less than one tenth.
$211,000 for a private developer's hotel mortgage.
$20,000 to repair crumbing sidewalks and curbs.
It's your money.
Let Freedom Ring
.
Let Freedom Ring. And when this happens, and we allow freedom to ring - and when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children - black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics - will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
.
- Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Flat Broke
The word on the street is that the City of Massillon can't pay its bills.
Word is that the city's financial condition is worse than any one realized.
Local vendors are upset, and many vendors are concerned they will never be paid. One vendor claimed to the Massillon Review that the city hasn't paid bills that are dating back to September, four months ago.
Our question for Massillon's Mayor for Life is this;
What happened to "I feel confident the dollars will be there to make it through this year (2010) and we'll have the dollars to make it through next year" (Mayor for Life Frank Cicchinelli, The Independent, July 6, 2010).
Of course the dollars will be there to "make it through next year."
Just as long as you don't pay any bills.
And where will the buck stop this time?
Probably at Auditor Jayne Ferrero's desk.
Because as we all know, you don't get to be mayor for life by not paying the city's bills.
And Nero fiddled as Rome burned...
Word is that the city's financial condition is worse than any one realized.
Local vendors are upset, and many vendors are concerned they will never be paid. One vendor claimed to the Massillon Review that the city hasn't paid bills that are dating back to September, four months ago.
Our question for Massillon's Mayor for Life is this;
What happened to "I feel confident the dollars will be there to make it through this year (2010) and we'll have the dollars to make it through next year" (Mayor for Life Frank Cicchinelli, The Independent, July 6, 2010).
Of course the dollars will be there to "make it through next year."
Just as long as you don't pay any bills.
And where will the buck stop this time?
Probably at Auditor Jayne Ferrero's desk.
Because as we all know, you don't get to be mayor for life by not paying the city's bills.
And Nero fiddled as Rome burned...
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Inside Scoop
Our faithful readers are the backbone of the Massillon Review. As we begin 2011, which is an election year for Massillon government, our readers have been keeping us updated from the rumor mill. We share some of their insights today.
"Reorganizing" the School Board
There are three seats up on the Massillon Board of Education this year.
Gary Miller, President Weinberg, and Vicki Becherucci must all stand for re-election.
This trio was elected in 2007.
Gary Miller was the top vote getter with 3,468 votes.
President Weinberg was second with 2,748 votes (720 votes behind Miller).
Vicki Becherucci finished third with 2,662 votes.
The 'Friends of the Program' football boosters haven't given up on their plan to "reorganize" the athletic department, making the head football the athletic director, and making one of the assistant coaches the assistant athletic director, officially putting football at the top of the pyramid. With Superintendent Carmichael seeking an exit strategy, the football faction is one school board vote away from running the school system. According to several of our readers, look for the football guys to run a female candidate for school board, who is in sync with their plans for reorganization, in order to bump Becherucci out of her seat.
Becherucci is not real popular in the community at this point any way, and a number of people believe she has used her school board seat to help her family get jobs in the school district. We don't believe she will be hard to beat.
Second Ward Carpetbagger
Last year, Massillon's Mayor for Life drew a 'line in the sand.' He stated that 'carpetbaggers' should not involve themselves in Massillon city politics. He stated at his press conference, where he announced he was running for a seventh term as mayor for life that, "People that live in Massillon should decide who their mayor should be, who their council member should be. They shouldn't be influenced by anyone on the outside..."
We agreed.
And we called out the carpetbaggers.
Carpetbaggers like the mayor's campaign contributors, the mayor's department heads, and the mayor's advertising agency. Carpetbaggers.
We now call out a Ward 2 carpetbagger. Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, a resident of council ward 4.
Frank Cicchinelli has personally recruited Kevin Phillips to run against 2nd Ward councilman Gary Anderson. We believe Cicchinelli will be intimately involved in Kevin Phillips' campaign. And if Phillips wins, we all know how he will vote. One of our readers claims that Cicchinelli even drove Phillips to the election board to get his candidate petition.
People in Ward 2 should decide who their councilman should be. They shouldn't be influenced by outsiders. They shouldn't be influenced by carpetbaggers like Frank Cicchinelli.
The Comeback
Rumor is that former Massillon Clerk of Courts Ed Radel is contemplating a comeback for his old job, by running against Johnnie Maier.
Remember Ed Radel? When he left, his office was technologically in the stone age. As a matter of fact, his computer network was the only network between here and Kazakhstan that wasn't Y2K compliant. Remember Y2K?
"Some court officials, such as Judge Edward Elum, are saying Radel did not do all he could to make certain computers would pass through the change of the year without any record keeping glitches. (The Repository, January 5, 2000). "He (Radel) left us in a mess" (Judge Edward Elum, The Repository, January 5, 2000).
According to one of our readers, Radel's facebook page claims that he already is the Clerk of Courts. Sounds pretty optimistic.
Our guess is that Johnnie Maier isn't losing sleep over this one.
