Native Americans want Mariemont Schools' sports logos to change

update 7/29/20 PM: format changes for improved readability
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Background: I’ve been on a fascinating journey to learn about Native American mascots in local Sports. Mariemont City Schools’ ‘Warriors’ is of course a fine (& honorable) term. In question is our mascot/imagery: an abstract profile of a Native American man in a head dress. Also in question are traditions like a ‘warpath’ website, a ‘pow-wow’ bonfire each Fall, and group dances/chants in the stands at football games. I’ve learned a lot, and this analysis/information is only the start of an important conversation. This information has been shared with Mariemont City Schools’ School Board.

Disclaimers: I’m a white guy of European descent who looks out for the ‘little guy.’ As a Christian, I have a responsibility for the ‘least of these.’ I am a fan of Mariemont Schools and Mariemont Sports. My kids attend Mariemont Schools.

Conclusion & Recommendation: While not the ultimate decision makers, the Native Americans we try to represent with our imagery ought to be heard. And if, through that listening, we learn they’re overwhelmingly supportive of our choices and traditions, then we have no issue. However, if many have concerns, then we ought to honor their opinions and give great weight to their recommendations…even if others/other groups are supportive. While at least one organization that represents Native Americans is supportive of imagery like ours, multiple accredited organizations representing Native Americans have real, databased, decades-long objections to our imagery. We should hear them. Because many Native American organizations are opposed to our imagery, let’s keep the ‘Warriors’ and change the logo. Further, let’s commit to more real and rich education in all the schools to truly honor Native Americans.

Details

There are a few organizations representing Native Americans who strongly support Mariemont’s and others’ Sports imagery and language. One example: Native American Guardians (founded 2014) naga.org Their detailed rationale is below, but generally they appreciate Native American history being relevant today through Sports names and imagery. They disagree strongly with ‘anti-mascot’ representative groups on this topic like Congress of American Indians (1944). Thank you to NAGA for such helpful information and education.

There are many organizations that are strongly opposed to even well-intentioned ‘thoughtful’ imagery. One example: Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition (founded 1970s) gcnativeamericancoalition.com Their detailed rationale is below, but they generally believe imagery and names are homogenous stereotypes that hurt Native Americans, particularly kids (research based). They agree with ‘anti-mascot’ representative groups like Congress of American Indians and the Miami Tribe of OK, formerly of OH (pre 1800s). They disagree strongly with ‘pro’ representative groups on this topic like Native American Guardians.Thank you to GCNAC for such helpful information and education.

On either side of this argument then, there is data and endorsement(s) to justify the desired position. But if a significant number of Native American organizations oppose our imagery, then shouldn’t we listen? And shouldn’t we value the afflicted more than the un-afflicted? And, aren’t there countless other ways to celebrate history that both the afflicted and unafflicted can agree on?

Two interesting side notes: First, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma (our local organization), reaffirmed just this week their consistent opposition (see Resolution below):"...absolute opposition...to the use of derogatory and stereotypical names and images of American Indians as sports mascots or icons for any purpose by any public school or institution...." Second, ironically, research (link below) shows a negative impact to kids, the very demographic our schools are charged with nurturing.

Conversation Transcripts & Research (in chronological order). Please excuse typos as conversations occurred via Text/DM. I have redacted full names and contact information but am happy to provide on request.

Native American Guardians http://naguardians.org/ Pro Mascot

Hi cortney, kathy j, native american guardians association [naga] rep for ohio. I grew up in cincinnati and went to anderson/turpin. I currently live in cleveland. We can help you with your logo debate. Do you have a keeper fb page yet? Call me to fill me in. I love mariemont and often hung out there.

Call me and privide your email here. we have a lot of info. go to nagaeducation.edu and click on links. we are writting blogs. naga believes in education not erradication.  ncai has been discreaded. they say redskins is the scalps of dead indians which is a lie proven in two court cases but the ncai still pushes the lie to insite people. ncai wants to get rid of all na names as per the oneida indians that believe in the decolonization movement and started the not your mascot organization. we are all on stolon land and must go. it's unbelivable what they are pushing. poll after poll show that 80-90% of na support na names in schools and sports. the 10% of radical na are attacking schools with propaganda and brainwashing pc people from the suburbs. naga networks with schools and will speak at your committee meetings and help with your support page with facts. naga is about education not eradication.

Naga is doing a media bitz this month. #savethename has the ads.

