Thursday, July 10, 2008
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority: Is this the Rise and Fall of James Hartung?
NEWS FLASH
James Hartung, James Hartung, James Hartung. Over and over and over again. James Hartung and the goings-on at the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority have been questioned time and time again, but all to no avail.
Judy's Jewels has a new entry Hartung Under Watchful Eye (July 10, 2008) in which she quotes Justin R. Kalmes of The Toledo Free Press reporting about Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner calling for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to investigate its CEO James Hartung. Judy's blog entry then links to a report by Fox Toledo on this NEWS BREAKING story.
And then, there is the Toledo Free Press article, Port Authority board to investigate Hartung. (Click on the article's title in order to go on over to read it.)
Judy also links her readers to an earlier Judy's Jewels entry from way back on October 24, 2007 in which she raised doubts about James Hartung; and, that entry contained a link to the first Roland Hansen Commentary that raised a question about the accountability, efficiency, effectiveness, and results of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.
Since my first reference to the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, I have made three other entries on Roland Hansen Commentary in reference to James Hartung and/or the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority. They are:
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority: Public Accountability or Not?, October 26, 2007
Toledo Lucas County Port Authority: Toledo's Own "The Price is Right" Show Hosted By James Hartung, February 11, 2008
Toledo Lucas County Port Authority and The Money Tree, March 9, 2008
As you may or may not have read in those essays, I not only raised my own concerns, I also provided thoughts and articles of others going back for years.
So, why has it taken so long to finally get an investigation underway? WHY?
Monday, July 7, 2008
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland: Politician or Gambler?
I read Gov. Strickland Defends His Keno Stance to United Methodists over at Rowsey Blog with great interest.
Just as I took the heat for my comments over at Glass City Jungle, as I also wrote here at Roland Hansen Commentary on July 2, 2008 in which I opened my comments with "The law is the law is the law!", I will now accept any heat for this comment of mine: Gambling is gambling is gambling.
What part of gambling does Ohio Governor Ted Strickland not understand?
To me, whether one is in favor of gambling or not in favor of gambling is not the issue at hand. Although I will say that if one is opposed to gambling, then one is a hypocrite if one supports any form of gambling, including government sponsored lotteries of any kind, church bingo, and even charitable fund-raising raffle tickets.
Is Ohio Governor Ted Strickland being hypocritical? Or, is Ted Strickland being the stereotype of the typical politician? Wait a minute! Hold the phone. Isn't being a politician and a being a gambler one and the same thing???
Any way you cut it, I think Ohio Governor Ted Strickland should hang his head in shame for promoting gambling, if indeed he pledged during his campaign not to do so. Furthermore, if in fact, that is really for real, true, and accurate, then I would say Ted Strickland has betrayed the public trust. Pure and simple.
And, don't anyone tell me that it's just politics. That's malarkey. It's about time for the D.I.R.T. (Democrats, Independents, and Republicans Together) to come out and demand a return by all to the honorable calling of public service and of "professional" and ethical politics and politicians.
I have one final question:
Is Ohio Governor Ted Strickland The Gambler in disguise?
Just as I took the heat for my comments over at Glass City Jungle, as I also wrote here at Roland Hansen Commentary on July 2, 2008 in which I opened my comments with "The law is the law is the law!", I will now accept any heat for this comment of mine: Gambling is gambling is gambling.
What part of gambling does Ohio Governor Ted Strickland not understand?
To me, whether one is in favor of gambling or not in favor of gambling is not the issue at hand. Although I will say that if one is opposed to gambling, then one is a hypocrite if one supports any form of gambling, including government sponsored lotteries of any kind, church bingo, and even charitable fund-raising raffle tickets.
Is Ohio Governor Ted Strickland being hypocritical? Or, is Ted Strickland being the stereotype of the typical politician? Wait a minute! Hold the phone. Isn't being a politician and a being a gambler one and the same thing???
