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Who will help lead Ironton?
Six hopefuls eye four Ironton City Council seats
Published Saturday, October 24, 2009
IRONTON — They usually meet in general session only twice a month and sporadically in special sessions or committee meetings. The job pays peanuts and it comes with no benefits like health insurance.
Most of their work happens at all hours of the day and, at times, in the middle of the night. Phone calls, e-mails and even personal visits inundate them from residents asking for help or assistance with a problem that affects them personally or the city as a whole.
It is a thankless job that may carry just as many frustrations as it does accomplishments. They are in essence, elected sounding boards.
However the importance of those who serve as an Ironton City Councilperson cannot be overshadowed. They serve as the legislative body to Lawrence County’s largest city and county seat. They approve, shape and mold the foundation of the city both short- and long-term.
In 2009, the six candidates for Ironton City Council, all with a variety of ideas, visions and criticisms, are vying for only four open seats. Each seat carries a four-year term.
Those wanting the privilege to serve the city of Ironton the next four years include a trio of incumbents — Bob Cleary, Leo Johnson and Mike Lutz — and three eager challengers: Dave Frazer, Beth Rist and Hugh Scott.
All say they share the common trait that they love their city, want to see it succeed and want Ironton to be a better place to live.
Earlier this week, The Tribune collected the thoughts and goals of those seeking seats on Ironton’s legislative body.
Candidates are listed alphabetically.
Bob Cleary
Age: 59
Occupation: Business Owner, BC Tool Rental
Education: Rock Hill High School, Ohio University
Family: Married, Cheryl Cleary; four children, four grandchildren
Previous Elected Experience: Former Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Council Member, City of Ironton; Central Committeeman.
Of the six candidates seeking election to Ironton City Council in 2009, current Ironton Councilman Bob Cleary has the most experience. An active participant in Ironton city politics for the past 20 years, Cleary also serves as chairman of council’s powerful finance committee.
A staunch advocate in meeting the needs and safety of all city residents, Cleary says he believes he is the best candidate for the job based on several factors.
“I have the current knowledge of the city’s needs, strengths and weaknesses,” Cleary said. “I have the knowledge and skills to be an effective council member serving the citizens of Ironton for the next four years.”
While being a supporter of both citizen safety and fiscal responsibility, Cleary’s single most noted passion is for the reconstruction of the Ironton-Russell Bridge. Work hard toward getting the state and the Ohio Department of Transportation to take seriously the immediate needs of replacing the nearly century-old structure, Cleary said his drive in getting a new bridge is stronger than ever.
“I don’t think anyone has more passion than I do for the Ironton-Russell Bridge,” Cleary said.
As for the next four years, Cleary feels a lot still needs to be accomplished.
“My top priority if re-elected to office is to continue to push the state to start construction of the Ironton-Russell Bridge, maintain a sound budget, hotel recruitment, continued economic growth and be a voice for every citizen in Ironton.”
Dave Frazer
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired Educator, Coach and Athletic Director
Education: Ironton High School, Ohio University, Morehead State University
Previously Elected Experience: None
Dave Frazer is seeking election to public office for the first time. However, he says he has a solid plan and, if elected, hopes to implement it with the help of the city’s administration.
“Being retired, I have a great amount of time,” Frazer said. “I am interested in hearing what people want. I am new with new ideas.”
Frazer is also a big supporter of community involvement, something he feels a majority of Ironton residents lack.
A volunteer himself, Frazer can be seen assisting events such as the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Rally on the River and Oktoberfest. He is also a little-league basketball and men’s softball official.
“Ironton has been in a stagnant stage for several years. It is time for a change,” Frazer said. “More people need to become involved, not for personal gain, but for the betterment of Ironton.”
A strong supporter of a solid community education, Frazer said a partnership between the county and the city is something he can bring to table if elected.
“Getting Ironton back to where we once were will help the whole county. Cooperation between county and city government has to help each other,” Frazer said.
Frazer said the biggest issues facing the city are its current water and sewer networks along with the inability to bring businesses and jobs to Ironton.
Leo Johnson
Age: 42
Occupation: Occupational therapist
Education: Dawson-Bryant High School, Shawnee State University, Eastern Kentucky University.
