Just One Man’s Opinion

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(by Gary Godfrey - April 14, 2008)

I haven’t heard this much buzz around Bradford since the late 1950’s, when someone hung our superintendent in effigy. I’m talking about the new ordinance the village council passed on charging the public and non-profit organizations to use their park. For the life of me, I can’t understand the council’s decision?

It’s quite a contrast, to work in Covington and reside in Bradford. Let me explain. Covington is in the process of conducting an area strategic economic development plan -- Bradford is trying their best to run people (those of us who are left) out of town. If you were to ask anyone within a 40 mile radius this question: Have you ever heard of the Bradford Pumpkin Show? They would probably answer, “yes, that’s where they have all the confetti.” From a marketing stand-point Bradford has been branded with the annual Pumpkin Show, and its confetti. Because I’ve lived in Bradford most of my life, they have also been branded with the title of low-income residents, and a rough and dirty town.

The council and previous Mayor Wirrig have transformed the rough and dirty branded village into a fairy tale village of pride and beauty. Instead of remaining on this path of excellence -- the council, zoning board, and Mayor have decided to act like all politicians -- and do what they think is best for the residence. I learned a long time ago, when the people come to council meetings -- they want to be heard. Instead of listening, the council voted against the resident’s wishes.

I mention the Bradford zoning board, because Greentree Development has just introduced it’s final phase V of building lots. I know this because we print the advertising for the Patty family that owns the company. Once again, the village government has decided to change the rules, when in reality they should give the Patty family a plaque for making what little growth the village has witnessed in the last decade. When something is good, do everything you can to keep it moving in the right direction.

While Covington ask: What do you value about the Covington community?
Bradford ask: What can we do next to go against the people?

Covington is also asking: What do you hope the Covington community will be for your grandchildren and great grandchildren?

Bradford, makes its residence ask: Will there be a village for our grandchildren and great grandchildren?

The Bradford Pumpkin Show will be celebrating it’s 80th show this October. If the council get its way, the show will be put out of business. Likewise, the Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum started “Hobo Days” last year. They plan the event again this year, and the village agreed there would be no charge for 2008. The question is, will there be a charge for 2009? If so, they too, will have to call it quits.

Covington list its Fort Rowdy Festival as an event that provides a place for the community to gather and socialize. Bradford wants to charge the vendors for camping privileges.

This week’s bottom line: All politicians work for the people who elected them. If you haven’t been elected (but appointed) maybe it’s time to step down. When the people speak, it’s time to listen.

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Comments (6)

On April 21, 2008 Maria said:

Gary, I agree with your article. Thanks for writing it. However, I think you were to easy on the council. I wish you would have gave the exact dollar figures. Did you know that according to the ordinance, it will cost the pumpkinshow $4,550.00 to use the park next year? That is crazy!! That figure is for 5 spaces and for 20 campers. It actually could be higher. Also, did you know the pumpkinshow committee has to pay $630.00 to rent the back section of the park and the council is going to charge our campers $10.00 a per day per camper. That would be like you renting out a house but charging the renters guest to use the restroom. How do they justify that? I attended the last several meetings with council and everytime I go the ordinance gets more and more rediculous. At the last meeting Dottie Carder asked if she rented the playground area of the park if she had exclusive rights to that area. Gary Carder told her yes she could rent the playground area for $10.00 an hour and, if she wanted to rent the parking lot for her guest to have some place to park that would be an additional $10.00 an hour. It gets worse, he told her if any child in town tries to enter that area she has rented she is to call 911. I bet the sheriff's office will get tired of this real quick. I thought 911 was for emergencies. I guess councilman Carder thinks that is an emergency. I also thought it was a community park for all residence to use, not a rental facility for the village to profit off of. I agree with Jill when she said the council wont work with the pumpkinshow. When Bill Favorite said that there needs to be a committee to work with the pumpkinshow, Gary Carder made it very clear that that is what the ordinance is for. I suggested to council that they work with the local organizations not against them. I said if they worked well with the organizations maybe all of the organizations could help the village make money to improve the parks. Can you immagine how much money could be raised for the parks if the community club, firemens,pumpkinshow, pto, boyscouts, athletic boosters, rr museum, historical society, local businesses, summer rec, pee wee's, and the lions club all worked together on one fundraiser together? I can't immagine how much money it could generate for the park. I think the approach council is taking now is just making organizations bitter and they are coming up with places to have their function other that the park so they wont have to give the city a dime. Can we blame them? I too am an elected official and I think as an elected official my job is to listen to what people in the community has to say and to make an educated decision that will best benefit the school and the community. I don't think the council listened to what the communities concerns. I think if they would have listened they would be working with the organizations and not against them. I think charging local non profit organizations to use the park is absolutely stupid. They are volanteers working to better our community. I also agree with what you said about the Greentree developement. I happen to live there and I am very proud of my neighborhood. I think it is great that we continue to grow and I think the Patty family has done a great job with the developement. Why would the zoning change the rules 3/4 way into the project? I am sure this will discourage any future growth in the community. I dream of the day when all of the organizations, the village,the residence, and the school all work together to make this a better community to live in for my children and grandchildren. It is to bad that council don't share my dreams. Maybe Jan has the solution to the problem with the referendum. I will gladly get signatures on a petition and I am sure we can get people to donate to help cover the cost. I guess there is a bright side to all of these new ordinances, IF YOU PAY TO RENT THE PARK EXCLUSIVELY, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANY ANIMAL FECES IN THE GRASS. *smiles* Thanks again for the article. Maria Brewer steelbrewer@woh.rr.com 937-448-6191

