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![[POLL] Should Andy Bateman be appointed to City Council?](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/andy-batenam-appointment.jpg)
Have the voters spoken?
The council seat of former mayor Mark Fitzgerald will remain vacant after newly elected members take office on Monday, December 4. They will appoint a new mayor who can then nominate someone for the remaining two-years of Fitzgerald’s term.
Eight people ran for election to the council on November 7 for four open seats and Andy Bateman received the 5th most number of votes. Have the voters spoken? Should Bateman get a seat on City Council?
VIEW ELECTION RESULTS
4 to be elected – 4 year term
Neal Oury – 1912
Andy Bateman – 347 E. Loveland Ave.
Clermont County Votes – 193
Hamilton County Votes – 610
Warren County Votes – 98
Total Votes – 901
Tim Butler – 1102 Hickory Ridge Ln.
Clermont County Votes – 454
Hamilton County Votes – 1370
Warren County Votes – 185
Total Votes – 2009
*Pamela Gross – 343 Huntington Dr.
Clermont County Votes – 139
Hamilton County Votes – 571
Warren County Votes – 89
Total Votes – 799
Barry Kuhn – 806 Kenmar Dr.
Clermont County Votes – 139
Hamilton County Votes – 509
Warren County Votes – 56
Total Votes – 704
Neal Oury – 401 Lowell St.
Clermont County Votes – 483
Hamilton County Votes – 1254
Warren County Votes – 175
Total Votes – 1912
*Ted Phelps – 137 Pheasantlake Dr.
Clermont County Votes – 436
Hamilton County Votes – 1263
Warren County Votes – 176
Total Votes – 1875
*Rob Weisgerber – 240 E. Loveland Ave.
Clermont County Votes – 435
Hamilton County Votes – 1230
Warren County Votes – 168
Total Votes – 1833
*Stephen G. Zamagias – 212 Thomas Paxton Ct. Zamagias was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Linda Cox after her resignation.
Clermont County Votes – 66
Hamilton County Votes – 238
Warren County Votes – 37
Total Votes – 341
(The unexpired term term (till 12/02/2019) of Mark Fitzgerald has yet to be filled). Fitzgerald resigned on 8/14/17 rather than face a recall election this November. The other members of the current council whose terms expire in 12/02/2019 are, Angie Settell and Kathy Bailey.
3 to be elected – 4 year term
Michele N. Pettit – 2953
Ned Portune – 2961
Eileen Washburn – 2963
Dave Blumberg (Write-In Candidate)* – 403
*We will report on election night how many write in votes were received. It is not until the official count that we will have a true total of “valid” write in votes.
Clermont County Votes – 1249
Hamilton County Votes – 1649
Warren County Votes – 55
Total Votes – 2953
Ned Portune – 10113 Colbourne Ct.
Clermont County Votes – 1256
Hamilton County Votes – 1652
Warren County Votes – 53
Total Votes – 2961
Eileen Washburn – 10923 Rednor Ct.
Clermont County Votes – 1268
Hamilton County Votes – 1641
Warren County Votes – 54
Total Votes – 2963
Dave Blumberg (Write-in) – 9207 Gourmet Ln.*
Clermont County Votes – 363
Hamilton County Votes – 30
Warren County Votes – 10
Total Votes – 403
The other members of the current Board whose terms expire in 12/31/19 are, Kathryn Lorenz, Ph.D. and Art Jarvis. Tim Taggart was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Linda Pennington. The term ends after this November’s election. This Board position is one of the open seats you see above (3 to be elected – 4 year term).