Family: Married, Kim; two sons
Previous Elected Experience: Ironton City Council
Leo Johnson says the reason he is seeking re-election to a second term on Ironton City Council comes down to two words: “unfinished business.”
Elected in 2005 and currently serving as chairman of council’s Public Utilities Committee, Johnson has been a key force in the city, after years of neglect, starting on a 17-year project to replace its combined sewer overflow network along with its sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.
It is something Johnson believes is vital to the city.
“My top priority will be to continue to focus our city budgets towards infrastructure improvements,” Johnson said
An advocate of the city’s current fee structure, Johnson says he will push for three financial improvements if re-elected.
Those include increased examination of the city’s budget with meetings held on a monthly and even bi-monthly basis, attempting to work with the county to make sure the allocations earmarked for 9-1-1 dispatchers are controlled under one roof and the watching costs, both overtime and general.
Johnson has also been one of the most outspoken supporters of the rehabilitation of the historic Ro-Na Theatre and prides himself the most on council’s decision to have local law enforcement patrol the city’s public metropolitan housing while revising the fees that were charged for storm water costs.
Johnson says if re-elected he can continue to do things that impact the future of Ironton.
“I will continue to support the improvements of our infrastructure and city services,” Johnson said. “Ironton and Lawrence County are made more attractive to business owners wanting to relocate or expand to our area.”
Mike Lutz
Age: 44
Occupation: Senior Manager of AT&T Mobility
Education: Ironton St. Joseph; University of Dayton
Family: Married, Donna; one daughter and one son.
Previous Elected Experience: Ironton City Council (appointed)
Mike Lutz insists he cares about his hometown and the future of its residents. Call it pride or support, but Lutz says he wants nothing more than to make the city of Ironton a better place to live and work.
Appointed to council in 2007 when he was selected to replace the council seat of current Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship, Lutz has spent his two-year tenure on council as one of its most active participants.
Considered by some as one of the most prepared council member’s currently serving, Lutz is not afraid to ask the tough questions — even on issues he supports.
“I am a strong believer in looking at all aspects of an issue,” Lutz explained. “The more interaction and involvement we can have with the community on the issues brought before us, the better the city of Ironton can be.”
Lutz also has focused on the fiscal responsibility of the city during the past 24 months. He thinks the city needs to find a new way to financially plan for the future and feels it needs to plan two to three years ahead instead of basing budgets on previous year results.
“I want to continue making improvements to the city while finding a way we can start relieving the citizens of the city’s monthly municipal fee,” Lutz said.
Employing more than 800 area Tri-State residents as a senior manager of AT&T Mobility, Lutz said the city needs better communication and public relations with the community, the region and the state.
“I will work hard to improve cooperation and communication between the city and county leadership as well as the Chamber of Commerce and both Port Authorities,” Lutz said.
Beth Rist
Age: 47
Occupation: Police Officer
Education: Ironton High School; University of Charleston
Previous Elected Experience: None
Calling herself a newcomer to the Ironton political process, Beth Rist says she has two advantages over her five other challengers.
“I have been in more homes discussing the issues with residents than any other candidate,” Rist said. “I am a newcomer willing to learn and will vote with my own convictions. I have been present at most civic events in the last decade and have always (been) eager to aid in the humane society.”
Rist says another advantage of why the voters of Ironton need to elect her is that she knows the inner workings of the city of Ironton.
“I am the only candidate that has been an employee of the city for more than a decade. I know first-hand how the city operates,” Rist added.
An All-American athlete, Rist made history as the first female police officer in the city’s 160 year history along with being its first police sergeant. As far as her impact if elected, Rist said she has a plan.
“I will do whatever it takes to clean up the city. We cannot attract businesses with run down depleted stores and homes. I would hold those responsible for their actions when ordinances are put on the back burner.”
Other priorities Rist lists as things she will accomplish if elected would be never voting for any additional fees, devoting equal attention to both the north and south ends of the city, representing those in the city who feel they have no voice and researching personal contracts and bid jobs.
Hugh Scott
Age: 62
Occupation: Semi-retired
Education: Ironton High School; Ohio University Southern
Family: Married, Annette; three children
Previous Elected Experience: Ironton City Council
Hugh Scott has identified what he believes is the largest problem facing the city the next four years. It is a problem he feels that has been kept on the backburner way too long.
