Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: election

Campaign Statement of Pam Gross
EDITOR’S NOTE:

Pam Gross is a candidate for Loveland City Council 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

Pam Gross is running for Loveland City Council

Four years ago I made the decision to run for city council because I believed Loveland needed new leadership, vision and direction. I promised several things:
- Smart and focused economic development programs
- Implement sound fiscal policies without asking taxpayers to pay increased income taxes
- Innovative and creative ideas on infrastructure while maintaining quality city services
This message resonated with the voters and I was elected to serve as their council representative. I am proud to say that I have delivered on the promises four years ago and I am now seeking re-election to continue on this path of progress and looking forward to the future and new successes that will continue to grow our city and keep it vibrant and financially stable for future generations.

This is a decent enough elevator campaign speech but it doesn’t tell the real story of the progress in Loveland nor does it capture the excitement and vitality of our city.

During my first campaign, my niece, Nyla, was graduating from High School. We’ve always been very close and she spends a lot time at our home. Like most of us, we like to play, shop and eat in our community. We would ride or walk on the bike trail, and then we hop in the car and head over to Madeira to shop at the little boutiques and grab a bite to eat in Montgomery. Why, because Loveland didn’t have much to offer outside of an extremely expensive dirt pile in the middle of downtown.

My accounting office is located downtown and I would drive by that dirt pile every day and finally I decided, I’m going to run for council. I’m tired of the same people running the show – our city needed new leadership, direction and vision. Our town had so much potential. So I ran for council and I won. There is no greater honor than serving as an elected representative for the community I care so deeply about.

Fast forward to today – my niece is now a senior at the University of Dayton. When she comes to visit her favorite aunt, the first thing she says is “let’s go downtown, I love that boutique – Busy Bee – they have all kinds of cool stuff.” She also tells me not to forget to bring my credit card and after spending my money she says “I’m hungry – let’s eat at Bella’s I like their outdoor patio – and after let’s get an ice cream at Graeters.” That big pile of dirt is now Loveland Station, it is a thriving and fully occupied residential/retail space.

On any night of the week downtown Loveland is full of life – kids enjoying ice cream, adults socializing on the outdoor patios and couples walking hand in hand enjoying the people watching. We have new small businesses as well – Narrow Path Brewery, Fresh Press and Bike Trail Junction. Travel down Loveland Madeira Rd and what was once a vacant car lot is now a vibrant business center with a Starbucks, SportClips and Chipotle. Four years ago our Commerce Park, the “economic engine” of our city, was losing tenants at an alarming rate, today it is almost 100% occupied, home of the corporate headquarters for McCluskey Chevrolet and Mike’s Car Wash.

New businesses are not only a boom to our economy but it builds our local tax base which supports our excellent Police, Fire, EMS, Public works and Parks ( for people and dogs.) They are the quality city services our residents expect. I’m seeking re-election to continue this path of progress.
Sep 18, 2017
An Apology from Ryan Kulik

I feel like the time is now to make an apology.

by Ryan Kulik,

Recently I spoke to council and submitted my prepared statement to David Miller at Loveland Magazine. (Ryan Kulik: Political motivated amateurs have taken over) (Loveland Community Heartbeat PAC responds to Mr. Kulik) In the days that followed, it was brought to my attention that part of my spoken statement was not one hundred percent factual. I also reflected on my demeanor, and the words I chose in trying to get my larger point across to council, the audience, and anyone watching online. I accepted that I had misspoken on something in my remarks, and proceeded to apologize in the Facebook comment feed in Loveland Magazine. I had planned on making a public mea culpa when the opportunity presented itself. My conscience will not allow me to wait for that moment, I feel like the time is now to make an apology.

Ryan Kulik

I’m sorry.

I am sorry for not having my facts correct when I was trying to ask council why our economic development was in limbo. When I spoke at public forum, I was incorrect when I said the former economic developer had brought a certain amount of money into our community. That was a misstatement. Intentional or not, when someone does not make their point clear, and correct, the larger narrative will always suffer. I wanted to talk about something of great importance, positive economic growth, and my slip-up cost me the chance to move any meaningful conversation forward. I owe an apology to council for wasting their time, the community for having to double check my words, and to myself for not being professional.