Any way you cut it, I think Ohio Governor Ted Strickland should hang his head in shame for promoting gambling, if indeed he pledged during his campaign not to do so. Furthermore, if in fact, that is really for real, true, and accurate, then I would say Ted Strickland has betrayed the public trust. Pure and simple.
And, don't anyone tell me that it's just politics. That's malarkey. It's about time for the D.I.R.T. (Democrats, Independents, and Republicans Together) to come out and demand a return by all to the honorable calling of public service and of "professional" and ethical politics and politicians.
I have one final question:
Is Ohio Governor Ted Strickland The Gambler in disguise?
Friday, July 4, 2008
Fourth of July: No Commentary from Roland Hansen
I am sure many American bloggers are making personal comments on their web logs about the Fourth of July, aka Independence Day.
But no, not Roland Hansen!
Rather than making my own personal commentary about the significance here in the United States of America of the Fourth of July, Independence Day, I am suggesting you read today's article of Marilou Johanek, a Blade commentary writer.
Continue on to read Pledge to win freedom from current course.
But no, not Roland Hansen!
Rather than making my own personal commentary about the significance here in the United States of America of the Fourth of July, Independence Day, I am suggesting you read today's article of Marilou Johanek, a Blade commentary writer.
Continue on to read Pledge to win freedom from current course.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Fireworks Debate Begets Fireworks
In discussing the issue of illegal fireworks on Glass City Jungle, the fireworks debate created some fireworks of its own.
My overall initial comment on the Glass City Jungle message thread on the subject of illegal usage of fireworks in its entirety is as follows:
The law is the law is the law! People who have illegal fireworks displays should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest estent (sic) allowed by law! PERIOD!!! Toledo police and fire do an absolutely terrible job of enforcement. It is unpardonable.
Those who disagree with my perspective should request the appropriate legislative bodies to enact legislation permitting those type of fireworks displays.
I say people quit being selective in which ordinances should be enforced, while condoning illegal activities you support or even in which you participate!!
It appears that some of people condone this illegal activity and believe the police have better things to do, but they are unwilling to come forward and actively seek a change in the law that would legalize the use of fireworks. It is that type of attitude that gives me the impression that those are the type of people who pick and selectively choose the laws to which they adhere. What if everyone felt that way and only adhered to those laws they supported? Would not societal chaos follow? Why then should we even have laws? Where do you draw the line and whose opinion (other than the judge) is correct when picking and choosing the appropriateness of the law?
I was especially surprised at some of the comments when it appeared as though an admitted "ex-PD" who goes by the pseudonym of GraphicsGuy gave me the impression that he or she condoned this illegal activity. OMG! If that is so, then I wonder what other illegal activities have been condoned by this "ex-PD" and by others that are responsible for law enforcement! A position of public trust is just that - a position of public trust. If I cannot trust the police to carry out their sworn oath to uphold and enforce the law --- ooohhhh my!
Some people still use the lame excuse that the illegal use of fireworks is part of the Fourth of July celebration. Even the self-professed "ex-PD" GraphicsGuy stated "... it is part of the celebration of our independence from Britain ..."
To all of them, I say: Bullfeathers!!!! Be honest, it's just another way to get your jollies. Who the heck are you trying to fool?
Then there are the non-contributing comments by the troll who flames. "Who is that" you may ask. I specifically mean the cyberbully that uses the pseudonym upgrayedd who thinks that just a response of calling someone a name or two or three is a form valid criticism and who chose not to respond to that part of my initial comment (and which bears repeating here) that "Those who disagree with my perspective should request the appropriate legislative bodies to enact legislation permitting those type of fireworks displays."
Oh, I could go on and on, and summarize it all for you. But why do that when I can can link you to the whole thing where you can read it for yourself.
Run, don't walk, and get on over to read:
My neighborhood doesn't seem to realize Fireworks are illegal...how about yours?
My overall initial comment on the Glass City Jungle message thread on the subject of illegal usage of fireworks in its entirety is as follows:
The law is the law is the law! People who have illegal fireworks displays should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest estent (sic) allowed by law! PERIOD!!! Toledo police and fire do an absolutely terrible job of enforcement. It is unpardonable.