The Rubber Stamps
In 2009, the last city election, eight of the nine members of Massillon City Council ran unopposed. Not so this time. According to the Stark County Election Board web site, Ward 6 councilman David 'I am the Law' McCune has a Republican challenger.
In Ward 5, Donnie Peters has two Democratic challengers vying for the right to bump him off, and it looks like Taxman Hersher is about to go extinct as Kathy Catazaro-Perry will probably separate him from his council at large position.
Our Mayor for Life has recruited a challenger against Gary Anderson in Ward 2, and according to several of our readers, look for Ward 1 rubber stamp Ron Mang to have both a Democratic and Republican opponent.
Things should be livelier this election than the last one.
We thank our faithful readers for always keeping us in the loop.
"Reorganizing" the School Board
There are three seats up on the Massillon Board of Education this year.
Gary Miller, President Weinberg, and Vicki Becherucci must all stand for re-election.
This trio was elected in 2007.
Gary Miller was the top vote getter with 3,468 votes.
President Weinberg was second with 2,748 votes (720 votes behind Miller).
Vicki Becherucci finished third with 2,662 votes.
The 'Friends of the Program' football boosters haven't given up on their plan to "reorganize" the athletic department, making the head football the athletic director, and making one of the assistant coaches the assistant athletic director, officially putting football at the top of the pyramid. With Superintendent Carmichael seeking an exit strategy, the football faction is one school board vote away from running the school system. According to several of our readers, look for the football guys to run a female candidate for school board, who is in sync with their plans for reorganization, in order to bump Becherucci out of her seat.
Becherucci is not real popular in the community at this point any way, and a number of people believe she has used her school board seat to help her family get jobs in the school district. We don't believe she will be hard to beat.
Second Ward Carpetbagger
Last year, Massillon's Mayor for Life drew a 'line in the sand.' He stated that 'carpetbaggers' should not involve themselves in Massillon city politics. He stated at his press conference, where he announced he was running for a seventh term as mayor for life that, "People that live in Massillon should decide who their mayor should be, who their council member should be. They shouldn't be influenced by anyone on the outside..."
We agreed.
And we called out the carpetbaggers.
Carpetbaggers like the mayor's campaign contributors, the mayor's department heads, and the mayor's advertising agency. Carpetbaggers.
We now call out a Ward 2 carpetbagger. Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, a resident of council ward 4.
Frank Cicchinelli has personally recruited Kevin Phillips to run against 2nd Ward councilman Gary Anderson. We believe Cicchinelli will be intimately involved in Kevin Phillips' campaign. And if Phillips wins, we all know how he will vote. One of our readers claims that Cicchinelli even drove Phillips to the election board to get his candidate petition.
People in Ward 2 should decide who their councilman should be. They shouldn't be influenced by outsiders. They shouldn't be influenced by carpetbaggers like Frank Cicchinelli.
The Comeback
Rumor is that former Massillon Clerk of Courts Ed Radel is contemplating a comeback for his old job, by running against Johnnie Maier.
Remember Ed Radel? When he left, his office was technologically in the stone age. As a matter of fact, his computer network was the only network between here and Kazakhstan that wasn't Y2K compliant. Remember Y2K?
"Some court officials, such as Judge Edward Elum, are saying Radel did not do all he could to make certain computers would pass through the change of the year without any record keeping glitches. (The Repository, January 5, 2000). "He (Radel) left us in a mess" (Judge Edward Elum, The Repository, January 5, 2000).
According to one of our readers, Radel's facebook page claims that he already is the Clerk of Courts. Sounds pretty optimistic.
Our guess is that Johnnie Maier isn't losing sleep over this one.
The Rubber Stamps
In 2009, the last city election, eight of the nine members of Massillon City Council ran unopposed. Not so this time. According to the Stark County Election Board web site, Ward 6 councilman David 'I am the Law' McCune has a Republican challenger.
In Ward 5, Donnie Peters has two Democratic challengers vying for the right to bump him off, and it looks like Taxman Hersher is about to go extinct as Kathy Catazaro-Perry will probably separate him from his council at large position.
Our Mayor for Life has recruited a challenger against Gary Anderson in Ward 2, and according to several of our readers, look for Ward 1 rubber stamp Ron Mang to have both a Democratic and Republican opponent.
Things should be livelier this election than the last one.
We thank our faithful readers for always keeping us in the loop.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Marshalling Our Schools Towards a Better Tomorrow
We have not received any updated inaugural information as the Massillon School District begins the presidency of Marshall Weinberg. So momentous is this event that while the school district website does not have board of education meeting minutes updated online since October 4th of last year, it does have a school board photo listing Marshall Weinberg as president. Ah, priorities.
Since we do not have official inaugural news to bring you today, we spent a few minutes imagining the inauguration of Marshall Weinberg going something like this...
It was a bitter cold day in Massillon, but not so cold as to dampen the spirit of thousands of Massillonians as they gathered at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium to witness Massillon School Board President Elect Marshall Weinberg take the oath of office as our school board president.
