Sunday, November 5 at 11:59 PM will be the last day Loveland Magazine will accept letters to the editor or guest columns relating to the election on Tuesday, November 7.
Beginning today, Loveland Magazine will moderate all future discussion until the election. Reader submissions (or comments on our Facebook Page) must be a constructive interchange. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will not be accepted.
In other words, if your submission is about a particular candidate or issue, it must be of a nature that is supportive. Last minute negative campaigning will not be published and negative comments will be deleted.
Loveland, Ohio – Last Wednesday, Loveland Magazine partnered with the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance to bring the candidates for a seat on the Loveland School Board together at the Media Center of the Loveland Intermediate School to face voters and their questions. The forum was moderated by former Board President Dr. Judy McClanahan. She was elected to the Loveland Board of Education and subsequently served 12 years on the Board. During this time she served as President of the Board three times.
Candidates, Michele N. Pettit, Ned Portune, and Eileen Washburn were in attendance. Dave Blumberg could not attend because of a previous business commitment. Three will be elected to a 4-year term.
Here is the video of the forum. (Because of technical difficulties Pettit’s opening statement did not record. She repeated her statement for the camera after the forum concluded and that statement is added to the first video.)
“I recently read the guest column written by a local business owner attacking the character of Loveland City Council candidate Neal Oury. Why? Because he filed bankruptcy following the economic downturn in 2008.
Your attempt to assault his character is offensive to me, and I hope it is offensive to anyone else who has experienced difficulty at some point in their lives.
My immediate response to the attempt to impugn Mr. Oury’s character was… that’s it? That’s all you got? He filed bankruptcy during a recession while he worked in the construction industry. I have bulletin for Mr. Oury’s critics, this is hardly news. So many people, GOOD people, were negatively affected by the economy during that time; many weren’t in the housing industry. Those that were, were hit particularly hard. So why is this news?
Who hasn’t heard the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”? Not only have I heard it, I am a student. I am confident that the very personal and difficult events that have happened in my life have shaped who I am. I am a better friend, mother, and compassionate human being because of the things that have happened in my life.
So to Mr. Oury’s critics, I say this. Your attempt to assault his character is offensive to me, and I hope it is offensive to anyone else who has experienced difficulty at some point in their lives. Your cruel attack has only strengthened my desire to vote for him on November 7th. I want someone on council who has experienced personal heartache and challenge representing me. If you’ve never experienced difficulty, you cannot adequately represent me”.
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Neal Oury says this is the third time he has answered the question.
by Neal Oury,
For the THIRD time, I am making transparent the information regarding the law suits in which I have been named and my experience with personal bankruptcy. Regardless of Ron and Fran Patterson, of Patterson Plumbing and Tim Canada, of Bond Furniture and their motive in bringing these to light AGAIN, this has become way more then bad politics. While I do recognize that as an individual seeking public office, such matters are up for public scrutiny, I will address each case individually. For this group to continue to attack me and attempt to damage my reputation, is not only incomprehensible, it is borderline harassment.
For this group to continue to attack me and attempt to damage my reputation, is not only incomprehensible, it is borderline harassment.
With regard to the lawsuits mentioned, I’ve spent thirty plus years in the property management and the building and construction business, and sadly, law suits are a reality of these industries. Of the suits in which I was named, all suits were related to real estate and only four were deemed by the court to hold merit. These four have to do with filing for personal bankruptcy protection.
With regard to my filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, I will be honest it was an extremely difficult time for my family and me. As a culmination of the economic downturn in 2008-2010, the housing market and remodeling business depleted to nothing. My mortgage on my business property was with 5/3 Bank who called my mortgage due. Unfortunately the economy did not recover and the lack of business led to a situation where I was not able to meet my financial obligations. However painful the experience, I took responsibility, made reparations, and continue today following through on my commitment to pay that debt. It has been a long and difficult road, but as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. I believe it’s these personal challengers that I’ve faced and overcome that give me an understanding of the struggles many of our residents may be facing. More, my ability to overcome them speaks to my integrity and strength of character.
Since the Patterson’s have currently specifically identified each case, I feel obligated to provide the specific details of each suit. Therefore, please refer to the spreadsheet breaking down each case, by case number, detailing each complaint and their outcome along with a summary above.
Since the Patterson’s have currently specifically identified each case, I feel obligated to provide the specific details of each suit. Therefore, please refer to the spreadsheet breaking down each case, by case number, detailing each complaint and their outcome along with a summary above.
