Those are some excellent ideas Alan.
:-)
posted by psyche777 at 09:57 P.M. EST on Thu May 04, 2006 #
The Eerie Streetperson Market is a classic example of how the government has no business running a business, and this goes double for a retail establishment. People don't shop at the fucking ESM since they shop elsewhere and are content with that. Spending all kinds of tax money to re-imagine the ESM is just stupid, and like Cohen's article says, it's crazy to do it ONCE AGAIN and expect success this time.
The private sector and so-called free market are the only moral routes for retailing of consumer items. If the ESM is such a failure, then it MUST and SHOULD be a failure, since the market has spoken.
posted by GuestZero at 01:07 A.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
I'm not being sarcastic at all - but it seems to me there are some very savvy business people in the market. Why can't they get together and co-operatively plan some events and advertise them?
It seems like they've waited long enough on the city to get effective. Through two mayors too! I'd pass flyers in my neighborhood. Just have to get people to get that location on their agenda.
posted by katie82640 at 08:49 A.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
I'm not being sarcastic at all - but it seems to me there are some very savvy business people in the market. Why can't they get together and co-operatively plan some events and advertise them?
Because they know better. If the ESM was a good idea and likely to succeed, the government would have no chance to develop it. Private enterprise would have seized the chance to make money and built the thing, which would be causing traffic problems instead of tax problems.
posted by madjack at 09:26 A.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
Oh. Well it’s quite likely there is a chance that you're right jack. However - most of the truly great things I've accomplished in my life were done with great naivety. When all else around me knew it couldn't be done.
Everybody but me :-)
I think I like living this way better. Just too stupid to know better.
posted by katie82640 at 12:23 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
Katie:
I know what you mean. There was an IS project I worked on once, and when the manager proposed it at the weekly meeting he got a chilly response. Engineering had tried the project twice and it failed both times. His response was asking for a good reason not to fund it.
We succeeded after about six months of hard work. Engineering wasn't happy, but the bean counter was thrilled.
posted by madjack at 03:59 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
Ah hell turn the ESm into a mini-casino. People would be waiting in line. Oh wait, big brother and the morality police won't allow gambling, other thah the state lotto.
posted by JeepMaker at 05:59 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
Quote - Alan C.
Change the name from Erie Street Market to Erie Street Marketplace, evolving the concept from an outgrowth of the farmers market to an inclusive indoor shopping village. Possible tenants that come to mind immediately are the displaced business at Westgate Village Shopping Center, like The Happy Badger, The Vineyard and Culture Clash,
Hear! Hear!
posted by thetoledowire_com at 06:02 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
jeepmaker has the best idea yet. Brilliant.
posted by starling02 at 07:58 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
"Ah hell turn the ESm into a mini-casino. People would be waiting in line. Oh wait, big brother and the morality police won't allow gambling, other thah the state lotto.
posted by JeepMaker at 06:59 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006"
Brilliant. Ya' know we could dig a canal from ESM down to the water front......
posted by katie82640 at 08:51 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
Believe it or not, ESM is a viable project. It has been poorly managed in the past and poorly promoted. The potential for success has been there since day one. Developing that potential has been lacking.
I have found that the ESM boasts many positives - we just don't get to see them because we're so busy being negative.
The Civic Center Promenade is a great space! If it was promoted aggressively and positively it would rank high on the list of venues for special events (receptions, parties, corporate events, etc). The parking is available, the proximity to other businesses is there.
There are some new folks on board at ESM - let's give them a chance. Hell, let's support them! What a concept! One person, or one board, can't do any of these things alone. It will require our support and input to be a success.
Remember - if we're not part of the solution, then we are probably part of the problem. I prefer to be a part of the solution. :)
posted by DoknowDocare at 10:55 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
There was a land of little people. Years of fighting, killing, and arguing over power had left them hopeless and bitter. After a year's journey to the secret Land of the Giants, a contingent of Little People made a historic barter with their leaders; an exchange of one Giant for one Little person. Each would be be the ABSOLUTE and protected leader of each other's land. (The Giants, mature size about 100 feet high, had similar power struggle in-fighting)
Once the GIANT arrived, there really was no choice, but to go with the program. The GIANT used it's own decretion to decide who was right or wrong in potential fighting situations. Justice was rare. Fearful Peace was very real. All In-Fighting stopped as the Giant ruled the land. His Directive was to create a GIANT system for providing all its' needs. All in the Little People's world worked for the GIANT. If you can imagine; the enormous fields of grains , the 100 mills for grinding into flour, the 100's of kitchens...etc.etc. And don't forget the Little People who ate from the system. Happy? NO. Peace. Yes.