Our crack Massillon Review investigative team was on hand to witness history as a new chapter begins in the administration of our Massillon schools.
It was a stirring ceremony of pomp and circumstance. The 'friends of the program' football boosters were all seated at the front, emblematic of their perceived role in the school system. There was, however, one empty seat, a symbolic gesture made for an absent comrade who just couldn't attend. It was a glorious day for the 'friends of the program,' as one of their own takes the reigns of power.
The Massillon Tiger Swing Band played a fine rendition of Hail to the Chief as President Elect Weinberg arose to take the oath of office from outgoing President Tom Seesan. Seesan, as we were told, needed to "be a strong leader or let someone else step in" (Marshall Weinberg, The Independent, August 12, 2010).
Fortunately for us, "someone else stepped in."
Tears of joy were wept when the oath was administered, except in Superintendent Lisa Carmichael's case, who just plain wept.
Then Marshall gave his inaugural address;
He spoke of a brighter tomorrow, where the head football coach is the athletic director, because, "it's the lynch pin in the entire DREAM project" (The Independent, March 30, 2010), and how "recent issues, including an assistant coach and booster club member growing and selling marijuana could have been avoided, Weinberg said, if the football coach could report directly to the superintendent" (The Independent, March 30, 2010).
Stirring. Just tugs at the heart strings.
Marshall Weinberg's inauguration. A marvelous day, where our community can come together to celebrate a decision "made out of strength" and to finally put to rest "one of the issues tearing at the board."
Join us tomorrow, as the Massillon Review will be sorting through the various political gossip our faithful readers have been sending us.
Since we do not have official inaugural news to bring you today, we spent a few minutes imagining the inauguration of Marshall Weinberg going something like this...
It was a bitter cold day in Massillon, but not so cold as to dampen the spirit of thousands of Massillonians as they gathered at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium to witness Massillon School Board President Elect Marshall Weinberg take the oath of office as our school board president.
Our crack Massillon Review investigative team was on hand to witness history as a new chapter begins in the administration of our Massillon schools.
It was a stirring ceremony of pomp and circumstance. The 'friends of the program' football boosters were all seated at the front, emblematic of their perceived role in the school system. There was, however, one empty seat, a symbolic gesture made for an absent comrade who just couldn't attend. It was a glorious day for the 'friends of the program,' as one of their own takes the reigns of power.
The Massillon Tiger Swing Band played a fine rendition of Hail to the Chief as President Elect Weinberg arose to take the oath of office from outgoing President Tom Seesan. Seesan, as we were told, needed to "be a strong leader or let someone else step in" (Marshall Weinberg, The Independent, August 12, 2010).
Fortunately for us, "someone else stepped in."
Tears of joy were wept when the oath was administered, except in Superintendent Lisa Carmichael's case, who just plain wept.
Then Marshall gave his inaugural address;
He spoke of a brighter tomorrow, where the head football coach is the athletic director, because, "it's the lynch pin in the entire DREAM project" (The Independent, March 30, 2010), and how "recent issues, including an assistant coach and booster club member growing and selling marijuana could have been avoided, Weinberg said, if the football coach could report directly to the superintendent" (The Independent, March 30, 2010).
Stirring. Just tugs at the heart strings.
Marshall Weinberg's inauguration. A marvelous day, where our community can come together to celebrate a decision "made out of strength" and to finally put to rest "one of the issues tearing at the board."
Join us tomorrow, as the Massillon Review will be sorting through the various political gossip our faithful readers have been sending us.
Let It Snow...
As the snow gently falls across our fair city, the big question becomes, how much overtime will our Mayor for Life's Street Superintendent, Mike Stevens rack up?
According to an email Safety Service Director Mike Loudiana sent to us last year, Stevens does NOT plow any snow.
www.massillonreview.blogspot.com/2010/03/time-to-open-mail-bag.html
Again, the question is if Stevens can't plow any snow, why is he getting overtime when the city has to remove snow?
It's a good thing to bask in the patronage of our mayor for life.
And we wonder why the city is broke and in debt....
According to an email Safety Service Director Mike Loudiana sent to us last year, Stevens does NOT plow any snow.
www.massillonreview.blogspot.com/2010/03/time-to-open-mail-bag.html
Again, the question is if Stevens can't plow any snow, why is he getting overtime when the city has to remove snow?
It's a good thing to bask in the patronage of our mayor for life.
And we wonder why the city is broke and in debt....
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A Celebration!
.
One of our faithful readers asked if School Board President Marshall Weinberg was planning to stage an inaugural ball;
.
"Now that he is elected president will Marshall Weinberg have an inaugural ball?"
.
While we haven't heard officially, we wouldn't be surprised to see an inaugural ball in the works.
.
The election of Marshall Weinberg as Massillon School Board President is a time of celebration for the entire community.
.