Naga is working on changing the dictionaries back to north american indian for the redskin definition that was falsely changed in the '70 due to radical activist spouting off lies in the media. now those same activist point to the dictionary definition they had rewritten. same people still at it. warrior is not isolated to na indian. social justice warrior for example. it's just a generic name not offencive at all. i like your logo!

Naga has a facebook support page, naga supporters group, is the name of it. we invite you to join.

Yes and that's how naga feels. There is nothing wrong with your logo. 90% of natives would feel proud. Unfortunatly, the radical activist are very loud and pushy.i am a white girl from the forest hills school system. I have been following this debate for 50 years. Naga asked me to help in this fight. We are networking all across the country.

(is your organization political?) no, because while we do have the support of many republicans, there are dems that support it also.

make sure you go to #savethename on fb search to see native americans are speaking up. We are working like crazy to address this assult on culture.

Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition https://gcnativeamericancoalition.com/ Anti Mascot

Hello- this is Dawn K. Please do not listen to NAGA. They are a group that has been disassociated from their Nations and are not an authority on mascot issues in any way. While there are situations where Indigenous/Native American images have been used in association with schools, there have been agreements with local tribal leaders. Here in Ohio, there are ZERO tribal councils- sovereign tribal nations. Out of over 572 Nations, there aren't any here and NAGA has no authority to give a school in Ohio permission to use the imagery of an Indian for their mascot. However, NCAI- the National Congress of the American Indian is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities with all 572 federally recognized tribes signing the anti-mascot campaign. That should tell you something right there.

Furthermore, students have civil rights including Native American students. They should be free from discrimination, which these mascots are proven to be harmful, degrading, inaccurate, and just plain wrong.

Yes, even a "sensitive" image is inappropriate because there is no such thing as a general "Indian." There are many, many people and Nations each with our own languages, images, cultures, foods, and so on. How can one Indian image represent us? That is stereotyping.

Yes, NCAI agrees with this- http://www.ncai.org/proudtobe

I'm glad you are reaching out and asking these questions, Cortney. Here is the harmful research: As documented in a comprehensive review of decades of social science research, derogatory "Indian" sports mascots have serious psychological, social and cultural consequences for Native Americans, especially Native youth. Of today’s American Indian and Alaska Native population, those under the age of 18 make up 32 percent, and Native youth under the age of 24 represent nearly half, or 42 percent, of the entire Native population.

https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indian-mascots

Here is the most recent study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550619898556?journalCode=sppa

We humbly ask the American public to stand with us, the GCNAC, in advocating for the change of the school and sports team names to help make it clear to all people, everywhere, that the use of racist Native "Indian" mascot names must end. As Native Americans, we did not create these images and stereotypes that resulted in racism- but we are calling for its end. It is the responsibility of all Americans who hold privilege to do the work to end this legacy of discrimination.

We are members of NCAI.

NAGA doesn't have members- they are just a group of people who have opinions.

Our organization- the GCNAC has been around as a part of other organizations since the 1970s. Our history goes back to Jeanne Marie Brightfire Stophlet, Director of the Indian Center in Cincinnati and Inter-Ethnic Council of Greater Cincinnati during the 1970s. We formally incorporated as a nonprofit 4th of March, 2019. None of our directors receive any money for the work we do- we are a 100% volunteer, 100% Native run organization.

National Congress of American Indians http://www.ncai.org/ Anti Mascot

(no reply yet from this group. Info based on my research and endorsement by GCNAC)

NCAI's Long Standing Opposition to Harmful "Indian" Sports Mascots: As the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, NCAI has long held a clear position against derogatory and harmful stereotypes of Native people—including sports mascots—in media and popular culture. In 1968 NCAI launched a campaign to address stereotypes of Native people in popular culture and media, as well as in sports. Since this effort began, there has been a great deal of progress made and support to end the era of harmful "Indian" mascots in sports.

http://www.ncai.org/proudtobe

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma (previously Ohio) https://www.miamination.com/ Anti Mascot

(no direct communication with this group, instead sharing recent Resolution 20-31 July 27 2020)

Resolution 20-31 Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Position on Ethnic or Race-based Derogatory Mascot Names or Derogatory Mascot Caricatures

Whereas, the Myaamia, recognized today by the United States as the Miami tribe of Oklahoma, are a distinct people originating from the Great Lakes lands of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan, and