Years, a century went by. The absolute rule of the GIANT intricately intact, including a fathers to sons secret society of security, to prevent any mutiny. Punishment was of course severe and absolute.
Then the GIANT became restless. There were unprovoked rampages, tirades that equalled small crushing earthquakes. It seemed the single GIANT needed some company. So, a GIANT wife was brought to their world. Alas, when the baby GIANT grew, the FATHER GIANT became frustrated and the tirades grew even greater, or worse for the poor Little People, whose Mothers had to comfort their scared children each night as the rumble of the upset GIANT's wandering footsteps rumbled across the land. Who's house and family would be next to be crushed?
What to do about this absolute terror? Another GIANT was their answer and so one, of good size and strength and less than average intelligience became an unwanted neighbor to the resident GIANTS. Jealousy was a beautiful thing to the LITTLE PEOPLE, who watched in cautious glee as the two GIANTS battled for food and services. (It didn't help that the supplies seemed to be mysteriously slowing and dwindling making tempers all the more heated).
At Titanic battle's end, the Little People, alas, were left again to their own world and egos. "Who will be the leader?"someone cried, at the first council of freedom. And who was that person seen slipping out into the woods in the direction of the GIANT world, once again?
AND SO THE EGO GOES. REMIND YOU OF WALL MART, COSTCO VS. INDEPENDENT BUSINESS. UNTIL THEY JOIN RESOURCES THE GIANTS WILL RULE. MAYBE, EVEN IF THEN, IT'S TOO LATE. THE WORLD OF THE GIANTS IS UPON US.
posted by HappyBadger at 11:07 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
DoKnowDoCare...When your leaders lack "GOOD IDEAS" and then lack the judgement to see a good idea, it is sad. In this town, our leaders' answer to lack of ideas is to "GO out of town." ie. the recent trip to Waterway and a zillion other committees.
To Be Part of the solution around here sometimes isn't possible, unless it is hiz honor's answer and posse.
Toledo people, you have to be your own leader and stir our own native consciousness.
Reality definition: Idea MEETS physical world. Reality is ever changing as long as creativity is given a chance to evolve a situation.
posted by HappyBadger at 11:47 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
I remember ESM being kind of junky looking, stalls, no visible employees, not much of a selection of shops (who NEEDS another candle shop?), etc. Waste of my time. I was hugely disappointed, and left thinking, "This is IT?" Last winter there was a letter to the editor of a man who went there to shop, and had the same reaction. ESM had nothing I wanted or needed, that I couldn't find better, cheaper, and closer to my home.
It's just annoying how many consultants, studies, focus groups that have heen in place, paid for over this. We do NOT need young out of town upstarts coming in (and paid big bucks for) to tell us how to make it work. So far, they haven't helped a bit.
posted by starling02 at 11:48 P.M. EST on Fri May 05, 2006 #
When your leaders lack "GOOD IDEAS" and then lack the judgement to see a good idea, it is sad.
Badger - I agree with this to a certain extent. BUT - if the past leaders have been less than diligent about development and promotion of ESM, then perhaps it's time to attend some of the meetings regarding ESM, call the board members, meet with them. Make your ideas known - over and over. Introduce YOUR ideas to the physical world.
Starling - I understand your disappointment, BUT when I travel and see the progression of places that were once comparable to Toledo I am amazed at their progress. And they have the same types of political pitfalls, economic challenges, etc that we have - they just have different names for them.
And, IMO, bringing in 'young out of town upstarts' to suggest what might work is not a bad thing. The BAD thing is when we refuse to at least listen to them and consider that they may actually be on to something.
We (Toledoans in general) have become so frustrated with the political machine over the last 20 years that we have thrown in the towel. Once we did this it became SO much easier to gripe, grumble, complain, and demean any type of suggestion as to how to achieve progress. We are stuck in a time warp and (I know this one is gonna cost me!) alot of it is self induced because of the manufacturing/union mentality that we refuse to let go of.
If we don't open our eyes - and our brains - to new ideas, new techniques, new models, then we will continue to get what we have always gotten. And we will continue to blame it on everyone but ourselves.