FOR THE LEVY – 124,957
AGAINST THE LEVY – 47,567
FOR THE LEVY – 121,196
AGAINST THE LEVY – 50,273
FOR THE LEVY – 124,513
AGAINST THE LEVY – 48,366
FOR THE BOND ISSUE – 3956
AGAINST THE BOND ISSUE – 4796
YES – 280
NO – 54
YES – 300
NO – 75
Results as of 11:10 PM November 7, 2017
(8700 precincts of 8909 reported)
FOR THE AMENDMENT – 1,866,879
AGAINST THE AMENDMENT – 392,485
FOR THE AMENDMENT – 463,114
AGAINST THE AMENDMENT – 1,791,458
FOR JUDGE OF HAMILTON COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT DISTRICT 5 (FULL TERM COMMENCING 1-3-2018)
Brad Greenberg (un-opposed) – 18,102
SYMMES TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES (VOTE FOR 2)
Ken Bryant – 1,926
CJ Carr – 1,151
Jodie L. Leis – 1,935
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
One to be elected
Lori Lutts – 4047
Chris Romano – 2355
Two to be elected
Bill Lantry – 2178
Kristin Malhotra – 2428
Wayne Speer – 1684
Lonnie Vestal – 2213
James Siciliano IV – 1614
John Wilson – 1019
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP FISCAL OFFICER
Dan Corey – 3051 Robert Wagner – 2871
MIAMI TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES
Two to be elected
Angela Colwell – 2462
Karl Schultz – 4059
Mary Wolff – 5057
Clermont County Board of Elections Web Site
Hamilton County Board of Elections Web Site
Warren County Board of Elections Web Site
Ohio Secretary of State Election Web Site
Links associated with a candidate’s name are to the Candidate Statement provided to Loveland Magazine. Go HERE to read all of Loveland Magazine’s Election News PUBLISHED IN 2016 – 2017
by Mary Ann Lynn
Earlier this year, 2,000 Loveland residents voiced their distrust and lack of confidence in then-Mayor Mark Fitzgerald by signing a petition for his recall. If Loveland voters want to continue the progress started with the recall effort, we must elect individuals who are committed to change the way Loveland City Council conducts business.
Council candidates Rob Weisgerber, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps and Tim Butler deserve your vote on November 7. Each is committed to lead our city with transparency, resident engagement and collaboration. Incumbent candidates Weisgerber and Phelps have served our city with unwavering integrity and dedication,
Council candidates Rob Weisgerber, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps and Tim Butler deserve your vote on November 7.
and have consistently displayed respect for Loveland residents and our city’s laws/charter. Newcomers Butler and Oury bring new ideas and fresh perspectives, but with the same commitment to ethics and greater effectiveness. That’s why these four candidates have been endorsed by two community organizations – Neighbors for Loveland and the Loveland Community Heartbeat PAC.
Let’s keep the positive momentum going. Let’s get back to working together – Loveland City Council, residents, community organizations and the chamber of commerce – to make good things happen! Please vote for Weisgerber, Oury, Phelps and Butler for Loveland City Council.
by Pam Gross,
The 2017 Loveland City Election is about the future of our community. Loveland is changing, young families are moving here, new businesses are opening, and existing businesses are adapting to the changes in our community. These new stakeholders, along with those who make up our history, deserve a leader who understand the changes, embraces them, and has the vision to continue this vibrancy and growth.
I am that leader, I have a record of success and I have a plan for the future. Over the last four years I have led an effort to bring more revenue into our community through strategic growth, implementing innovative methods to collect already owed money, and bring new professional minds into our city government through committee appointments. I did all of this without asking the residents of Loveland for a tax increase.
I am that leader, I have a record of success and I have a plan for the future.
In my second term I plan on moving forward with a city government and resident engaged plan on the City Hall development, continue to bring our new residents to the table through our committees, and continue to assist in the growth of our new and current businesses throughout our entire community. This plan will support the ideas of our longtime residents, while bringing the new stakeholders to the table. For Loveland to grow, and be here for a new generation of families, we must not fear new people and new ideas. We must work with them. I will represent all of Loveland over the next four years.
During my campaign I have talked about the concept of a Loveland that is Prouder, Stronger, Better. We embrace our history, we celebrate what is happening today and look forward to a positive future. Four years ago, I saw a Loveland that had a lot of potential but needed new leadership and vision. I decided to run for office, and I won my first term in 2013. During my first term I have a record of success at city hall and in my second term I will continue moving forward and not ask the taxpayers to foot the bill.
