Compromise Keeps Garden District Intact

[Peggy Gurney]

With fewer but larger wards, the talent pool in each ward increases.  This just may help us elect better councilmen in the future.

Exactly.

[jay]

With fewer but larger wards, the talent pool in each ward increases.  This just may help us elect better councilmen in the future.

[AllanY2525]

I like the idea of four wards,  plus one for downtown with an "at large" council
person who would look out for businesses and other concerns, and not be beholden
to any but those downtown. 

Someone who could also help all of the wards as much as they can.

[Towntalk]

It's not a problem of too many wards, but it is a problem of who is elected to City Council. Herein resides the rub ... how do we get compitent people to run for Council? Here at mahoningvalley.info we all know of people that we believe would be a good fit. Jay, for years has deplored that this is a one party town, and he's absolutely right. Many of us are leaders in their respective communities, much to their credit  so these folks could get the ball rolling. I won't call out names here, but I know three members who would make great council persons if we could only build a bondfire in their bellies. Each of the three live in different wards, so if we could get them elected along with PK, we could have 4 of the 7 wards covered.
Rather than circulate petitions to reduce the number of wards, why doesn PK run for 1st ward Council? Over the years he's pointed out many problems that plague the city, and by having a seat at the table, he would be in a better position to address them, and because the local press respects him he would get their support. Further, if he were to throw his hat into the ring for 1st Ward Council, he would get the endorsement of the Vindicator, and this could be the first step toward running for Mayor.
Does that answer your question Rick?

[Rick Rowlands]

So Towntalk, I don't believe you have explained exactly why you are against five wards. 

[Peggy Gurney]

I can answer that!  I'm in his ward, and he's been very helpful to me and my family, to the Wick Park neighborhood, to the Upper North Heights neighborhood, and to the Brier Hill neighborhood. I don't know about the rest of them.

I just moved a bit further north, into the Crandall Park North neighborhood, so I will see how helpful he is here. 

[iwasthere]

I'm afraid I do not have the knowledge or experience it would take to run for council.
Besides. I like Nate Pinkard.

nate is a nice guy. his only experience that he brought to city hall council chambers that he was the top dog in the police dept at millck pk. i never saw him at any council meetings until he appt by the democratic party to replace a concil rep. one must ask his ward residents abt his ability to asst people in his ward concerning their plights and desires.

[Peggy Gurney]

I'm afraid I do not have the knowledge or experience it would take to run for council.
Besides. I like Nate Pinkard.

[Towntalk]

The honest fact of the matter is that NO ONE has stepped forward to run for Council in 4 of the 7 wards that is fit to hold that position. The 3rd. for example should have someone from the largest industry in that ward ... YSU or the Hospitals. A councilman or councilwoman with vision.You my friend have what it takes and if I were still living in the 3rd ward, I'd vote for you in a heartbeat micro-second.

[Towntalk]

Misguided, but certainly not a fool, not by a long shot.

[Peggy Gurney]

I would be one of those "fools". 

[Towntalk]

That's good, and as for my ward so long as I remain in the 7th Ward, I'll be a happy camper, but if those fools that want 5 wards, I'll be extremely ANGRY. I'll not only REFUSE to sign their bloody petition, but I'll fight them like a JUNK YARD DOG!

[jay]

The proposed redistricting map submitted by the Board of Elections would have split the Garden District between the Fourth and Fifth Wards.  Last minute negotiations by Councilman Paul Drennen and Councilman Mike Ray will see the Garden District remain entirely in the Fourth Ward.