Does Jack think being called "the African-American" candidate is racist? Does he want to disavow his ethnicity for the sake of the Mayoral campaign? If this is the best he can come up with, he better be highly concerned with even carrying the 24%.
posted by maverick at 08:27 A.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
I found that whole 'press conference' a little skewed in light of Mr. Ford's comment about the enjoyment he gets "when white businessmen see the pioture of Malcom X on the wall in his office." Talk about having a convenient memory!
And yes - he IS the African American candidate! If he was referred to as anything else he would be insulted about that, too!
posted by DoknowDocare at 08:50 A.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Agreed, Ford is out of a job! Agreed, Ford is the African-American Canidate.
Question: Why is it we have to be so CAREFUL as to not to insult when it comes to Ethnic Races; personally I just don't see where Ford was insulted.
posted by ajeepthing at 11:26 A.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Wait a minute - I thought Sleepy Jack was the somnolent candidate?
He is going to lose the narcoleptic vote for sure if people find out Jack is black.
posted by historymike at 11:59 A.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
I agree with you ajeepthing! This city is comprised of MANY ethnic groups - some are in the mayoral race, others are not. That's how the scorecard stacks up. I betcha that Mr. Ford would have gotten REALLY upset if someone referred to him as the 'militant admiring black candidate' or the 'Malcolm X wannabe candidate'.
In some articles I've seen in recent past Mr. Ford has announced himself as the African American candidate. Now he's "appalled" that Carty would dare to categorize?!? The man needs a reality check.
We are who we are. Live with it folks! You can't change your heritage (Honestly, at least) on a whim. We are ALL unique, we are ALL valuable, and we ALL have a purpose in this world.
Grow up Mr. Ford. This is NOT about your race. It IS about your lack of performance.
posted by DoknowDocare at 12:04 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Historymike - I LOVE the reference to the narcoleptic vote!!! Ingenius!
posted by DoknowDocare at 12:05 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Since we're on the black issue, I wanted to ask how you feel about celebrating black history month in school. You may remember that I'm an elem teacher here in Toledo. Every year our admin comes around to our rooms to get written details on how we plan to focus on the month of February. Every year I see the same fallout. No matter what a lot of people may think, I see first hand how the colors of people in school go basically unnoticed until we point them out. Everyone treats everyone the same and there is never a racist comment, at least within my hearing distance, until we point out that there used to be great differences. Then, all of a sudden, I get little kids coming up to me all upset because so and so said..... I think it's time we move on and practice what we preach and stop singling out any race. Sorry to get off track, but this just bugs me every year. Maybe you can help me see a purpose.
posted by tjfromtoledo at 12:13 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
I blogged about this last night, my main problem with this is the same Toledo Blade article which the quote from Carty was listed also contained this from Mayor Ford:
Mr. Ford admits he's in a tough race and that he needs his base - what he calls the university community, the Old West End, and especially the central city - to come out for him.
"Traditionally the minority community vote is 13 percent, 14 percent. If it's that low this time, I won't make it to the general," he said.
So if Mayor Ford in the very same article states he is going to need the miniority vote to come out stronger for him or he won't win? What is so bad about Carty's statement?
I never thought I'd be a Carty defender but this is way out there.
posted by psyche777 at 01:37 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
So, fequalsma73, does that mean that Carty will carry the short-tempered white male voting block?
posted by timault at 02:16 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
I guess Carty said the black "community" will vote for Ford, the Polish vote will go to "ski," and South Toledo will vote R (Ludeman.)
Well, sounds 'bout right to me! I guess some in the media are trying to imply to "r"-word, i.e., Carty's a racist (because he accurately describe how Toledo votes!)
Everybody knows that's how Toledo works and it's how the Democrats have been able to run or should I say ruin? the city for so long.
Karyn McConnell-Hancock is going to be another prime example. She could be Medea incarnate, but the black community will still vote for her. Etc.
Yes, Carty is a lout, and I don't like him, or any of the Democrats for that matter, but that doesn't mean on the odd occasion he can't be right. ;-)
swd
posted by swd at 02:41 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Speaking as an independent non-Toledo outsider, Carty must represent the cranial-rectal inversion voting block, aka the asshat voting block.