“We have a major drug problem within the area, so much so that they are filtering into our schools,” Scott said, when suggesting the city needs to add some kind of outreach and rehabilitation center.
Scott said, if elected to a third non-consecutive term on council, he would vigorously fight to have the city’s drug problem tackled head on.
“We need to start knowing our neighborhoods and need to be an extended arm of our local law enforcement,” Scott said. “It is so bad that we are so behind in controlling it, that it will take a lot of time to catch up.”
Theft is another issue Scott plans to address. He feels the city’s unemployment and underemployment rate is one of the largest contributing factors to the growing crime statistic.
“If you don’t work, you steal and that is a big problem we have in Ironton,” Scott said.
Scott is also passionate about bringing in growing faith-based and community initiatives to the city. He is involved in a one such program sponsored by Gov. Ted Strickland’s office that will be take place on Nov. 9 at the Metropolitan Community Center.
“Ironton has been good to me and my family and I want to be good to Ironton,” Scott said when asked about his passion for the city.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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Comments
Posted by rooster1410 (anonymous) on October 24, 2009 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Which candidate has sued the City of Ironton for the most money???
Posted by buckfan4life2 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 2:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TRASH! THESE PEOPLE GETS THESE PERSCRIPTION DRUGS AND BECAUSE THEY HAVE 10 KIDS WITH 10 DIFFRENT FATHERS AT HOME, OUR FINE GOVERMENT FEELS A NEED TO GIVE THEM A MEDICAL CARD. THEY GET THESE DRUGS THAT YOU AND I PAY FOR AND SELL THEM. SOME OF THESE SO-CALLED HUMAN BEINGS ARE RAKEING IN $6500 A MONTH. THE STATE TURNS THEIR HEADS AND KEEP HANDING OUT THESE MEDICAL CARDS TO THESE CRACK W@#$%S WHILE THOUSANDS OF HONEST HARD WORKING FAMILIES OUT THERE CAN'T GET NO HELP AT ALL. NOW, YOU PEOPLE TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS STORY?
Posted by RabidTiger (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 7:35 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 9:57 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by sandi6353 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do people always assume when someone runs for a political office they are doing it for personal gain. Maybe some people do but not all. I have known Dave Frazer for many years and even though he has told me things from time to time that I really didn't want to hear, he was usually right in his comments. He has nothing to gain from being elected except to have a vote to try to help the City Of Ironton. He is a hard worker and I think he would be a very good council member. If you give him a chance, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.
Posted by rooster1410 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sandi---i agree with you 100%. Dave Frazer is a very good person. He would be an excellent choice for Ironton City Council. He is not running for office for personal gain. He is not running for office to get back at others. I feel that he is running for office to help better the city.
Posted by 4victims (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How could someone running for city council "Get back at others?.....People have to vote you into office. That don't make good sense. They only make a couple of hundred dollars a month. I guess I don't understand how that gets back at anyone....I guess I am lost.
Posted by Guess (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah 4victims you are lost, thats for sure..... If you dont see the fact, that by gaining a council seat she will be in a position of authority over the mayor and the cheif of police.... DUH
Posted by Digi (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Buckfan what one are you talking about getting medical cards???? and guess and rooster you two hit the nail on the head drbartender and 4victims, sit back and look at the whole picture.
Posted by I_town_resident (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My votes for Beth..don't care about what she has in her history...she was a good police officer and I think she will be a good council woman..maybe she can keep things running fairly from both sides of the table...she's does have first hand experience which is a plus for her....
Posted by mytownirontown (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Im 100% sure Beth will not be voted in as a councilman. The good citizens of Ironton can read between the lines.
Posted by RUNutz (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a roundup!
Cleary - Yep, experience. If Ironton citizens, especially home owners, want to complain about water rates, sewer rates, user's fees, inadequate infrastructure, EPA fines, just remember Rob, I mean Bob, has been around a while, when you cast your vote.
Frazer - Just what the city needs, a new face who wants to partner and cooperate with the Three Stooges at the courthouse. As for his "biggest issues", the water and sewer networks (two is plural), along with the inability to procure businesses and jobs (four is plural), he must think nobody has thought of before this election. Amazing!
