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
Well said Mr. Scheeser, well said. You could have personally attacked people as you have been – you did not. You could have pointed out all the times you were voted down just because it was an idea you had – you did not. You could have pointed out many other areas that are lacking true leadership – you did not. Too bad the other council members did not and do not have your grace.
Thank you Mr. Scheeser. Your service will be missed.