Personally, I'm almost willing to move to Toledo and run as a total outsider-yet-NWOH-resident, not answerable to any of the political machines -- and I bet I'd stand a good chance of getting in if I actually listened to what *everyone* wants and tried to implement some of it.
posted by anonymouscoward at 02:45 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
The Race Card is played by Ethnic Groups far too much, now they will go as far as to file suits filing discrimination of their Civil Rights, etc., yet reality being, they will play the Race Card when PUSH COMES TO SHOVE!
Tired of it!!! Want to be equal with equal rights? STOP PLAYING THE RACE CARD; be SIMPLY A PERSON!
posted by ajeepthing at 03:01 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
> Since we're on the black issue ....
Ah, yes. “Black History Month:” another one of those liberal "let's feel good about ourselves" phony baloney initiatives.
I wouldn't mind it so much if there was an honest assessment of "black history," e.g., we talked about the entire process of how blacks wound up in the New World.
In short, the African slaves to be were captured by other black Africans or Arabs and conveyed and sold to whites on the west coast of Africa and then transported to the New World, that African tribalism and Islam were implicated in the process, that there was and is an active slave trade in east Africa, a lot of black (and white) slaves were destined for muslim lands, that slavery is still practiced in Africa (and other countries) today, that those practitioners are black, arab, and muslim, that there have been more white slaves than black ones etc.
Another joke is this black Egyptian nonsense. It ranks right up there with "was Beethoven black?" The Egyptians were a hamito-semitic people - not negroid. There were undoubtedly blacks in lower Egypt, but that's not the history of Egypt.
Etc.
Of course, the real amusing thing about all this is that it is really all our history not just black history. Liberals on the one hand say that they want an integrated society etc., but, in fact, they foster policies that put wedges between people.
Like most liberal "ideas" black history month is just another name for intellectual dishonesty, historical revisionism, and downright fraud.
swd
posted by swd at 03:15 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
So, what's Ford going to say when he loses the election:
He's going to blame Carty for revealing to Toledo he's an African American!
posted by ajeepthing at 03:16 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Karyn McConnell-Hancock is going to be another prime example. She could be Medea incarnate, but the black community will still vote for her. Etc.
-----------------------------------------------
Yep. Every word is true. That's what's ALWAYS burned me up-Whites are always called "racist" if they don't vote for, or support, black candidates. And yet....If a halfway honest & attractive white candidate is running against a black candidate who has been accused (or convicted) of embezzelment, favoritism, using their position for special treatment (McConnell-Hancock), smoking crack (Marion Berry), wife-beating(Ford was supposedly guilty of it, as well as being nude on the street under the influence of drugs-well, at least he wasn't using tobacco-:D), on & on....blacks will still pull that lever. But, THAT'S being racist, IMO. Never mentioned, though. Copeland is also worthless, as was the senior, but will also win in a landslide, due to an automatic 99% of the black vote in town. Throw in the unions (straight Dem ticket) & the endorsement of PC Block. Shoo-In. In fairness, the same can be said for the white "ethnic" vote, as Ellen Paycheck, Frank So-Lousy, and Wade the Wonder Boy will attest to. The only reason Ford is even in trouble at all is because he's a sonambulist (sp?)who has done virtually nothing,other than hurt small businesses, plus so many people are running for the position.
posted by Foolkiller at 04:01 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
I agree Foolkiller, when you say Ford is in trouble because he's done virtually NOTHING!
That man has HURT Toledo more than any other Mayor.
The issue is NOT RACE; but, sadly Ethnic Groups will always USE THEIR RACE as an excuse.
Which is SAD and getting OLD, this is 2005, not 1965!
