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photo by Jessica St. James
Changes in technology have always had impact on politics. Things are no different today, and it is easily noticeable that politics on every level have been influence by Web Operations.
Web plays big role in politics
Published Sunday, September 21, 2008
IRONTON — Fewer than 20 years ago, the television or radio commercial, the newspaper advertisement and the colorful campaign sign were the most common tools of political promotion.
Buttons. Note pads with a candidate’s name. Tiny sewing kits. Cigarette lighters. Those were tools, too. And there was always friendly or not-so-friendly chat that ensued when a candidate went door-to door to sway potential voters
But between now and then, candidates discovered a new tool that could be used to take their cause to the voters: the worldwide web.
Bloggers. Web sites. Message boards. Online newspapers. You Tube.
While some of the old forms of campaigning have not fallen by the wayside, they have been joined by a new set of tools that provide new opportunity for candidates to get their message to the public.
Times have changed and on every level, campaigning — as the saying goes — ain’t what it used to be.
Visit my site
While nearly all local candidates still go door to door, still put up those campaign signs and still buy those newspaper ads, more and more candidates are developing Web sites aimed at getting voter approval.
Lawrence County Commissioner Jason Stephens, who is running for re-election, said he has had a Web site every time he has campaigned for office, but he said it has become a more effective tool than in years previous because it is becoming more and more a part of people’s lives.
“More people are used to using it now,” he said.
Stephens said a Web site will allow a candidate to share more information than through other forms of media and he said more people are telling him they have seen his Web site and like it.
“It provides a resource for people to make informed decisions,” he said.
He said he also communicates quite a bit with people through e-mail.
Wayne Pennington is Stephens’ Democratic opponent. Pennington said he appreciates the power of the Internet.
He uses email regularly in his work and reads newspapers online. But he doesn’t have a Web site because he prefers to meet voters in person, shake their hands and hear what they have to say.
“It may seem old-fashioned,” Pennington said. “But I have never had anyone ask me, ‘Do you have a Web site?’ I like face-to-face. That way they can actually ask you a question rather than wait on an e-mail.”
The first local candidate to take Internet use a step further was Lawrence County Commissioner Tanner Heaberlin. In addition to his Web site, he created a page on You Tube, complete with commercials. He said one complemented the other.
“When I put one of my You Tube spots on the Web site, the hits bounced up,” Heaberlin said. He said his Web site gets 20-30 hits a day, sometimes more if there are newspaper articles published about him.
He said one of his You Tube ads has received more than 915 hits and his two other commercials have gotten more than 400 hits each. Heaberlin said the You Tube page has been successful and he plans to add new commercials.
Like other candidates, Heaberlin said the Internet allows him to communicate almost instantly with the public.
“What’s really changed is that programs such as Web 20 makes it easy for people who don’t know a lot about Web design to create a good Web site,” Heaberlin said. “I think it is important to mix technology with grass roots campaigning.”
Les Boggs the Republican who is seeking to unseat Heaberlin, said his Web site is “not as elaborate as it could be” but it has basic information about him and his campaign. He said despite having a Web site, he also still prefers going to door to door and meeting the people he wants to represent.
“You’ve got to do it all. If you want to win, you’ve got to do it all,” Boggs said.
The nasty side
Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin had barely been introduced to the media before she found herself and her family attacked by Internet bloggers who made sport of her pregnant teen-aged daughter, took aim at her rural roots and assailed her small town political career.
Every candidate who steps foot on the national stage these days, be it Palin or any other national figure, at some point feels the sting of anonymous bloggers.
Locally, some have expressed disappointment in comments posted anonymously on message boards and in comment portions of media outlet Web sites.
Both Boggs and Stephens pointed out that message boards can be used against candidates. Some Web sites, such as The Tribune’s, that allow people to post comments anonymously, can be used against candidates by less-than-admiring readers, they say.
“I don’t think all comments posted on the net are fair,” said Boggs, who added he would like to see more responsibility and accountability in blogging.
Stephens pointed out that the anonymity of such comment areas can lead people to make statements they would not have the courage to make if they had to attach their name to their comment.
Pennington agreed that while he does read comments posted about Tribune stories by readers, he often finds those comments to be negative.
“There are some cold comments out there,” he said.
Heaberlin said the comment boards in and of themselves are unfair, as long as people say outlandish things.
He likened the message boards and comment areas to “going to the barbershop.”
“You go there and people sit and talk and give you their opinion, although people are probably going to have more guts to say things if they’re sitting at a computer than if they are facing you,” he said.
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Comments
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 3:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was going to vote for Tanner Hebearlin until I saw his underhanded and dishonest tactics on Youtube. Now I see him embroiled even more into the 'good ole boy network' than I ever thought possible.