The school board made a decision "out of strength," and put to rest "one of the issues that is tearing at the board" by making Marshall president.
.
We are not sure what the calendar holds for the celebrations that must surely occur following Marshall's triumphant ascension to the presidency, but be assured, the Massillon Review will be your complete source for information on all of Marshall's inauguration festivities.
.
We can't wait for President Weinberg's State of the Schools Address, or the agenda for the first 100 days of the Weinberg administration.
.
Our guess is that it will have something to do with turning over the Athletic Department to the 'friends of the program' football boosters, also known as completing the DREAM project.
.
We understand that Superintendent Carmichael is so thrilled working for the new Weinberg Administration, she is actively seeking out new employment.
.
Leaving will be her loss. She will miss participating in Massillon's newest reality television sensation, the Marshall Weinberg Show, also known as the televised school board meeting.
.
With the exception of Superintendent Carmichael, let the citizenry of Massillon revel and rejoice. Marshall Weinberg is in charge of our schools.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Hey
In 2007, David 'The Taxman' Hersher was elected as a member of Massillon City Council. The voters of Massillon get to elect three at large (citywide) members of council. The top three vote getters win a seat on city council.
In 2007, the voters chose;
Paul Manson with 3,963 votes
Larry Slagle with 3,953 votes
and David Hersher, with 2,965 votes
David 'The Taxman' Hersher was about 1,000 votes behind Manson and Slagle, meaning he was the politically weakest of the three councilmen elected.
In 2009, there were only 3 candidates for Massillon Council at Large.
Three candidates. Three slots. The voters get to vote for three people.
In theory, the three candidates should have received about the same vote totals.
In theory, but not in practice.
The unopposed Paul Manson received 4,088 votes.
The unopposed Larry Slagle received 4,075 votes.
The unopposed David Hersher received only 3,293 votes.
Knowing that he lacked the popularity of his council colleagues, how did David Hersher ingratiate himself to his new constituents?
He proposed tax increases and faithfully rubber stamped for Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli.
Hersher's first legislative initiative as a new member of council was to raise our sewer rates. He then proposed the "Storm Water Utility Fee" which is on our most recent sewer bill. Hersher voted to spend almost $200,000 dollars of our parks tax money to buy the restaurant at the golf course. He votes to send our tax dollars to pay the mortgage for a private hotel, and he votes to approve the mayor's unbalanced budgets.
David Hersher puts the tax into Taxman, and the rubber into rubber stamp.
Unfortunately for Taxman Hersher, his time as a member of council is coming to an end.
He wasn't real popular when he started, and he is less popular now.
Since Kathy Catazaro-Perry is apparently running for Council at Large, it is clear to everyone that it is Taxman David Hersher who will be without a council seat when the music stops.
Cue the Taxman's theme music -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gmZ4RJp5GQ
Goodbye Taxman Hersher. Our wallets have been lightened for the experience.
In 2007, the voters chose;
Paul Manson with 3,963 votes
Larry Slagle with 3,953 votes
and David Hersher, with 2,965 votes
David 'The Taxman' Hersher was about 1,000 votes behind Manson and Slagle, meaning he was the politically weakest of the three councilmen elected.
In 2009, there were only 3 candidates for Massillon Council at Large.
Three candidates. Three slots. The voters get to vote for three people.
In theory, the three candidates should have received about the same vote totals.
In theory, but not in practice.
The unopposed Paul Manson received 4,088 votes.
The unopposed Larry Slagle received 4,075 votes.
The unopposed David Hersher received only 3,293 votes.
Knowing that he lacked the popularity of his council colleagues, how did David Hersher ingratiate himself to his new constituents?
He proposed tax increases and faithfully rubber stamped for Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli.
Hersher's first legislative initiative as a new member of council was to raise our sewer rates. He then proposed the "Storm Water Utility Fee" which is on our most recent sewer bill. Hersher voted to spend almost $200,000 dollars of our parks tax money to buy the restaurant at the golf course. He votes to send our tax dollars to pay the mortgage for a private hotel, and he votes to approve the mayor's unbalanced budgets.
David Hersher puts the tax into Taxman, and the rubber into rubber stamp.
Unfortunately for Taxman Hersher, his time as a member of council is coming to an end.
He wasn't real popular when he started, and he is less popular now.
Since Kathy Catazaro-Perry is apparently running for Council at Large, it is clear to everyone that it is Taxman David Hersher who will be without a council seat when the music stops.
Cue the Taxman's theme music -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gmZ4RJp5GQ
Goodbye Taxman Hersher. Our wallets have been lightened for the experience.
Breaking News
According to a very reliable source, Ward 3 Councilwoman Kathy Catazaro-Perry has pulled petitions to run for Massillon Council at Large, not for Mayor.
It does not appear that Catazaro-Perry will be challenging our beloved Mayor for Life for the leadership of our fair city.
Stay tuned for further details...
It does not appear that Catazaro-Perry will be challenging our beloved Mayor for Life for the leadership of our fair city.