Yet, I would like to thank Carty for revealing to us a well kept secret being: Ford is African American (lol)!
posted by ajeepthing at 04:42 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
I voted for Ford, regret it now, did not think he'd play the race card. The day after he won, The Blade had an article about him, with a photo of him and his grandmother. First paragraph was about how his grandmother came from slavery. I sent The Blade an email at that time (never responded), asking simply, how old was his grandmother, because she looked quite spry for being at least 130 yrs old. Having said that, in reference to the Black History Month, I always wondered, if we're going to celebrate a month of that, then why not a month for Asians, Hispanics, European immigrants, Native Americans, etc. I have never heard these other groups rant about discrimination or not being recognised. Lots of history to learn from all of them. I don't think there's a Black American who actually was alive during slavery in this country, and you never hear about black slave owners, of which there were many. Yet we have dictated one month a year to one group.
posted by papermoon0202 at 06:29 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Maybe that's why Jack has been so invisible - he didn't want to let the racists know that a black man got voted into the 22nd floor of Government Center. (sorry, couldn't resist).
That being said, I hope for the city's sake that this campaign does not bog down into an ugly racial battle, especially if the claims come from an elected incumbent.
Note to Jack: if the town was full of racists, you wouldn't have gotten elected. I am white, and I voted for Ford in 2001 (OK, so our choices were Sleepy and Ray Kest - not the greatest of candidates. I went with the person who appeared to be the least sleazy). I know many whites who voted for Ford in 2001. If you are listening, Jack: don't go there. Stay above the fray - you are the incumbent, remember?
There have been a lot of posts worth exploring further on racial issues, but I think they should be seperate threads.
Carty's seemingly innocent comment (at least I think he did not mean anything other than a sort of campaign assessment) may actually work to Ford's advantage, though, if it energizes his core base to get out for the primary. Carlton may regret making the statement if that's the case.
posted by historymike at 06:41 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Everyone knows politicians study the demographics of the voters. Sounds like Carty was simply stating obvious facts.
DoknowDocare mentioned Ford's Malcom X comment. That was posted here back in April, although the comments appeared in print in March. Did Ford think we'd forget about his comments? This is what cracks me up about politicians. They think the public has no memory. They think the public can't look up old info.
A couple of the excerpts about Ford from last spring:
"[Ford] said some white business people smile and say they also embrace diversity, but really are upset that they’re not raking in as much government money as they used to."
"The mayor also got laughs when he talked about some white businessmen’s reactions to artwork in his office on the 22nd floor of Government Center. One is a picture of Muhammad Ali. The other is of Malcolm X, the more militant Civil Rights Movement peer of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "That’s so when folks come in there, I want them to see instantly what time of day it is," Mayor Ford said."
Since Hispanics are now the largest minority in the U.S., we should add a Hispanic History month.
posted by jr at 06:44 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
papermoon0202, well said, there isn't a Hispanic Month, agreed, but, there is only one Ethnic Group being funded by our Jeep Committee, that being Hispanic!
Just had to touch base with you on that one, know you have been answering The Jeep Posts, help me out if you can, why is there a Toledo Jeep Hispanic Assoc.? When by-laws states they are represented on the Civil Rights Committee?
Know this has NOTHING to do with Ford, but it's on the subject of partiality shown to Ethnic Races.
posted by ajeepthing at 06:57 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
historymike wrote..
if it energizes his core base to get out for the primary. Carlton may regret making the statement if that's the case.
I agree, and I think that's the reason behind Jack's quick run to the cameras about it, he stated very clearly in the Blade article he needed those minority voters to get out there in larger numbers or he would lose.
However, it could backfire..
posted by psyche777 at 07:36 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
ajeepthing, I moved your front page posting here as a comment. In my opinion, it was too similar to this existing topic for it to be its own front page post.
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July 12, 2005
RACE, ALWAYS AN ISSUE - There's already a Topic about the Carty comment that Ford felt insulted. WHAT? Insulted by being referred to as an African American! My question: Where's the Insult?
We have a Black History Month, if there was a White History Month, it would be raciest, we have a Black Miss America Pagent, if there was a White Miss America Pagent, well, Jesse Jackson would be on it FAST! We have the NAACP, now if there were a WPA (White People Assoc.) it raciest. We have at Jeep Corporation, The Toledo Jeep Hispanic Association, with the rest of the Union's Ethnic Members falling under the Civil Rights Committee!
African Americans, Hispanic's are considered a Minority and deserve SPECIAL CARE? I am sorry, it's just way out of control!
Appreciate some comments on this, just think it's time we all become PEOPLE, use our Ethnic Origin when we have summer festivals!