Whereas, after being forcefully removed from our homelands in 1846 we lived or a time on reserve in eastern Kansas and were again removed to the Indian territory where our seat of government still resides in the city of Miami, Oklahoma, and

Whereas, our history and that of all federally recognized tribes/First nations of this land has been recorded by many observers through time and that written history has grouped all as one people under collective terms such as the “Indians”, the “Natives”, or the “redskinned”, and

Whereas, as a sovereign and culturally distinct people we believe these terms have too often created a “one Nation”, “one Tribe”, “one People” perception and that this lack of understanding and respect for the unique cultural identities of each sovereign Tribal Nation has fostered the perception of “Indians” as an all-encompassing description for the citizens of the First Nations, and

Whereas, we believe this melded perception has negatively impacted the individual and distinct identities of our First Nations and encouraged the development of race-based icons and mascots in this country, and

Whereas, the Miamia Tribe of Oklahoma stands firmly against misrepresentation through stereotypical images and names which only serve to demean and misrepresent First Nations peoples, and

Whereas it is our belief that the presentation of accurate information regarding Myaamia culture, history, traditions and language are vital in our efforts to stand against misrepresentation and misunderstanding, and

Whereas, we take full responsibility for how our culture and heritage are taught within our community and how we are identified culturally and historically by the world, and

Whereas the Myaamia Tribe of Oklahoma has a deep abiding commitment to Myaamia community education through our Myaamia Education Services & Programs Department and our unique Cultural Education Programs, and

Whereas, our Cultural Resources Office in our Myaamia Center at Miami University work together to support, create and deliver true knowledge of Myaamia culture, language, and history within our community and to external public education programs in order to aid in the accurate telling and understanding of our history and heritage, and

Whereas, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma in care and respect full support of our Myaamia citizens today and those generations to come, and also out of concern for greater public understanding, has demonstrated absolute opposition - founded in cultural knowledge - to the use of derogatory and stereotypical names and images of American Indians as sports mascots or icons for any purpose by any public school or institution, and

Whereas, this opposition is rooted in our strong belief that such words and images impart a negative or misleading perception which impacts the self-esteem of our Myaamia children, adults, and elders, and

Whereas the Myaamia tribe of Oklahoma demonstrated this observation in a 1996 Resolution delivered to Myaamia University in Oxford, OH calling for the removal of the Redskins mascot; and through respectful consideration and mutual agreement that esteemed institution took the necessary action to correct the negative image and by doing so demonstrated respect to not only the Myaamia but all First Nations of this land, and

Whereas, the Myaamia tribe of Oklahoma recognizes and respects longstanding relationships existing between certain Tribal Nations and Institutions and does not stand in opposition to their agreements or understandings related to any individual Tribally approved names, icons or mascots, and

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma adoptions this Resolution as our stated opposition to the derogatory and stereotypical names, icons and mascots’ and to reaffirm our commitment to providing meaningful and informed education about the culturally distinct indigenous peoples of this land

Certification

The undersigned, as Chief of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, does hereby certify that Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Business Committee is composed of five elected members. The foregoing Resolution 20-31 was duly adopted this 27th day of July 2020 by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Business Committee,  through Special Meeting, with an approving vote of 5 for, 0 against, 0 abstaining.

Douglas G Lankford, Chief

Attest:

Donya Williams, Secretary-Treasurer

(pdf images can be found at https://www.mymiamicounty.com/miami)

Blog pivot to new topics

This blog was created for my term as Mariemont Councilman. On occasion since completing my four years, there have been big issues that deserve more than a social media post. 2020 has had many. So i'm going to use this platform in a new way, when I'm looking for more 'permanence.' Of course feedback is always welcome.

4 years comes to an end: I cared, I tried, I finished

As my 4 years come to an end, I want to thank so many of you who've supported, challenged, and (civilly) disagreed with me.  I have grown as a person and am better for this experience.

This blog.  In 2009, I committed to the idea of putting my thoughts, words, and deeds out there and am proud to say I've created a great time capsule of my experience.  373 entries later, I'm pleased with the result.