I am sorry for calling people amateurs. I can clearly see that I was the one playing amateur politics. My ego, coupled with my frustration are all excuses I give myself for trying to claim the mantle of professionalism. Those excuses do not portray the skill of a professional. I am just one Loveland resident who tried to make a personal point on growth and economic prosperity. By letting my ego work in concert with my frustration towards our council, I used baseless adjectives in describing the politically active in our community That means I sought the refuge of a political amateur.

I owe an apology to council for wasting their time, the community for having to double check my words, and to myself for not being professional.

I am sorry that my greater point was lost in the all the noise generated about my inarticulate comments to council. I do believe members of our council have been acting in a manner that has stalled the positive economic growth Loveland has been experiencing the last few years. I do think it is wrong for a local Chamber of Commerce to work in conjunction with a Political Action Committee who has openly advocated for the stalling of economic development projects. I do not believe we need an extra layer of bureaucracy added to the required rules for moving any new economic development forward. Extra bureaucracy has always been a hurdle many new businesses would prefer not to jump over. I believe Loveland is a desirable community, and new residential developments would expand the tax base. New residents can help ease the economic burden, and make it less likely that council will approach the residents of Loveland with a tax increase. I believe the city of Loveland needs a proper economic development consultant, whomever that person may be. I am sorry I was not able to engage our council, and our community on my vision for an economically prosperous Loveland.

With words like amateur, illegal, and corruption being thrown around, Loveland politics has become a lot of noise and has lacked substantive debate. I added to the climate with my poor statement at public forum. I hope the people running for city council, the groups politically mobilized for the election, and the concerned residents like myself can come together and focus on the issues that make Loveland great. I know that is what I am going to do.

We promise the best customer service, and beyond a doubt, the best selection of merchandise in the area Pizazz Studio is a whimsical gift shop in downtown Loveland.

Sep 17, 2017
Ryan Kulik: Political motivated amateurs have taken over

Kulik compares a political pro, like himself to politically motivated flame throwing amateurs.

Loveland, Ohio – Resident Ryan Kulik went to the September 12 council meeting and gave a speech about the state of Loveland politics. He said it has been “downright dreadful.”

Kulik said that no one wants to talk about the positive things brought by Rob Stansel, the City’s former economic development director who council voted to let go last May because the contract he had with the City exceeded the spending authority of City Manager Dave Kennedy. However, Kulik had plenty to say about Stansel in his speech and defended the work while employed by Kennedy. Some of the claims Kulik made were credible, some not.

Ryan Kulik

Kulik claimed Stansel secured over half a million dollars for the sale of property Loveland taxpayers own on Chestnut Street, however the letter of intent to buy the property was never signed and it expired.

Kulik warns of Loveland having an anti-business attitude and set his aim on The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, the Loveland Heartbeat Political Action Committee, and Councilman Rob Weisgerber.

The day after Kulik gave his speech at the council meeting he sent the full text of his speech to Loveland Magazine with this message, “I have attached my full remarks to council, I did leave out huge chunks because 5 minutes is far too short for a blowhard like myself..” Below is that text with the following disclaimer from Kulik.

I am currently not working with anyone associated with the city council. I have talked with a few people who are running, but I have yet to sign a contract to exclusively work for anyone. Due to confidentiality agreements I can not reveal who I have spoken with. I did want you to know all of this so it is clear where I am coming from. As long as I am free from any contracts in the city, I would like to continue to get my opinions out in this volatile political climate. I will keep you updated if any of this changes.

Thank you, Council, and thank you fellow residents and friends of Loveland.

My name is Ryan Kulik and I live in Loveland. I manage a political consulting firm that specializes in local government. I worked, as in I got paid for my services, on my first campaign in 1992. We lost. Since that November in 1992, I have worked on numerous political issues, and worked on more campaigns than I wish to count. I do this because I love politics, I love America, and I love my community.

A Political Action Committee that has taken joy in stopping the discussion of positive economic growth in our city.

The narrative about Loveland, my community, in 2017 has been downright dreadful. A small group of political motivated amateurs have taken over and halted the business of the city, the mayor resigned, the council is split, and even more surprising, the local Chamber of Commerce has publicly endorsed, with money and with words, a Political Action Committee that has taken joy in stopping the discussion of positive economic growth in our city. Even members of this council have voted against legally required public hearings, read the charter, read the Ohio Constitution. These votes, along with the local chamber, and dedicated group of political motivated amateurs has made Loveland a town that is viewed as unfavorable to growth and not welcoming to new business.