Johnson - Apparently, he has a handle on the city's vital issues of finances and infrastructure, both key elements for the city's existence and future. Way to go Leo!
Lutz - Mike's two years' experience with the city's vital issues has been eye-opening no doubt and instilled an attitude of "get r done". I sincerely believe this man has the city's residents' best interest at heart.
Rist - I can't help but wonder if this run for council is a passive-aggressive act of revenge and/or the I'll-show-you superior attitude she displayed as a police officer. If she is allowed by the full council and mayor to follow through on the issues she cited as important to her and those citizens she has spoken with during her campaign, I wholeheartedly endorse her as the bull-in-the-china shop to make things happen in a most interesting way with our stagnant city government.
Scott - An idealist intent on cleaning the city of illegal drug users. A real pie-in-the-sky attitude. To do so would take many more law enforcement officers than are currently on the city's force, citizens able, willing, and ready to identify and report drug dealers and users, a court system that would get those convicted off the streets and in a confinement facility versus house arrest, where they can continue to do business and laugh off their arrest and conviction, and all this takes money, not a religious fervor, to happen.
RUNutz?
Posted by summerrain (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We need a new face on council, like someone who is not afraid to stand up to the mayor. Therefore, my vote is for Rist.
Posted by 4victims (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I still do not see the big impact. There has got to be a majority vote. She cannot have much influence over the click in the council. Frazer would at least bring new ideas and has no controversy with the city.
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If she is voted in?...Then it was the vote of the people. Not anything she had control over. As for Cleary stating that he knew the strengths, weaknesses and whatever of the city...well with the wealth of information you have Bob, what have you done with that over the years?
There has been no change......
Posted by flo (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cleary was giving this same speech four years ago. Why do we believe him now?
Rist didn't even do her job right ( guilty plea) and now she wants to run the city? She is already promising no fees for four years? How can she do that? Everything goes up in four years. She is still living in a dream world. One where is can get away with anything.
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe she said she would not vote on council for anymore fees.....It takes four to three to pass I think.
Posted by ribbon (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rist owns property or did own property. Is that why the house is being redone; so that your comment that you will clean up the city includes your property? You need to think about your comments before throwing them out there for the public to read. Just someone please get the new bridge in. The bridge might fall with a lot of our love ones on it.
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
People are too funny...she doesnt own property and her house is not having anything done to it. Get YOUR facts straight there gilligan. YOU must be getting her confused with someone else.
Posted by turbo (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo,
I have to disagree with your opinion. Johnson, Lutz,Cleary, and Scott have been on Council and I think its time for a change. I would say Frazer and Rist should be given a chance to work with other Council members. Then maybe replace them when their term is up. Afterall the 2 million dollar lawsuit published in the Tribune on the Aaron Rowe issue does not look good for the city. It appears the Mayor and Council doesnt care.
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo......I believe she may have meant over her years as a police officer she has been in many homes discussing issues. Everyone tends to think the police can fix all of their problems. Oh, except when smeone breaks in their house...lol.....I find it funny that todays paper has the council on the ball with the valves....a week before election.
Just remember they ok'd the $700,000 for the fundung. That does not mean it is a go.
Posted by turbo (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Council approves finance $700,000 for back water valves, $288,000 to Southern Ohio for equipment and Installation, cash in for $250,000 to Robinson share for installing and inspection. Is there a guarantee this proceedure is going to correct the sewage problems or is someone trying to impress the people in the city for votes. Many people attended Council meeting to voice their complaints. And where is the City Health Inspector on these contaminated areas???
Posted by turbo (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe the 3 ring circus you are referring to has been created by the politicians that is why they have 3 lawsuits in less in 2 years. As far as the bridge, that has been on the agenda for a long time and now they leave a new date 2015. The City operates about like Rock Hill and Coal Grove.
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo.....lets not forget the "baggage" you say Rist has was created, played out and beaten with an arbitrators decision.
I believe that "Baggage" would make one stronger and even more determined to do the job.
Posted by 4victims (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is very interesting. You have NEO, who recently granted us the opportunity to view his farewell post.
Now, he takes the grandstand on telling everyone who to vote for and why. I have no dog in this fight either, however this is politics. The comments about the go getters of Lutz and Johnson....well...If they have not made an impression after serving on council already.....what is "Da Plan"......Neo....