Some thoughts going fwd.  The Village is special.  We're lucky to live here.  While there are so many wonderful facets to Mariemont, we need to be ever mindful of a few significant issues that can unravel this great place:
1)Lack of Planning.  we react too often and turn our noses up at ideas that aren't self generated
2)Insufficient tree planting.  we are lulled into the tree canopy we currently have without appreciating that fact that our trees are overwhelmingly at the end of their useful lives and the next generation is woefully inadequate
3)Centralized power by the Mayor.  Decision making has been taken from the Council and usurped by the Mayor.  I wouldn't support 1 person making decisions even if those decision were thoughtful, moderate, strategic.
4)Tear downs.  We've seen multiple homes razed, and this is inappropriate for an historic village.  If unchecked, it will ultimately threaten our Historic designation by the Department of the Interior.
5)Eastern Corridor.  While it's encouraging to see the lull in State action, we must be vigilant to keep that highway out of the river valley, regardless of which municipalities it specifically runs through
6)Efficiency.  The Village can save many thousands of dollars annually:  electronic documents incl tax, standardized phone systems including mobile, LED conversion of street lamps, hybrid automobiles, reduced overtime, outsourced payroll, tax office moved to admin building.  An administrator could help manage these and other ideas.
7)Apathy.  I appreciate residents choosing to "lay low" and focus their energies on their own lives.  However, there's so much that can be done w the time, energy & experience of our residents.  Said another way, things don't change without people showing up.
8)Being good neighbors.  We are often disrespectful and insensitive to our surrounding communities.  We can do much together vs going it alone.

I wish Maggie P, the new Dist 4 Council person, success in the new year.

Thanks again.  Signing off.

Cortney Scheeser
Mariemont Council
2010-2013

Council meeting on 12/16

I attended Council on 12/16 and here's what I saw.

Trees for 2013. I'm glad we'll see additional trees but wish we were planting 2x or 3x the amount.  We continue to be at risk by planting so few trees every year, when our aging tree canopy disappears.

Overage on budget.  This vote was technically a procedural one, but it shows the risk we have going fwd.  Budget overruns will be all the more painful as the state subsidies come to an end (I think 2014 is the first time multiple state revenue funds go to 0)

Leash Law.  This is a mistake due to inconsistency and enforceability as I've stated in previous blog entries.

My last Council meeting.  It is bittersweet but right for me to step away.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes as all were procedural in nature.  Exceptions - leash law isn't appropriate.

Cortney
ICRCTV.COM

Safety meeting 12/9

I attended the safety meeting on 12/9 and here's what I saw.

I stand by opposition to this piecemeal plan, but I offered up 2 compromises: 1) leash law everywhere all the time if dogs are in fact wild animals underneath as Dennis declared at Council.

2) make all parks open for off leash dogs. This makes it easy for residents to obey the law

These are suboptimal in my opinion but are better than what is being proposed.

Ultimately I was unsuccessful, so I voted no on the plan that will come before council.

As an aside, I have a copy of the audio tape from the meeting.  It's a great character assessment of those in attendance. If you'd like a copy I'm happy to provide.

Cortney

Council 11/25

I attended council on 11/25 and here's what I saw.

Interest bearing accounts.  I'm glad to see energy put into investing here. Our balances are too big to not earn meaningful money on them.

FEMA plan.  I'm supportive of this since it's really only an administrative action. It positions us for help if we ever need it and doesn't require anything of us other than document submission.

Leash law.  I don't understand the fervor over this. Our law is aligned with Ohios, it was tweaked just 10 years ago (vs 50) and of the many people I talked with, no one saw need to change. I don't disagree there are issues from time to time, but when this happens, we ought to simply enforce the law as it stands.  Further, too chunk out the village into a few parks where off leash is ok but not in partial areas and not during ball games.  This is a recipe for confusion and arguably MORE safety problems, not less. Add in more signs and it strikes me as the wrong approach.  As an aside, I sit around a table of unabashed Conservatives, and this action is at a minimum, ironic.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes as they were procedural in nature. Exceptions: mutual aid agreement which is smart and can lead to savings.

Cortney
ICRCtv.com

Comment posted on Mariemont.com re Finances editorial (also printed in EHJ)

I commented in support of the resident's editorial, now published in the Eastern Hills Journal
http://www.mariemont.com/whats-future-mariemont-finances/#comments

Cortney

conversation with Police Chief Rick Hines 11/29

I chatted with Rick re my blog posting talking about OT.  I stand by my comments, but Rick informed me of a more concerning trend:  our police salaries have fallen behind neighboring communities.  This is in part the result of big belt tightening after the Great Recession.  I think to maintain a Village with better than average amenities, we need to pay our staff a competitive wage.    I would recommend the new Council consider a 3 or 5 year glide path to get back to average and then re-evaluate.  Prerequisite would be a Center For Local Government (NGO we belong to) survey of neighboring communities to see how far we truly have to go.  Also needed is a definition of our true "peer group".