That narrative is unacceptable. I have worked with numerous chambers of commerce, and to be aligned with a group that is anti-business is unthinkable. I have worked with a bunch of people who have run for local government. One of the biggest sins is to have a voting record that shows you are anti-growth and anti-business. I figure if we are going to let the political neophytes have control of our city, why not let a political professional have a crack at the bat. Maybe now we can start to correct the narrative of Loveland.

How is it I can paint these groups as anti-business you ask? Well, let me explain. The anti-business political group has recently brought up the cancelled contract of Mr. Rob Stansel. What is that Mr. Stansel did wrong? I can see where the council should have had a discussion on his services when the contract exceeded the City Manager’s spending limits, but council never had that discussion. Rob Stansel was hired by the City Manager, not council. That is what a city manager does. The council should have had a chance to vote on his contract when the City Manager’s spending limit was exceeded. We never had this discussion. A political amateur seems to always forget these things Again maybe they just don’t know. A political professional knows how a city runs.

As a tax paying resident of Loveland, I am happy that the City Manager hired Mr Stansel, and I am appalled that his services were let go in a blatant politically expedient move by a member of this council. Rob Stansel created, and was still creating, positive economic growth in Loveland. He secured over half a million dollars for the Chestnut property. He was working a deal for the infamous Christman property that would have brought another financial windfall to the city. Thank goodness, the City Manager hired Mr. Stansel. It is a shame that a politically motivated stunt by members of this council caused Loveland to lose someone who was bringing prosperity to our neighborhood. It is a big political sin to be anti-business and anti-growth.

Here’s some free advice, if you want to be a political flamethrower, be well versed in what libel and slander are.

No one wants to talk about the positive things brought by Rob Stansel, and other professionals to Loveland. The narrative has been infected with constant negativity. The refuge of the political amateur is to throw around the terms illegal and corruption. First off, be very careful when you throw those words around. The internet is written in ink, your words will live forever. Political pros, like myself, will look for any signs of behavior, or words, that are legally questionable. Here’s some free advice, if you want to be a political flamethrower, be well versed in what libel and slander are.

Second, what was illegal? The city manager hired Mr Stansel, Mr. Stansel created an incredible return on investment. In Councilman Wesigerber’s defense of the three contracts given to the lobbyists at the Colwell Group, that is right, there were three separate contracts. Managing my own politically consulting group for years I used to love to work with people like then Mayor Weisgerber. If he kept rewriting contracts for new work, I never had to deal with council votes and the public was never able to voice their concern. In my profession, it is easier to work with elected officials who like to dodge transparency.

But back to Councilman Weisgerber’s words. He claimed the three contracts secured by the Colwell group created a great return on investment. He is correct. Do you know what else is correct, the one contract with Rob Stansel created an even greater return on investment, and if this council had acknowledged this, Rob Stansel would still be working for the economic benefit of Loveland. Cancelling Rob Stansel’s contract without debate is an anti-business and anti-growth political sin, and every time someone wants to bring up the contract, I will remind people of this sin.

As for the word corruption. Again, be very careful. Words have consequences, and there is nothing but negativity with the word corruption. If you want to incite discord, then continue to use negativity. That seems to be the only plan of action from the political motivated anti-growth group. Just make sure you are in the clear, legally of course.

I was raised catholic, so I believe in the power of confession and the absolution of one’s sins. The political sin of being anti-business can be absolved, all you need to do is confess.

In 1992, I was a political amateur, I have spent the last twenty-five years learning. I am still learning. I encourage everyone who is new to Loveland politics, stay with it and keep learning. I lost my first race, but that did not deter me. Also, I was raised catholic, so I believe in the power of confession and the absolution of one’s sins. The political sin of being anti-business can be absolved, all you need to do is confess. Think about the future of Loveland. I am dedicated to returning to our pro-business and pro-growth policies. Our council, and community should share my goals. Join me.

Relaxed atmosphere and friendly service welcomes you back time and time again! Located in the heart of the Historic Loveland District Just outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sep 17, 2017
Rob Weisgerber on allegations by Tim Canada and Pam Gross

by Rob Weisgerber,

The assertion was false and heedlessly made without full knowledge of the facts.

