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”