While I don't care for non emergency OT, I think total compensation needs to be commensurate with our aspirations as a Village - to be a great community.

Cortney

Sunshine Law problem

During 11/18's Safety Meeting, we didn't post notice of the meeting, as required by the Ohio Sunshine laws.  A mention in the Mayor's Bulletin, it turns out, is not sufficient to inform the public of a meeting.  I'm sorry to have been a part of this inappropriate action - I'm sorry to the residents, and steps have been taken to remedy for the 2nd half of the Safety Committee meeting, likely to occur in the new year.

This is a helpful reminder to the next Council to approach Sunshine from a belt and suspenders perspective.

Cortney

11/18 Safety Committee Meeting

I attended Safety on 11/18 and here's what I saw.

Leash Law.  I am opposed to changing the laws, reviewed and rewritting in 2003 for the following reasons: Mariemont nearly copies the Ohio Revised Code
Enforcement is very challenging due to dogs off leash ok at certain parks at certain times
We have a signage epidemic and this will only encourage more (REQUIRE MORE)
I talked with multiple residents who requested we leave the ordiance as is and focus on other more important issues.

I am opposed to changes in the leash law that aren't universal, village wide, enforced at all times.

Cortney

11/11 Safety Committee Meeting

I attended the Safety Committee Meeting and here's what I saw.

FEMA ordinance - this is a procedural step that makes sense to confirm participation.  We don't yield any authority of influence, so it makes sense to approve.

I'm supportive of this action.

Cortney

Thoughts for the next Council

I created a document for my replacement, Maggie P, and offered it to Eric M.  Unfortunately I haven't yet connected with Jim T but will share if he's interested.

I've made some adjustments and additions since first sharing.  For what their worth, here's a rundown of past, present and future through my eyes.  I'll probably have a few more I'll share on the blog....

Cortney

Recommended To Dos

Have Sue add you to Dist lists, setup a personal email separate from Mariemont.ORG

Meet w Department Heads incl Jordan at Pool, returning Council, Rick Greiwe, Dan S.

Think about 1-2 priorities that are important to you and focus on advancing those

Be Ready For – Hot Topics right now

Phase 4 condos – lots of headaches for abutting residents, street closures (as you know!)

Recycling and Trash changes – Mayor appears to want to have front yard recycling which will eventually lead to Front yard everything.  I originally thought front yard was fine, but many, many residents like the unique service.

Fire department merger will pop up again.  Not sure what I think about it this time.  Originally I was very much opposed.

Admin Bldg Addition – the Mayor wants to add space + an elevator.  Elevator is important for ADA, but I think the building is fine and instead we should focus on digital storage.  Much unused/underused/cluttered space

Topics I think are very important (no pressure for you to agree w me)

Active tree planting – we’re behind on our pace to keep our tree canopy long term.  We should require X number of trees for every square foot of asphalt we create

We should continually extend the sidewalks around the Village

NEW Sidewalks on West St are at risk (Across from Elementary School).  It's been quiet, but I expect another run at removal before the Spring.  We need to expand sidewalks, not remove them.

We should capture the bicycle traffic by being more welcoming (they’ll spend $$ here):  bike racks, bike lanes, etc

Beating back invasive species

Fiscal restraint and rooting out waste – you’ll find there’s not the same motivation to save money vs the private sector

NEW No formal budget process.  You'll notice a General Fund Ordinance presented by the Clerk in the Spring that will have a % increase for all Departments.  I never was privy to this conversation - Council was never pulled in, to my knowledge.  I think 3%, 4%, 2% ought to be a good discussion for Council to take up vs have it just be approved by Emergency vote.

We’re barreling towards the need for a levy.  Things are fine for a year or so, but state money is nearly gone and we aren’t sufficient to balance the budget without major revenue or cost reduction (ideally the latter)

Mayor has centralized authority and has boxed out the Council.  I think Council ought to have a more important role.  There is a plan to meet 1x per month which normally would be a great thing. However, be careful as this will further centralize power – the mayor will make more decisions unilaterally

Eastern Corridor is a big deal but will likely remain quiet for 1-2 years

Protecting Dist 4 residents from commercial district (and vice versa) by building a nice 6’ brick wall (w car and pedestrian egress).

