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.
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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Loveland, Ohio – Former mayor Mark Fitzgerald’s resignation from City Council leaves an opportunity for someone wishing to serve the remaining two years of his term. Fitzgerald resigned his position when faced with a recall election this November. A successful candidate must pass the muster of four of the remaining six members.
The City Manager issued this press release inviting residents to apply for the empty seat:
Loveland City Council will begin the process of filling the unexpired term of Councilman Mark Fitzgerald, whose term was set to expire on December 2, 2019.
Loveland residents interested in serving in this position are encouraged to submit an application and a resume to the Clerk of Council by 4:30 p.m. on September 5, 2017, at City Hall, located at 120 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140. Applications are available at City Hall or on the City’s website, www.lovelandoh.gov.
Applicants must be a registered voter, must reside within the City, have lived within the City limits for at least one year preceding the appointment, and be at least 18 years of age.
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.
Loveland, Ohio – The resignation of Mark Fitzgerald from City Council has left a vacancy. Fitzgerald resigned on August 14 rather than face a recall election this November. The six remaining members will vote on a replacement. The City released the below press release seeking applicants for those wishing to be appointed to the vacant seat.
Loveland City Council will begin the process of filling the unexpired term of Councilman Mark Fitzgerald, whose term was set to expire on December 2, 2019.
Loveland residents interested in serving in this position are encouraged to submit an application and a resume to the Clerk of Council by 4:30 p.m. on September 5, 2017, at City Hall, located at 120 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140. Applications are available at City Hall or on the City’s website, www.lovelandoh.gov.
Applicants must be a registered voter, must reside within the City, have lived within the City limits for at least one year preceding the appointment, and be at least 18 years of age.
“The election of Mayor and Vice Mayor at the special City Council meeting of August14,2017 was not proper.”
– Loveland Solicitor Joe Braun
Angie Settell took an oath of office to be Loveland’s mayor on Monday, a position that was stripped away in a legal opinion today.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Magazine obtained a legal opinion written by City Solicitor Joe Braun today that throws a monkey wrench in the selection of Angie Settell as Loveland’s new mayor and Pam Gross as vice-mayor.
In the opinion, Braun said that the special meeting called by then Mayor Mark Fitzgerald for last Monday was not a legal meeting and voids the business conducted at the meeting.
The Clerk of Council had failed to post a notice of the special meeting 12 hours beforehand as required by Loveland law. The notice was put on the bulletin board outside City Hall four hours short of the 12 hours required.
Braun said, “The day after the August 14, 2017, special City Council meeting, I was advised by Councilwoman Kathy Bailey that a resident contacted her and alleged that the City had failed to properly advertise the special City Council meeting. Specifically, the resident indicated that the Clerk of Council had failed to comply with Section 109.04 of the Loveland code of Ordinances.” Braun continued, “I cannot ignore the fact that the posting requirements of Section 109.04 of the Loveland Code of Ordinances were not adhered to by the Clerk of Council. As such, any action taken by Loveland City Council at its August 14, 2017, special meeting should be deemed without legal effect.”
Mark Fitzgerald presided over what he assumed was his last Loveland Council meeting and facilitated the election of Angie Settell as the next Mayor. The solicitor ruled today that it was not a properly called special meeting of council.
Fitzgerald stepped down as Mayor at the meeting so that he could still cast votes on who would be the next mayor and vice-mayor. The votes were 4-3 in favor of Settell and Gross. After the meeting was over, Fitzgerald distributed a letter that he was resigning from Council.
Braun’s legal opinion does nothing to affect the decision by Fitzgerald to resign his seat on Council which he submitted to meet a deadline of the Hamilton County Board of Elections who gave him a midnight deadline to either resign or face a recall election in November.
Council remains a six member body. Council must begin again at a legal meeting nominating one of their own to be mayor and vice-mayor. A decision not made easy because Council is evenly divided into two camps of three members each. Braun said that Settell remains as vice-mayor is now also the presiding officer of meetings and might remain as such until November when voters fill the four open seats on the fall ballot.
A six member Council after the November election might still deadlock on a selection of mayor, vice-mayor, and someone to fill Fitzgerald’s remaining two year-term. Brauns opinion did not address that possible scenario.
Braun’s opinion at least temporarily strips Settell of her Mayoral duties and her ability to unilaterally appoint Fitzgerald’s replacement if the 3-3 divided council cannot agree on who it should be. Before Braun’s opinion, Settell had to wait for 30-days to make an appointment, but as of today, he said the decision must wait until after the November election.