Those who disagree with my perspective should request the appropriate legislative bodies to enact legislation permitting those type of fireworks displays.
I say people quit being selective in which ordinances should be enforced, while condoning illegal activities you support or even in which you participate!!
It appears that some of people condone this illegal activity and believe the police have better things to do, but they are unwilling to come forward and actively seek a change in the law that would legalize the use of fireworks. It is that type of attitude that gives me the impression that those are the type of people who pick and selectively choose the laws to which they adhere. What if everyone felt that way and only adhered to those laws they supported? Would not societal chaos follow? Why then should we even have laws? Where do you draw the line and whose opinion (other than the judge) is correct when picking and choosing the appropriateness of the law?
I was especially surprised at some of the comments when it appeared as though an admitted "ex-PD" who goes by the pseudonym of GraphicsGuy gave me the impression that he or she condoned this illegal activity. OMG! If that is so, then I wonder what other illegal activities have been condoned by this "ex-PD" and by others that are responsible for law enforcement! A position of public trust is just that - a position of public trust. If I cannot trust the police to carry out their sworn oath to uphold and enforce the law --- ooohhhh my!
Some people still use the lame excuse that the illegal use of fireworks is part of the Fourth of July celebration. Even the self-professed "ex-PD" GraphicsGuy stated "... it is part of the celebration of our independence from Britain ..."
To all of them, I say: Bullfeathers!!!! Be honest, it's just another way to get your jollies. Who the heck are you trying to fool?
Then there are the non-contributing comments by the troll who flames. "Who is that" you may ask. I specifically mean the cyberbully that uses the pseudonym upgrayedd who thinks that just a response of calling someone a name or two or three is a form valid criticism and who chose not to respond to that part of my initial comment (and which bears repeating here) that "Those who disagree with my perspective should request the appropriate legislative bodies to enact legislation permitting those type of fireworks displays."
Oh, I could go on and on, and summarize it all for you. But why do that when I can can link you to the whole thing where you can read it for yourself.
Run, don't walk, and get on over to read:
My neighborhood doesn't seem to realize Fireworks are illegal...how about yours?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Konopnomics vs. Thurbernomics: Let The Debate Begin
Whether you think it is just throwing stones, a jab fest, or a slug fest, it is a pugilistic event of the written kind, a war of the words, if you will.
The first jab was thrown by Republican Maggie Thurber, former Lucas County Commissioner, when she wrote a guest opinion piece in the June 20, 2008 edition of the Toledo Free Press in regards to Democrat Ben Konop, current Lucas County Commissioner and his economic development proposals. She entitled her contribution Konopnomics.
Ben Konop bounced back with his own guest column piece in the June 27, 2008 edition of the Toledo Free Press in response to that of Maggie Thurber. What other title could Ben Konop choose but that of Thurbernomics.
For the nitty gritty details, read both Konopnomics and Thurbernomics.
Then, if you want to add your two-cents worth, feel free to weigh in with your comments.
Hey, I have what I think is a great idea. Both Ben Konop and Maggie Thurber should meet, face to face, in a public forum and debate one another on the perspectives each shared in their Toledo Free Press guest commentaries.
Furthermore, I would go so far as to suggest that such debate should be sponsored by an organization such as the League of Women Voters or the area Chamber of Commerce or some such other civic organization.
I'll even go one step further in my suggestion. Should such an event take place, I suggest (nay, I challenge) the local broadcast media (to step up to the plate) to cover the debate live.
The first jab was thrown by Republican Maggie Thurber, former Lucas County Commissioner, when she wrote a guest opinion piece in the June 20, 2008 edition of the Toledo Free Press in regards to Democrat Ben Konop, current Lucas County Commissioner and his economic development proposals. She entitled her contribution Konopnomics.
Ben Konop bounced back with his own guest column piece in the June 27, 2008 edition of the Toledo Free Press in response to that of Maggie Thurber. What other title could Ben Konop choose but that of Thurbernomics.
