A running joke?

Some political campaigns are a laugh from the get-go. Some become humorous over time. Some are an unintentional running gag. The latter might best characterize the bus ad bought by Jeff Osment, a local attorney and candidate for Monroe County Commissioner. Plastered real big on an LET bus back window is the sign "Jeff Osment ... for comissioner." Or wait, maybe it has three Ss. It doesn't really matter, though. Most voters know that most county commissioners can't spell.
We're not suggesting that Mr. Osment can't spell, but someone should be held accountable for misleading the voters in such a manner.

Erie residents being railroaded?

Everybody's up in arms about the chances of a big rail terminal being built in Erie Township. They're passiing a petition around opposing it. Not quite sure who petition is supposed to be presented to. The sad fact is that if there are wealthy and powerful enough players, there won't sey em to be much choice because eminent domain -- the swiping of private land for public purpose -- might come into play. A lot of interesting questions surround this issue and it doesn't seem like the residents or news media have the answers.
For example, how many of those devoted Erie farmers actually are Erie farmers and how many are just sharecropping out their land living off the fat accumulated by their forefarmers. It also would be interesting to note who exactly has signed options to sell their land. Surely, the smart thing to do would be a vocal opponent even though you have a deal in hand for more money than you ever dreamed the farmland would fetch.
It's also interesting to note that some of the players opposed to this are some of the same people who were instrumental in a private property land grab to enable the new Jeep plant in Toledo. I guess what's good for the goose isn't good for the Michigander.
Another interesting question -- how legitimate was that Web poll that found an almost even split between those who favored the idea and those who opposed it. Tha thinkt speaks volumes about the state of the economy in the county.
It was funny to read that article about the IDC in the newspaper. Seems it's a classic case of shooting the messenger. The only thing the IDC did was entertain the idea that someone might like a rail yard. Oops! Hope Bill Morris doesn't get railroaded out of town.