Across the board, there seems to be a
general lack of interest for the constituents by our current administration. It is time for a changing of the guard.
As in most
political arenas, here in Chillicothe, taxpayer money is spent on self-interest or unnecessary projects. For example, we have
been told that the city lacks sufficient funds to hire more police officers, yet we are spending money to tear up a functional
parking lot. We are spending $75,000 for beautification purposes on this project, despite its original estimate of only
$21,000. This demonstrates poor planning and is very contrary to my good sense. I do not believe we can afford these
types of planning mishaps, particularly during these fragile economic times. Instead, I believe that money should be spent
according to priority.
I have been out speaking with our friends and neighbors, and the number one issue fellow residents have shared
with me is public safety. There have been an alarming number of break-ins throughout Chillicothe in the last few months. The
people I have been speaking with would much rather have their tax dollars spent on keeping their city safe, as opposed to
a beautified downtown parking lot. I know I would!
Another dubious decision is the city's introduction of the Redflex traffic
cameras. This has become a fiasco for the city. People are being fined for alleged offenses that would never stand the test
in a court of record. Citizens have been fined for alleged offenses that are legal according to the Bureau of Motor
Vehicle manual. They are then forced to buy their court hearing through a foreign-owned company, headquartered
out of state. At this time, there is no system in place for refunds, even if an appeal is won. Current council members
did not do the necessary homework prior to implementing this penalty-driven money generator. I oppose photo enforcement
and feel that the local police officers should be doing the work that the cameras have been hired to do.
The Carlisle Building, as I am sure it
is for many others, is a mixed bag for me. I have a great respect for the history of Chillicothe, and the Carlisle has been
a wonderful part of that history. However, there comes a time when we have to let go of the past and look forward to the future.
Chillicothe cannot continue to plan new life downtown, much less undertake beautification planning, while this burned out
shell of a building remains front and center. We need to make a decision: either clean it up, or tear it down.