What you think? Give me some feedback on this!
Race
posted by ajeepthing to politics at 9:13 P.M. EST
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posted by jr at 09:38 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Hi ajeepthinng,
You and I have discussed this issue to a great extent.
In my opinion...it's all Politic's, appease the Minorities, make them happy, get their VOTES! IT'S A TRUMP CARD.
In my opinion...it's a CRUTCH for Minorities to use their Race.
Ford does not deserve a Government Position at all using a statement Carty made of his Ethnic Race, is he NOT PROUD he's African American? Would he work for the Caucasian Race?
In my opinion...Minorities are more RACIEST than you and I could ever be!
Someday, I too hope we all will be JUST PEOPLE!
posted by MARIELORA at 09:53 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
Being married to one of those minorities, I'd nicely point out that not "all" minorities act that way.
Racism exists in all groups, it is done by individuals not a whole ethnic group as a whole.
Some minorities, my husband as an example do not feel their race should have any bearing. He feels he should be treated exactly the same as any other human being.
I have a problem with generalizations that paint with such a very broad brush.
posted by psyche777 at 10:40 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
psyche777, I apologize for generally speaking, your husband's thinking... is what my hope all Minorities thinking will be.
We should all be treated the same...we all are SIMPLY PEOPLE...
posted by MARIELORA at 10:53 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 12, 2005 #
psyche777, I most certainly did not intend to insult anyone with my comment.
The truth being, your husband could teach Jack Ford and many others in Ethnic Groups some good lessons in life, we are JUST PEOPLE THAT SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY.
Minorities do play the Race Card, some, too often and many are raciest, as are many Caucasian's raciest.
Carty did not say anything to Jack Ford that was insulting, he is an African American, he is also playing the Race Card making a big deal of the comment. As do many minorities...
I would like you to also know, it is my belief god's intention was to make us all become ONE, one RACE.
You seem like a nice person, you had answered a comment of mine about the Jeep Worker that killed his wife and friend; just want you to know I am sorry if I offended you, will make certain in the future not to make: generally speaking comments.
posted by MARIELORA at 12:07 A.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
Everything, everyone has said here is a fact.
Why would Jack Ford feel insulted by Carty referring to him as the African American Canidate? I'm lost on this one. Jack Ford is playing the Race Card.
Talk about Black History Month, talk about Black Miss America Pagents, talk about Minorities needing special care, needing to be careful of your words, all true!
physc777, I have been reading Toledo Talk for several months, I always liked what you had to say, joined just tonite to make a comment regarding one of your comments.
I am white, some time ago I was in an interacial relationship, now, my people accepted this much better than her people did. Came right out and told me, we don't like white people!
I think, minorities, tend to be more raciest than the white race, your husband is one in about how many? Don't believe the posters are raciest, Jack Ford used his Race as a "crutch" against Carty and posters posted comments how this done too often by minorities.
posted by think_say_what at 01:28 A.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
Hell, I've dated over 50 black women in my life myself, so I don't see how I could ever be called racist for merely speaking the truth. I also made clear that I lumped white "ethnic" groups in the same category, if the vast majority voted for a person merely because they were also Polish, Hungarian, whatever. And, by the way- a lot of the stuff I said was told to me by those very same black women I've known. It really opened my eyes on a lot of things.
posted by Foolkiller at 02:38 A.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
I'm not insulted at all, Marie, I just think it's better to say "some" or even "many" rather than the assumption of "all". It's a pet peeve of mine about any kind of a blanket statement. Though I'm sure I've done it without thinking about it too on topics. None of us are perfect, (as an example I almost always mispell "lose" as "loose", drives some people crazy - lol) and I realize in writing replies at times you know exactly what you are writing about and what you mean as you wrote it so I'm sure you didn't mean it as "all".
My father, God rest his soul, was about as close to a real life Archie Bunker when it came to being openly racist.
My point was that racism is not just something that is an minority issue. Are there some miniorities that use their race as a crutch? Yes. That I would never deny, however in my experience I know others, besides my husband who feel they should be treated equally. There are things I feel that are unfair when it comes to race, like college grants as an example. To me it should be based on grades and financial need not race.