For the nitty gritty details, read both Konopnomics and Thurbernomics.
Then, if you want to add your two-cents worth, feel free to weigh in with your comments.
Hey, I have what I think is a great idea. Both Ben Konop and Maggie Thurber should meet, face to face, in a public forum and debate one another on the perspectives each shared in their Toledo Free Press guest commentaries.
Furthermore, I would go so far as to suggest that such debate should be sponsored by an organization such as the League of Women Voters or the area Chamber of Commerce or some such other civic organization.
I'll even go one step further in my suggestion. Should such an event take place, I suggest (nay, I challenge) the local broadcast media (to step up to the plate) to cover the debate live.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Lindsay Webb: COSI, Gambling, and Governor Strickland
I read with great interest The Blade article COSI Toledo on the brink of breaking lease, Council is poised to help by Blade staff writer Ignazio Messina.
If you recall, Tim Higgins of Just Blowing Smoke weighed in on COSI when he wrote COSI - Titannic of Toledo.
I have made comments on other blogs and Internet forums on the issue of COSI to the effect that I like COSI but COSI of Toledo broke the promise to be self-sustaining; and, I have also suggested COSI merge with the Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County.
However, this Roland Hansen Commentary entry is not about COSI. Rather, it is about an interesting paragraph at the end of the Ignazio Messina article cited in the opening paragraph above.
It’s this part of that article:
Councilman Lindsay Webb yesterday said the city-owned building is not the right place for a children's science museum. "I just wish Governor Strickland would make gambling legal in Ohio and we could put a casino where COSI is," Ms. Webb said.
Lindsay Webb is a good person and I like Lindsay. But, as she has been informed and as most other politicos in the Toledo and Lucas County area know, I say and write what I think. I do not roll over and go-along to get-along. That brings me to the point of this Roland Hansen Commentary.
In addition to being an elected member of Toledo City Council, Lindsay Webb is an attorney. In her capacity as a political person, I understand the motivation for Lindsay Webb’s comments (if they were reported accurately) in regards to COSI, gambling and Governor Strickland. However, in her capacity as an attorney, I would expect her to be familiar with the existing laws of Ohio, the Ohio Constitution, and the limitations of authority placed upon the Governor of Ohio.
Since when has Governor Strickland or any Governor of Ohio had the authority to make gambling legal in Ohio?
Perhaps Lindsay Webb does know something about the existing laws of Ohio in regards to gambling and about the Governor’s authority in legalizing gambling of which I am not aware. Maybe, I am incorrect. Maybe, I am wrong. However, I do not believe the Governor has the legal authority of which Lindsay Webb attributes him. Please, someone, correct me if I am mistaken.
If you recall, Tim Higgins of Just Blowing Smoke weighed in on COSI when he wrote COSI - Titannic of Toledo.
I have made comments on other blogs and Internet forums on the issue of COSI to the effect that I like COSI but COSI of Toledo broke the promise to be self-sustaining; and, I have also suggested COSI merge with the Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County.
However, this Roland Hansen Commentary entry is not about COSI. Rather, it is about an interesting paragraph at the end of the Ignazio Messina article cited in the opening paragraph above.
It’s this part of that article:
Councilman Lindsay Webb yesterday said the city-owned building is not the right place for a children's science museum. "I just wish Governor Strickland would make gambling legal in Ohio and we could put a casino where COSI is," Ms. Webb said.
Lindsay Webb is a good person and I like Lindsay. But, as she has been informed and as most other politicos in the Toledo and Lucas County area know, I say and write what I think. I do not roll over and go-along to get-along. That brings me to the point of this Roland Hansen Commentary.
In addition to being an elected member of Toledo City Council, Lindsay Webb is an attorney. In her capacity as a political person, I understand the motivation for Lindsay Webb’s comments (if they were reported accurately) in regards to COSI, gambling and Governor Strickland. However, in her capacity as an attorney, I would expect her to be familiar with the existing laws of Ohio, the Ohio Constitution, and the limitations of authority placed upon the Governor of Ohio.
