THE BANNED BLOG

This post was originally on the Boardman Against Crime website but was removed because of a complaint by Fire Chief George Brown. I guess the truth hurts.

WE ARE (MOSTLY) UNITED

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE HIGHS, LOWS AND DEFINING MOMENTS OF THE 2011 POLICE LEVY CAMPAIGN

by George Farris, Levy volunteer

This is not an “official” statement, analysis or summary. This is one person’s opinion (mine). Still, it’s something that needs to be said.

The final vote was nice, but that this community came together was even better. We talked, we worked, we got a better understanding and we stood up for Boardman Township, our families and our future. I am proud to be a resident.

The highs, lows and defining moments are below, but FIRST let me mention the PEOPLE. It’s the people that make the difference. Not catchy slogans. Not party affiliations.

Here are the people that made the difference in this campaign:


THE TRUSTEES
Larry Moliterno, Brad Calhoun, Tom Costello. They persuaded me to turn over all of my free time for five months and work on this campaign for a fee of $1.

But they gave me a free hand and more importantly THEY TOOK ALL THE CRAP at the town hall meetings. These three are the best team Boardman has had in those positions for a long time.


CHIEF JACK NICHOLS
Does he seem like a boy scout? It’s not an act. I’ve seen rulers that were less straight than him. When I first asked him to be the spokesperson of the campaign, he would have rather I hit him with his own Tazer. Every day. Three times a day. But he knew it needed done and he did it. He spoke at dozens of neighborhood gatherings, churches — even the local temple. He is a professional cop, a really good person and a terrific leader.

VICKIE DAVIS
I don’t know what I did right in my life to deserve getting help from Vickie. She did everything in this campaign that mattered — from making plans to making signs. She was the engine and transmission of this campaign. If there was a detail to be noted, completed or delegated — she handled it. And as many of our volunteers (especially cops) can attest, she knows how to give orders and get things done. I cannot thank her enough; and PLEASE if you see her, offer her your thanks also. We owe her — big time.


The F.O.P., the F.O.P. …and did I mention the F.O.P.?
There are too many cops that helped for me to name — but I can tell you the sheer volume of their contributions was incredible. FIRST, they put their put their money mouth is. They donated $10,000 from their treasury — still the largest donation of the campaign. And they networked for even more donations. (Thanks Big Money Ed.) They put up retail signs, attended every meeting, put on demonstrations, walked door-to-door in 90-degree weather on weekends. Their contributions to this campaign are truly what made the difference in winning. I believe that in my soul. These guys are the best — and I am glad I got to know them.


THE RESIDENTS
Chuck Coristin/Chris Daquelente. These guys made me realize what top-notch people live in our community. They got on board and helped us from beginning to end. Thanks so much guys.


THE CLERGY
Pastor Bob and Pastor Ash Welsh – Pastors, communicators, leaders, – these gentlemen helped us turn the tide. THANK YOU


OTHERS
Jeff Barone, our treasurer. Thank goodness someone knew how to balance a checkbook! Honest, efficient and hardworking. I did the people thing — he did the numbers. Thanks, partner.

Ashley Luthern and John Darnell, our Boardman press reps from the Vindy and Boardman News respectively. Ashley’s extensive coverage was fair and helpful. She showed everyone an accurate picture of the situation. John Darnell — he came through for us. Hardly unbiased, he is pro-Boardman and not afraid to show it. Thanks John!


THE HIGHS
The Car Signing Kick-off, The Candlelight March, the July 25 Trustee meeting when supporters got up unscripted and spoke from their hearts. Fantastic.


THE LOWS
The Boardman Firefighters’ offer to help and their subsequent disappearing act. Individually, several firefighters helped out with the large signs, rides to the polls, etc. That help IS appreciated. And the Chief made a donation. But unless I missed it — and I would love to be wrong about this — there was no union endorsement or donation to the campaign, no visible or vocal support on the web or social media, no statements of solidarity in the press or at events.


DEFINING MOMENTS
  • Chief Nichols’ outburst at a town hall meeting when a resident who lived near Poland asked if he was going to stop a neighbor kid from speeding if the resident supported the levy.
  • The Vindy headline that mentioned an “anti-levy group” – when in fact, no such group existed. 
  • The neighborhood and other group talks 
  • The drug raid with the NEU
  • The overnight ride along with Jeff Lytle, Bill Woods and others.


WE ARE UNITED. LET’S STAY THIS WAY.

posted by George F. Farris @ 1:45 PM  

 

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