Stay tuned for further details...
The Master at Work
Massillon's Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, visited the Stark County Board of Elections and pulled his petitions to run for a Seventh term as mayor for life. This was not s surprise.
Also joining our Mayor for Life at the elections board was Kevin Phillips, the mayor's handpicked rubber stamp who will be challenging Ward 2 Councilman Gary Anderson in the Democratic primary.
This was also not a surprise.
We told our faithful readers this would happen.
We told our faithful readers on April 7th of last year this would happen.
www.massillonreview.blogspot.com/2010/04/master-at-work.html
The Mayor for Life is recruiting council candidates, like Kevin Phillips, who will rubber stamp as they are told.
If you stand up to the mayor, he looks to punish you.
And replace you on council.
Unfortunately for Gary Anderson, he let the Mayor for Life con him into believing that it was his (Anderson's) job to negotiate higher water rates with Aqua Ohio.
Anderson took the bait.
And now Kevin Phillips can rail against higher water rates.
Brilliant.
Mayor Cicchinelli is an artisan and skilled craftsman at manipulating his opposition.
Well played, Mayor. Well played.
Also joining our Mayor for Life at the elections board was Kevin Phillips, the mayor's handpicked rubber stamp who will be challenging Ward 2 Councilman Gary Anderson in the Democratic primary.
This was also not a surprise.
We told our faithful readers this would happen.
We told our faithful readers on April 7th of last year this would happen.
www.massillonreview.blogspot.com/2010/04/master-at-work.html
The Mayor for Life is recruiting council candidates, like Kevin Phillips, who will rubber stamp as they are told.
If you stand up to the mayor, he looks to punish you.
And replace you on council.
Unfortunately for Gary Anderson, he let the Mayor for Life con him into believing that it was his (Anderson's) job to negotiate higher water rates with Aqua Ohio.
Anderson took the bait.
And now Kevin Phillips can rail against higher water rates.
Brilliant.
Mayor Cicchinelli is an artisan and skilled craftsman at manipulating his opposition.
Well played, Mayor. Well played.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Taxman Hersher's New Year's Greeting
The City of Massillon has just received Taxman Dave Hersher's special New Year's Greeting.
It is our City of Massillon Sewer and Waste Department quarterly bill.
It's higher.
Look at the front.
The Code "ST" is Taxman Hersher's new 'Storm Water Utility Fee.'
Perhaps Taxman Hersher will tell us what plan he has for our new tax?
We wonder how many 'Storm Water' projects this will fund?
Let's see the schedule of 'Storm Water' improvements already on the drawing board.
Thank you Taxman Hersher! And a Happy New Year to you, too!
It is our City of Massillon Sewer and Waste Department quarterly bill.
It's higher.
Look at the front.
The Code "ST" is Taxman Hersher's new 'Storm Water Utility Fee.'
Perhaps Taxman Hersher will tell us what plan he has for our new tax?
We wonder how many 'Storm Water' projects this will fund?
Let's see the schedule of 'Storm Water' improvements already on the drawing board.
Thank you Taxman Hersher! And a Happy New Year to you, too!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Helpful
There is an article in today's Independent regarding two Massillon Councilmen owing back property taxes.
Councilman Donnie Peters owes back taxes on his business, the Checkered Flag NASACR store.
We don't believe for one second that the Independent just 'stumbled' on to this salacious bit of information.
We believe they had help.
Any one who knows our Mayor for Life, who really knows our Mayor for Life, is probably thinking what we are thinking. That the mayor, or one of his lackeys, dropped the dime on Peters because Peters has not been faithfully rubber stamping recently for the mayor.
Voting against the mayor's budget was probably the last straw.
Donnie Peters owns a downtown business and the economy has been struggling.
His partner died, and he had to assume full control of the business.
He kept it open, in Massillon's downtown, during the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression.
Peters plans on making good on these back taxes.
He could have closed up shop, and never worried about the property tax bill.
We need business in our community and Donnie Peters should be applauded for his entrepreneurial efforts.
We need people to invest in our community, especially our downtown, and grow jobs.
Government does not create jobs. Entrepreneurs do.
We believe Peters will make good on his tax bill.
We also believe this story did not 'just happen.'
The Mayor for Life plays hardball.
And you don't get to be mayor for life without vigorously punishing your enemies.
Councilman Donnie Peters owes back taxes on his business, the Checkered Flag NASACR store.
We don't believe for one second that the Independent just 'stumbled' on to this salacious bit of information.
We believe they had help.
Any one who knows our Mayor for Life, who really knows our Mayor for Life, is probably thinking what we are thinking. That the mayor, or one of his lackeys, dropped the dime on Peters because Peters has not been faithfully rubber stamping recently for the mayor.
Voting against the mayor's budget was probably the last straw.
Donnie Peters owns a downtown business and the economy has been struggling.
His partner died, and he had to assume full control of the business.
He kept it open, in Massillon's downtown, during the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression.