Since when has Governor Strickland or any Governor of Ohio had the authority to make gambling legal in Ohio?
Perhaps Lindsay Webb does know something about the existing laws of Ohio in regards to gambling and about the Governor’s authority in legalizing gambling of which I am not aware. Maybe, I am incorrect. Maybe, I am wrong. However, I do not believe the Governor has the legal authority of which Lindsay Webb attributes him. Please, someone, correct me if I am mistaken.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Television: Little or No News
Coming up next. Right after this. Stay tuned. Breaking news.
I have tired of hearing those phrases on television news programs. Those along with news readers (there use to be reporters, but no more) who overuse words such as now and obviously. On top of all that, the television people keep telling me what they're going to tell me. They tell me that 3 or 4 or more times. And then, when they do tell me what they said they would tell me, they tell me very little more than what they said they would tell me. They've gotten to be just like Entertainment Tonight and similar crap TV.
On top of all that cowchips stuff, the so-called weather forecasters keep telling me throughout the news broadcast a little bit about the weather and to stay tuned so I can learn later in the broadcast whether there is rain or sunshine in the weather forcast.
Another irritant are these less-than-intelligent donkeys who keep a ridiculous smile on their faces while reading the news to us. One long tenure female employee on a local Toledo, Ohio television station even keeps her silly looking smile on her overly made-up face when providing information of a sad and serious nature.
The result of all which has made me a former viewer of television news. With a rare exception here and there, I no longer tune into local or national ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX news broadcasts.
I can't help but think how much more news coverage and reporting could be done if those dipwads would quit telling me what they are going to tell me and if they would quit saying "coming up next" over and over again!
I have tired of hearing those phrases on television news programs. Those along with news readers (there use to be reporters, but no more) who overuse words such as now and obviously. On top of all that, the television people keep telling me what they're going to tell me. They tell me that 3 or 4 or more times. And then, when they do tell me what they said they would tell me, they tell me very little more than what they said they would tell me. They've gotten to be just like Entertainment Tonight and similar crap TV.
On top of all that cowchips stuff, the so-called weather forecasters keep telling me throughout the news broadcast a little bit about the weather and to stay tuned so I can learn later in the broadcast whether there is rain or sunshine in the weather forcast.
Another irritant are these less-than-intelligent donkeys who keep a ridiculous smile on their faces while reading the news to us. One long tenure female employee on a local Toledo, Ohio television station even keeps her silly looking smile on her overly made-up face when providing information of a sad and serious nature.
The result of all which has made me a former viewer of television news. With a rare exception here and there, I no longer tune into local or national ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX news broadcasts.
I can't help but think how much more news coverage and reporting could be done if those dipwads would quit telling me what they are going to tell me and if they would quit saying "coming up next" over and over again!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Candidates and Presidents: Communication and Leadership
Generally speaking, I try to not do much commentary in my other blog, Roland's Ramblings, that I like to think of as a sort of almanac of random facts and information; it's like going into a book store and randomly picking up different books and then randomly reading various pages.
Oh, here I am rambling on again. Well, anyways, somehow, some commentary squeaked into Roland's Ramblings today. Consequently, I figured why not put some of that entry here as well. Ergo, below is an excerpt of that posting:
A good leader is a good communicator. The Presidency of the United States of America is one of the most important leadership positions in the world. In the past year, there have been and still are candidates seeking to be President of the United States. All of them have had their share of problems when it comes to communication.
George W. Bush has his own style of communication. For fear of an extremely negative expression on my perspective of Bush, I shall not comment on that —- oops.
One United States President stands out in American history in the area of communication skills. The legacy of that President lives on in that regard as he was called The Great Communicator. Regardless of political perspective, whether one agreed or disagreed with his politics, President Ronald Reagan had charisma that complemented his communication.
Whether the next President of the United States is able to be a great communicator is any one’s guess at this point.
If your interest is aroused, you may read the full text of the entry with its embedded links that I think are interesting, informative, and educational, by visiting the Roland's Ramblings entry Communication and Leadership.