The new plans for ESM are exciting. They are fresh, innovative, progressive. To make them work requires OUR support and patronage.
WE are responsible for our Toledo. Nobody else.
I am involved in many boards, committees, civic groups, etc. and the suggestions and changes that are up for consideration are astounding. It's time to **** or get off the pot. To know, first hand, the plans that our neighbors/church friends/students are exploring is exciting. There is a vibrance on the horizon that will be absolutely stunning.
The best is yet to come. I'm going to be part of the welcoming committee - proudly. Anyone care to join me?
posted by DoknowDocare at 12:26 A.M. EST on Sat May 06, 2006 #
"WE are responsible for our Toledo. Nobody else.
I am involved in many boards, committees, civic groups, etc. and the suggestions and changes that are up for consideration are astounding. It's time to **** or get off the pot". Says doknowdocare.
Bravo - standing ovation. It takes a village to raise a child - and we are the village.
Time to stop letting some badly behaved people put the brakes on Toledo. If they won't do things - we can.
posted by katie82640 at 10:38 A.M. EST on Sat May 06, 2006 #
Katie - in short...apathy is contagious. And it spreads like wildfire. It's hard to cure, and will keep rearing its' ugly head from time to time.
I fully advocate that folks that are unhappy with their city/surroundings/circumstances and don't do one thing to TRY and change things really don't want things to change. If things changed for the better it would totally negate the 'bitch factor' and they wouldn't have anything to say.
For those that try and miss the mark...use that as a learning curve and try again. You will feel defeated at first, then motivated to make an even stronger attempt to institute that change.
***Disclaimer: I did NOT attend the CSF Academy of Toledo Cheerleading :)
posted by DoknowDocare at 03:59 P.M. EST on Sat May 06, 2006 #
With all due respect and admiration for staying on "boards" your "get with the program" admonishment in this direction is mis-informed. The ESM report, as other marketing plans for various projects in our city are always directed to the Mayor. In the latter case, the report was forwarded to CITI0FEST by the Mayor for consultation. If I hadn't called to inquire about the managerial job, no acknowledgment of the report would have been received.
Secondly, you are probably unaware of the increidble family operated project Happy Badger, the 13,000 sq. ft. no smoking, no alcohol, concert hall, natural fair trade clothing store and local artisan outlet, and natural foods cafe we operated from '03 to this past aug. with the highest ideals and legendary status. www.thehappybadger.com
We sacrificed our life savings of over $50,000 plus loans, plus enormous amounts of time. High rent and high utilities and lack of financial support doomed the project, for which I take full responsibilty. If it weren't for "People Miracles" along the way we wouldn't have managed 150 concerts, including MELANIE, the hall of ame rock n roll star, who called the "Creative Palace Venue Complex," the "most uniqe" place to perform in the country.
Sorry, if my attitude about government vision is frustrated. Still recovering from a project dedicated to making Toledo a destination point and its' citizens happier with a safe, positive creative place for our youth. Please don't take this as further argument just so you know who we are.
Apathy comes from non inclusion. Frustration comes from non support for smart creativity. The ESM report suggested a change in format with some solid arguments. Where was the discussion?
posted by HappyBadger at 06:03 P.M. EST on Sun May 07, 2006 #
Badger - In no way did I demean your attempt to operate a business. I referred to those that continually gripe but never make a move to change anything.
I admire your dedication in that you spent your money, invested your time, and apparently gave it your all. It takes a lot out of a person to do that.
And, even though I understand your side of the discussion, apathy (in my book) is not from non-inclusion - it's the spawn of lack of interest and lack of vision. Non inclusion is a breeder for frustration and disappointment.
posted by DoknowDocare at 09:10 P.M. EST on Sun May 07, 2006 #
thank you for understanding. The complex was amazing because of the passion forthcoming from all the people of our town who experienced and contributed to the Happy Badger. Toledo is full of spirited folks when given the chance to join in the freedom of creativity.
posted by HappyBadger at 09:55 P.M. EST on Sun May 07, 2006 #
badger - you have a right to be frustrated. I would be. It's my belief that if we didn't rely on government as much as we do - for many of the things we do - we'd get a heck of alot more done. It is a fairly recent event that we've come to rely on the government in this way.
I did not know about your project. If I had - I would have patronized.
posted by katie82640 at 12:04 P.M. EST on Mon May 08, 2006 #
Ah hell turn the ESm into a mini-casino I also think this would be a great idea. turning COSI into a casino would be even better.