Peters plans on making good on these back taxes.
He could have closed up shop, and never worried about the property tax bill.
We need business in our community and Donnie Peters should be applauded for his entrepreneurial efforts.
We need people to invest in our community, especially our downtown, and grow jobs.
Government does not create jobs. Entrepreneurs do.
We believe Peters will make good on his tax bill.
We also believe this story did not 'just happen.'
The Mayor for Life plays hardball.
And you don't get to be mayor for life without vigorously punishing your enemies.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Circus Maximus
According to a story in today's Independent, the Massillon City School Board will once again be televising its meetings. The Board voted three to two to televise its proceedings. Marshall Weinberg, Phil Elum, and Gary Miller voted in the affirmative, while Vicki Becherucci and Tom Seesan voted "No."
If one were to analyze the vote, one would assume Superintendent Lisa Carmichael was opposed to televising the meetings, based on the votes of Becherucci and Seesan, who are always in her corner.
Beceherucci believed that televising the meetings negatively impacted the Board's proceedings.
"We were becoming fodder for entertainment" (Vicki Becherucci, The Independent, January 6, 2010).
She ain't seen nothin' yet!
The Massillon Review would like to offer sincere congratulations to Marshall Weinberg, who was chosen by his colleagues to serve as Massillon School Board President.
Kudos to the School Board for putting an end to "one of the issues that is tearing at the board," by making Marshall president, and making a decision "out of strength."
With cameras recording the proceedings, and Marshall as president, the entertainment value of our school administration just went through the roof.
Superintendent Carmichael better watch her language, or risk incurring the wrath of the television censors.
If one were to analyze the vote, one would assume Superintendent Lisa Carmichael was opposed to televising the meetings, based on the votes of Becherucci and Seesan, who are always in her corner.
Beceherucci believed that televising the meetings negatively impacted the Board's proceedings.
"We were becoming fodder for entertainment" (Vicki Becherucci, The Independent, January 6, 2010).
She ain't seen nothin' yet!
The Massillon Review would like to offer sincere congratulations to Marshall Weinberg, who was chosen by his colleagues to serve as Massillon School Board President.
Kudos to the School Board for putting an end to "one of the issues that is tearing at the board," by making Marshall president, and making a decision "out of strength."
With cameras recording the proceedings, and Marshall as president, the entertainment value of our school administration just went through the roof.
Superintendent Carmichael better watch her language, or risk incurring the wrath of the television censors.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Hail to the Chief
Tonight, the Massillon City Board of Education will be holding its reorganizational meeting. Among a number of items on the agenda, the school board will be choosing a new board president to lead our school system in 2011.
According to board member Marshall Weinberg, the choice to the school board should be clear.
"Weinberg, when asked if he'd considered serving as board president, said he had. In fact, he had hoped to be president this year (2010), being the only veteran board member who hadn't yet held the title. The board opted instead to appoint Seesan" (The Independent, August 12, 2010).
"It is one of the issues that is tearing at the board," Weinberg said. "Unfortunately, because of the issues of legality, I can't discuss it in specifics, but it was not a decision made out of strength. Now, we are all seeing the ramifications" (The Independent, August 12, 2010).
The Massillon Review is urging the school board to correct this gross miscarriage of justice, and to make a decision "out of strength." Let's put an end to "one of the issues that is tearing at the board." Let's vote Marhsall Weinberg President.
Marshall Weinberg. Humility. Common Sense. And in the immortal words of President Barack Obama, change we can believe in.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSegQ9gGFbc
Three cheers for President Marshall Weinberg
According to board member Marshall Weinberg, the choice to the school board should be clear.
"Weinberg, when asked if he'd considered serving as board president, said he had. In fact, he had hoped to be president this year (2010), being the only veteran board member who hadn't yet held the title. The board opted instead to appoint Seesan" (The Independent, August 12, 2010).
"It is one of the issues that is tearing at the board," Weinberg said. "Unfortunately, because of the issues of legality, I can't discuss it in specifics, but it was not a decision made out of strength. Now, we are all seeing the ramifications" (The Independent, August 12, 2010).
The Massillon Review is urging the school board to correct this gross miscarriage of justice, and to make a decision "out of strength." Let's put an end to "one of the issues that is tearing at the board." Let's vote Marhsall Weinberg President.
Marshall Weinberg. Humility. Common Sense. And in the immortal words of President Barack Obama, change we can believe in.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSegQ9gGFbc
Three cheers for President Marshall Weinberg
Take a Look
Republican Massillon City Council at Large candidate Milan Chovan has started a blog in order to share his views with the community he hopes to represent.
Chovan will be competing against Democrats Taxman Hersher, Lap Dog of the Treasury Manson, and Larry Slagle for a place on Massillon City Council as an at large member.
We share with you, our faithful readers, his site.
www.milan-chovan.blogspot.com
Chovan will be competing against Democrats Taxman Hersher, Lap Dog of the Treasury Manson, and Larry Slagle for a place on Massillon City Council as an at large member.
