The voters have spoken; let's wish him well
By
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As the new comedic material has begun, so, too, have the questions.
Is anyone really surprised?
This is, after all, what you wanted. Isn't it?
After all, the new mayor garnered more than 60 percent of the votes – in spite of the sheriff's report earlier this year of alleged intimidation against a local resident.
(Don't kill the messenger. The sheriff stands by his office's report. To the best of my knowledge, he hasn't retracted a word of the seven-page public document. And if you really want to read it, just call me and I'll email it to you. It speaks for itself. As do other reports.)
• This new mayor admits, on national television, that he does not live in the city he purports to represent? Interesting. (So, too, is the Ohio Revised Code on residency requirements for elected officials.) Indeed, green acres is the place to be, unless you are required to live elsewhere. Not that that matters to local voters.
• This new mayor attributes, on national television, the city's supposed increase in population is due to unintended teen pregnancies? Really? Was that poor attempt at humor necessary? Did he really intend to convey such an image of Hillsboro to the national audience? If so, why? (A cheap laugh, perhaps?)
Having known all of the mayors of Hillsboro for the past quarter-century, I cannot envision any of them making such a statement (or even getting away with such a statement.)
It says a lot about the new mayor's impression of the people of Hillsboro. Or, at least, the impression he gave to the rest of the country.
• This new mayor often appears to be as nervous as the proverbial dog relieving himself of razor blades. Why?
For the local residents who have brought all or parts of these sentiments to my attention this week, my only response is this: The voters have spoken. The voters support the new comedian mayor. For what reasons, who knows?
Some voters insist that the new mayor has invested significantly in the city. Others point out that taxpayers have helped fund some of his investments through taxpayer-funded grant monies.
The new mayor admits to receiving $250,000 of such funds. Good for him. Spending other people's money is as easy as eating apple pie. With less effort.
Time was, that taxpayers' money involved in similar projects was tied to real job creation. Sustainable job creation.
Times have changed, obviously.
From this perspective – of one who has worked in or near the city since 1970 – all I can say is this: Please stop calling me for guidance on future votes or criticism of past votes. The city residents have spoken, overwhelmingly, in favor of the comedian mayor.
It's time to let him stand and deliver on his campaign promises. Let's wish him well.
Rory Ryan is owner and publisher of the only locally owned newspaper in Highland County.[[In-content Ad]]
Is anyone really surprised?
This is, after all, what you wanted. Isn't it?
After all, the new mayor garnered more than 60 percent of the votes – in spite of the sheriff's report earlier this year of alleged intimidation against a local resident.
(Don't kill the messenger. The sheriff stands by his office's report. To the best of my knowledge, he hasn't retracted a word of the seven-page public document. And if you really want to read it, just call me and I'll email it to you. It speaks for itself. As do other reports.)
• This new mayor admits, on national television, that he does not live in the city he purports to represent? Interesting. (So, too, is the Ohio Revised Code on residency requirements for elected officials.) Indeed, green acres is the place to be, unless you are required to live elsewhere. Not that that matters to local voters.
• This new mayor attributes, on national television, the city's supposed increase in population is due to unintended teen pregnancies? Really? Was that poor attempt at humor necessary? Did he really intend to convey such an image of Hillsboro to the national audience? If so, why? (A cheap laugh, perhaps?)
Having known all of the mayors of Hillsboro for the past quarter-century, I cannot envision any of them making such a statement (or even getting away with such a statement.)
It says a lot about the new mayor's impression of the people of Hillsboro. Or, at least, the impression he gave to the rest of the country.
• This new mayor often appears to be as nervous as the proverbial dog relieving himself of razor blades. Why?
For the local residents who have brought all or parts of these sentiments to my attention this week, my only response is this: The voters have spoken. The voters support the new comedian mayor. For what reasons, who knows?
Some voters insist that the new mayor has invested significantly in the city. Others point out that taxpayers have helped fund some of his investments through taxpayer-funded grant monies.
The new mayor admits to receiving $250,000 of such funds. Good for him. Spending other people's money is as easy as eating apple pie. With less effort.
Time was, that taxpayers' money involved in similar projects was tied to real job creation. Sustainable job creation.
Times have changed, obviously.
From this perspective – of one who has worked in or near the city since 1970 – all I can say is this: Please stop calling me for guidance on future votes or criticism of past votes. The city residents have spoken, overwhelmingly, in favor of the comedian mayor.
It's time to let him stand and deliver on his campaign promises. Let's wish him well.
Rory Ryan is owner and publisher of the only locally owned newspaper in Highland County.[[In-content Ad]]