Pickerington Area Taxpayers Alliance

One would be naive to think that councilpeople don't count votes. Both before and after they cast their vote.

One would hope that the spirit of cooperation with this new council starts the first night when the committees are reorganizd.

One would hope that the best and most knowledeable councilpeople are selected to serve on those committe's where their expertise/experience in an asset. Or an education in that area might be warranted.

If committee selection is set up strictly as a power base, cooperation will seem unlikely in this new make-up of council.

One would hope that a 7-0 vote sends a message of cooperation to other government agencies, as well as their electorate. And a 4-3 vote shows us that...

By Cooperation starts at home

Put down the weed.

One would think you are dreaming or smoking something not allowed to be mentioned on this web site. The fact is that the overthrow was only half done and the power remains split. Clearly Fix didn't get his entire ticket elected nor did his opponents. Even if we were to see a 7- 0 vote on the re-org meeting that will not predict what will happen later in the year. I know we have at least TWO new council members that allowed their alligator mouths and campaign literature to overload their hummingbird butts. They both had their campaign literature written by Fix and he campaigned with them. The sad fact remains if only Fix knew as much as he claims on his resume then we might get some where. I am sure the two he got into the council will become disillusioned soon.

I am hearing some serious budget issues are facing the city in 2008. It is interesting that these issues seem to be blind siding a few of our more outspoken council members at least those that made all of the promises.

Deja vu

Seems I recall similar budget issues after the election in 2004 when Judy Shupe and Jon Meyers were reelected to county commissioner. It is a trait of certain politicians to mis-lead the voters with half truths. This community is infected with it.

Is it all debt?

Cloud of debt is hovering over Pickerington

(by Rachel Scofield, Staff Writer - November 24,
2007)

Facing a 2008 budget burdened with debt, Pickerington City Council rejected a collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

The new agreement would have granted a 3.5 percent raise each of the next three years to city employees who are members of AFSCME Local 1822. The employees include workers for the water and street departments as well as police dispatchers.

Finance Director Linda Fersch said council could not table the issue until the next meeting because within 30 days the agreement would take effect unless council voted to reject it.

Pickerington has several million dollars in debt, said Councilman Brian Wisniewski, a large portion of which relates to the widening of Diley Road.

Fersch said the city owes between $4 million and $5 million for the Diley Road project with a yearly debt payment of $600,000 per year.

To avoid a defect in 2009, the city must either make cuts or find new revenue. Pickerington receives most of its funding through income taxes. To cover the annual debt payments of the Diley Road expansion alone, the city would need to attract a business with a $60 million payroll, Wisniewski said.

Mayor David Shaver said the city may consider laying off employees.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) agreed to fund a large portion of the Diley Road widening project.

''Diley was something we had to do,'' Wisniewski said. ''The opportunity presented itself and we had to accept. (The challenge is) how to pay for that in addition to the rest of the obligations to the city.''

City Manager Judy Gilleland said that many contractors have shown an interest in the Diley project. Bids are due to ODOT by Dec. 12. ODOT will award the contract within seven to 10 days.

Water and sewer lines are expected to begin in spring and if all goes well the city will have a groundbreaking ceremony in spring as well.

Council set a public hearing for Dec. 4 at 7:15 p.m. at city hall, 100 Lockville Road, to discuss the 2008 budget.

Other Pickerington news

?•A mitten tree will be available in city hall for anyone wishing to donate mittens, hats or scarves to Fairfield County residents in need.
?•City hall will also supply a mailbox for letters going to the North Pole. Gilleland said that every child and adult who posts a letter will receive a response.
?•Dec. 7 from 5-9 p.m. downtown Pickerington will host the ''Holiday in the Village Shop Hop'' and the official tree lighting ceremony.