I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight. The assertion made by a local business owner and council member that illegal payments were made to a contractor the City used throughout 2013 is false and was heedlessly made without full knowledge of the facts.

During the 8/22/17 Loveland City Council meeting, Mr. Tim Canada, of Bond Furniture, addressed city council about transparency in Loveland politics. (See video below) Mr. Canada asked questions about payments made to a contractor the City used throughout 2013. During this same address, he asked for a subpoena of the former city manager and Pam Gross asserted the referenced payments were illegal. In a subsequent email from Tim Canada, he also asserted the payments to the Colwell Group were illegal.

While Mr. Canada wanted an immediate response in the moment, given the inflammatory nature of the inquiry and Ms. Gross’s statement, I chose to hold my response so that I could research the matter in question and consult with the appropriate people to ensure my response was accurate. Knowing full well that I was risking more inflammatory accusations by not answering questions at that moment. I have no interest in participating in the kind of inflammatory and reckless rhetoric heard at the 8/22 council meeting.

There was absolutely nothing illegal regarding the contracts with the Colwell Group, nor were any city procedures or spending authority violated.

After proper review, including discussion with Loveland’s city solicitor and Mr. Colwell, I indeed have answers to Mr. Canada’s questions. I will start with this fundamental fact: There was absolutely nothing illegal regarding the contracts with the Colwell Group, nor were any city procedures or spending authority violated.

The Colwell Group is a professional organization providing help and solutions to political subdivisions in Ohio. The City of Loveland hired the Colwell group for three separate engagements covering lobbying to get state funding for performance measures, working with ODNR and the railroad on quiet zone needs, and working to secure a grant from ODNR for parking. All three agreements were properly reviewed by legal and the finance director, and all three efforts were at or under the legal spending authority of the city manager, per the city’s rules. Under the final contract, the Colwell Group secured between $300,000 and $350,000 in a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for the downtown parking area that is now the Linda Cox lot. That represented a 20X return for the taxpayers of Loveland.

Mr. Canada often references his extensive research, yet the facts of these contracts were readily accessible, had this information been his primary interest or objective.

Mr. Canada often references his extensive research, yet the facts of these contracts were readily accessible, had this information been his primary interest or objective. Whether at a meeting or in emails, calling for subpoenas and lobbing terms like “illegal” and “tarnished reputation” make for great drama in the moment, but when invoked without proof or cause, they are irresponsible and reckless. Mr. Canada is creating the very negativity he has lamented repeatedly from the podium.

With more than 20 years proudly serving the City of Loveland as a representative of city council, I cannot claim to have never made a mistake or a decision I regretted in hindsight. But I have always made decisions with the best interest of the city and its residents in mind, and to the best of my ability with the information available at the time. I intend to carry this same approach forward, with greater council collaboration, communication and resident involvement. Loveland residents deserve nothing less.

Rob Weisgerber is a Loveland Council member and running for re-election this November.

Here is video from LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV showing what was said by Tim Canada and Pam Gross during the August 22 City Council meeting:

We promise the best customer service, and beyond a doubt, the best selection of merchandise in the area Pizazz Studio is a whimsical gift shop in downtown Loveland.

Sep 11, 2017
James McKenna responds to Ryan Kulik

by James McKenna

I find in myself a sliver of common ground with Ryan Kulik concerning Rob Weisgerber. (Ryan Kulik: Loveland Deserves a Better Class of Politics)

In years past, I haven’t been thrilled with some things Mr. Weisgerber has done. But that’s the extent of my agreement with Mr. Kulik. In total, my experience of Mr. Weisgerber’s tenure on council has been positive. I wasn’t so happy about his part in the mess that eventually became the hulk at the corners of Loveland, Second, and Broadway, but it’s done and the city seems to be more or less the better for it. Certainly more business is being transacted. The basis for Mr. Kulik’s position that Mr. Weisgerber is anti-business is not clear to me.

During the years when Mr. Fitzgerald’s group managed things, we saw back-room dealing, attempts to subvert the rule of law, and forceful silencing of the public.

