Here's a partial list of Mrs. W.'s concerns.
Others tell me there is even more. If I find out, I will post those too!
***
City Manager?’s Administrative Assistant conducting personal business for the City Manager, and being paid by the taxpayers to do so-- I have direct knowledge and have witnessed some of these errands being assigned to Lana Messmore, and subsequently run on a daily basis. Deputy Finance Director Ann Ellis made a point of sharing an article about the Mayor of Jackson, Ohio who was accused of doing the same?—and her concerns about Pickerington--with employees throughout Pickerington City Hall.
Statewide referendum campaign?—Funding concerns. City employees working on City time to validate signatures and conduct campaign business (as recently as the first week of June/last week of May, 2002). These employees included the City Manager?’s Administrative Assistant, the Police Chief?’s wife, and prior to the signature validation phase, I was asked to prepare press releases on the referendum campaign, which I felt very uncomfortable about. While the City maintains it is only gathering statistics, I don?’t believe this is what the court intended when it ruled to allow statistical gathering.
Downtown Revitalization Grant Funds/Fraud--Misfeasance reportedly occurred throughout the process.
Preston Trails land ownership--City official(s) bought land that was to be later purchased by the developers of Preston Trails. Use of inside information for financial gain. According to city department heads, Joyce Bushman purchased options on this land in advance of the developers, and it was re-sold at a profit to her and others while she was City Manager.
New Police Headquarters Communications Contract-- Awarded to a company that has far less expertise and capability based on personal relationships, as opposed to being awarded to a Central Ohio company that is considered to be highly expert in the area of radio communications and electronics. The difference between the two bids was only $1,500 on a $300,000 contract, and the contractor selected will require additional technical support to complete the project. The Police Chief John Fuller asked the City Engineer (Dailey) to go along with him and give the contract to the Chief?’s friend. This type of favoritism when dealing with public safety communications is a threat to the safety of the community.
Giltz Drugmart project--Concerns expressed about this project by many inside City Hall, especially with regard to the City?’s financial involvement.
Giltz/drugmart funds as they relate to the statewide referendum--The promised?—and yet to be received-- $50,000 reimbursement and/or payment to the City with respect to the referendum. See Finance Director Linda Fersch for details.
Affidavit/signature problems and issues with the south annexation. Other ethical issues concerning the south annexation. As Public Information Director, I was told to do ?“whatever it takes?” to keep a key landowner who testifies on behalf of the City before the Commissioners ?“happy,?” even if it meant working on projects with him on the taxpayers dime.
Former Mayor instructing staff personnel as to the production of newsletters (first Public Information assignment) that included bios and information about the City Council to impact the outcome of the election. Electioneering. Public Information Director voiced numerous concerns about this issue to the Mayor and to the City Manager. The Former Mayor continues to be involved in negotiating other City issues.
Working with residents to get them to sign letters slamming the Township, ?“so-called?” opponents of the City and some private citizens--Letters were written by City Staff, and paid consultants to the City Manager, and then sent to private citizens for signature, and subsequent submission to local newspapers for publication.
Others tell me there is even more. If I find out, I will post those too!
***
City Manager?’s Administrative Assistant conducting personal business for the City Manager, and being paid by the taxpayers to do so-- I have direct knowledge and have witnessed some of these errands being assigned to Lana Messmore, and subsequently run on a daily basis. Deputy Finance Director Ann Ellis made a point of sharing an article about the Mayor of Jackson, Ohio who was accused of doing the same?—and her concerns about Pickerington--with employees throughout Pickerington City Hall.
Statewide referendum campaign?—Funding concerns. City employees working on City time to validate signatures and conduct campaign business (as recently as the first week of June/last week of May, 2002). These employees included the City Manager?’s Administrative Assistant, the Police Chief?’s wife, and prior to the signature validation phase, I was asked to prepare press releases on the referendum campaign, which I felt very uncomfortable about. While the City maintains it is only gathering statistics, I don?’t believe this is what the court intended when it ruled to allow statistical gathering.
Downtown Revitalization Grant Funds/Fraud--Misfeasance reportedly occurred throughout the process.
Preston Trails land ownership--City official(s) bought land that was to be later purchased by the developers of Preston Trails. Use of inside information for financial gain. According to city department heads, Joyce Bushman purchased options on this land in advance of the developers, and it was re-sold at a profit to her and others while she was City Manager.
New Police Headquarters Communications Contract-- Awarded to a company that has far less expertise and capability based on personal relationships, as opposed to being awarded to a Central Ohio company that is considered to be highly expert in the area of radio communications and electronics. The difference between the two bids was only $1,500 on a $300,000 contract, and the contractor selected will require additional technical support to complete the project. The Police Chief John Fuller asked the City Engineer (Dailey) to go along with him and give the contract to the Chief?’s friend. This type of favoritism when dealing with public safety communications is a threat to the safety of the community.
Giltz Drugmart project--Concerns expressed about this project by many inside City Hall, especially with regard to the City?’s financial involvement.
Giltz/drugmart funds as they relate to the statewide referendum--The promised?—and yet to be received-- $50,000 reimbursement and/or payment to the City with respect to the referendum. See Finance Director Linda Fersch for details.
Affidavit/signature problems and issues with the south annexation. Other ethical issues concerning the south annexation. As Public Information Director, I was told to do ?“whatever it takes?” to keep a key landowner who testifies on behalf of the City before the Commissioners ?“happy,?” even if it meant working on projects with him on the taxpayers dime.
Former Mayor instructing staff personnel as to the production of newsletters (first Public Information assignment) that included bios and information about the City Council to impact the outcome of the election. Electioneering. Public Information Director voiced numerous concerns about this issue to the Mayor and to the City Manager. The Former Mayor continues to be involved in negotiating other City issues.
Working with residents to get them to sign letters slamming the Township, ?“so-called?” opponents of the City and some private citizens--Letters were written by City Staff, and paid consultants to the City Manager, and then sent to private citizens for signature, and subsequent submission to local newspapers for publication.