When people go to vote, they are going to vote for a person that is either a family member, family friend, relative, friend of a relative, someone they owe a favor, somene that lives on their block...etc....
People do not get voted into office or have the opportunity to do so without it being some sort of a popularity contest.
So to tell people they need to vote for so and so because they are a "good guy" well that is vague. I would have to say that I did enjoy your past websites and blogs. You seem to have your finger on the pulse of the community.
Posted by summerrain (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I admire Rist because of her determination and her ability to stand up to the Mayor. I, for one, do not want extra fees added to my water bill as long as monies are frivolously spent on water parks, skateboard park and renovation of the RoNa theater. Ashland closed its water park because of the increase in water fees and children were falling because it was so slippery.
We desperately need to take care of sewage and street problems first and by all means clean the city. It is filthy!!!
Posted by 4victims (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As for many of "Rist haters"....there are many that think she was railroaded and discriminated against and therefore, they will vote for her.
One has nothing to do with the other. I think anyone willing to do run for office is a good thing. This community is in dire straights, and we need some change. If Lutz and Johnson can handle Cleary, which we have not been witness to, then more power to them.
If you have been involved in city politics and always voted without any progress, then you might consider the new options....
Posted by Stringbean (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo-- In reading your postings you seem to be very intelligent. How about joining everyone at the next Council meeting. Then you can see for yourself how the meeting is conducted.
Posted by muskratt (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The city of Ironton operates more like a Tax-Exempt Political Subdivision rather than a city.
I moved to the city for improved utilities (internet, stable electricity, etc.) but apparently I was much better off out of this mess. I can't wait until its financially feasible to leave this garbage dump created by wonderful candidates like Cleary.
Posted by ree_5 (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I haven't lived in Ironton for many years, but it makes me very sad to read that the Ironton-Russell bridge is the "top-priority" of the most "experienced" city council candidate. Yes, the bridge is important, but last I checked under/un-employement was a HUGE problem. I think the top priority of city council should be to restore the city's economic base. Create jobs, attract economic development, make sure basic services (like clean water and a hospital!) are in place. Ironton needs more than a bridge, and how someone could rank a bridge (from one non-existent "city" center to an equally economically depressed area on the Russell side) really blows my mind. Bridges don't magically create jobs. Yes, some construction will be required (but not necessarily with local talent). A new bridge just enables Irontonians to more quickly and more safely travel to Ky to work (and pay KY taxes) and spend money in KY. But, I digress...
I do admire High Scott's strategy to combat a social issue to bring about economic change. I agree, drugs are a major problem in Ironton, and rehabilitation may be the answer. This solution would attract state-funds to build facilities, bring much needed jobs to the area, and provide a critical social service.
I don't know enough about the other candidates or their platforms to make an opinion one way or the other. I know we all have the same goals - to make Ironton a better place - but we, as voters and concernced citizens, should also question the tactics of our elected officials. Personally, I would expect better solutions from someone with 20+ years "experience", and vote for change on election day.
Posted by ree_5 (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, thanks for the clarification. I've been away from Ironton for a long time, so I'm not all that close to the details of the bridge. I think it would take more than a bridge to connect 23 and 52, and maybe it's a better idea than I am giving credit. If it were me, I would invest the money to make 52 an interstate instead of connecting it to 23. If we had a major thoroughfare connecting Columbus to Huntington, maybe more people would travel through our community and spend their $$ in Ironton along the way.
In terms of Scott, no, he's not a relative, but a family friend (full disclosure :). Despite my personal connection, I do think he has noble intentions. Maybe his strategy to combat drugs and drug addiction is not new, but he's the only candidate making this a prominent part of his platform. I do think the creation of a drug rehabilitation program could create jobs, and I continue to believe that the war against drugs IS WINNABLE. Presumably, the State would invest to support the building of a rehab facility and/or support the treatment of individuals locally. Running such a facility would require local manpower - therapists, administrative support, etc. But there will be equally important social spill over effects. I've seen first hand how drugs have ruined families. No child should ever grow up with both parents in jail due to drugs. Nor should any child be raised by drug-addicted parents, family members, etc. There is a need for help in our community to end the addictions to drugs, and there is also a need for jobs, so that people in our community don't consider drugs as the only viable way to make a living for their family. I'm in no way suggesting that all under/un-employed people are addicted to drugs or selling drugs, but I do think this is a real problem that is affecting a substancial portion of our community. It's a real issue and deserves the attention of anyone serving on Ironton City Council.