As to family reactions? Mine was the opposite think_say_what (thanks for the compliment) my family was the one that was upset that I would get involved with one of those *gasp* hispanics. My father was convinced he would move his whole family out here to live with us. Compared them to cockroaches. Later he discovered he really liked my husband but initially? My husband's family accepted me much more fully than mine did. I of course never let my father forget he was wrong, but then again, that's me.
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 02:45 A.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
Almost 20 years ago a friend of mine (caucasian) married a man (black) and they produced two of the most beautiful children in the world. When the youngest one was asked at day-care if she was black or white, she looked down at her arms and said "I'm not black or white, I'm brown!" Out of the mouths of babes...
When the day comes that we ALL lose sight of skin color, hair type, etc., then and only then will we be able to be totally objective. Racism has fueled many debates/issues and this political race looks like it might not be any different when it comes to people being defined by their race.
We can split atoms, develop technology, send people into space.....but we can't get past a man's skin color? What's wrong here?
Just my take on things...
posted by DoknowDocare at 06:07 A.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
It was NOT MY INTENTIONS to INSULT ANYONE!
It's all fact, MINORITY GROUPS feel it's fine that they have their own SEPARATE thing going, Miss America, Black Womans Magazine, Toledo Jeep has a Hispanic Association (while all other ethnic groups fall under the Civil Rights Committee). Now, not all minorities believe they deserve SPECIAL CARE. But many, too many do!
Always remember: if you're WHITE better be careful! All functions had better be inclusive for everyone, better chose your words careful too!
Carty's comment as to Jack Ford being African American is a PERFECT EXAMPLE, how RACE is used:
as a "TRUMP CARD" and a "CRUTCH".
physc777, your husband's beliefs and your beliefs is what MY HOPE IS THE WORLD WILL BECOME! PEOPLE, USING THEIR OWN MERITS, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, RESOURCES TO GET THROUGH LIFE.
posted by ajeepthing at 10:27 A.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
So the other day it was pointed out to me that an individual hoping to be considered for selection was African-American. My response: "He is?!? Do you think he knows?!?"
Everyone in the room then realized that the color of the skin was far less important that what was inside. Perhaps if we all acted this way....
But - the more others can separate and divide individuals into "groups," whether by color, age, sex, and on and on, the more likely it is that we will not realize the many things we have in common and the greater the likelihood that these "groups" can be controlled - especially in the political and economic sense.
posted by intrepid at 10:57 A.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
intrepid, WELL SAID, my POINT exactly, there should be NO SEPARATE GROUPS of any sort.
WE ALL SHOULD BE PEOPLE, JUST PEOPLE!
posted by ajeepthing at 12:04 P.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
wow
posted by BrianInFlorida at 04:51 P.M. EST on Wed Jul 13, 2005 #
Blah,blah......Same old argument about racial sensitivity. I've heard more common sense remarks come from the mouths of children. They are much less tainted, anyway. It wasn't just the remark about the African American vote, it was Carty's entire comment. As usual. As the race heats up, it's going to get even more interesting. That's politics. Let's remember to keep our sense of humor about the whole thing. We are all friends and neighbors and in the end that will remain the same, hopefully. Whoever is elected will fulfill their obligation of office and then another race will begin. Personally, I like all the candidates. Well, Wilkowski is not my favorite, only because of the way he treated a longtime friend. I will not vote for him, because of his lack of courage and honesty. Ludeman is a good guy, I just question if the office of mayor is really too big for him. I like Carty too, even with all of his quirks, just really think that he is too hot headed, even with his health problems I don't think he's going to be a kinder, softer mayor. Can't teach an old dog new tricks. As for Jack Ford, don't underestimate the guy. Just because he's quite, doesn't mean he's docile and ineffective. Well, we'll soon find out, only two will make the cut on Sept.13
posted by louie1961 at 05:38 A.M. EST on Thu Jul 14, 2005 #
This race might come down to people voting along racial lines. The simple reason being that all the candidates pretty much are terrible. I’m a white conservative so I will probably vote for Ludeman, but the fact of the matter is that there isn’t a whole lot of difference between Jack Ford and Rob Ludeman. Rob Ludeman went along with every crackpot scheme that Jack Ford cooked up. Now if a Deshawn Washington or a Juan Valdez wants to run for mayor on a platform of gutting the city government until the city only provides basic services, I would vote for him. When it comes right down to it, I care more about the quality of my life and keeping what I earn, that what I care about the color of the mayor’s skin.
posted by mike2004 at 07:20 A.M. EST on Thu Jul 14, 2005 #
The way Ford approaches his race reminds me of O.J.Simpson. Jack is only "african american" when it is convienient to him. As in, when he needs their votes.