Development of empty lot next to Mios.  We should resist more pavement/more parking when we have lots of street parking available

I’ve heard the Mayor wants to remove the cameras from the meeting – I think transparency is very important and would like to see them remain

NEW Signage is out of hand in the Village - we're cluttering up a beautiful place with a tremendous amount of metal.  We should be leery of more and should form a commission to remove 10% net every year.

 

Opportunities to save the Village Money

Cell phone plan centralized, remove data from all but a couple folks

Remove cell phone allowance and car allowance from Mayor

More online vs mailed paper

Setup a commission for online (Website) support vs paying the vendor

OT for Police during non emergencies

What I’d do differently

Sugar/honey vs vinegar -  I’ve publicly disagreed w the Mayor and it’s not been productive.  He’s arguably the most powerful Mayor in the area; he controls a lot.  If it’s not his idea, it doesn’t happen.  I should have been quieter, more subtle and worked more within the system vs poking at it

I should have focused on 1 priority project at a time vs trying to influence too much

Respect the full time nature of the department heads.  This is a part time gig for me, so I was more casual.  It’s their career, not a volunteer effort like it was for me.

Spend more time pre-aligning folks.  I liked to do work in the meeting, but this was offputting to some.  I did it to save time, but I should have invested a bit of time ahead of interactions.

 

11/11/2013 Council

I attended Council on 11/11, and here's what I saw.

Using Emergency.  While "Emergency" votes (3 meetings worth of comment condensed into 1 meeting) are sometimes a necessary evil, I am concerned it wasn't on the agenda as such.  Changing the class of the vote after an agenda is published essentially boxes out all who wait for the normal 2nd meeting to make their comments.  I understand the need to tap into grant money and speed up the process, and so I supported the vote, but I remain conflicted about this.  As I've relayed often in this blog, WHAT we do is as important as HOW we do it.

South 80 Trails group.  If residents wish to volunteer, I applaud the effort and will support them in any way I can.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes as all were procedural in nature except: creation of S80 group which I mentioned above.

Cortney
ICRCTV.COM

Halloween Trick or Treat move

I don't disagree w the "what" - moving the holiday to avoid weather issues, but I do question the "how".  I received feedback from many residents complaining of the change.  From what I can tell, the Mayor made a unilateral decision without involving a broad cross section of the Village.  Whether Council or a group of walkers or a group of hosters, this should have been properly vetted.

As I've learned, the How in Government is as important as the What.

Cortney

Council 10/28

I attended Council on 10/28 and here's what I saw.

South 80 Advisory group.  I like the diversity of the folks selected.  I don't particularly care for the group reporting to the Mayor (continues to concentrate power when we ought to be diluting it), but there's lots of work needed down there.  And an advisory group is another step towards a mature park that's harder to bulldoze for a highway.

Holiday Pay.  I think sharing in the recent upswing is fair.  Employees did bear a brunt as salary increases disappeared.  I do, however, think that we risk complacency in these plentiful times vs ingrained cost control.  The years of pain we experienced post the Great Recession ought not be episodic - it ought to be the new normal.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes as all were procedural in nature except:  Hawk Light on Wooster – I think it’s worth investing and am supportive.  Contracting w Public Works commission – more procedural than the name implies.  The final 2 were related to the Employee holiday pay additions of which I’m supportive.

Cortney

ICRCTV.COM

10/14 Council

I attended Council on 10/14, and here's what I saw.

Ms. Busam, new Tax Administrator.  Welcome to Patti - she'll be a great add to the Village.

Mayor addition to ARB.  I think the ARB ought to be an independent body, and this setup will hurt this.  I am fine w a member of Council (similar to Economic development).  Adding the Mayor, though, will further concentrate power.  I believe this is bad for the Village.

Zoning Change.  I struggled with this decision. I was a No during the 2010 vote for Phases 2 and 3 (Madisonville Rd) because of their height vs their neighbors.  Quality & Character were obviously no issue, but height was a deal breaker for me.  Fast-forward nearly 4 years, and the neighborhood has changed tremendously.  The "weighted average" height is now much taller than before.  And there are 100-200 residents who would say move forward.  And Phase 4 is more isolated than any of the others.  So I voted Yes.  Did I get it right?

Shared Drive for Phase 2 & 4.  I strongly support fully utilizing infrastructure like pavement.  In this case, a shared drive is a much better utilization of "ugly" pavement vs a suburban model of inefficient duplication.  A traffic study should obviously be performed, but we should share pavement, not let it proliferate.