I have repeatedly said, I will be accountable, open and honest with the community. Ethics is important to me. I will make sound and moral judgments in my decisions and my actions. Community engagement is necessary, I will participate in collecting residents’ and businesses’ input, and actively work to make a difference for the City of Loveland’s future. If elected, as a member of Loveland’s City Council, I will listen and respect the opinions of all council members, business owners, residents and guest. I will bring to this body a skill set of organization, rational decision making and a inclination to detail with honesty, common sense and integrity.
Respectfully submitted, Neal Oury
Neal Oury is a first-time candidate for Loveland City Council
Halie S. Rebeccaschild is the Secretary, Loveland Community Heartbeat Political Action Committee
by Halie Rebeccaschild,
Neal Oury has offered to dedicate himself to the good of the Loveland community though public service as a city council member over the next four years. He has fought to remove those who have sought to exploit our city, selling it off without your input, and for that, he’s facing serious backlash. Many people might not have had the courage to do what he did, standing up to Mark Fitzgerald this year. People are afraid, and we can see why from the character assault on Neal Oury. It takes tremendous character to bravely face down those with very little themselves.
Many people might not have had the courage to do what he did, standing up to Mark Fitzgerald this year.
Now, he’s being accused of hiding financial difficulties he faced nearly a decade ago. Let’s talk about that.
Neal Oury filed Ch 13 bankruptcy years ago and has continued to pay his debts, overcoming a serious financial setback. That’s exemplary! His family has a proven track record of overcoming obstacles. When asked, he has responded with openness, honesty, and humility about a painful time in his life.
Previous life lessons do not necessarily create bad people.
Previous life lessons do not necessarily create bad people. In the case of Neal and Lynn Oury, it’s created warm, compassionate, community-minded survivors whose record of volunteer service in the last ten years right here in Loveland would put most people to shame. They served this community even as they worked to overcome their financial difficulties of the past.
Neal Oury is an honest and humble community-minded, public servant who has overcome challenges, which is exactly what we need leading our city going forward. He’s proven that he has the life experiences and fortitude to lead us out of the mess Mark Fitzgerald and his majority voting block on city council created. More, he’s pledged to give residents a voice by driving neighborhood representation.
I say, bring on Neal Oury for city council. Let’s see what he can do to help move Loveland forward and out of the mess of the last 2 years.
Vote Oury on November 7 with pride!
Best regards to you, Loveland neighbors.
Halie S. Rebeccaschild B.A., M.A. is the Secretary of the Loveland Community Heartbeat Political Action Committee
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CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance said she was very pleased with the number of residents who turned out to hear from City Council candidates.
Loveland, Ohio – “Our hope was to allow the Loveland voters an opportunity to meet each of the candidates that are running for Loveland City Council and hear their position on specifics issues and topics. We were pleased to see the largest crowd ever at a City of Loveland Candidate Forum,” said CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. On Thursday, October 26 The the Chamber and Loveland Magazine sponsored a Meet the Candidate Night at the Loveland Intermediate School.
Moderator for the evening was Judge Brad Greenberg a former Loveland Mayor and now a resident of Symmes Township. Pastor Bill Hounsell selected the questions that Greenberg asked of the candidates. The questions were submitted by the more than eighty residents who attended. “We would have liked to get to more questions asked to each candidate, however, it is invaluable to put a face, personality, and position in context with their yard-signs before going to the polls on November 7.”
The forum was broadcast live on Loveland Magazine’s Facebook Page and 24-hours later, more than 1,500 people have viewed portions or all of the forum.
Collins said, “In addition, thanks to Loveland Magazine, we were pleased to offer the forum to those unable to attend in person via Facebook Live. Overall, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance feels that the voters in the city are better prepared to vote because of the forum.”
Many of the audience had to stand when chairs ran out at the forum to meet the Loveland City Council candidates.
Candidates Andy Bateman, Tim Butler, Pamela Gross, Barry Kuhn, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps, and Rob Weisgerber were there to answer voter’s questions. Candidate Stephen Zamagias did not attend.
“We appreciate both Pastor Bill Houndshell, Judge Brad Greenberg, the staff of the Intermediate school, and Business Manager John Ames for their time in helping,” said Collins.