His smearing of Les Boggs has went past the point of absurd and is just disgusting. And to think, that guy is teaching kids at Rock Hill. Someone should dimiss him quick, for his actions on youtube are teaching the children to go as low as you can just to win.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tanner will work for all the people of Law. Co. he's no puppet.
Les is such a puppet for Moose, you can see the strings.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
P.S. Eat a bean
Posted by Slick77 (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shooter...I think you have the wrong Les Boggs, cause the one I know is a guy full of integrity. Never heard a bad word about him my whole life. He grew up with some of my brothers and was always around. Nothing but a great person. The biggest plus he has with me, he treated my mom with respect and manners.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tanner asked the questions about the money being owed to the county from the former election board director who received her pay for 6 months after being dismissed, or fired, whichever term you like.
I attended a commission meeting a couple of weeks ago and this was brought up.
Jason put on the stall wanting to wait until the state audit
was complete. What the state audit has to do with the county recovering money it knows its owed is beyond me.
Right is right, and I call for all three Commissioners to get this money back, whatever it takes and to be up front with the public about this. Unlike when Moose's grand-daughter
stole the money from Law. Co. taxpayers and received a slap on the hand.
P.S. Eat a bean
Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see in Tanner's ads that Don Simmons is his treasurer for his campaign. And Simmons is the husband of Karen Simmons, who is on the election board, and signed off on pay vouchers to the auditor's office to pay Mary Wipert for 6 months of non-work. and Tanner is the one who exposed this.
What up with that?
Posted by Noesis (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a mental image of Shooter attending the commision meeting, making a statement and then telling the commisioners to "Eat a bean!"
Posted by michaelOH (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lawdy Tribune !
Don't you have ANYTHING more interesting ?
Posted by qwe123 (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that using the web is a great way for voters to get information about the candidates! I personally loved the videos on youtube. If a candidate doesn't want others to see what he is doing, then he should be careful of what he does. All I can say is Voters beware of a Wolf in sheeps clothing!!!!!
Posted by keta (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
According to the article, local politicians read this. Here's an open letter to leaders of the Democratic persuasion:
Where are you? Many Lawrence County citizens are working hard to get those all-important southern Ohio votes for Barack Obama. We're knocking on doors, making phone calls, and writing letters. We're enthusiastic and determined, and we expect to be successful. We're doing these things with no local leadership, since all of you seem to be AWOL. It is clear that when this is over, and people like us are represented once again, it will be in spite of you, not because of you.
I assume that you're not publically and enthusiastically supporting our candidate because you're afraid of losing votes. This is Lawrence County, after all, and Obama is African-American. This is exactly the kind of cowardly nonsense that keeps us where we are - out of step and far behind. If you don't share our belief in Democratic principles, or if you don't have the courage of your convictions, you should at least get out of the way. Resign. Let someone with a backbone that allows him or her to stand upright take your place. It's the least you can do. This simply isn't the time for small-town, redneck ideology to determine our futures. Man up, for heaven's sake.
Posted by michaelOH (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PEOPLE !
i HAVE LEARNED IN MY LIFE THAT CORUPTION IS EVERYWHERE !
IT IS CALLED PERKS !
IT WILL EXIST WITH OBAMA, MCAIN, ANY FIELD OF ENDEAVOR.
SOMETIMES IT HELPS US, SOMETIMES NOT.
JUST VOTE FOR WHOMEVER.
REPITION BORES ME .
Posted by michaelOH (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CORRUPTION * ? (WHATEVER)
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny how keta just called our local Democrats racists for not getting out and publicly supporting Obama.
Wouldn't you like your elected officials to stand on their own and not endorse a candidate they don't personally believe in? I think being ones self is more honorable than towing the party line, and that is admirable.
Posted by keta (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, I didn't. I said they're allowing racists, and their name is legion in Lawrence County, to dictate their behavior. It's silly to pretend this is debatable. I know many people who've suffered quite a lot during the Bush years, people who can't wait to vote for Obama, but they don't put signs in their yards. They're a little bit afraid to. If local leaders would stand up and lead, it would be a lot easier.
I don't believe for a moment that any of these leaders think Obama is a bad candidate. They recognize what he is, and what a Democratic administration would mean to all of us at this point. They have Lawrence County Disease, that old ailment that makes local politicians see everything in terms of how it will affect them, not how it will affect us.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They are not your Democrats Vil, by your posts, we know you are a republican and a racist to boot. This is the 21st century. Its time to get over your inherited racism and hate of other races.