Pam Gross is a member of Loveland Council and is running for re-election
To quote a hero of mine – you need to ask yourself is Loveland better off today than four years ago. I believe it is, that is why I ask you to vote for Pam Gross on November 7th
by David Miller, Editor
The announcement continued, “Thus in 2017, the plan is for the current City Hall to be demolished. The planned replacement (elevation renderings shown above) is a four story building.“
The story sounded a little fishy to Loveland Magazine as we keep a pretty close eye on City Hall and we had never heard of the proposal, let alone how it could be a done deal. Also to be sure we did not miss something we 
researched past meeting minutes and found no council vote… no discussion… nothing. Someone at City Hall had written a story that wasn’t true, yet that didn’t stop the Loveland Herald from running with the story. Why wouldn’t they, they would not know better as they had stopped attending Loveland Council meetings years ago. Never-the-less, the Herald was able to gather enough quotes to write about the imminent demolition of Loveland’s City Hall.
Loveland Magazine never reported the story because we knew it was not true.
The newsletter and the Herald story fit the textbook definition of “fake news”, except it wasn’t going to end up being “fake” if City Hall could get away with the backroom scheming it took to hatch the plan. Many residents had different ideas.
The other things residents became aware of was the sudden announcement to impose very high fees and severe restrictions for community groups holding public events. Many residents had different ideas.
Add to that, the announcement that Donna Bednar would not be re-appointed to the Loveland Beautification Committee, and the subsequent resignation of all but one member.
Add to all of this upheaval was when behind City Hall’s closed doors a decision was made to “Trademark” the name Christmas in Loveland and the surprise announcement that City Hall had usurped the event that belonged to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.
It’s where the hashtag, “#lovelandtransparency” comes from.
This is where the stories below start and will give readers a final chance to catch up on our City Hall reporting (including the successful re-call effort of the sitting mayor) before they go to vote next Tuesday. These are resident views, candidate views, and some of the legal challenges both residents and council members faced this past year.
These stories below appear in the order they were published – oldest to newest.
by Peggy Goodwin,
On Tuesday, each of us has important decisions to make. Of major significance is who will guide the business of our city for the next 4 years. Eight candidates are seeking the 4 open seats at the Council table – how do we decide who should fill these roles?
We look to our city to provide the basic services we depend on — the things that are at the core of our daily lives. Are the roadways running through and leading into our neighborhoods smooth, free of potholes and ruts? Are our safety services (police and fire protection) keeping pace with the growth of our community? Is our utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) performing reliably? Are our public buildings and outdoor spaces being properly managed and maintained? Is our city projecting an atmosphere of warmth, friendliness, and cooperation to attract families and businesses to this place we call home? Who will keep these priorities in the forefront of their discussions and decision-making at the Council table?
On November 7th, I’m casting my vote for Tim Butler, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps, and Rob Weisgerber. Why these choices? In their individual campaigns, each has expressed their concerns over the current shortcomings in the delivery of these core services, and each has expressed potential solutions to these issues. Each has pledged to serve our community in a manner that is open, honest, and most importantly, welcoming of input from both you and me. In fact, they have individually pledged to actively engage with the community to seek that input, not merely sit on the sidelines and assume they know what concerns residents may have.
Peggy Goodwin is a former member of city council, former chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and volunteer with the Loveland Farmer’s Market.
I trust these 4 candidates to deliver on their commitments; and just as importantly, I trust them to make logical, well-reasoned, financially sound decisions that are in the best interests for all of Loveland. Let’s restore stability, respect, transparency, and a cooperative spirit to Council chambers by electing Tim Butler, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps, and Rob Weisgerber to the Loveland City Council.
by Tim Butler,
We are all proud of our hometown of Loveland, Ohio. We have a dynamic downtown right on the Little Miami River, the bustling Loveland Bike Path, the gateway Nisbet Park, and a rich architectural history. We have energized neighborhoods with engaged citizens of many professions and skills. We have high-quality public and private schools and dedicated teachers and administrators. All these things and much more make Loveland a great place to live and work.
Loveland deserves a City Council which reflects the greatness of our community. We deserve elected leaders who enhance our City’s reputation, adhere to the City Charter, and perform the business of the people in the light of day, not the dark of night. We can do better. We must do better.