I'm 48 years old and Ford is by far the worst mayor Toledo has ever had that I can remember.
He has done absolutely nothing, unless of course you count trying his best to make sure city contracts only go to Black people. For example, we had a perfectly good plan for the old Edison steam plant that wasn't going to cost anny more taxpayer dollars. No, Jack makes sure the contract goes to Jimmy Jackson and it costs us $300k.
When Ford took office plans were already in place for the developement around the Sports Arena. Nothing has been done. And don't get me going on the condition of our roads, can any of you remember them worse?
posted by JeepMaker at 11:54 A.M. EST on Fri Jul 15, 2005 #
Agreed with JeepMaker, Ford is the WORST MAYOR, I can remember and I am 50 years old!
He is using the "RACE COMMENT" as his "CRUTCH" and his "TRUMP CARD"...personally, I find it SAD...
The bottom line, He is a Lousey Mayor, did absolutely NOTHING for the City of Toledo, other than costing many business's a FORTUNE with HIS SMOKING BAN!
posted by MARIELORA at 12:14 P.M. EST on Fri Jul 15, 2005 #
The way Ford approaches his race reminds me of O.J.Simpson. Jack is only "african american" when it is convienient to him. As in, when he needs their votes. -Jeepmaker
-------------------------------------------
Yeah, absolutely correct. I didn't want to go there (O.J. comparison), but -he lives in a white neighborhood (or at least did), both his wives have been white, his friends are white,loves the predominately white artsy-fartsy crowd, etc; but....now that he's in trouble....BRUTHA!! (all that was told to me by black women, by the way-although I'd already formed the same opinion)
posted by Foolkiller at 06:15 P.M. EST on Fri Jul 15, 2005 #
I hear his teeth are white, too, and that he has white blood cells.
What a sellout.
posted by historymike at 08:44 P.M. EST on Fri Jul 15, 2005 #
I’m not even going to go into that thing about whether or not Jack Ford is a sell out. All I can say is this. Jack Ford has a habit of pissing the white community off. He can keep doing that, but sooner or later all the whites well move out from under his heavy hands. When that happens, and TPS is almost 100% black and doing shitty, will he then scream segregation and try to pull down Washington local and Sylvania schools under the guise of desegregation.
posted by mike2004 at 12:28 A.M. EST on Sat Jul 16, 2005 #
You can laugh off my comments, Mike, but it isn't just me. There are many blacks in the city who feel that he's a phony, didn't vote for him & feel the only time he brings up his race is when he wants those black votes. And, those blacks also know that the vast majority of blacks will , sadly, fall for it.
posted by Foolkiller at 03:28 A.M. EST on Sat Jul 16, 2005 #
No offense intended, Foolkiller. I was shooting for irony, not sarcasm. You made a good point.
posted by historymike at 06:55 A.M. EST on Sat Jul 16, 2005 #
I was struck by the number of black folks I saw supporting Carty at his announcement. That told me so much about Ford's following. Maybe it was just better than nothing last time. I know that's why I voted for him.
posted by thinkingwoman at 09:39 A.M. EST on Sat Jul 16, 2005 #
Carty is a jerk with absolutely no "people skills".
But, he gets things done.
posted by JeepMaker at 02:54 P.M. EST on Sat Jul 16, 2005 #
ThinkingWoman: Yeah, I noticed that almost every one of those blacks I spoke with who were against Ford were for Carty. They still felt (as I do) that Ford will get the vast majority, though. Most said they'd be happy when race doesn't even need to be mentioned anymore. I won't live to see it, though. And sorry, Mike, I thought you were ragging on me for my comment-just took it the wrong way. :)
posted by Foolkiller at 10:02 P.M. EST on Sat Jul 16, 2005 #
According to Frank, this band will be touring the Toledo area for the next several weeks, performing over and over their smash hit from 1980 Celebration. Of course, Frank is talking about those masters of funk Carty and the Kest Gang. Let's say the Finkmiester wins the mayoral election. Wouldn't it be Kool if his staff blared Celebration?