Braun reached the following conclusions:
(1) I cannot ignore the fact that the posting requirements of Section 109.04 of the Loveland Code of Ordinances were not adhered to by the Clerk of Council. As such, any action taken by Loveland City Council at its August 14, 2017, special meeting should be deemed without legal effect.
(2) The election of Mayor and Vice Mayor at the special City Council meeting of August 14, 2017 was not proper. Ms.Settel should maintain her role as the Vice Mayor of Loveland and serve as the presiding officer of all City Council Meetings given the vacancy left by the resignation of the Mayor as a member of City Council.
(3) The decision to fill the empty City Council seat left by the resignation of Mark Fitzgerald vests with the remaining six members of this City Council Should those remaining six members not be able to reach a majority consensus before a new City Council is elected and seated in November 2017, then that City Council shall fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mark Fitzgerald under Section 2.03 of the Loveland Charter.
(4) The position of Mayor of Loveland shall remain vacant until a new election takes place by the remaining members of City Council, or until an organizational meeting is held and a new Mayor is elected by the newly elected City Council in November pursuant to Section 2.05 of the Loveland Code of Ordinances.
(5) Because the resignation of Mark Fitzgerald as a member of City Council took place after the special meeting, and not during it, the resignation is still effective as of 11:59 p.m, on August 14, 2017.
Neither Settell or Gross replied to a request for comment before publication deadline.
“We are the few willing to make a serious sacrifice to address corruption head on.”
– Halie Rebeccaschild
Loveland, Ohio– In the former Loveland mayor’s resignation speech at Tuesday’s council meeting, he made some blistering comments towards his political opponents. There was no open forum on the agenda for the meeting Mark Fitzgerald called to discuss his political future.
The Loveland Community Heartbeat Political Action Committee was particularly targeted in the speech so their spokesperson, Halie Rebeccaschild was asked if she would like to respond on the pages of Loveland Magazine.
You can view Fitzgeralds speech at the bottom of this page.
Halie Rebeccaschild
“Look Out for a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” said Mark Fitzgerald. This statement from him came at the end of a long, accusatory speech at the end of his unfortunate political career here in Loveland, Ohio. Residents signed a petition for Mark Fitzgerald’s recall election twice this year, the last time driving by the hundreds to sign at a remote location; yet, Mark Fitzgerald still does not get the big picture. And on 8/14, residents were treated to his pathetic attempt to discredit those brave enough to dare question his history of fraud allegations. He belittles both us and our demands of honesty and integrity from him and our elected City Council. And he would have residents believe that holding our elected public servants to a high standard of accountability makes us, the informed and politically engaged residents, the problem. But let’s take a look at a couple of his points to see if they hold merit.
First, Mark Fitzgerald accused the Loveland recall committee of having a singular origin of a small group of people. False. Loveland Community Heartbeat was only one organization of two behind the recall. Neighbors for Loveland, also supported the recall campaign (https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeighborsforLoveland/), and together, with other unafilliated residents around the city, we comprised more than thirty resident circulators who span the political spectrum. More, the recall committee takes no singular position on “growth” other than fiscal conservation, and we do not yearn for nostalgia, unless dreaming of a time when politicians served the people who elected them. Instead, the recall committee focused on the unethical behavior of Mark Fitzgerald, and in doing so, we collected over eighteen hundred signatures on the final petition.
Second, In addition to misinforming residents about the members of the recall committee, in his lengthy diatribe, Mark Fitzgerald acted coy about any reasons for recall. Of the complaint stated on the recall petition, he mocked, “What does this mean?” Of course, the reasons for recall, were posted since April on the website, www.lovelandheartbeat.org/recall, with links to primary sources revealing the nature of the fraud allegations brought forth by two whistleblowers during his employment as city administrator in North College Hill, and more recently, the disastrous Ohio state audit of North College Hill during his tenure (http://lovelandheartbeat.org/train_wreck/). The fact that Mark Fitzgerald failed to inform residents about the two fraud allegations during his 2015 campaign for City Council is at the basis for recall. This singular lie-of-omission is enough; yet, Loveland residents may also point to abuse of power, exemplified in the following third point.