P.S. Eat a bean
Posted by pslate (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Heaberlin is a man of upstanding ethics and strong morals. He supports his family and has many friends. He is not the type to preach one thing during the day and turn into something else in the shadows of nightfall. He is the best commissioner we have had in decades.
Posted by keta (anonymous) on September 21, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's great that he supports his family - everyone should. And it's always good to have a lot of friends, and strong morals, however you define that, all good. I've met him a few times, and he seems like a nice guy. It's just that it's typical of Lawrence County that even with the groundswell of support for Obama, and the hard work and considerable success of so many citizens who are trying to beat back ignorance and keep people from voting against their own interests again, local officials like our commissioners are weirdly absent. Afraid to lose the redneck vote, they refuse to stand up for the candidate who is standing up for Democratic principles: prosperity for many instead of a few, attention paid to workers and their families, all the beliefs that make us Democrats instead of Republicans. At this point, you could argue that they're NOT Democrats - they're just politicians.
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 1:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We missed you at the meeting last week, Shooter. Our special guest speaker was West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd. He was a hoot too.
(^^That was a joke, for the people who miss satire)
Neither candidate is really worth anything IMO. Other than his ideas on energy and homeland security, I really don't know where McCain stands on a decent amount of things. He's been unclear on a few things, especially the border and illegal immigration. Obama says one thing one day, then does a 180 the next day.
I feel McCain will protect us better. I'd rather the rest of the world see us as the strong superpower than the softy I feel it will become if Obama is President. It has nothing to do with race, I don't like how Obama carries himself and some of the people associated in his past. There seems to be an arrogance about him that I just don't trust.
If I am racist for voting for McCain instead of Obama, then you are a sexist for voting for Obama and not Sarah Palin. If we want to continue with the petty name calling, I can call you a baby killer and you can retort with calling me a warmonger. We can continue the cycle, and we will get absolutely nowhere on how we can make this country better.
I'm more of a Constitutionalist, feeling less government intervention in my every day life is a good thing.
Under their current plans as discussed on both candidates websites, McCain's policies will expand government less than Obama. Obama has a plethora of New Deal type programs he wants to introduce, and I'm not a fan of that.
But not agreeing on policy and theory makes me a racist I guess.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that those individuals who are seeking elective office should be transparent enough that they could easily rebut any "anonymous bulletin board attack."
Les Boggs, for example, was one of the individuals citing this as an argument for NOT participating in a forum like this. Now I recall that there was some talk of him and his hummer a while back but why should that scare him away from coming here and speaking to the people. His signs read:
*****************************************************************************************
Elect: A Proven Leader with a Plan
--- HIS NAME HERE ---
For County Commissioner
*****************************************************************************************
Really? A proven leader?? Besides switching to a cheaper grade of paper what has he done while in the Clerk of Courts office that would cement his position as a "proven leader?" What's your BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT Leslie?
But he's not only a "proven leader", he has "a plan." Really? What is the plan? Where can we find it?? Do we have to drive out to your house and get you to print it out of your notepad file???
You see, I believe that those who do not have the courage to step into this arena are not worthy of public office. The anecdotal comment "...nobody ever asked me if I had a website..." is really folksy, but a LOT of people do have a computer...do have the internet...and do read here. Further, in this anonymous forum you will be asked questions that you probably would not be asked face to face. I'm not suggesting, of course, that someone might be afraid of retribution if they asked you a tough question face to face, but, well....yes I am.
Michael, I have encouraged you to set up a forum for each of the candidates where they can interface with the voters who read and post here.
Michael, you need to throw down the gauntlet and move forward with this. Those who don't want to play can sit it out. Those with the guts to face the voters will get in the game. Personally, I hope that those who will not face the voters here are defeated by a tremendous margin this November. It takes ZERO GUTS to run out and put up a bunch of signs. Real leaders will step into the ring...here...and face the voters.
Readers and posters, regardless of whether you've agreed with me on other issues in the past, give me an "AMEN" if you agree that our candidates should step into the ring right here, right now for a forum between now and election day!
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 1:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a side note, it is not sufficient for the candidates to merely have their own websites and to communicate via email (which is easily usable in a reverse lookup to determine your identity). This does not give voters a forum where you can see a discussion thread and, possibly, ask follow up questions. We don't need a handful of sites that are basically just advertisements for the candidates with no real substance. We don't need candidates that hide behind their desks afraid to face up to the public.
We deserve to have a CENTRAL LOCATION right here at the Tribune website where the politicians with the guts to answer tough questions with straight answers can interact with voters online.
Clearly, the Tribune can hold this forum to a high standard of ethics and ban users who post libelous comments.