Now i have a stupid question to ask. the last time i was at the ESM, was many many years ago with my grandmother. we would go once a month on the weekend when they had all the farmers there with the veggies, eggs, etc. Does that still go on? Those were the best eggs.
posted by tm at 01:49 P.M. EST on Mon May 08, 2006 #
tm - the sign says "Farmers Market - Open Every Saturday - 8-4"
posted by DoknowDocare at 05:50 P.M. EST on Mon May 08, 2006 #
There is a BUNCH of stuff there. You can go and buy glassware - original art - soap that is to die for.
I have never seen produce there. But you can go and fill your car up for about 17.00 and go to Pepe's and have a great dinner, marguerita for like 10 bucks.
It's a great night out. Now that it's warm - there may be produce - somebody comment on that?
I buy all organic. Meat - veggies, milk and juice. And lemme tell ya' I ain't buying that in Toledo :-)
posted by katie82640 at 09:01 P.M. EST on Mon May 08, 2006 #
We have contact for best eggs. They are organic fed, free range, all the good stuff straight from Irish Hills Amish family. Compared all of them. We get 20 dozen a month nad distribute a few around. www.thehappybadger.com
Katie. My wife and I knew we would be short finances going in, but also knew the City government could not fathom such a fresh project, so we proceeded anyway. Keith Wilkowski's son's band played there. Many other City govt. kids came. We lived for one year with only $1000 in our project and lives,income from cafe day to day and conert to concert. We ran out of money when the $200,000 of renovations were completed, and the People kept us alive.
It was a phenomenal experience and a special place for all. When people make something happen there are no leaders, just actions. Realty becomes what is possible and ever changing, unlike our government which needs models and relys on other city's projects instead of their own brain and inspiration. We were blessed to have experienced that with so many toledoans. NEVER REGRET A GOOD THING DONE.
We've had years of presenting plans only to see them put aside. DOWNTOWN ON SALE-A DAY IN THE LIFE OF TOLEDO CELEBRATION, GLASS CITY OF THE FUTURE (INSTEAD OF COSI)The latter was a exhibition city of all the most futuristic products, services, etc. of companies in our own city, like Edison, Columbia Gas, on and on. Ever evolving. Paid for by each company.
And it goes on. DTI spent $250,000 dollars on a cleanup crew and walking ambassordors for downtown, when they should have been recruiting small business's with marketing, incentives, and flat out hustle. Instead it's just one giant project after another. Heck, even their website still has Ford as the Mayor. Wake up and make something happen government or let someone else do it. Boy do I sound angry. I'm not really.
posted by HappyBadger at 09:03 P.M. EST on Mon May 08, 2006 #
Maybe there is some positive things going on that are worth a devlopment quarter smile. We like the Adams St. co-operation and spirit identity evolving there. Southwyck, too is encouraging. Now, if someone could do the same for downtown. Feeling better.
posted by HappyBadger at 08:43 A.M. EST on Tue May 09, 2006 #
Claudia's has a LOT of organic food. And Phoenix Foods (I think that is the name) on Sylvania also does. Krogers has a pretty good sized organic section, in both freezer and produce, plus shelved items. I was surprised at the selection. My son and his wife live in Kalamazoo and are vegans, and do the organic thing. I personally don't bother, don't see the point. First, it is expensive as all get out to eat only organic. Second, 20/20 or one of those documentary news shows did a segment on organic foods, they tested huge amounts, types, brands, fresh, frozen, and found higher levels of bad bacteria in organic foods than they do non-organic foods. No pesticides, maybe, but pick your poison. The pesticides farmers use are not going to cause damage to you, wash your fruit and veggies. Also, organic produce always tends to look and taste anemic. I've tried it from various markets both here and Kalamazoo, and was disappointed generally. My retired good internist always said do things in moderation and you won't have problems, and he's right.
posted by starling02 at 06:01 P.M. EST on Tue May 09, 2006 #
sorry second post: I was disappointed in ESM when I went there, always. There was nothing to buy there, that I can't find just as good, or better, for cheaper, elsewhere, soap included. Last thing Toledo needs is another freaking candle and soap shop.
posted by starling02 at 06:03 P.M. EST on Tue May 09, 2006 #
venting is good badger. This is a good place for it. What a frustrating yet rewarding experience you have had.