Third, Mark Fitzgerald accuses the resident-stakeholder organization driving the recall, Loveland Community Heartbeat, of having no platform. False. Loveland Community Heartbeat advocates for resident engagement. We have promoted a resident-led master plan (http://lovelandheartbeat.org/about/masterplan/) and have addressed City Council in the past year to promote the positive benefits of residents at the table to determine the future direction of our city. Yet, our addresses to City Council repeatedly fell on the deaf ears of Mark Fitzgerald, Angie Settell, Pam Gross, and Steve Zamagias. We can see this in action when looking to the votes around the 4-story city hall project. Although, Rob Weisgerber advocated for residents’ concerns by motioning for interactive conversations with residents prior to any public hearing, his motion was shot down by the majority four. As a public hearing was the final step needed by law before the project and land would be turned over to the Community Improvement Corporation where it would be out of residents’ hands, Weisgerber’s motion could have led to resident engagement around the city hall project. Instead, the majority blocked such engaged discussions and have gone silent ever since (https://youtu.be/Z8215klQaAg).
Mark Fitzgerald doesn’t want to talk about the 4-story city hall project, and he certainly doesn’t want you to know that the mayor he voted into office on 8/14, Angie Settell, defended a 4-story city hall building as “among the most original and creative business decisions the city has made” (Cincinnati Enquirer, 12/16, http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/loveland/2016/12/20/loveland-get-new-city-hall/95706160/)
And if Rob Weisgerber, Ted Phelps, and Kathy Bailey hadn’t blocked the vote for the public hearing required by law before setting that project in motion, residents would today be looking at a demolished plot at 120 W. Loveland Avenue with two years of construction smack in the middle of Old Loveland. Did Mark Fitzgerald, Angie Settell, Pam Gross, and Steve Zamagias do their job as public servants to speak with residents across all neighborhoods before pushing to a final vote? It appears not, as the project was politically unpopular and failed miserably under resident scrutiny. Loveland Community Heartbeat was there to slow this project down until residents can be at the planning table.
Finally, Mark Fitzgerald threw around some interesting conspiracy theories to discredit our resident movement. He made veiled threats to reveal all the dirt on our identities, our past employment, our financial histories, you name it. Yet, nothing about the identities of Loveland Community Heartbeat stakeholders is private. By law, our contributions and identities are made available for anyone willing to take a drive to the Hamilton County Board of Elections, so why all the veiled threats? Does Mark Fitzgerald feel powerful by insinuating that residents who don’t appreciate his service are horrible people with histories and lives more scandalous than Mark Fitzgerald’s himself? The truth is, Loveland residents don’t care about the intricacies of stakeholders’ lives. Loveland residents just want an honest and ethical local government. Mark Fitzgerald just doesn’t get it.
But to momentarily entertain this unprofessional personal attack, I’ll say, Loveland Community Heartbeat comprises the voices of residents who are brave enough to take a stand against Mark Fitzgerald and this corrupt majority regime who claws with all their might to keep a stranglehold around our necks. And we are the few willing to make a serious sacrifice to address corruption head on, risking such personal attacks as seen here by Mark Fitzgerald. We are not a small group of residents, and we will grow even larger as we talk with our neighbors about the scandalous abuse of authority on display at the 8/14 Special City Council meeting. Residents should be outraged by Mark Fitzgerald’s political manipulation to place his chosen majority in power with a vote from him before he resigned from City Council. We would have residents ask, was that vote even legal?
This coordinated and pre-planned theatrical display by Mark Fitzgerald, Angie Settell, Pam Gross, and Steve Zamagias, (not unlike the staged majority walk out https://youtu.be/rZkh0LpYxt4) with their families present to witness, makes crystal clear their repeated and brazen violation of Sunshine Laws. Loveland just moved to settle a Sunshine Law suit; yet, it’s clear the majority City Council Members, including our new mayor, Angie Settell, care nothing about the law or the tax payer dollars spent to fight their corruptions of power.
Mark Fitzgerald, in his effort to cling to power, wants residents to look everywhere but at him to see the wolf in sheep’s clothing. He wants us to fight among ourselves and to blame each other for the problems that he repeatedly creates for Loveland. He wants to claim the high road, with a resignation letter that doesn’t recognize the legal outcome of our successful recall petition but claims he’s resigning out of respect for non-existent term limits. Loveland, we are much better without Mark Fitzgerald, and we can, and will, do much better than those who propped him up. We will continue our good work by voting out this majority power on November 7th, 2017.
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Loveland, Ohio – One week before the former mayor, Mark Fitzgerald resigned his council seat (Mark Fitzgerald resigns as Loveland Mayor and council member) his long time friend and long-distance trail and road running mate, George Brennock went to the council meeting and expressed his virtues.