So, there's nothing to stop you Tribune. There's nothing to stop you Politicians. If you have what it takes, step up to the plate. CAN I GET AN AMEN ???
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 2:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo actually makes some sense.
Your 'Les Boggs: A proven Leader with a Plan' thing was funny. Every time I see one of those signs I imagine Les with a cheesy grin giving a thumbs up.
The problem with the candidate forum where they interact with anonymous users is that it needs consistently moderated 24/7 due to the libelous material that can be posted.
Tanner may be a qualifeid candidate to some of you, but I find it hard that he can be a teacher and a public office holder and a family man at the same time. I've got family who are teachers and the small amount of free time they have after grading tests, home work, and working out the lesson plans, they spend it with their family.
With Heaberlin also being a Commissioner, I'd hate to know who is getting shortchanged. There's only 24 hours in a day and one person can only do so much. Les seems to have a lot of free time on his hands, and he has a Plan daggone it. That's one way to look at things too.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 2:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vil, I agree with your statement "The problem with the candidate forum where they interact with anonymous users is that it needs consistently moderated 24/7 due to the libelous material that can be posted.
That is why I deliberately chose the term "ban users" rather than just remove inappropriate remarks. In other words, while still an open forum, there would be a higher standard of conduct. Depending on the comment, it would be at the Tribune's discretion to not even give the user a second chance if they posted a truly heinous comment.
The Tribune shouldn't have to spend a huge chunk of their time monitoring this. If users demonstrate that they can't play by the rules, ban them from this part of the forum. This is probably the only way we can have it, but have it we must. Aren't you guys tired of seeing the same old people...the same old ideas and the same old families elected over and over again? Then let's get them on here and put them to the test. CAN I GET AN AMEN???
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I received a call this weekend from my daughter saying her
landlord took her Obama sign from the frontyard she rents in Coal Grove, and she got a note from him saying they needed to talk about it. Shouldn't you have talked about it before taking her sign? Do you run roughshod over all your renters? I once thought highly of the Zoar church crowd, but now I see your true colors. No political signs in Coal Grove unless preapproved by Moose. Tom B. you should be ashamed. Jason Stephens, I'll not throw your sign away, please stop back by and pick it up.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
P.S. Eat a bean
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't worry about it Shooter. Obama isn't even focusing on the "sign wars"...he's focusing on new voter registration, face-to-face and telephone campaigning. From my (always unnamed) polling source (and can I get an AMEN shooter for getting those local politicians on this website to talk about the doggone issues for a change):
"BREAKING: Obama Campaign Organizers Trying To Win Election Instead of Get You Yard Signs
In a controversial move sure to upset millions of people, Barack Obama’s campaign has decided to forgo the traditional time-wasting distribution of chum (yard signs, bumper stickers, etc.) to try and win the election.
Settling on what they call a “get voters to register by approaching them on the phone and at the door with an army of volunteers” strategy, Obama’s senior staff has directed state, regional, and local field organizers to use their finite time to make tangible progress toward winning."
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I, too, am in favor of ALL candidates participating in these forums. I think their excuses for NOT participating are at best flimsey. This forum gives them a place for public rebuttal, for public OR private accusations. I for one would like to hear Boggs response concerning his hummer. I don't see the connection to his leadership abilities, but it might help to "humanize" him to all of us. Equally, I'd like to hear Heaberlin's response to working 2 jobs, even though many other commissioners (past and present) have other jobs.
I'd like to see the BOE explain why they seem to be the only office NOT complying with the commissioners' requested 15% cut in their budget.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
*************************************************************
Proven Leader = I kept on running for office until I finally won something.
Plan = To make more money in the next office I'm elected to than I did in the last one.
The Best Part = You suckers keep falling for it. LOL!!!
(p.s. - It gets easier when you "man up" and step into the ring here.)
*************************************************************
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MC, maybe they don't have the guts. Maybe they just don't care. Maybe they figure they can keep winning the good old fashioned way, by having a few "power brokers" who beat the bushes for them and turn in hundreds of absentee ballots. Maybe someone needs to try to turn over the apple cart.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and I KNOW that you read these posts after someone in your office sees it, says "oh gosh" and runs to the "boss."
You can walk around town with your chin (and two thumbs) up like you don't see this stuff but I know better.
Why don't you step into the ring? Got something to hide?
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Slick - "...full of integrity???" Nah, it's too easy. I'm not even gonna go there.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen to the forum Neo. I nominate you as moderator. For you keep a cool head no matter how bizarre and off subject these comments get.