I'd like to see us get to a point where we don't make any plans contingent upon what officials do or don't do. Then if they do happen to do the right thing and support local business - it'd be a bonus. But we need to really get into the mindset of supporting community groups (at least I know I need to make a mindset change) and local businesses.
posted by katie82640 at 09:32 A.M. EST on Wed May 10, 2006 #
What chance does the ESM stand if you folks in Toledo keep electing that moron Finkbeiner. As a native Toledoan and a fan of the ESM you will never resolve this dilema as long as you keep putting the same sorry bunch of dead enders in charge. Look at all of the great ideas that have been contaminated by the likes of Carty. All Carty is and has been good for are new street signs as you leave Toledo that say "Have fun spending your money in Maume, Perrysburg...you name the place"
posted by Dennissmoy at 12:26 P.M. EST on Thu May 11, 2006 #
What chance does the ESM stand if you folks in Toledo keep electing that moron Finkbeiner
Unfortunatly Ford didn't get anywhere with that either. Those were our only choices. But hey, Carty did get SOMETHING done....his new bathroom. hahahaha
posted by tm at 01:26 P.M. EST on Thu May 11, 2006 #
dennis I don't know what you saw on your ballot but I only had two choices. Bad and worse.
posted by katie82640 at 02:50 P.M. EST on Thu May 11, 2006 #
hilarious katie
posted by HappyBadger at 12:11 P.M. EST on Mon May 22, 2006 #
good to see ya badger :-)
posted by katie82640 at 01:20 P.M. EST on Mon May 22, 2006 #
Katie, while I am a native Toledoan I've not lived in Toledo in over 10 years (Cinci is my current home) and to be honest, I don't see anything changing in Toledo. Same old same old. Hell they were talking about building new malls in and around the Toledo area when I lived there and I see the same blather today. I read the news from Toledo on a regular basis and surprise surprise surprise...Cartys newest RAH RAH RAH for Toledo is $3,500 in new signs to greet you when you pass through Toledo trying to get to Sylvania from Maumee. I remember the old signs that were there when Carty was last mayor. I laughed at them as well. Katie,I am sure your choices were limited to Dumb and Dumber. That was my point. Until the folks in Toledo get off of their collective asses and really front a candidate who can avoid embarassing the city and who can actually come up with a plan other then new signage and bigger malls you folks don't stand a chance in hell of getting out of the hole. Oh and by the way, what the hell did Cincinnati ever do to Toledo that you had to send us Scott Sloan? Damned if I didn't think I had escaped him when he shows up on the Big One 700 WLW.
posted by Dennissmoy at 10:41 P.M. EST on Fri May 26, 2006 #
Dennis, Toledoans cannot come up with a new plan since each and every plan is tightly contrained within the straitjacket philosophy of "economic development" government. Each and every plan involves MORE politicians, MORE taxes upon the common man, MORE tax abatements for the wealthy, MORE spending, MORE conferences and endlessly so on and so forth.
Toledo's problem is that it is letting capital flee, and there's nothing to replace it with by the very nature of capital fight. Such draining away of capital and population just naturally demands that the government downsize itself, but that's the LAST THING that this government will do.
Since Toledoans as a class are frankly dumb about reality -- and I say this in a full experience of having encountered in Toledo the most delusional people I'd ever encountered in my life -- then they are simply not going to fix this. Carty's re-election more than proved that. Anyone who voted for Carty -- in full knowledge of Carty's clearly insane past -- is a delusional thinker who at least values hopeless hope over the hard-nosed values that demand resolution in difficult decision making.
During the primary, Toledoans had the most "real choice", but that wasn't much of a choice at all. Such a "race" was dominated by two professional politicians (Ford and Carty), another professional politician (Wilkowski) who was the only serious majority alternative, and then a host of 3 other nutbags who were dominated by screwball religious views. And then there was Ludeman, who as a "Republican" (note: a RHINO) had as much chance of being elected as a Monty-Pythonish "Silly Party" candidate.
Myself, during the primary I wrote in "Rick Grafing". Trying to place a small-businessperson into office would be astoundingly better for true government advancement than anyone else.
