Tim Butler is running for a seat on 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.
Lynn Oury is the wife of Loveland City Council candidate, Neal Oury
by Lynn Oury,
My husband, Neal Oury of 34 years, was born and raised in Loveland, and graduated from Loveland Hurst High School in 1975. We currently live in the home Neal built 30 years ago, and where we have raised our two children. Neal has been active in our community, volunteering his time with several organizations and has served on previous city committees. Neal is currently the Material Sales Manager for Eads Fence Co. and the manager of our downtown local business; Loveland Hardware General Store. It is there that he hones his skills; that of organization, vision for the future of the company, hard work, and excellent customer service. As well, Neal is not afraid to get in the trenches and face conflict.
I am proud of his tenacity to overcome struggles, as well as his sense of teamwork to help others.
Neal has a big heart. He cares about his family, friends and community. Neal has a common sense approach to problem solving. As well, he will seek the wisdom of others whom he respects to gain understanding and knowledge. These attributes, as well as those listed above, are endearing to me. I am proud of his tenacity to overcome struggles, as well as his sense of teamwork to help others.
If elected, Neal will bring these attributes and skill sets to our Loveland City Council. Neal has a vision of vast community input, and a Loveland that includes a more cooperative and respectful City Council.
Please Vote for my husband, Neal Oury for Loveland City Council on November 7th!
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.
“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.
Imagine the feeling of being wrapped in a wave of support that would sweep you toward a cherished aspiration. It won’t happen overnight, but this little girl won’t be alone on her path.
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.
For your ballot to be counted you must complete your ballot (with entries for at least half the categories) and include your name and email. Please include each nominee’s full name and the city in which it is located. Ballots without names and email addresses will not be counted. Go to BALLOT…
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Loveland Elementary School students with supplies the Kindness Committee helped to collect for the district’s hurricane relief efforts.
Every building district-wide collected donations to send south
Loveland, Ohio –From a coin drive at Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) to thousands of items donated at Loveland Primary School (LPS), Loveland Elementary School (LES), Loveland Intermediate School (LIS), Loveland Middle School (LMS) and Loveland High School (LHS) – Tigers answered the call for help for hurricane survivors by joining together to support a collection drive for Matthew 25: Ministries.
“I want to personally recognize one of our high school students – Kailey Packer – for organizing the effort, and coordinating with all of the buildings in the district,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. LHS had two truckloads of more than 500 baby items to deliver to Matthew 25.
LECC raised nearly $350 dollars, LPS collected 10 large bins full of supplies, LES needed 10 flatbed carts to load up their donations, and LIS and LMS combined collected more than 2,700 personal care items. LMS Principal Chuck Ogdan promoted the effort through Twitter, using a photograph of his own donation purchase to motivate LMS students to also help.
Loveland Middle School Principal Chuck Ogdan supported the hurricane relief collection drive through social media by posting his own donation purchase on Twitter to help motivate students.
“Lead by example,” said Ogdan. “Social media can be a powerful tool to let students know you do more than talk the talk. This was a really important show of support for our neighbors who were devastated by the hurricanes, and a good teaching opportunity to show students a real-life example of Tiger Care – which is one of our district goals.”
“As always, our students and their families showed Loveland cares,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this Tiger Family.”
by Peter Weisgerber,