P.S. Eat a bean....................We need the gas
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes he's full of something, but not integrity....More like fecal matter. I think this one will be pulled.....LOL
P.S. Eat a bean
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad to see there's some morning company out there. We need our own version of "Morning Joe". MC can supply the sticky buns. LOL
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
P.S. Someone call Strickland and alert him about the picture they used. Holy cow!!!! LOL!!! Looks like a promo for that movie "Ringer."
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess we know where the other end of that cord goes.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I've gotta go. You all have a lovely day. And don't forget to Eat a bean.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MichaelOH can provide the coffee...
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NOW....I WANT IT NOW!!!!!
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just kidding buddy....
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its ready!
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Still out there MC???
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, it wasn't until this article I was even aware that our local guys have websites.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OK...better call down to the court house and wake them up. Wouldn't want them to get backed up on their complaint calls to Mke C.
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kinda looks like Ted is about to pop Tanners ears. And the sides should be reversed, left on left, right on right. And poor Craig got the USB through the chest.
Eat a bean
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, it's probably a big red background with white text saying:
*********************************************************
Elect: A Proven Leader With a Plan
ME ME ME
For County Commissioner
*********************************************************
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, the one who did that picture above has a sense of humor.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shooter, I was thinking "fish story" but you might be right. Might be more like "I will crush your tiny skull..."
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MC....I think this is a case for the squeaky wheel effect. These guys aren't just going to jump on here and start telling the truth and answering real questions. It's gonna take a little pressure.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, what's involved in webcasting, say, a commission meeting?
Wouldn't OUS media class have all the needed equipment?
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No doubt.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't they used to do the council meetings?
Posted by Shooter (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I went out to put letters and bills in the mailbox and stepped in a big ole pile of integrity.
Eat a bean
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I did some work with them a few years back and they were already getting their tech stuff cranked up back then.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't you email Don Moore to see if they still have the capability and then we could propose the idea to council/commission?
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Shooter, looks like the dog got the experience and you got the plan.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
shooter, there's lots of "integrity" around where I live
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm getting where you're coming from MC, but I think they need to have their feet held to the fire here. They could webcast meetings and still have nothing change.
Especially for the elections I think we, as the public, need to "call out" those people who are asking for our votes. If we could get just a few candidates to do it, we could start a petition...right here...that those of us in this online forum would not vote for anyone who did not come here and participate.
This could become a virtual Political Action Committee.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think BOTH sides agree we need better gov't., whether its replacing the incumbent, or pressuring an incumbent to improve their office. I see this as "bi-partisan".
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Absolutely. I could care less about party affiliation...just want to see them step in the ring here. I might write in Noesis for something since he at least has the guts to get in the ring and debate.
Mike C., how about a poll. "Would you like to see our local politicians participate actively in our online forum?"
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With all due respect to Sarah Palin, this is no witch hunt. I just want to see some people who aren't afraid to man up and answer a few questions on here. I'm tired of driving by those signs every day and thinking "All fluff...No stuff."
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
besides OUR questions, maybe Mike C. could chime in however often he'd like.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
******************************************************************************************
We don't have to wait for some big "arrangement." I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this stuff gets read at the clerk of courts office.
Why not step up right now Leslie and share that big plan? It's on all of the, what, thousand signs you have up around the county so it should be fair game. Don't wait. Man up and tell us about it now...that is, if you really do have one.
******************************************************************************************
- It's a shame these guys don't just step up on their own and we have to go to these lengths to get anything out of them.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike doesn't have an easy out on this one. The politicians DON'T want to do it (or you would have already seen them posting on here). Mike would have to throw down the gauntlet, maybe in his blog, and basically tell the candidates via the Tribune that the ones who want to win the votes of online readers need to show up.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On the other hand, the Tribune sort of depends on access to these politicians once elected.
Sooooo, if he throws down a challenge that they don't like...well, you get the picture.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I mean, if the stuff I posted (which I GUARANTEE you was read by Leslie Boggs) is not responded to by Leslie Boggs, and I flat out called him out to jump in the ring, what is Mike going to be able to do anyway? These guys don't want to be accountable to anyone and will do anything they can to keep their old boys club going.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on Leslie, all I want is to read your plan. Is that asking too much?
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MC - Did the secret police already kick your door in? LOL
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
leslie's runing for commissioner?
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, here's some Jessica Alba stare down therapy to chill you out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmzcKXsll...
Return when mellow. Just kidding!
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MC, yep. Just look for the big red signs. Someone else, Patterson I think, is even running for clerk of courts so they must already have enough absentee votes in to put Big Les in office anyway (since it looks like he's abandoning his current job).
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Really, drive through Coal Grove sometime. He has so many signs up, it looks like there's probably one for every person he's promised a special favor when, uh, I mean if he gets elected...just kidding leslie.