The video is embedded below as a rebroadcast.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
Loveland Magazine Publisher David Miller
Love it or hate it, Facebook served the Loveland community very well Thursday night. New technology, love it or hate it, served the Loveland community very well as well – in bringing the forum to voters that could not attend in real time. We brand our videos, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV because residents embracing new technology can view Loveland’s “First TV station in this fairly young, 21st Century” right in their living room, whether on a smartphone, a tablet, or a smart television. Viewers could even comment in real time on how the candidates were answering questions.
In addition, Loveland Magazine is extremely grateful for the old-timey things that happened last night. Judge Brad Greenberg’s and Pastor Bill Hounsell’s call to duty, volunteering to stand in the spotlight putting their personal reputations on the line, making the forum fair and impartial to both the candidates and to the voters who attended. And we are very grateful for the old-timey call to duty of all of the residents who attended acting out their civic responsibility to be better-informed voters.
We are also so very appreciative of the calm and polite demeanor both audience and candidates displayed throughout the evening.
Personally, I want to thank CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance for all of her attention to detail in ensuring that each candidate felt comfortable with the forum’s agenda, never an easy task when interacting with candidates vying for political office.
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV is TV on the Go and on-demand with a smart-phone. It may not be long before you witness our videos being projected on the wall of a living room or bar by a viewer who owns one of the new phones that come with “projector adapters” that project video images onto a wall of up to 70-inches. We are pleased that readers are embracing the new technology we are using and we are always open to your suggestions on how to improve and pay for those improvements.
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Jonathan Goolsby says voters should consider voting for his friend Andy Bateman for Loveland City Council
by Jonathan Goolsby,
A few months back, my phone rang. I saw it was my friend, Andy Bateman.
Normally, we’ll just text; if he was calling, he had something important to say, so naturally I picked right up.
The usual buddy chit-chat, then the crux:
“I’m thinking about running for Loveland city council. What do you think?”
“I’m thinking about running for Loveland city council. What do you think?”
“I think you’d be a great candidate, Bateman,” I said.
And I meant it, too.
Before I tell you why I think so, I want to be up front about something, because I don’t want there to be any appearance of impropriety: I don’t live in the city of Loveland right now.
My folks do, and many of my friends do, so I maintain a deep interest in what goes on economically, socially, politically — heck, even on the high school ballfield — in my hometown.
And, for some time now, I’ve been thinking about moving back.
Like a lot of people my age, who grew up in Loveland, all I ever wanted to do was get out and see other, bigger places.
Well, now I’ve seen ‘em. Lived in a few. And I’ve learned that there’s absolutely something to be said for coming back home to the tranquil, gorgeous Little Miami Valley.
I’m still somewhat active in the Loveland Stage Company. I visit my parents and my friends out there once every couple of weeks or so. I hit up the Whippy Dip. Sometimes, I work from the Starbucks out on Loveland-Madeira.
But when I read and hear about strife and incivility in council chambers — between councilmembers, between councilmembers and the citizens they serve, and yes, between citizens themselves — I think twice about that yielding to that homeward pull.
I don’t like seeing my people at each other’s throats. And if that’s the way folks are gonna operate on a day-in, day-out basis, well, you can count me out. I value my serenity.
But I don’t think I have a monopoly on that.
I think most folks value peace and positive cooperation. It’s just that tensions have been running high — not only in Loveland, but throughout our nation — and people are trapped in cycles of frantic reactivity, when they should be fostering measured, rational proactivity.
They’ve forgotten to listen to each other. They’ve become convinced that government should be a zero-sum game.
“But Andy Bateman isn’t that kind of guy.”
But Andy Bateman isn’t that kind of guy.
How do I know? He and I have been great friends for over 20 years. And friendships don’t last that long if one or the other party is intractably rigid.
“So, you know about everything that’s been going on with Council, right?,” he asked me.
“Lord, yes.”
I was shaking my head on the other end of the line. He knew I was, too, because he sort of chuckled.
“That’s why I want to run. I want to listen to people.”
Now, pause and let that sink in for a minute:
“How many thirtysomethings volunteer with their local historical societies? How many go to city council meetings? How many still use the library for something other than Facebooking?”
A candidate who believes his primary responsibility on Council would be to listen.
Not to preach. Not to adhere to one ideology or another. Not to talk down to people he doesn’t completely agree with. Not to ram pet projects through without regard to other peoples’ feelings.
To listen to people.