However, if I were running for City council, I would prioritize direct economic development (i.e., attract business or build necessary infrastructure) ahead of developing rehab services. Ironton needs jobs. Create jobs and then use the tax revenues to invest in social services. Ironton has more churches per capita than anywhere I've ever lived. Let's continue to leverage our churches and community groups to combat social issues. Leverage City Coucil to create jobs and restore Ironton's economic base.
I'm now stepping off of my soap-box :)
Posted by deathdealer (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
way i see it the city is so screwed......
Posted by summerrain (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, we can't attract any business until this town is cleaned up.
One well-known restaurant wanted to locate but decided
not to because the town is too dirty.
We need councilmen who will enforce ordinances.. that
certainly hasn't been done in the past.
Posted by sugar08 (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I said this a long time ago and I'm saying it again. Neo you need to run for office you are smart and you know the ins and outs of this town and county.
Posted by summerrain (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neo, do you live in the North or South end of Ironton? I certainly
will vote for you if you decide to run for office - how about Mayor
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 9:15 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Explain please, if you so dare.....I have a ton of information to make public if you so desire. You are so smart, you should run for mayor.......And it appears you are concerned about the little people..
Posted by sugar08 (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dtbartender, you are a nasty person, it's people like you that ruin this forum for everyone.
Posted by dtbartender1 (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 10:23 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Stringbean (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't you keep your conversation on the Council election.
Posted by mcaldwell (Mike Caldwell) on October 28, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Neo means that DBT was lashing out at him and being crude. The wording of the post makes it appear that he was referring to me. I don't think that was the case.
I removed the comments because they violated the Terms of Use.
Thanks.
Mike Caldwell
Publisher
The Tribune
Posted by ree_5 (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm so glad I started reading the Tribune online. I think this is the outlet I needed. It's great that most of us can have these healthy debates, and keep things positive. It's encouraging to see that so many people are passionate about the future of Ironton.
Back back to the topic of city council, instead of focusing on attracting business, I wish city, county and state leaders were more focused on creating business. When I was younger, Ironton was thriving with small business owners. Yes, there is increased competition from multi-national corporations, but I still think small business owners can prevail. They may not be able to compete on price, but offer a better product or superior service.
I'm not that well educated on Ironton tax code, but my guess is that there are some moves local leaders could take to incentivize small business owners to open within city limits and hire people from here as well.
If we're going to attract business, I'd set my sights on businesses that would drive traffic to our area and utilize local talent, such as building a hotel, an outlet mall, a specialized hospital (maybe family care), a warehouse and distribution facilities or even a provider for outsourced services (such as call centers or medical billing).
I don't think any business/corporation will ever proactively approach Ironton (or Lawrence Co for that matter). Even with a fancy new bridge (assuming it comes), we're too small, and just a blip on the map. I do wholeheartedly believe that the resources of Ironton could certainly be of benefit to a corporation. I agree that handing out flyers across the country is not the ideal marketing solution, but could Ironton's leaders be strategic and more targeted in who they approach, most definitely.
Posted by ree_5 (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I completely agree. Leaders can't create jobs, but they can create this environment where business will want to locate. I'm suggesting that city leaders give equal attention to local, small business owners as they do to trying to attract big companies to the area.
Offer a tax rebate or credits to anyone who opens a local business and stays in business for a year. Do they same for anyone who is educated at a local college and works in Ironton in their field.
Presumably the city owns a lot of land and even a few buildings downtown, make some of these resources available to aspiring business owners at discounted rates.
Sponsor a business plan competiton and give seed investment money to the winning plan.
These are just come initial ideas off the top of my head. I think there are plenty of tools local leaders can use to create a culture of entreprenuership in our community.
I hate coming home (actually got back to Ironton today) and having to go to Ashland or Huntington to spend my money.
Does anyone know when is the next City Council meeting is, by the way?
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