“There is little doubt in my mind of prevailing in an election this fall. It’s a shame that a small group has seen fit to drag the city’s great image through the mud to further their vicious and unfounded personal attacks on me.”
by Sam Smith
Loveland, OH- On the evening of Monday, August 14th, then-mayor Mark Fitzgerald called a meeting to order. The special meeting was, according to a press release, intended to “respond to matters related to the recently filed petition seeking his recall as a member of City Council”. Fitzgerald would go on to resign his seat as mayor. Angela Settell took his place as Mayor and Pam Gross was named Vice-Mayor. After adjournment, a letter was distributed explaining that Fitzgerald would resign his council seat.
Fitzgerald addresses a full house at the City Council meeting
Fitzgerald, who has served ten years as an elected individual and was two years into his term as mayor, began the meeting with a speech. Fitzgerald was once Loveland’s City Manager.
“There is little doubt in my mind of prevailing in an election this fall. It’s a shame that a small group has seen fit to drag the city’s great image through the mud to further their vicious and unfounded personal attacks on me,” Fitzgerald began.
In his address, he defended his personal integrity and criticized the petition and those circulating it who were seeking his recall, calling it “nefarious activity”. He went on to attack the political action committee (PAC) that funded the petition and individuals who had helped run the petition for recall.
“Who are these people? Do they live in Loveland? Who are their sponsors? Based on the PAC’s financial report, they shouldn’t be able to afford much expensive legal help. What are their names? Some seem to have multiple names. What is their past profession? How have they performed professionally? Are they successes? Or are they business failures? Bankrupts? Do they frequently change addresses, names or jobs? What are their work records? Do they work?” asked Fitzgerald.
“Have they received special considerations that have to do with these relationships such as forgiven utility bills or no interest loans?” the mayor continued, to incredulous laughter from the audience.
Former mayor Mark Fitzgerald reads from the recall petition
Fitzgerald denounced the language and accusations in the petition for vagueness, and made tacit jabs at individuals and members of the local media.
Fitzgerald then resigned his position as mayor (although not his council seat).
“Watch out…” Fitzgerald gestured to the audience “…For wolves in sheep’s clothing.” This was met with boos and jeers. “At this time, I would like to be relieved of my position and duties as mayor, and will entertain a motion from council for the selection of a new mayor,” finished Fitzgerald.
A a long time Loveland resident and voting Stakeholder of the Loveland Community Heartbeat Political Action Committee, Ellen Mershon responded to Fitzgerald’s speech. She said, “I was appalled at Mr. Fitzgerald’s attempt to deflect any responsibility regarding his own behavior both personally and professionally by his attempt to cast dispersions on others.” She said that the behavior the former Mayor exhibited only illustrated the need for the recall. “I am grateful for the voters who came forward to sign petitions, not once but twice for his removal,” said Mershon.
Kathy Bailey waits for a new mayor to be nomintatedSoon-to-be Vice-Mayor Pamela Gross observes the proceedings
In order to fill the vacant mayor position, a nomination and council election was performed. Previous Vice-Mayor, Angela Settell, was sworn in as mayor by Fitzgerald. Next, in order to fill the vice-mayor seat, council member Pam Gross was nominated and elected.
Mayor Angie Settell swears under oath in order to fill the mayor position
Pamela gross takes her oath to become Vice-Mayor
Upon adjournment, Fitzgerald still held a seat in City Council, but had until midnight to resign or else face a recall vote. Fitzgerald refused to speak to the press. New vice mayor Pam Gross declined to interview.
“[Fitzgerald] has stepped down as mayor, so there will be no recall in November,” Mayor Angela Settell explained to Loveland Magazine. Shortly thereafter, a letter from Fitzgerald to Council Clerk Misty Cheshire was distributed:
Ten years is a long time to serve in an elected position. There is wisdom in the 22nd amendment limiting term of office for the President. Subsequently, the state of Ohio has done likewise for its governor and general assembly. If it is good policy for the country and state it should be applied to Loveland Council as well.
It is in this spirit that effective at 11:59 p.m. Monday August 14th, 2017, I resign from Loveland Council as well.
Sincerely,
Mark J. Fitzgerald
“Council will have 30 days to reach an appointment. If they can’t reach an agreement within those 30 days, Mayor Settell will have the ability to fill that seat. Under our charter in Loveland, that person will fill that seat for the unexpired term of councilmen Fitzgerald,” expalined City Solicitor Joe Braun. There are two years remaining in the term. “If he had waited past those 5 days [the maximum amount of time to resign], a recall vote could have been held by the people,” continued Braun.
