As I suspected, the Blat had their well sanitized article on Saturday. This to make the Council and most especially Mr. Rapp/ Mr. Skogstad look like they were on top of the situation? At least the Blat and Ms. Powell have sense's of humor. But at least this time, the Blat Reporter was actually at the meeting.
Going to finish up with a bit more on the biased and semi or actually untrue coverage that Ms. Powell puts out. In her 14 September comment, she went after Mr. Conley for challenging Mr. Rapp to a Town Hall Meeting as a " Political " move. I noted to this young lady last year when she was trying to tell me that nothing she was doing was "Political or Personal", but "just business". I told her than and it holds true today, everything the Council does is Political. And I suspect in her case also quite personal?
With that showing, her trying to sit on the fence and milk whatever from all sides began to come out? I have noted for months that she seemed so protective of Mr. Rapp and members of the Council from some of the issues they have pursued in the interest of some and the cost to so many?
She came after Ms. Smith for her numerous conflicts of interest that have been pointed out for years. More than once she has voted on her pay raises and benefit increases as an Employee while voting as a Council Recorder. Mr. Skogstad in his determinations dug up an Ethics Commission decision on a P'burg Council person who could vote on issues at the Downtown Market or whatever they call it as she owned a half interest in a Bicycle Rental Shop there. He used that to say Ms. Smith was doing nothing in any way improper? But I again point out those three little words: "Integrity, Morals and Ethics", that escaped this Council past and present almost in their entirety.
The 2020 Elections are and have been here since early this year off and running. Some have told me that unequivocally they are not going to run for Mayor. Others, are alleged to be running and some are for sure already running albeit one Council Meeting at a time.
The Council is going to be interesting as Ms. Smith, Mr. Bibbee and Mr. Rogers are all going to have their actions as Campaign issues against them if they run again. All and I repeat ALL of them need to go. Should Mr. Leach fail in his Senate attempt, he will probably also run for another Term in the City. His attitudes on those of us who are not so socially/ economically well off should remember the contempt/ disdain and disrespect shown since 2017 when it is time to vote be it 2018 or 2020. Let him be an Attorney, seemingly successfully; let him grow his pot, profitably and love his family above all others, deeply. Just keep him away from any Political Position that could affect the lives of so many that are beneath him? And may I include his semi- partner/ Political progeny to that end?
Back to the Blat and how it portrayed the City position that the discount was illegal in recognizing a selective group versus the whole. Yet, time after time since 2014, Mr. Skogstad was totally unable to see that while there was an Election in the wings? But by 2017, he had as I noted found his "remiss" just behind his paychecks and knew he had to throw that Bull and filet it for the whole City's benefit. The Blat seems to have inferred that the increase will not start until 1 July 2019. That is incorrect, it will begin on 1 November 2018.
Ms. Powell tried to spin it that the October Water Bills had already gone out so that was the reason for the delay. In fact, only the first week may have gone out. The VUB sends out water bills clear down to the end of the Month. Mine will be mailed or has been mailed only in the last few days? But it is predicated on my Sewer/ Water usage on/ about up to the 22nd of September (Zone 4). The October bills will be sent out starting in about the next few days, if not already? The City will not be able to fix the billing for all of those four zones so that is why the November Billings will reflect the new amount.
Now, I am not saying Mr. Skogstad was wrong, he is not. I did not take the discount until I realized that I had no Police Protection in Vienna. That had been made very clear to me in early 2015 as my right to speak at Council Meetings was terminated and a Dept. Head tried to intimidate me. See, the Public Forum was an inconvenient vehicle than and when I brought up the Right of the People to protest/ present their perceived grievances to their Government, he was quick to say that was not correct as one could not go into the Federal level today and do that. But when I sadly noted the thousands in the State Rotunda's and Galleries with their results plus that pesky 5th Right under the First Amendment, he became a bit quiet? Shouldn't one who chooses to practice Law try to do it at least according to what is out there rather than rewrite it? After all, he is not yet a Wood County Judge. And after dealing with him as a City Attorney, I can only hope that never happens?
It is my intent to begin the actual Council coverage on Monday or Tuesday as usual. I am going to note again since I have noted how the Blat and Ms. Powell both sanitize anything allowed in their coverage. I do NOT demand you read my Blog, in fact I thank you for taking the time to do so. I do NOT demand that you agree with me. I do ask that you read, think and talk to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers on what you find of interest or cause you to be angry, just try to be honest? Your opinions do count to your Community, not just to me.
I would hope for a fair and impartial review on what I post. But I also know that is not going to happen. There is so much bias on so many issues that I suspect I will p*** some of you off on any given day? So I go back to my "do ask".
I try to be fair, but am very firm on what I believe is the role of ANY Governmental Entity and how it should treat those who are paying the bills. When I catch them, whomever, blowing smoke, you will see it exposed here. 'nuff said'.