Frank says:
"In their ham-handed attempt to deny the Democratic endorsement to Mayor Ford, Carty and the Kest Gang have abandoned a critical element of party leadership: candidate recruitment. In the process they've substantially weakened the present and future prospects of the Lucas County Democratic Party. 16 people have successfully completed petitions for At-Large City Council. Of them, 11 are white men, 2 are white women, and just one black man, black woman and Latino each. If not for the recruitment by LucasCountyDemocrats.org, there would be no diversity to the council slate."
posted by jr at 10:01 A.M. EST on Tue Jul 19, 2005 #
If not for the recruitment by LucasCountyDemocrats.org there would be no diversity to the council slate.
Oh boo hoo. Wait a minute. I meant says who?
Frank Szollosi? This is the same guy who promotes the ethically challenged KM-H on his website for re-election.
Here's a diversity suggestion A Teamers: Get people who believe they are for the citizens of Toledo not for themselves or their particular sector of the local Democratic Party.
posted by thinkingwoman at 08:44 P.M. EST on Tue Jul 19, 2005 #
A TJ story titled: "Carty Finkbeiner was crude, rude and ‘stupid,’ Mayor Jack Ford says"
"Former mayor Carty Finkbeiner called subordinates insulting names at staff meetings, once threw a profanity-laced tantrum in front of automotive executives and through his “stupidity” caused many of the financial problems Toledo has endured over recent years, Mayor Jack Ford claims."
"Meeting with a group of Old Orchard residents last Sunday, Mayor Ford said the former mayor improperly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars largely because staff members had become afraid to speak up and risk incurring his wrath. He said Mr. Finkbeiner used highly offensive pejoratives and treated subordinates in a demeaning fashion."
Yeah, so. None of this is new. I've heard this about Carty. How does Ford prove his claim about improperly spent money?
Carty did respond to Ford's claims:
"Mr. Finkbeiner said the mayor’s claims about obscene language at staff meetings were not true. He also said the mayor’s attacks on him personally are intended to draw attention away from his own “lackluster” record in office."
Carty's words:
"That simply is untrue, unfounded and tragic that Mr. Ford would sink to making that kind of comment. Whenever a politician talks more about his opponent than he does his own program, he states in bold, capital letters, ‘I have accomplished very little myself.’"
Slam!
More from the TJ story:
"[Carty] suggested the mayor is attempting character assassination because Mayor Ford “snoozed” while Toledo has lost employers and jobs. “While the Finkbeiner years brought to Toledo a new Jeep plant, a new Owens Corning world headquarters, a new Dana building, the Docks, millions to build the Buckeye Basin Greenbelt Parkway, Fifth Third Field and filled up five major vacant buildings in downtown Toledo, Mayor Ford on his watch saw NorthTowne Mall close, Southwyck Mall become vacant, Owens Illinois move from Toledo, Westgate Village empty out and no progress on a sports arena or the Marina District,” Mr. Finkbeiner said."
Ford said of his awarding contracts to minorities:
"Toledo is a town, quite frankly, that the same folk, the same corporations have pretty much run this city for as long as I can remember. That’s okay up to a point but I felt very strongly that some people, particularly women and minorities, had been shut out of city contracting. ... Heretofore, they hadn’t even been allowed to bid (for a city contract)."
More from the TJ story:
"Mayor Ford said the city’s budget was “$16 million out of whack” when he took office in January 2002 and said the deficit was the result of Mr. Finkbeiner’s mismanagement. He said he soon learned the shortfall was closer to $18 million because Mr. Finkbeiner allegedly misused $900, 000 in federal block grant funds and improperly handled another $900,000 on the city’s Northcross industrial park."