A few years ago, former mayor Mark Fitzgerald and his party arrived. Enough has been said about Mr. Fitzgerald, and the man has resigned. The three who ruled with him remain, deadlocking council. I hope November elections will end this farce and we can move on. During the years when Mr. Fitzgerald’s group managed things, we saw back-room dealing, attempts to subvert the rule of law, and forceful silencing of the public. During Mr. Fitzgerald’s tenure, Mr. Weisgerber stood against these activities. To my knowledge he was civil about this and followed the rules.

Mr. Weisgerber has been on council a long time. Frankly, with the complicated mess we have right now, some continuity is probably a good thing. I hope the past few years have given Mr. Weisgerber a clear picture of what not to do on council; I trust him to take that lesson.

Mr. Kulik’s vilification of Mr. Weisgerber does nothing useful. His mockery of the group that forced Mr. Fitzgerald out is groundless. The group’s ability to muster signatures representing a large portion of Loveland’s voters–twice–demonstrates their alignment with community sentiment.

My money is on Mr. Weisgerber and those who, I hope, will bring balance back to council.

We’ve had a rough few years here in Loveland. And now we’ve had that fire that challenges the established community businesses that have anchored the downtown for years. The last thing we need is an attempt to resuscitate things better left dead. My money is on Mr. Weisgerber and those who, I hope, will bring balance back to council. They have their flaws and baggage, no doubt, but we cannot do worse than what’s gone on here recently.

I hope also that people will watch council closely, at least for a while, and hold the new council to account. It’s council’s job to do what we want; they would do well to open up to public input and execute on the best of what they hear. Study of development in other small towns would also be a good idea. Downtown charm is in the balance. If we don’t want blocks of spanking new brick with a scant nod to quaintness, all built for the profit of out-of-towners, we need to figure out how to develop sensitively or stop downtown development.

Let’s have no more ugliness. It’s time to look at what needs to be done and get on with it.

James McKenna lives on Maple Avenue in Loveland

Take Home Tano Consumer Meal Market

lovelandmagazine – Mar 16, 2015

Take Home Tano is about fresh, wholesome food for the frenzied family Our goal is to meet the needs of busy families.

Sep 10, 2017
Ryan Kulik: Loveland Deserves a Better Class of Politics

by Ryan Kulik

Labor Day is the unofficial start of the political campaign season. Our landscape is soon to be dotted with yard signs, our mailboxes will become filled with campaign literature, and our civic minded neighbors will be knocking on the door to urge us to vote for the candidate of their choice. For the majority of Americans, the 2017 political campaign season will be quiet. In Loveland, it will be quite the opposite.

I would be lying if I did not say that I was happy to see their plot fail.

Ryan Kulik

When my family moved to Loveland in September of 2013 the city council race was essentially a matchup of outsiders Linda Cox and Pam Gross vs Councilmembers Rob Weisgerber, Brent Zuch . The rumor on the streets of Loveland was that Councilmen Weisgerber and Zuch purposefully recruited several of their political allies to run in the 2013 council race. The hope for this coalition was that their slate of candidates would occupy the top four positions on election day, and then Linda Cox and Pam Gross would not be able to get enough votes to win a seat. The plan failed. Ms. Cox and Ms. Gross were the top two vote getters while the scheme seemingly cooked up by Councilmen Weisgerber and Zuch cost the latter his seat. I had never seen such a blatant political stunt like the one allegedly from Weisgerber and Zuch in a local election. I would be lying if I did not say that I was happy to see their plot fail. I learned in my first few days in Loveland that the local political scene was filled with partisan amateurs who were always good for some campaign season entertainment.

By the time the kids were going back to school, this local group had forced the resignation of Mayor Mark Fitzgerald

The scheming of the 2017 campaign season did not wait for Labor Day in Loveland. A group of residents seemingly came out of nowhere to claim the “heartbeat” of our community. They started to pack city hall in the early part of the year, and they were demanding transparent from their city leaders. The local media started to take notice of this community driven movement, and their numbers began to grow. By the time the kids were going back to school, this local group had forced the resignation of Mayor Mark Fitzgerald and promised to make the last few months of the 2017 campaign season one that would be memorable.