On April 20, 2008 l said:

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On April 17, 2008 Angie said:

I just want to thank you and commend you for stepping out and speaking what you believe in your heart, Gary. Wish we all would do this, with disregard to what others may think or say. I to hope that things will change for the better of the community, that the people that are on the village council will realize that we have to let the community grow. I was born in raised in a different community (Ft. Recovery) and what is Ft. Recovery known for NTPA Tractor Pulls, well they have not stepped on peoples toes (charging fees for a community event) or tried to push people away, 'no' they have made this event bigger and more successful every year to in turn help the community grow and look more beautiful. I moved to Bradford because this was my husbands home town, but also because all the people that I met were so wonderful and I love the small town setting. So, in turn, with Bradford Pumpkin Show hitting the 80th anniversary you would think the "people in charge" of this village would want it to be the most successful that it could be, to "keep the legacy alive that the little town of Bradford is known for" I believe Bradford could be a town of great growth, both in the downtown setting and also with business, if we would go back and remember all that the town was in the railroad days, prior to the fire. --Angie Carine

On April 16, 2008 Jan said:

Gary, I agree with your comments. What do you think we should do about this? We could get a referendum to repeal the ordinance ,however we would have to organize quickly and get an attorney to draft the referendum language , get signatures and file with the board of elections to put on the Novemeber ballot. I would be willing to assist on this if you think it would be worth the time and effort. I don't think we would have trouble getting signatures. Let me know what you think. It might be fun doing it and show that we don't appreciate the way things are being done. Jan

On April 16, 2008 Lee said:

Gary !! Sometimes when you shake the bush, you got to be careful of what falls out !! Over the years your constant comparison of Bradford to Covington in all venues has caused hard feelings !! Time to put that strategy to rest !! You work in Covington and live in Bradford,I'm proud to have you as a fellow resident. Your opinion of the park ordinance was based on hearsay, because I don't remember you at any of the meetings. If everyone would have patience on this situation, it will clarify itself. No one on the council is trying to run anyone out of town, or do away with the Pumpkin Show !! Your comment about the "appointed" should step down was way below the belt!! Appointed does not mean non-caring,or second fiddle, etc.--it takes a concerned person to step up and fill a vacancy!! I hope your letter has some positive results!! The pen is mightier than the sword, as long as the scribe is fair!! Lee Dunn

On April 15, 2008 Jill said:

Gary, I agree with you except for the fact that the Mayor Dallas Weldy does not agree with this ordinance. He is our Pumpkin Show President and doesn't agree but does not get a vote. I think the whole ordinance was in the works when Jeff was mayor so to blame Dallas is not fair. I was at the council meeting on Thursday, and had to leave watching my son at the track meet to do it. And for what they already had decided and it doesn't matter what the people think. From the previous meeting the Wednesday before all the council people, mayor and Jeff attending the meeting, except for Gary Carder, which is always appointed and basically wants to shut us down, from his comments. We do need some people on there with some common sense. Mr. Favorite made the comment that the council should get together with the committee for an agreement to be reached. His idea was shut down because the comment was made that we have a lands committee. They have tried that route with no success. I hope your comments shakes some people up and there are more people at the next council meeting. Thanks Gary. Jill Rank

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