His tagline is "a proven leader with a plan."
Is he really trying to say that his stint as clerk makes him a leader? Didn't his office still come in over budget? Did he make any big improvements? I know about him switching to a cheaper grade of paper to save money. Great. That might offset the printer ink used to print his face on all those blue envelopes. This makes you a "proven leader?"
And, as for the plan, still waiting Leslie.....
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember on an old "West Wing" Josh Lymon jokingly stated to the press that the President had a "secret" plan to fix the economy. By the end of the day, it wasn't a joke, and the President was NOT happy.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The secret is that he doesn't really have a plan...
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, that probably isn't much of a secret;)
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
....unless the plan is "A Sign for Every Yard."
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Or, in other words, "Here's Your Sign"
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Neither did President Bartlett. But he was FORCED to come up with one.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, now, that's kind of what I'm getting at. Put up or shut up. If you're going to put up a thousand signs saying you're a guy with a plan....LET'S SEE THE PLAN.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And if the change is something like "work together on a bi-partisan basis" or some other lame, vague, unmeasurable platitude then he can expect an appropriate review when he posts it (if he posts it).
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
fyi, I have to take off in a few minutes.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
cool, i need to get off here, too. maybe we'll come back to a response from Boggs
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh, yeah. If so, here's a suggestion Leslie given your ever-increasing collection of yard signs:
************************************************************************************
Les Boggs --- More Signs
(you can vote for me now, or you can vote for me later)
************************************************************************************
Posted by ddd (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tanner Haeberlin, the lady running for Recorder, Sheridan, and Wayne Pennington's wife made calls for Obama. Keta was spot on- the candidates are not trying to win the The White House to the Court House -only the Court House. How many of the candidates have you seen wearing an Obama button or members of the Democratic Party's Executive Board? Are we not in it to win it or is it a nice slogan that rhymes?
Posted by AlisonMiller (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo--I came over to add my "amen."
I can't find Boggs' website--he mentioned having one; does anybody know where it is?
Posted by pslate (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think we have a mini Rasputin with Svengali traits out preachin' for commissioner.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ladies and gentlemen we have a breakthrough. We have a candidate with the GUTS to step into the ring. I don't know this guy from Adam but he had the character and good judgement to reach out to us.
As you'll see, we need to pick a good time for a debate/forum. I'd like to get your input so as many of you that wish to can participate.
Please read the following and post a day / time this week that would be convenient for you. Let's make it no sooner than Thursday to give everyone a chance to read this. Since I got the email, I'll tally up your responses and set a time.
This is exciting and, hopefully, just the first of many candidates who step up. To the rest of you running for office this year, the gauntlet has been thrown down. Stephens has risen to the challenge. Who's next???
Here's the email I received:
-----------------------------------------------
Hello,
The user JasonStephens sent the following message to you via Ironton Tribune:
==============================
Neo,
I have been browsing your comments on this site, and I agree with you.
I too would love for the Tribune to set up a blog for candidates. I would be happy to answer people's honest questions. I think it would be good to have a set time for each candidate to chat, and the Tribune would be a good place for that.
The problem I have with commenting on the stories on the website, is that people can comment at all times during the day and night and if that candidate isnt constantly monitoring, it could give the impression that they were ignoring a question or dodging a tough issue. That is why a set time would be good.
If you would like, pick a time, a subject, and I would be happy to chat, publicly of course, and give folks an idea of where I am coming from on a lot of these issues.
Thanks
Jason
Posted by AlisonMiller (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I can't find Boggs' website--he mentioned having one; does anybody know where it is?"
My apologies--I had little time to look. I don't want to imply that it isn't there. I am sure it is--I just couldn't find it quickly, that's all. thanks!
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, I had a feeling we'd see some results today! Anytime is a good time for me, just make it known and I'll be there. My "pet peeve" is the BOE blowing their budget, then trying to blackmail the county for more money (or they can't hold an election).
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BTW, Stephens is the Republican incumbent candidate for County Commissioner.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks MC. What do you guys think about this for a topic?
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"Does the Government of Lawrence County Operate as an Ethical and Efficient Entity?"
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Hopefully, this umbrella would allow enough latitude for a number of people to get an answer to their "pet peeves."
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MC, I know he's incumbent but all politicians are ultimately candidates (unless they have plans to retire soon;)
I doubt anyone coming into this forum is planning on retiring soon, but that is a good point in case anyone thought he was up this November. For the record, the three running for Commissioner this time are Heaberlin, Boggs and Pennington.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, I dunno. Thats kinda vague to ask 1 county commissioner. Would you expect him to answer NOPE! We're unethical and inefficient.