Through all the noise, and confusion, caused by this local group, the truth has yet to make an appearance. This “concerned” citizens coalition has shown itself to be nothing but a partisan group dedicated to the campaigns of long time councilman Rob Weisgerber and his hand selected council wannabes. The failed tactics of the 2013 election seem to be rearing their ugly head once again. This time instead of just putting a large slate of candidates up to unseat rivals, Councilman Weisgerber has used a small minority of “concerned” residents to attack his rivals. It is sad as much as it is comical to see this amateur display of politics play out in our backyard.

Their political tactics consist of being filled with rage and discord.

The tactics being used by this “concerned” group of citizens reveals everything one needs to know about their electoral plan. No new, positive, ideas are being proposed by this coalition. Their political tactics consist of being filled with rage and discord. This group, who supports Councilman Weisgerber and his hand selected candidates, have stopped the business of the city while they try to score political victories. Their anti-growth agenda has stalled the positive progress Loveland has experienced the last four years. While Councilman Weisgerber and his allies at city hall votes against public hearings for initiatives that will bring visitors and their money to Loveland, this group of citizens loudly protect him by attacking their perceived enemies. While Councilman Weisgerber and his allies at city hall vote against public listening sessions that aim to mend the political discord in our community, this group of citizens disseminate misinformation to get the public unnecessarily enraged. While Councilman Weisgerber and his allies at city hall continue to push an anti-business agenda in Loveland, this group of concerned citizens ignorantly attack hard working public servants. The pure comedy of Councilman Weisgerber’s, and this group of “concerned” citizens, political strategy has produced real consequences of loss of growth and potential loss of future income. Cheap political tactics are robbing Loveland of a rich and profitable future. It is sad and maddening for the good people in our neighborhood.

The political stunts being perpetrated by Councilman Weisgerber’s mob of “concerned” citizens is embarrassing to the good people of Loveland.

Councilman Rob Weisgerber has been on Loveland City Council for over twenty years. That is an extremely long time for any one person to have power over the economic health of our community. Two decades produces a long, and questionable, record. He may try and use different political tactics to stay in power, but Loveland deserves leaders who think of our economic wellbeing and not their own hold on power. The political stunts being perpetrated by Councilman Weisgerber’s mob of “concerned” citizens is embarrassing to the good people of Loveland. We deserve a better class of politics in Loveland. We deserve leaders who do not use divisive political strategies for their own personal gain. Thank you for your service Councilman Rob Weisgerber. It is time for you to exit the stage.

Ryan Kulik shares his home in Loveland with his wife, son, and dog.

Relaxed atmosphere and friendly service welcomes you back time and time again! Located in the heart of the Historic Loveland District Just outside Cincinnati.

Sep 10, 2017
Tom Morris: Council news broke with a scripted middle finger

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please excuse the quality of our recent video work from the Loveland City Hall council chamber. After the City recently hired Public Information Officer (PIO) Joe Wessels, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV has been put into a small corral to one side of the room, and the podium was placed so that when the public rises to speak, they have their backs toward the audience and our camera. We have talked to the City Manager and the Clerk of Council about how this arrangement significantly degrades our video, “The old set-up allowed a video camera to swing back and forth between those at the podium and the council table. That arrangement had been used for decades.”

Our plea has fallen on deaf ears. The PIO, however, did respond saying, “Unfortunately, the arrangement of the media area will not be moved to accommodate better angles at this time.”

So, for the time being, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV is forced to show butts instead of faces, except when Councilwoman Pam Gross uses the podium. (See this recent video)

City’s PR man Wessels paid “Almost $76 per minute of meeting” – Tom Morris

Loveland, Ohio – “Our town is a bit of an embarrassment. The actions of this Council in recent weeks have been deplorable, unfortunate, and absolutely a joke.” is how Tom Morris began his speech at the August 22 Loveland Council meeting. He wants it fixed and offered solutions.

He told the remaining three members of the “Fitzgerald Four” that the previous council meeting was, “A scripted middle finger.” He was talking to Vice-Mayor Angie Settell, Pam Gross, and Steven Zamagias when they attempted to make Settell, mayor, and Gross, vice-mayor. The meeting was later ruled illegal because of improper public notice. Morris said that that problem will hopefully be rectified in a few weeks with the November election and the replacement of a few members of Council.