Katie's right. By the time the real election rolled around, we only had a "choice" between Lazy and Crazy. Both choices were professional politicians who religiously believed in "economic development" government, which essentially attacks the common man and small business, and then forwards all such stolen proceeds to the corporate and wealthy. "Economic development" government is purely parasitical and destroys the common prosperity, ironically while claiming EXACTLY the opposite. Reaganomics should have been firmly discredited by now, but such a political class swears by it. It's the largest scam in history.
posted by GuestZero at 02:09 P.M. EST on Sat May 27, 2006 #
I don't dispute any thing any of you have said in response to my comment. In fact it seems to bolster my opinion. Toledo will always be the red headed stepchild in Ohio as long as it is dominated by the same group of worn out retreads that it fronts year after year after year...
As for Carty...I give you KING KONG!!!
posted by Dennissmoy at 09:14 P.M. EST on Sun May 28, 2006 #
Mayor dubs fire chief 'King Kong'
posted by jr at 06:57 A.M. EST on Mon May 29, 2006 #
Well - you might not see much difference dennis, but stuff iz surely going on.
I have the inkling for an independent business. My son married and has a beautiful wife and has had three little boys in two years. (One set of adorable twins :-)
My daughter graduated from Monclova Christian and was awarded a sizeable(thank you Lord) a merit scholarship based upon her conduct, grades and testing that allowed me to send her to a very good college last summer.
My youngest is in his last days of 10th grade. He has a good idea of who he is - what he believes in and where he wants to go.
He plans to be an artist. I pray the war is over before we have to make the decision about his enlistment. We've always chosen to serve. It's just tough when it's your kids' turn. But it has always been that way in America. It is merely my turn.
There is huge, large and great stuff afoot in Toledo. Wish you could see it.
There's a great many of us :-)
Have a nice night.
posted by katie82640 at 08:40 P.M. EST on Mon May 29, 2006 #
Katie, while I applaud your children for all of the wonderful things they have accomplished as individuals I have to say that there was "plenty afoot" when I lived in Toledo yet here we are many years later and the ONE constant in all of this is the name FINKBEINER. There is a truly short attention span in Toledo with regards to Carty. It was Carty who pushed for the development along the river front only to in the end "float" his piece of the prize elsewhere when the project sank and he profited on the backs of Toledoans. It was Carty in my opinion who was solely responsible for throwing the monkey wrench into Rossfords plans for a multi use sports/concert venue.(Yet today he speaks of regional unity?) He cried and cried at the mere mention of moving the Storm out of Toledo yet look where Toledo is today. Still no new Sports Arena and the argument continues to this day over what to do with the Marina District! Factor in that the roads/infrastructure in Toledo are a joke, Southwyck has turned into a nice flea market/ storage facility,the ESM is continuing to struggle,COSI is getting ready to close or pick the taxpayers pockets and still Carty has time to worry about minutia...10 New Jobs Come to Toledo? You have got to be kidding me right? 10 Jobs? Here's your Sign Toledo... "Welcome to Toledo... 'Walking Path' to Nowhere"
posted by Dennissmoy at 06:13 A.M. EST on Fri Jun 02, 2006 #
"I pray the war is over before we have to make the decision about his enlistment. We've always chosen to serve."
Has your son expressed an interest or desire to enlist, Katie?
posted by MrsPhoenix at 07:20 A.M. EST on Fri Jun 02, 2006 #
dennis you're addressing adminstrative issues. I'm just focusing on the people. (Who obviously have a short attention span).
The things that are wonderful about this city aren't really found in an adminstrative office. And until a day that I can make a difference IN an adminstrative office - I'll focus on what is good and workable. That'd be the people. For me - it's two different issues, sadly because the adminstration is grossly out of touch with the people. And seems to be contect with the status quo.
mrsphoenix - it is under active dialogue. Alot of the boys in my life are 16-18 years old and they have some tough choices ahead of him. But he's talking about it - which is good. He has nothing to apologize for for being nervous about the idea of service in the armed forces right now. And he has nothing to apologize for feeling that the military needs all the support they can get right now.
Again - a separate issue from the administration - whether you belive in the action in Iraq or not - the fact of the matter is that it is happening. And those that voted to move our soldiers in are safely back in the states.
We're concerned about the soldiers.
posted by katie82640 at 10:00 A.M. EST on Fri Jun 02, 2006 #
Finished a tour of Toledo to see all the changes since Finkbeiner took office as the top dog of Economic Development and Mayor. There certainly had been a lot of projects being talked about, but I didn't work up much of a sweat actually viewing any new stuff. Nonetheless, I was excited to use the famous shower in the Mayor's office before reviewing my observations with him.