Perhaps he could explain why its good (or not) to keep our arrangement with SEOEMS. SEOEMS and 911 are current topics.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
But Neo, Stephens is running, too. Its Stephens V. Pennington, and Boggs V. Heaberlin.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, you're right MC. What I'm talking about is asking specific questions like the one you suggested which would fall under that general category. He said that he didn't want to dodge a tough issue so let's give the guy a chance.
No cheap shot questions. No libel. Legitimate questions about our County Government, its successes, its failures, its opportunities and those nagging questions you've always wanted to have answered.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, my bad. Thanks for clearing that up MC.
Posted by keta (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think you may be overestimating the effectiveness of politicians visiting this site to answer questions. I'd like to see local Democratic politicians write letters to the Tribune endorsing Obama. They are as aware as anyone that the race in Ohio is neck and neck. They know how important Lawrence County is in this election, and they know what a Democratic victory would mean to the people they claim to represent. They know how important momentum is, and that they could provide it by coming out of their undisclosed locations and showing their support. Will they do it? We'll see.
Posted by Hammer (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I can't find Boggs' website--he mentioned having one; does anybody know where it is?"
My apologies--I had little time to look. I don't want to imply that it isn't there. I am sure it is--I just couldn't find it quickly, that's all. thanks!
www.lesboggs.com
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ok, Les Boggs. We know you switched to a less expensive paper. Name the other 18 improvements you've made and the new revenue stream.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's his plan from the website above:
"If elected to commission, Boggs said his priorities will be tackling the general fund woes, exploring options for a new jail and job creation."
Tackling woes???
Exploring options???
If you're trying to unseat an incumbent you should've had something SPECIFIC in your plan that "just might bring results." You know, something SPECIFIC that the guy in office now hasn't already thought of. I suspect they've thought of "tackling woes" and "exploring options."
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Boggs also had this sort of defensive statement on his site:
' “The people of our county know we have done a good job in the clerk of courts,” Boggs said. “We have made 19 improvements in just three years. That is a significant accomplishment for such a short time in office.'
That's one improvement about every two months. In the corporate world you'd be getting a 3% pay raise.
Posted by tannerheaberlin (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Make that two Neo,
What a great idea. if you go to my website www.heaberlin08.com you will see that I already have a blog set up on it, I will try to answer any and all questions through there until the Tribune decides whether or not they are able to set up a forum for that. I think the more access people have to elected officials the better.
Thanks
R. Tanner Heaberlin
Lawrence County Commissioner
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me ask all you thinking people a question. Have you ever....EVER...voted for someone because of a yard sign?
I mean, seriously, did you just flip a coin and figure "well, I don't have anything better than that to go on?"
Posted by keta (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re "Do we want a person who claims to be a Christian but has never lived it behind closed doors", can't we PLEASE keep this nonsense out of the discussion? No candidate has to pass a religion test, and the people who obsess about it are the very people we have to thank for the last eight disastrous years. Their allegedly born-again candidate has caused the deaths of a hundred thousand civilians in Iraq and allowed his cronies to damage our country in ways that will take years to fix. ENOUGH!
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well OK Heaberlin...will do. That makes one Republican (Stephens) and one Democrat (Heaberlin) with the character and good judgement to stand up and speak to the people. Way to LEAD, you guys! Looks like guts is bipartisan in Lawrence County this year.
If anyone else wants to follow the lead of Stephens and Heaberlin, please feel free to drop me a line.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
keta....which one???
Posted by keta (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Heaberlin, blogging with the usual suspects here is fine, but a letter of support for Obama signed by the commissioners and published in the Tribune would be a thousand times more effective, as all of you know. Most Lawrence County residents aren't bloggers, but everybody reads the most interesting page in the newspaper, even if they never read anything else. It's crunch time, and you're either part of the problem or part of the solution.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although I support Obama strongly, as you know Keta, maybe Mr. Heaberlin is more focused on being a part of the solution here in Lawrence County. I don't think the Presidential election is going to swing on an endorsement from a County Commissioner any more than I think Mr. Heaberlin's opponent is going to send a "Thanks for the memories, Mr. Bush" letter to the editor.
This Presidential election is very polarized and we're at, for all practical purposes, ground zero. I share your enthusiasm regarding the Presidential race and I'm convinced that Obama will be just fine. Every day the economy makes (negative) headlines, Obama will go up in the polls Here's an update, by the way:
IF THE ELECTION WERE HELD TODAY:
Electoral Vote
Obama - 312
McCain - 226
Popular Vote
Obama - 50.3%
McCain - 47.9%
And the first Presidential Debate is this Friday.