Morris then laid into Joe Wessels, the City’s public information officer. He pointed to Wessels who was sitting at a desk alongside the side of the Council chamber and said he was getting paid $2 a minute, “Just to sit here in the room with us.” He chastised Council for paying Wessels $125 per hour and already $10,000 for signing up for a couple of social media accounts and, “Accomplishing what a seventh-grader does in an afternoon.”

Morris pointed out that Wessels was recently paid $125/hour to have lunch with a resident.

Morris said that Wessels charged the City $531.25, “Almost $76 per minute of meeting” to attend the June 27 Council meeting, a meeting that lasted seven minutes. “Maybe it took more than four hours to shyster a positive spin on something so mind-numbingly dumb, but all we needed was, ‘Grown man acts like a child and is unfit for his position.” Morris was referring to the meeting where then-mayor Fitzgerald called the meeting to order, gave an angry speech and then the “Fitzgerald Four” abruptly adjourned the meeting.

Morris said that the City’s Public Relations Committee has qualified members and could be doing the job Wessels is doing, with more integrity, at no cost to taxpayers.

Later in the meeting, Wessels addressed Council and outlined current projects he is working on but did not address the allegations made by Morris.

Read these related stories:

Who is Joe Wessels and what does he do at City Hall?

Mayor’s Kumbaya Moment pivots to Bye Y’all as Council meeting abruptly…

Solicitor tells Council their meeting was not proper and Settell is…

Mark Fitzgerald resigns as Loveland Mayor and councilmember

Loveland: Meet Chester, the fried chicken you’ve been awaiting!

Sep 7, 2017
Barry Kuhn’s Campaign Statement

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Barry Kuhn is a candidate for Loveland City Council 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

My name is Barry Kuhn, and I’d like your vote for Loveland City Council on November, 7^th.

I have been a resident of Loveland for over 40 years. This has allowed me to see the progress our city has made over the years in making Loveland a place where people are want to live, and raise their families. I am involved in several local organizations, and feel that I have a good understanding of the things that our citizens want from their local government. My experience of the last few years serving on the city’s Finance Committee has exposed me to the budget process, and where our tax dollars are being spent. I am also the Vice-Chairperson on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Serving the city in this capacity has allowed me to develop strong working relationships with the various departments in City Hall. My experience in the business world has allowed me to develop leadership skills, and the ability to partner with different groups in working towards our goals. I am also an effective communicator. I plan on leveraging all my experience in making myself successful as a member of City Council.

Our city has gone through some tough political issues this year. My top priority will be increasing the amount of communication between City Council and our residents. I will be looking for opportunities to expand resident participation in decisions that are made regarding city owned land development, city policies or ordinances that effect organizations or businesses, and other matters that directly impact them. My goal would be to hold quarterly or semi-annual town meetings so that a dialog can occur outside of City Council chambers. This will allow our residents an opportunity to have their voices heard and have their questions answered. Another priority will be to review the City’s Charter, and its’ ordinances. Our city has changed over the years, and I believe that our Charter may need updating to change with it. I support both the direct election of our city’s Mayor, and term limits for our elected officials. These changes would require a Charter Amendment. City Council should take an active role in ensuring that our Charter is serving the citizens of Loveland. Another top priority would be to repair the relationships between City Council and our local Chamber of Commerce, Farmer’s Market, Amazing Race, and other organizations and businesses that make our city a great place to live. We need to view them as partners, and collaborate with them instead of viewing them as enemies. We’re all in this together, working towards the same goal. Making our city the best that it can be.

Thanks for your consideration. If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at barryk98@gmail.com.

Sep 2, 2017
Hamilton County BOE denies protests filed against Gross and Batemen nomination petitions

Norwood, Ohio – Loveland resident Patty Horton-Sandmar filed protests over the nominating petitions to run for City Council of Pam Gross and Andy Bateman. Both candidates had already been certified to be on the Fall ballot, but Horton-Sandmar told the Hamilton County Board of Elections (BOE) this afternoon that the paperwork the pair submitted had fatal flaws because they did not follow the letter of the law..

At the BOE hearing today the Board overruled Horton-Sandmar’s protest in both cases.

Horton-Sandmar alleged that the address of one of Gross’ five nominating committee members was wrong. The address listed according to Horton-Sandmar was 274 Shadow Ct. and it should have been 274 Shadow Wood Ct. Gross said it was an innocent error because when she filled out the form she used the address she saw on the “Walking List” of registered voters, a spread sheet provided by the BOE. The BOE determined that if Gross had expanded the spread sheet “cell” she would have seen the entire correct address.