Oh, here I am rambling on again. Well, anyways, somehow, some commentary squeaked into Roland's Ramblings today. Consequently, I figured why not put some of that entry here as well. Ergo, below is an excerpt of that posting:
A good leader is a good communicator. The Presidency of the United States of America is one of the most important leadership positions in the world. In the past year, there have been and still are candidates seeking to be President of the United States. All of them have had their share of problems when it comes to communication.
George W. Bush has his own style of communication. For fear of an extremely negative expression on my perspective of Bush, I shall not comment on that —- oops.
One United States President stands out in American history in the area of communication skills. The legacy of that President lives on in that regard as he was called The Great Communicator. Regardless of political perspective, whether one agreed or disagreed with his politics, President Ronald Reagan had charisma that complemented his communication.
Whether the next President of the United States is able to be a great communicator is any one’s guess at this point.
If your interest is aroused, you may read the full text of the entry with its embedded links that I think are interesting, informative, and educational, by visiting the Roland's Ramblings entry Communication and Leadership.
Friday, June 13, 2008
A View Of America
Click to read Poll: Many in world look to US election for change.
Click to read Court says detainees have rights, bucking Bush.
Roland Hansen Commentary: George W. Bush will go down in the history books as the President who did the most damage to the United States both at home and abroad. George W, Bush should have been impeached along with the imperialist Vice President Dick Cheney, both of whom have acted in ways that demonstrate their attitude that not only are they above the law but also that the law does not apply to them.
Click to read Court says detainees have rights, bucking Bush.
Roland Hansen Commentary: George W. Bush will go down in the history books as the President who did the most damage to the United States both at home and abroad. George W, Bush should have been impeached along with the imperialist Vice President Dick Cheney, both of whom have acted in ways that demonstrate their attitude that not only are they above the law but also that the law does not apply to them.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
No Presidential Nominee Yet
Below is a comment I made on another blog:
I remain a John Edwards supporter.
As far as I am concerned, there is no Democratic nominee for President until the vote is taken at the Democratic Party National Convention.
Furthermore, I think way too many people jump ship way too early in order to jump on a bandwagon. People need to be more committed to their ideals and principles.
There, I've said it! And, I'm not taking it back.
(Now, you know why I always seem to get into trouble and have been labeled by some as a loose cannon -- I say what I mean -- Perish the thought!!!)
While my comment is in regards to the Democratic Party Presidential Primary Campaign, the same can be said about the Republican Party Presidential Primary Campaign.
Minor or third political parties are another story entirely!
Incidentally, you may wish to read the blog entry that precipitated my comment.
If so. go read My Message to Clinton Supporters - Don't get over it from the Liberal Common Sense blog of Lisa Renee.
p.s.
Hey Tom,
Thanks for telling me last year about the "loose cannon" label that had been used in making reference to me by some local dems. It sure has come in handy.
Unlike so many people, I am not afraid to say what I think; nor, am I afraid of, or intimidated by, others.
I remain a John Edwards supporter.
As far as I am concerned, there is no Democratic nominee for President until the vote is taken at the Democratic Party National Convention.
Furthermore, I think way too many people jump ship way too early in order to jump on a bandwagon. People need to be more committed to their ideals and principles.
There, I've said it! And, I'm not taking it back.
(Now, you know why I always seem to get into trouble and have been labeled by some as a loose cannon -- I say what I mean -- Perish the thought!!!)
While my comment is in regards to the Democratic Party Presidential Primary Campaign, the same can be said about the Republican Party Presidential Primary Campaign.
Minor or third political parties are another story entirely!
Incidentally, you may wish to read the blog entry that precipitated my comment.
If so. go read My Message to Clinton Supporters - Don't get over it from the Liberal Common Sense blog of Lisa Renee.
p.s.
Hey Tom,
Thanks for telling me last year about the "loose cannon" label that had been used in making reference to me by some local dems. It sure has come in handy.
Unlike so many people, I am not afraid to say what I think; nor, am I afraid of, or intimidated by, others.
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