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe these local candidates don't want to associate themselves with the national candidates? When it comes to local political posts, I never really looked to see who was the Democrat or the Republican, I looked at who I thought would be the best person to do the job and that's who I voted for.
If the local politicians are going to start getting partisan, then that is just a travesty.
I would still like someone to explain why Democrats are afraid to publicly support Obama? Maybe it isn't fear, maybe it is embarrassment that their party picked such a poorly qualified candidate.
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't it sad how the Democrats are cheering for our economy to go in the crapper? That's the real patriotic thing to do...
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VII, I agree with your statement "If the local politicians are going to start getting partisan, then that is just a travesty." I don't think that any of the four candidates running for County Commissioner have sent letters to the editor endorsing a candidate, probably because they see it just like you...that it would be a travesty or a gimmick of some sort.
As for the fear or embarrassment thing, that doesn't seem to make sense in the context of everything else you said before that. No big deal...just doesn't make sense to me.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VII, I have to take that statement as directed at me. Let me be clear. I am not cheering for our economy to fail. I am merely doing stating what pretty much every single economic expert in the country is saying. Am I happy about it? No. Whatever impact that might have on the Presidential election aside, the situation is what it is. I apologize for this brief trip off topic. Back to local politics...
Posted by keta (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, local Democratic officials were elected to lead. They must have felt qualified to lead, or they wouldn't have run. They were asked for their help very early in the campaign. Surely you can see that what's happening is more important than local politics - that nothing new can happen locally without an overhaul at the national level. Ideally, they'd be fighting for that. Sadly, we've learned to expect so little from local politicians that you're willing to give them a pass.
You're right in calling our community Ground Zero, but you're wrong in saying official support doesn't matter. Everything matters. With official support, maybe the landlord we heard about today wouldn't be so confident about yanking the Obama sign out of a tenant's yard in Coal Grove. You're wrong about signs, too. In a place like this, where most people don't know anything about the issues, perception is everything. Obama signs are popping up like tulips in Ironton, and it's made my neighbors see his candidacy differently. Seeing the enthusiastic support of others has changed their perceptions. As I said, everything matters.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Slick77 (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo....I just left the Rep. Headquarters, Les Boggs was there.
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Assuming that you don't live at BW3s (joking) it had to take you a few minutes to drive home. You also mentioned talking with him for the first time in a long time...long enough to determine that he's the same old swell guy.
That's also long enough, combined with your drive time and the timestamp on your post, to tell me he cut loose from the courthouse before 4pm to go and work on his campaign.
Is that the work ethic he brings?
Would you sneak out the back door at your job to go work on a political campaign if you were running for something? If so, and if you were working for me, I would fire you. If that's the status quo in his office, the status quo needs to change.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
See the article titled "How do we protect unknown freedoms?" for the original post just mentioned.
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
side note - Tanner Heaberlin invited everyone over to his website to post questions to his blog earlier.
FYI, you can read the print on his video ad easier by accessing it here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zdsb-GYi...
...and going fullscreen.
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, the part you got confused on was more of a question to keta and others who say that the local Dems are scared to come out and publicly endorse Obama. I wanted to know why. If they support and actually believe in that candidate, then they'd have no fears.
Posted by epic (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
re: leaving the courthouse before 4. I've known les a long time and to be honest he's hardly ever @ clerk of courts. There has always been other activities that have pre-occupied his time if you know what i mean...sorry but it's the truth.
Posted by pslate (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel God needs to take his place in every sector of our lives including government. We have turned our back on him in this country for far too long. I am not a zealot but I do know who the master is and it is certainly not power or money. If a candidate is truly immoral, unethical, lies or shames his wife, family or community for self gratification (and it is confirmed) it exhibits major character flaws that truly has no place in government period. These flaws will tarnish and convalute one's good judgement along with diminishing the ability to lead and influence people in a positive manner.
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, there goes all of Congress, the Whitehouse, the candidates and maybe Dumya's dog Barney.
Posted by lpbrock1 (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm very sorry that the lack of responding to this comment board has been interpreted as a lack of interest in communicating with the public. I agree with the ideas that Jason stated in his response. I have been out most of the time in the past few weeks meeting the people of Lawrence County in person and do not spend a lot of my time on the internet at this time. I have a page on my website set up to take any questions or comments from anyone who is interested. Please visit www.electperrybrock.com
Perry Brock
Candidate for Lawrence County Treasurer
Posted by Neo (anonymous) on September 22, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perry, welcome. Let's change the world...at least this one little part of it.
I'll be posting a question for you on your Guest Book page and checking back. For all the people here who've been seeking this kind of a forum today has been a good day. Let's give these guys some opportunities to show what they bring to the table.
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