No Treasurer on the Ballot.  This is unfortunate, and I believe we haven't done enough to canvas the Village for a replacement.  I oppose any effort to consolidate the roles.  While we have a fine Clerk in Tony B, the separation of responsibility is a smart and prudent Internal Controls design for those who come later.  We must find a new Treasurer and not change our structure to collapse both into 1 person.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes except 1, as all were procedural in nature except:  Residence B to Residence D for Phase 4 Condos.  I voted no on the conditional zoning change for the empty lot next to Mios.  Approving a change with no hint of a plan is irresponsible.


Cortney
ICRCTV.COM

Council 9/23

I attended Council on 9/23, and here's what I saw.

Loss of Town Crier Mr. Kleinfeldt.  I was sad to hear of his passing but am thankful for all the years of service in so many capacities to the Village.

1x monthly council meetings.  In a normal Village/City environment, I think this is wise:  saves cost, makes the job more appealing to would-be public officials leery of time commitment.  However, in the last 4 years I have found a very troubling imbalance between the Mayor and the Council.  The Mayor routinely oversteps his boundaries and makes decisions for the Council (see stop sign installation in my previous post or note the garbage survey sent out in Mayor's Bulletin when Health and Rec Committee is designated by Law to manage Trash).  This imbalance will be exacerbated when Council meets less often.  I don't support 1x monthly meetings with the current Mayor.

Website confusion.  I don't believe Mr. Wendel intends to confuse, and I'm sure there is an easy resolution to this issue.  I would say, however, alternatives to the narratives relayed by the Mayor's Bulletin are welcome and helpful to the Village.

Buying hard copy books.  I think this is shortsighted for 4 reasons:  cost, lack of space in the building, no legal requirement, "stale" information risk before the books are even delivered.  In this day and age, we should be sourcing information exclusively online, where permitted by law.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes as all were procedural in nature.

Cortney
ICRCTV.COM

Safety Committee 9/23

I attended the Safety meeting on 9/23 and here's what I saw.

Stop Sign at Haines.  I was informed there hadn't been an accident as we were originally led to believe.  However, I was told there have been near misses, and the neighbors are supportive.  Further, I agree with Joe's suggestion of a comprehensive project vs piece meal work.

I was dismayed to hear the Mayor had already ordered the sign to be installed - it was in place w/ a garbage bag BEFORE the Committee even met to discuss.  This is a great example of the imbalance the Village faces, and the lack of boundaries exhibited by the Mayor on a daily basis.  Regardless of our Committee's recommendation, this installation was wholly inappropriate.

While I hate additional signage and the clutter it adds, and I object to the pre-installation of the sign, I think it's warranted.  I support the additional sign.

Cortney

sad to see 30 day tribute to Jack Phifer expire

Our great new truck came with some extra artwork - tributes to Jack Phifer.  Unfortunately, after 30 days, they were removed.  I was told it was intended to be a 30 day tribute only.  I'm glad we paid homage, but I wish it was permanent.  I'll pose this question to the residents (the handful who read my blog): Should we do something permanent for Jack?

Cortney

Safety Idea - leverage runners'/walkers' eyes and ears - call 271-4089

I offered up an idea for our large contingency of walkers, runners, cyclists to combat the crime in the Village:  share the police number (271-4089) and ask them to watch for suspicious activity.

Cortney
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Cortney,

 

Thanks for the ideas. We will try to get out communication asking for the help via NIXLE. I think it will be a challenge to get people out of the gyms due to hot or the upcoming cold weather, but we can always ask.

 

Thanks,

 

Rick

On Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 11:14 AM, Cortney Scheeser <cscheeser@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi Rick,

 

Had a thought as you're combatting all the property theft in the Village.  We have a secret weapon in the Village - pedestrians and cyclists.  Personally, I study the neigbhorhoods I run through and notice when things are out of place.  There may be a way for pedestrians to be more intentional w info sharing.  Here's a brainstorm list of ideas:

-ask for residents to work out in the Village vs on a treadmill in Fairfax

-ask them to consider running the same route to gain familiarity

-ask residents to carry a phone

-provide residents a non 911 number (maybe the officer on duty cell number?)

-call whenever they see something out of the ordinary, including open car, trunk latch open, open garage, etc.

 

Obviously it's your call on how/if to leverage this, but I think pedestrians could be a help.  Holler w questions.

 

 

Thanks,

Cortney
Mariemont Village Council
513-271-4513
scheeser.blogspot.com