We share with you, our faithful readers, his site.
www.milan-chovan.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Resolutions
Our crack Massillon Review research team showed up at Massillon City Council last night, and was able to retrieve a copy of the City of Massillon's New Year Resolutions list.
We share them with our faithful readers as a public service.
Taxman Dave Hersher resolves to find new and creative ways to raise our taxes in 2011.
Our Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, resolves to blame Taxman Hersher when taxes go up.
Parks Czar Kenn Kaminski and Streets Superintendent Mike Stevens resolve to rack up even more egregious, unneeded overtime while the city goes broke.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to blame someone else when the city goes broke.
Councilman Larry Slagle resolves to end lunches for city employees.
(Perhaps Club Legends will deliver sandwiches to them at their desks).
Taxman Hersher resolves to tax city employee lunches.
Auditor Jayne Ferrero resolves to cover the mayor's back no matter how poorly he treats her.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to continue to throw Jayne Ferrero under the bus, because he knows she will always have his back.
Lap Dog of the Treasury Paul Manson resolves to continue to vote for every thing the mayor wants.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to continue to tell Paul Manson how to vote.
Councilman Donnie Peters resolves to continue to utilize tact and diplomacy when dealing with his fellow council members.
Councilman David McCune resolves to make sure his family is above the law.
As a matter of fact, we have a video clip of David McCune at a recent city council meeting, explaining the parking ticket fiasco to Kathy Catazaro-Perry;
www.youtube.com/watch?v=miVoe7U6Lx4
Everyone on city council, except Kathy Catazaro-Perry, resolves to continue to use tax dollars to pay the mortgage of the privately held Hampton Inn.
Parks Czar Kenn Kaminski resolves to continue to blame 'Park Vandals' for the decrepit condition of Massillon's parks.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to continue to hijack park income tax money to subsidize the unprofitable city owned golf course.
The Mayor and his administration resolve to continue to not have a business plan for Club Legends, the restaurant at the golf course that Glenn Gamber, Ron Mang, Taxman Dave Hersher, David McCune and Larry Slagle voted to spend $199,000 to buy last year. Heck, its only been 10 months, why the rush?
Council President Glenn Gamber resolves to continue to run city council with an iron fist, manipulating the rules as he goes along, so that the Mayor for Life's agenda goes forward.
The Mayor for Life resolves to continue to tell Glenn Gamber how to manipulate the council rules so that his agenda goes forward.
School Board member Marhsall Weinberg resolves to not let let common sense get in the way of his desire to make football the top priority in our school district.
School Superintendent Lisa Carmichael resolves to continue to describe school board member Marshall Weinberg with laser like accuracy.
School Board member Tom Seesan resolves not to give in to the 'friends of the program' football boosters, and to continue to maintain his ethics.
School Board member Vicki Becherucci resolves to look up the word 'ethics' in a dictionary.
and lastly...
The Massillon Review resolves to continue serve our great community by bringing sunlight into the dark recesses of city government.
Happy New Year!
From the Staff of the Massillon Review
We share them with our faithful readers as a public service.
Taxman Dave Hersher resolves to find new and creative ways to raise our taxes in 2011.
Our Mayor for Life, Frank Cicchinelli, resolves to blame Taxman Hersher when taxes go up.
Parks Czar Kenn Kaminski and Streets Superintendent Mike Stevens resolve to rack up even more egregious, unneeded overtime while the city goes broke.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to blame someone else when the city goes broke.
Councilman Larry Slagle resolves to end lunches for city employees.
(Perhaps Club Legends will deliver sandwiches to them at their desks).
Taxman Hersher resolves to tax city employee lunches.
Auditor Jayne Ferrero resolves to cover the mayor's back no matter how poorly he treats her.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to continue to throw Jayne Ferrero under the bus, because he knows she will always have his back.
Lap Dog of the Treasury Paul Manson resolves to continue to vote for every thing the mayor wants.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to continue to tell Paul Manson how to vote.
Councilman Donnie Peters resolves to continue to utilize tact and diplomacy when dealing with his fellow council members.
Councilman David McCune resolves to make sure his family is above the law.
As a matter of fact, we have a video clip of David McCune at a recent city council meeting, explaining the parking ticket fiasco to Kathy Catazaro-Perry;
www.youtube.com/watch?v=miVoe7U6Lx4
Everyone on city council, except Kathy Catazaro-Perry, resolves to continue to use tax dollars to pay the mortgage of the privately held Hampton Inn.
Parks Czar Kenn Kaminski resolves to continue to blame 'Park Vandals' for the decrepit condition of Massillon's parks.
Mayor Cicchinelli resolves to continue to hijack park income tax money to subsidize the unprofitable city owned golf course.
The Mayor and his administration resolve to continue to not have a business plan for Club Legends, the restaurant at the golf course that Glenn Gamber, Ron Mang, Taxman Dave Hersher, David McCune and Larry Slagle voted to spend $199,000 to buy last year. Heck, its only been 10 months, why the rush?