And to take what he hears and use that to shape his decision-making. To act conscientiously, candidly and respectfully.
Good night, are we talking about actual democracy here?
“Yeah, man, I just think that people don’t listen to each other enough. I think there’s a real need for it here.”
“Bate, you gotta run. Seriously.”
“I am. I just wanted to know if you thought it was a good idea.”
“I think it’s a great idea. And I think others will, too.”
Look, I get it. He’s my friend. Maybe you think I’m just making an impassioned plea to you on his behalf on that lone basis.
Sure, Andy Bateman and I played in the Loveland High School marching band together. We acted in the same school plays. We ate lunch at the same cafeteria table nearly every day (and I can assure you, he was just as interested in local history, politics and service to other back then — it’s what he talked about).
We ran around town making silly video projects, driving maybe a bit too fast, listening to music maybe a bit too loud. Like most small-town kids, we raised a bit of good-natured, light-hearted hell in our time.
“But having watched Andy grow up — and having grown up with him — over the past 20 years, I can tell you that he has rare qualities.”
But having watched Andy grow up — and having grown up with him — over the past 20 years, I can tell you that he has rare qualities.
He has a candid, open nature. If you talk with him, he’s consistently interested in knowing what you’re thinking, but he’ll tell you what he’s thinking, too. And you’ll know what he’s telling you is the truth.
He’s flexible. I’ve never known Andy to be entrenched or dogmatic in his views. He’s a classic pragmatist. You disagree with him? Tell him why. Show him evidence. He’ll reason with you, and he’s always open to compromise.
When he makes mistakes, he owns them. Andy takes personal responsibility to learn from mistakes and make positive changes. Best of all, he doesn’t tend to repeat them.
“When he makes mistakes, he owns them. Andy takes personal responsibility to learn from mistakes and make positive changes. Best of all, he doesn’t tend to repeat them.”
He’s someone who has never stopped being curious about the world around him and who’s never stopped learning. He’s not afraid to move forward.
But he’s also well-grounded.
How many thirtysomethings volunteer with their local historical societies? How many go to city council meetings? How many still use the library for something other than Facebooking?
Not many.
But that’s Bate. What you see is what you get. You deserve a representative like him.
On Tuesday, November 7th, I hope you’ll vote for my friend, Andrew Bateman, for Loveland City Council.
When Loveland’s alarm clocks ring on November 8th all the work that the candidates and residents have put into this election will be done but the work for our city will just be beginning. Loveland has eight candidates vying to represent us, choosing the right ones is imperative so we don’t go back to where we have been. We have weathered fights over our Loveland Farmers Market, fees charged to vendors working in our city, a recall petition times two of our former mayor, and much infighting amongst the remaining members of council.
My votes go to Neal Oury, Tim Butler, Ted Phelps and Rob Weisgerber. Transparency, resident engagement, and ethical behavior is a promise from all four and that is imperative for me.
Rob Weisgerber represents continuity and history to me. Rob has been on council through good times in Loveland and bad and he is the first to admit that decisions made with the greatest intentions sometimes backfire in the long run. His humility and willingness to devote so much to our city along with continuity and history pull a vote from me for Rob.
Neal Oury represents new ideas but with a great background in Loveland and in management that will be a huge asset to Loveland. Neal has proven his character by his decision to be open with personal hardships he has endured and his neighborly attitude of helping Mark Bersani of Loveland Canoe when their building flooded in March and Neal was right there to lend a hand.
Tim Butler is an innovator who created the SMAC track and cross country program that has served thousands of girls and boys in the Loveland Area. He is someone who has a fresh approach to city council but is a practicing attorney so following rules and regulations is second nature to him. We need someone on council who brings fresh eyes to Loveland but with a backbone to stand up for what our city needs and deserves and Tim brings that in my opinion.
Ted Phelps is another existing councilmember, with less time in the seat than Rob, but still brings some consistency of working with members of City staff and residents. Ted is always attentive during council meetings to whoever is speaking, as an attorney he knows that shows respect. My vote for Ted is due to his always friendly and open to opinions even those he doesn’t agree with but he is extremely respectful and throughful in his interactions.
These four gentlemen will bring a fantastic combination of history with new opinions, attentiveness and respectfulness with a strong backbone to push back when needed, lifelong residents of Loveland and those who have absorbed ideas from other cities, knowledge about rules and regulations in many areas but most important a desire to represent and engage with each other and the residents of our town.