I’m asking for your vote for Loveland City Council. My commitment is to encourage and seek out community participation in Council decisions and to bring transparency and unity to our local government. I will work with our City government to manage the City’s fiscal affairs responsibly, and to continue the development of downtown and other Loveland neighborhoods while preserving our City’s historic heritage. The most viable way to attract development in this competitive environment is when potential businesses know they are dealing with a functional, honest, and reasonable City Council. I will encourage and enhance relationships between City Council, our business community, and Loveland schools.
The most viable way to attract development in this competitive environment is when potential businesses know they are dealing with a functional, honest, and reasonable City Council.
Most important, I pledge to bring reasonable, rational discussion and open, honest debate to our governing process and to provide a full opportunity for community dialogue and participation.
I’m a practicing litigation and employment law attorney and 28-year resident of Pheasant Hills. My wife and I raised five children in this community. I’ve served on City Council committees and serve as a lector and in various committees at St. Margaret of York. I consider public service in elected office the highest honor my fellow citizens can bestow. If elected, I will treat my position as a Council member as a public service, not as an opportunity for self-promotion or petty politics.
Walking the neighborhoods of Loveland these past few months, I’ve met hundreds of citizens and discussed your interests and concerns. Our citizens are interested, knowledgeable, engaged, and excited about this election and the issues and challenges facing our City. We have a unique opportunity to meet the needs of the City of Loveland today and to imagine and plan the Loveland of tomorrow for ourselves and our children.
I request your vote and invite you to join me in providing an open, responsive, and positive City Council to the citizens of Loveland. You deserve it.
by Peter Weisgerber,
My family and I have witnessed first hand all of the sacrifices my dad, Rob Weisgerber, has made for the betterment of the city he loves and its over 12,000 residents. Nothing he has done in last 20 years has been self serving. He has given up time with family and friends. He has come home early from vacations. He has missed games and practices. Do I wish he were at those events? Of course. But I couldn’t be prouder. I knew he was missing those things because he truly cared about Loveland and what happened to it and its citizens.
He has weathered all of the recent verbal abuse, lies, attacks and back stabbing with such dignity. He is an amazing example of what a husband, father and grandfather should be. My dad is honest and upfront. He has ALWAYS made decisions while on council not thinking “how does this benefit me?”, but “how does this benefit the people of Loveland?”. He is the smartest man I know and the citizens of The Sweetheart of Ohio are lucky to have had him working for them all of these years and for the years to come.
If the residents didn’t want him on council, they wouldn’t have voted for him time and time again.
A common sentiment I hear over and over is that Loveland City Council needs “fresh faces” and a “new start”. In my opinion, I would rather have someone advocating for me that has an established background and has the experience of 20 years of service, than someone “fresh” who doesn’t understand the processes or what has worked (or hasn’t worked) in the past. After all, when starting a new job, don’t we all seek out the people who have been there the longest for help and advice?
I also believe my dad has a lot more to bring to the table than just his experience as someone who has seen the ups and downs of Loveland politics. While having this past knowledge is something no other candidate can offer, it’s not the only aspect of his campaign that should be focused upon. He has, and will continue to come up with new, creative and cost effective ways to serve the citizens of Loveland.
Another common “argument” is that my dad is part of some “political machine” that has had the power to solely run the city of Loveland for the last two decades. Because of this, some think term limits need to be enacted to help give everyone a chance to be on council. If the residents didn’t want him on council, they wouldn’t have voted for him time and time again. Proper credit needs to be given to the people who have been happy with the hard work and intelligence he has brought and will continue to bring to Loveland politics.
My whole life, my dad has imbued a work ethic in me and my brothers that he has shown through and through during his time on council:
“If something is worth doing, do it to the best of your ability”
“Always do what is right, as opposed to what is easy”
“No shortcuts, take pride in your work”
The City of Loveland is lucky to have someone like Rob Weisgerber working tirelessly to improve all aspects of life for those who live, work and visit.
I am so blessed to have him as a role model in my life, and the lives of my children, and I am proud to share him with all 12,000 of you.
by Sherry Hamlin,
“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”.
Sherry Hamlin is a Loveland Resident
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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
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