"Mayor Ford said he visited with Daimler-
Chrysler officials in Auburn Hills, Mich., and that executives told him they were relieved that “that crazy Finkbeiner” no longer was mayor. He said one executive told him Mr. Finkbeiner, during his own visit to Auburn Hills, shouted and used abusive language with his hosts."
Carty's words:
"The city has financial problems because the Ford team has seen company after company, business after business, exit from Toledo while the mayor snoozed. No wonder why Mr. Ford prefers to talk about others rather than his own lackluster record."
Ford said:
"There are some folks who treat city coffers as their own private trough. Some of them are very, very powerful people. If I said their names, you’d say ‘wow, are you sure?’ Yeah, I’m sure."
Final words from Ford:
"I’m still surprised sometimes when I see the kind of reception Mr. Finkbeiner receives. Because I’ve had to clean up his mess for three and a half years. And there’s things I haven’t even told you about that cost the city – cost you – money. And after a while you kind of get tired of running a campaign where you talk about the other guy’s stupidity. I mean there’s ethics things that we have not even talked about that may come out, may not."
Ethics things? Like what, Jack? Since when do ethics issues about a candidate NOT become public during an election? Either Jack is holding these issues for a time closer to the September primary for maximum effect, or Jack is full of beans.
As usual with TJ stories, save or print the web page or pickup the paper because you won't be able to access these stories on the TJ website in a week or so.
posted by jr at 11:43 P.M. EST on Wed Jul 20, 2005 #
jr wrote:
"How does Ford prove his claim about improperly spent money?"
I believe that a review of Carty's previous two terms as Mayor would turn up MANY improprieties.
My memory is a bit hazy, but I seem to remember:
Carty had a 5% (of City budget) "discretionary" fund. (I don't know if previous mayors ever had this, but Carty did.)
And, I believe that there was an attempt (by Carty, to up this to something like 12 - 12.5%, but I don't remember if that ever happened.
Either way, Carty's discretionary fund allowed Carty to spend million$ of dollar$, without competitive bids, in any way and for anything that Carty saw fit.
That is how the Flower beds on the Anthony Wayne Trail came to be.
An aside:
I wonder how the flower bed sprinklers were “really” funded and where the water bills for those sprinklers actually go to? Rumors about hidden and misdirected spending (as directed by Carty abound).
Other Carty projects:
The "Welcome to Cartyville" (Carleton S. Finkbeiner Mayor) signs were also (supposedly) another one of Carty's no-bid pet projects.
The "beautification" of downtown corners
Flower beds on Summit St. (near Cherry St.
Pseudo brick stampings in many of the asphalt pavings of downtown streets
That "lovely" fountain (and, part-time bubble-bath) at Glendale Ave. & River Rd.
Brick inserts in crosswalks
Decorative "old fashioned" streetlights ala Cherry St., Lagrange St., and elsewhere...
And many, many more.
These projects were all supposedly funded by Carty's "discretionary" fund. Or were they???
I suspect that an accountant would find the City's books (during the Carty years) would make for very interesting reading, indeed...
JFo has struck a nerve (and possibly fatal soft spot) on Carty, with this one.
:-)
posted by Hooda_Thunkit at 07:16 A.M. EST on Thu Jul 21, 2005 #
In ANY administration there is a huge amount of "discretionary" spending. Just look at the Toledo Works billboards, website, etc. All that funded by US while JFo stays under the radar keeping the purchases below the amount that requires council approval.
posted by DoknowDocare at 07:55 A.M. EST on Thu Jul 21, 2005 #
Hooda_Thunkit - most of the items you referenced were capital improvements paid for out of the capital improvement fund and also authorized expenditures by City Council...
I believe that only the welcome signs were not CIP items.
posted by intrepid at 01:52 P.M. EST on Thu Jul 21, 2005 #
Intrepid,
Thanks for straightening that part out for me. I wasn't really sure. The rumors fit my feelings rather comfortably though;-)
However, the "appropriateness" of those types of “improvements” seem inappropriate to me, whilst we live among so many breeding potholes. They seem to multiply overnight…
Flowers and glitz vs. smooth roads; guess which way I choose.
posted by Hooda_Thunkit at 07:46 P.M. EST on Thu Jul 21, 2005 #
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