In the case of Bateman’s petition, Horton-Sandmar alleged that the candidate turned in 83 signatures of registered voters and that was eight more than allowed by the Ohio Revised Code and 33 more than allowed by the Loveland Charter.

In overruling the protests the BOE determined both petitions were in substantial compliance with election law.

Below are the protests Horton-Sandmar submitted to the BOE, and the response Gross submitted. Bateman did not file a written response however did explain his position at today’s hearing. Gross and Horton-Sandmar also testified today at the hearing.

The hearing was broadcast live on Loveland Magazine’s Facebook page. Go to the -21:40 minute mark to watch the agenda items of interest to Loveland voters.

Horton-Sandmayr Protest of Pam Gross Petition

Pam Gross response

Horton-Sandmayr Protest of Andrew Bateman Petition

This story was up-dated at 7:15 Am on 8/31/17

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Aug 30, 2017
Business group seeks transparency during election

Loveland, Ohio – Businessman Tim Canada placed a four-inch thick binder on the shelf under the speaker’s podium before speaking at the Loveland Council meeting on August 22 saying he represented several local businesses. He said that since there was so much said during the campaign to recall former Mayor Mark Fitzgerald charging him with not being transparent, he was putting all candidates on notice. He said, “Going forward every candidate and council person will be under scrutiny for transparency.” He said their efforts would also be directed at The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and the Loveland Community Heartbeat PAC. He said the business people would be speaking for the next eight weeks about transparency – going back to 2007.

Canada said that Halie Rebeccaschild had used two different names on campaign finance reports submitted to the board of elections that were submitted by the recall campaign committee. He inferred it would be election falsification and that it would be a fifth-degree felony to do so.

Canada continued saying, “It bothers me to do this, but I am going to do it anyway.” He then went on to talk about a candidate for Council, Neal Oury, outlining past law suits he has been involved in and his personal bankruptcy.

After Canada made the public statements that were aired on the live Facebook feed of the council meeting by LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV, Rebeccaschild and Oury were asked if they would like to respond to the things said about them by the business group.

Here are their responses:

– Halie S. Rebeccaschild

Loveland Community Heartbeat has amended the filing to correct the error. The mistake was in part due to a name change and the treasurer referencing an account not current with the name change at the time of entry to the ledger. Contrary to Mr. Canada’s suggestion, a filing error does not equate to a felony. According to the Hamilton County Board of Elections Campaign Finance Department, amendments to filings are quite common.

– Neal Oury

During August 22, 2017, Loveland City Council meeting business owner Tim Canada raised concerns over law suits in which I have been named and my experience with personal bankruptcy. Regardless of Tim’s motive in bringing these to light, I do recognize that as an individual seeking public office, such matters are up for public scrutiny and I will address them directly.

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. Six of these cases were dismissed due to a lack of grounds; in one action, six suits were filed for back taxes and I was named only as the mortgage holder for properties that I had sold on a land contract. Two suits were decided in my favor. The remaining suits were related to the bankruptcy.

With regard to my filing for personal bankruptcy… I will be honest it was an extremely difficult time for me and my family, and a situation which I am not eager to talk about. The 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.

To the degree that Tim felt it necessary to bring these events to light for the sake of transparency, as was demanded of Mark Fitzgerald during the recall drive, I will point out some very relevant differences. First, I have never been accused of fraud, as was the case with Fitzgerald; I have never been fired from a job due to issues of integrity. It appears Fitzgerald has been accused of misusing public funds, my financial hardship affected no one but my family. I have never walked out of nor been booed at any meetings. I take pride in my integrity to do what is right.

When I declared my candidacy for Loveland City Council, it was not with any pretense of my being perfect or not having experienced failure in my life. That decision was the result of my lifelong desire to make Loveland a better place, with city leadership that is inclusive, responsive and respectful of its citizens and to have an open dialogue with the community. With my candidacy comes a promise that I will work tirelessly for Loveland and with Loveland.

Respectfully submitted, Neal Oury

Below are excerpts from the speech Canada gave at the Council meeting.

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Aug 27, 2017