Council President Glenn Gamber resolves to continue to run city council with an iron fist, manipulating the rules as he goes along, so that the Mayor for Life's agenda goes forward.
The Mayor for Life resolves to continue to tell Glenn Gamber how to manipulate the council rules so that his agenda goes forward.
School Board member Marhsall Weinberg resolves to not let let common sense get in the way of his desire to make football the top priority in our school district.
School Superintendent Lisa Carmichael resolves to continue to describe school board member Marshall Weinberg with laser like accuracy.
School Board member Tom Seesan resolves not to give in to the 'friends of the program' football boosters, and to continue to maintain his ethics.
School Board member Vicki Becherucci resolves to look up the word 'ethics' in a dictionary.
and lastly...
The Massillon Review resolves to continue serve our great community by bringing sunlight into the dark recesses of city government.
Happy New Year!
From the Staff of the Massillon Review
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Dissension in the Ranks
The people of Massillon are served, a term we use loosely, by a nine member city council. Four of the council members, Taxman Dave Hersher, Lap Dog of the Treasury Paul Manson, Ron Mang and David McCune are loyal, faithful, diehard mayoral rubber stamps.
These four have voted to spend our tax dollars to pay for the mortgage of a private hotel. They vote for the mayor's unbalanced budgets. They vote to raise sewer rates, and "storm water utility fees." They always support the mayor.
If Frank Cicchinelli wanted to offer tax abatement to an al-Qaida terror cell, these four, in all likelihood, would support it.
They tow the party line.
They carry the mayor's water.
They vote in unison.
They are usually joined by either Larry Slagle, or Donnie Peters to give the mayor his crucial fifth vote. Peters and Slagle sometimes vote against the mayor on big issues. The Fab Four don't.
For the first time, it appears there is dissension in these ranks.
6th Ward Councilman Dave McCune's daughter received a parking ticket for apparently parking in a handicapped parking spot. Councilman McCune was not happy. According to our Mayor for Life's Safety-Service Director, Mike Loudiana, McCune felt that she should not have to pay;
"He wanted us to forgive the ticket" (Mike Loudiana, The Independent, December 30, 2010).
To their credit, the administration did not.
It has been argued that Councilman McCune was using his position as a member of council to help his daughter get the ticket "forgiven."
Of course, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Fifth Ward Councilman Donnie "Gandhi" Peters, was there to put the fine art of diplomacy into practice;
"He (McCune) knows if he were here, I would jump his (expletive) about it."
(The Independent, December 30, 2010).
"Peters said McCune's "motives are off base..." and said McCune is using his political seat for personal gain" (The Independent, December 30, 2010).
You knew it was a bad night for McCune when even fellow rubber stamp Paul Manson opposed McCune's desire to give parking offenders more time to pay their fines.
"I'm sorry, I don't see the reason for it."
(Paul Manson, The Independent, December 30, 2010).
McCune can't be happy with Mayor Cicchinelli, Mike Loudiana, or Paul Manson.
We wonder how this will afect his undying loyalty.
These four have voted to spend our tax dollars to pay for the mortgage of a private hotel. They vote for the mayor's unbalanced budgets. They vote to raise sewer rates, and "storm water utility fees." They always support the mayor.
If Frank Cicchinelli wanted to offer tax abatement to an al-Qaida terror cell, these four, in all likelihood, would support it.
They tow the party line.
They carry the mayor's water.
They vote in unison.
They are usually joined by either Larry Slagle, or Donnie Peters to give the mayor his crucial fifth vote. Peters and Slagle sometimes vote against the mayor on big issues. The Fab Four don't.
For the first time, it appears there is dissension in these ranks.
6th Ward Councilman Dave McCune's daughter received a parking ticket for apparently parking in a handicapped parking spot. Councilman McCune was not happy. According to our Mayor for Life's Safety-Service Director, Mike Loudiana, McCune felt that she should not have to pay;
"He wanted us to forgive the ticket" (Mike Loudiana, The Independent, December 30, 2010).
To their credit, the administration did not.
It has been argued that Councilman McCune was using his position as a member of council to help his daughter get the ticket "forgiven."
Of course, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Fifth Ward Councilman Donnie "Gandhi" Peters, was there to put the fine art of diplomacy into practice;
"He (McCune) knows if he were here, I would jump his (expletive) about it."
(The Independent, December 30, 2010).
"Peters said McCune's "motives are off base..." and said McCune is using his political seat for personal gain" (The Independent, December 30, 2010).
You knew it was a bad night for McCune when even fellow rubber stamp Paul Manson opposed McCune's desire to give parking offenders more time to pay their fines.
"I'm sorry, I don't see the reason for it."
(Paul Manson, The Independent, December 30, 2010).
McCune can't be happy with Mayor Cicchinelli, Mike Loudiana, or Paul Manson.
We wonder how this will afect his undying loyalty.
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