E-mail to Dick Wendel from former councilman Cortney Scheeser
“Hi Dick,
I’ve purposely not yet read Mike Lemon’s piece in Mariemont.com so as to keep my ideas independent, but here’s how I would like to respond to the Mayor’s attack.
The Mayor’s Bulletin from April needs some translation as it pertains to criticism of our 50+ year resident, Dr. Wendel and the Mariemont.com website.
I consider Dr. Wendel, an editor of Mariemont.com & Mariemont Chronicle, a great voice in the community, providing a valuable service to counter the Mayor’s homogenous, one-sided, often vindictive narrative we all hear every month in the Bully-tin. While the Mayor is supposed to represent all residents, Dr. Wendel & a legion of others that may disagree with him have instead found themselves in his crosshairs.
I personally have always opposed the Eastern Corridor and believe it’s bad for the Village, for our environment, suburban sprawl, etc. And to that end, I disagree with Dr. Wendel’s letter from early 2012 showing some initial support (BEFORE the current plan was fully understood). But I think you would agree that opinions are ok, disagreement is ok, healthy tension is ok, exchange of ideas is ok. I can disagree with Dr. Wendel on this issue, yet maintain the composure to not vilify him. It’s sad to see this ugliness play out in our beautiful Village, in print for all to see. This Bully-tin has devolved into finger pointing and character assassination (you’ll notice an example in nearly every issue).
In the end, there are two big issues facing our Village: heavy handed politics and half truths that will pollute our Village and reduce our quality of life. The other is the Eastern Corridor. Join with me in demanding more of our Mayor and his publication. We want to be informed but leave out the silly, pointless politics within our wonderful Village.”
An additional viewpoint from NextDoor Mariemont about political dialog
“I’m not against this or for this guy (Dr. Wendel). I find what he writes an interesting read. But he is standing up for what he thinks is right and trying to hold people accountable for what they do and say. It’s not done to be disrespectful or rude. He just wants people to realize what’s going on within the village. That it’s not the perfect picture people like to paint of it. I’ve seen some posts on NextDoor Mariemont that are rude and disrespectful and this is far from it. Is it the purpose of this site… Who’s to say?
“Nothing strengthens authority as much as silence” Leonardo da Vinci”
Hats off to open, respectful dialog. Thanks to anyone who embraces sharing ideas to achieve the best overall outcome.
I agree with Jenny. Thank you Cortney for putting the facts out there and educating everyone – or at least those who will come to this site! Thank you, Dick, for providing a place to have open communication and to share truthful dialogue about what is really happening with leadership’s decisions for our Village.
I believe Dan’s heart is in the right place in that he loves Mariemont, but his leadership style, processes and decisions on many issues over several years have proven him to be controlling, and not open to discussing potentially beneficial changes for the Village unless they are his own or from someone who completely agrees with him. Those who don’t tend to get bullied.
The Mayor’s Bulletin is just a written extension of this. Why does the Mayor have the right to “tell” us all how things are – via his viewpoint, but not necessarily the truth – and yet we, the residents of Mariemont have no “feedback loop” to disagree or ask questions and get feedback from the Mayor and Council – except for 3 minutes at a council meeting (where people have been bullied into not being allowed to speak or have been threatened with police escort simply for re-asking a question the Mayor doesn’t want to answer). Anyone who cares to say I’m being rude for saying that can come talk to me about the things I’ve heard him say in Council meetings or even in public, or know someone directly who he has said things to in a rude, manipulative, aggressive or belittling way. There’s a big difference between being rude and telling the truth, even if it hurts a little.
I hope to see more of these conversations and sharing of thoughts and solutions to getting the Mayor and Council to work WITH the people of Mariemont instead of always hearing that the Mayor feels like we are all out to get him. We just want transparency, open communication and to be able to ask questions and be involved in decisions that affect our lives and those of our families, friends and neighbors.
On a side note, the West St. fence IS going up, and the sidewalk IS coming out after school is out, according to a recent response by the mayor to an email I sent to him and Council. This is just one recent example of many where lack of open communication with the public and bad processes and decisions on the side of the Mayor and Council ended up in discord and bad decisions.
Five people on a committee outside of Village Council approved Dan Spinnenweber’s request without bringing it to the public’s attention after the Mayor “handed off” the decision to them. And the majority of the Village was outraged at the decision, calling the Mayor, council members and the school board. Yet despite that obvious reaction, and even after suggestions were given for immediate and alternate solutions to the parking problem by residents and the school, Spinnenweber kept his bullying tactics firmly in place and wouldn’t budge. Why is it that neither our Mayor, our Council or any other group with decision-making power in this Village seems to have the guts to stand up to Mr. Spinnenweber’s “demands?” And how can certain residents point fingers at those who oppose the Mayor’s actions and decisions and say “you all need to work together?” I believe it is the Mayor and a couple of Council members who need to take a hard look at what’s happening and work with the community.