" I would like to see the Mayor about Economic Development," I said, addressing the friendly receptionist in the Mayor's office, and could I use the shower while I wait? How much are those towels?"
I thought that the towels with Toledo logos on them were a nice fund raiser, especially at $19.99 each. It was a good indication that somebody was thinking creatively at the top and much more was going on behind the scenes in the office of the chief economic development leader than the Blade's recent lukewarm review of his honor's first six months in office.
I was told to have a seat in the waiting area while my request for a shower and a meeting were processed. It was obvious from the screaming that the Mayor was engaged in high level discussions ,ironically, about Economic Development. I listened in, quite easily, by the way.
" When was the last time you updated our DTI website?" I could hear him demanding, adamantly, " That's are primary launching pad for building up, recruiting and promoting our Downtown. Former Mayor Ford is still pictured on the front page! How many new business's have located downtown? ^6%$%&*^%$$^&*()You spent over $200,000 on a multi talented "Clean Up Crew" to walk around the Downtown handing out maps? Maps of what? There's nothing new to find! I'm not happy about DTI and I bet the Downtown business' s that paid into that program aren't either. Where's the recruitment of new business? Where's the incentive program? Where's a map on "How to do Business in our City?" Where's the promotion of DTI and downtown? We should have billboards at the stadium, sponsor events. This is simple stuff. Really. You are making me look bad. ^6%$%&*"
He must have turned to another person because the subject switched to the Erie Street Market. The Mayor had smartly cleaned house in the Spring, but a promised quick re-opening seemed far away.
" I didn't hear or read one thing about that consultant's day at the Erie street Market," he was screaming, " Why wasn't there a follow-up. Publicity. That's what we need now. Where's that slick Las Vegas kid I hired. That's his job. Food. Food. Food. That's the only business's I see interested. Maybe that citizen's suggestion was right. What did he say? Make it an indoor mall concept instead of another Farmer's Market. *&(*&^%$$((*&& "
Once again, the Mayor switched subjects, indicating he was talking to another project head. It was about the new banners that stated "Do Toledo."
" Is this the best we could come up with? Don't they know that's Jr. High slang for having sex with someone? Holy Toledo! Wait. Write that down. I want credit for that. *(*&^%$#$)(*&"
The receptionist noticed my uncomfortable fidgeting, especially the profanity. Those poor people in charge of development. The door to the Mayor's room opened and out walked the Mayor, by himself still screaming.
"And quit calling me Archie Bunker," he yelled back," You Meathead. King Kong was meant as a compliment. "
Nobody responded.
"Did you still want to see the Mayor?"she asked politely,"He's done now."
" I think I've heard everything I need to hear," I told her and handed back my towel," He needs this more than me. "
posted by HappyBadger at 10:53 A.M. EST on Sun Jun 18, 2006 #
too funny, HappyBadger. The only problem is - I can't tell if it's a story or real! :)
posted by MaggieThurber at 06:24 P.M. EST on Sun Jun 18, 2006 #
uh...has to be fiction. Right?
posted by katie82640 at 10:32 A.M. EST on Mon Jun 19, 2006 #
Only his hairdresser knows for sure..........
posted by DoknowDocare at 09:02 P.M. EST on Mon Jun 19, 2006 #
Unfortunately, for these dark ages of creativity in Toledo, fact and fiction are both all too sadly similar. Did you check out the DTI web site? We are all to kind on our Mayor, in particularg, the Blade. Anyone else in charge of e Economic Devlopment "held accountable" would be fired based on their first quarter results.
"Archie,"
"Yes. Edith,"
"You can't just call the police on those nice South Toledo people just because they didn't like your bike path. That's abuse of power, I think.
"That's just what they call a coincidence. Anyway, Edith,If they had ridden their bikes to the party on my nice new bike path, there wouldn't be no illdgal parking."
posted by HappyBadger at 12:22 A.M. EST on Wed Jun 21, 2006 #
you need to write a book badger. This is funny stuff.
posted by katie82640 at 02:30 P.M. EST on Wed Jun 21, 2006 #
you are all too kind Katie and wonderfully encouraging. Writing is my favorite. I was at the right time in Washington D.C. in 1976 as a rookie reporter and published the country's first Women's Sports Newspaper. Enough. Thank you.
posted by HappyBadger at 09:34 A.M. EST on Thu Jun 22, 2006 #
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