Join me in voting for Neal Oury, Ted Phelps, Tim Butler and Rob Weisgerber on November 7th.
Loveland Chamber and Loveland Magazine partner to bring you Meet the School Board Candidates Night
Loveland Middle School Media Center
801 South Lebanon Rd.
Wednesday October 25 at 7 PM
Doors Open at 6:30 PM
by David Miller, Publisher
I am pleased that Loveland Magazine can partner this year with the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance to bring the candidates for a seat on the Loveland School Board together in one room to face voters and their questions. This election is certainly one of the most consequential for District voters in decades. The Board that sits in January 2018 will choose a new superintendent, make decisions about school facilities and crowded classrooms, and possibly be asking voters for more money within the next eighteen months.
Voters will have the opportunity to meet the candidates at 6:30 PM and at 7 PM the candidates will begin presenting their case and asking for your vote.
The forum will be moderated by former Board President Dr. Judy McClanahan. McClanahan and her husband Stephen have lived in the Loveland District for 31 years. McClanahan has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Pharmacy and a PH.D. from the University of Kentucky in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She did her post-doctoral work at the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy in Chapel Hill. She was active in the PTA and established a Publishing Center for the students in the elementary building. In 1997, she was elected to the Loveland Board of Education and subsequently served 12 years on the Board. During this time Judy served as President of the Board three times.
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will be broadcasting the forum “live” on Loveland Magazine’s Facebook page, so, people that cannot be at the forum to meet the candidates in person, can watch it wherever they are. Folks can watch on their smartphones, tablets, computers, or even on the widescreen of their smart TV in their family room. Organize your own watch party.
The forum will be rebroadcast on both our Facebook Page and at www.lovelandmagazine.com so folks can watch at any time leading right up to election day.
Residents can comment in “real-time” on the Loveland Magazine Facebook page during the live broadcast or afterward by watching the re-broadcast.
At the Forum, residents will be putting their questions into a “hat,” and all questions will be screened for duplicates. McClanahan will ask as many questions as time allows.
CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance said, “I feel it is important to allow the residents and voters to meet and ask questions prior to going to vote on November 7. Our intent is to provide the community the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed choice when voting.”
Judge Brad Greenberg is the Presiding and Administrative Judge for the Hamilton County Municipal Court.
There will be a similar Meet the Candidates Night for candidates for Loveland City Councilon October 26, at 7 PM at the Loveland Middle School Media Center. Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge and former Loveland Mayor Brad Greenberg will be the moderator.
Dave Blumberg is a candidate for Loveland City School Board and provided this Candidate Statement to Loveland Magazine.
Loveland Magazine invites all candidates for public office in the 45140 zip code or within the Loveland City School District boundary to send a similar Candidate Statement for publication. Send to lovelandmagazine@cinci.rr.com
As a 26 year resident, It has been an absolute pleasure to serve on the Board of Education for the past four years. The District is headed in a positive direction advancing our major goals in the areas of Growth, Care and Innovation.
In the past four years, we have constructed much needed facility improvements, including a new playground, tennis courts, reconfiguring the high school and affecting the replacement of the Tiger Trail entrance to the high school just to name a few. We have invested in long needed updated curriculum to meet the challenges and needs of today’s students as they prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. We have established the Destination Loveland initiative which includes engaging community stakeholders to help define the future of education in Loveland. This broad student centered initiative is beginning to materialize into a meaningful long term educational solution that will continue to make Loveland a destination school district for years to come.
With the current positive momentum, it would be in the Districts best interest to maintain Board leadership continuity so these advancements can continue to accelerate. Please consider these critical points and accomplishments in your vote. Thank you for your continued investment in our community and remember to WRITE IN DAVE BLUMBERG AT THE BALLOT BOX! My name will not appear on the ballot and it is critical for voters to literally WRITE IN my name in order to cast a vote for me. DON’T WRITE ME OFF – WRITE ME IN! GO TIGERS!
NOTE from David Miller, Editor
by Shanda Gentry
bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Pharmacy and a PH.D. from the University of Kentucky in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She did her post-doctoral work at the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy in Chapel Hill. She was active in the PTA and established a Publishing Center for the students in the elementary building. In 1997, she was elected to the Loveland Board of Education and subsequently served 12 years on the Board. During this time Judy served as President of the Board three times.