“My feelings are one of disappointment– this didn’t have to happen tonight. I don’t think anything had to happen this way. The notice was too short, it wasn’t open to the public which is what this has all been about,” claimed council member Rob Weisgerber in an interview after the meeting. “We have a bad reputation but it’s easy to fix. Once we start having an open dialogue, open to the public, open to discussion, it’s easy to turn this back around. And I think that’s what we have to go though,” Weisgerber continued.
Ted Phelps described the election of a new mayor and vice-mayor as clique politics, stacking the deck, and gaming the system.
Councilmember Ted Phelps said, “I am mad. It’s to the public’s detriment. I’m sorry this happened tonight.” He described the election of a new mayor and vice-mayor as clique politics, stacking the deck, and gaming the system. “There was no reason why we needed to vote on a new mayor and vice-mayor today. The public didn’t know this was coming up for a vote. I didn’t know.” Phelps said no one had time for serious consideration on an important issue. “This is exactly why people are up in arms about the way the City conducts business on City Council – because it is in a way that’s not up front, it’s not honest. It’s not fair because someone who could be resigning from our Council tonight is given the right to have a say in who gets elected to be the next mayor. So it’s for that reason I am not at this point in time able to congratulate either the new mayor or vice-mayor.
Neal Oury – file photo
Neal Oury who was a leader in the ouster of Fitzgerald and intimate in the two successful recall petition drives issued this statement to Loveland Magazine:
This little “small group”, as he called the Recall Committee, is many in size, with over thirty petitioners collecting signatures, 2000 plus residents behind us, not once – but twice, makes a profound statement. Those signing the petitions equal approximately thirty-five percent of all the residents who voted in the last election. They were certified by the Board of Elections as Loveland residents. Their “professions, successes, failures and utility bills” are immaterial and, frankly, an insult to the community. The resigned ex-mayor’s unprofessional rant last night was like so many other council meetings he has presided over. The disorder, rude, verbal attacks and skullduggery are always evident. He is the one who has dragged the city’s image through the mud.
This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is the resignation speech Fitzgerald gave to start the Council meeting.
Below is a re-broadcast of the entire council meeting from LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV which broadcast the meeting live
Loveland Magazine kept the camera live feed rolling and conducted several interviews after the meeting adjourned. Near the end reporter Sam Smith reports that Fitzgerald had submitted a letter of resignation.
At the -30:03 min. mark Councilmember Ted Phelps is interviewed and expresses his anger at what happened. At the -25:43 min. mark is an interview with Councilmember Rob Weisgerber expressing his disappointment. At the -18:17 min. mark council candidate Neal Oury is interviewed. At the -15:46 min. mark Reporter Sam Smithbreaks the news that former Mayor Mark Fitzgerald has submitted his resignation from the Loveland Council. At the -14:43 min. mark Tim Butler candidate for Council is interviewed. At the -2:08 min. mark City Solicitor Joe Braun explains how the replacement of Mark Fitzgerald will happen.
This story was up-dated August 15, 2017 at 8:33 PM
Loveland, Ohio – Mayor Mark Fitzgerald has called for a special meeting of Loveland City Council for tonight, Monday, August 14, at 7 PM at Loveland City Hall.
According to a press release issued by the City, “The purpose of the special meeting is to respond to matters related to the recently filed petition seeking his recall as a member of City Council, and to take up any other matters that may lawfully come before City Council.”
City Hall just got around to publishing the agenda for tonight’s meeting and announcing the meeting on their website. “Open Forum” when the public is allowed to speak and is a usual requirement of every City Hall meeting is not on the agenda.
Loveland Magazine also acquired today a second letter Fitzgerald’s attorney sent to the Hamilton County Board of Elections regarding the Boards decision declaring recall petitions valid and giving Fitzgerald until midnight tonight to either resign his Council seat or stand for a recall election this November. Fitzgerald has two years remaining on his four-year term. In this letter from Doug Holthus, it gives the reason neither the mayor or the attorney showed up at the appeal hearing they called for last week and says, “We will be pursuing other available legal remedies.”
Loveland Magazine will be broadcasting the Council meeting live at 7 PM on our Facebook Page.
Read background on the efforts to recall Fitzgerald as Mayor:
Loveland, Ohio – Shanda Gentry, a twenty-year resident took to the open forum mic during the July 25 Council and said she was appalled by the behavior of elected officials that would allow a speech to be made by the Mayor, and then walk out of a meeting without allowing anyone to respond. ([Exclusive Video] Council Majority shuts down meeting and goes home)
Gentry also addressed Council on the possible deal with a private developer to turn over part of the City owned Christman property for development.
![[VIDEO] Shanda Gentry was appalled by behavior of elected officials](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/maxresdefault-8.jpg)
