A few questions to ponder & a request
Hopefully, we can set aside some of the anger and hostility and ponder some issues a little more deeply and a little less like juveniles.
I would be interested to hear perspectives on these three questions:
1. Did it ever occur to anyone that a Monroe Transfer lawsuit was inspired by people in the city who wanted to see this company come in but didn't have the political guts to say so publicly? And that Monroe Transfer was advised that the most expedient means to their end would be a lawsuit?
2. Did it ever occur to anyone that the difference between Monroe Transfer and R&M is that R&M isn't smack in the middle of a neighborhood on a site that has a lot of bad memories for many people?
3. And did it every occur to fans of personal attacks that the stalking case involving Mr. Smith and Ms. Compora had absolutely no winners? No one was vindicated and a lot was damaged?
One other thing: I've mentioned this before and I'll say it again -- you have the right to your opinion and the right to post it here. But let's try to clean it up a little. I'm not going to waste my time censoring birdbrains, but the birdbrains really have the power to ruin this forum for everyone. I am considering blocking posters who don't have the intelligence to make their points without language you wouldn't want your granddaughter to read. Even anonymously, I don't want to be an enabler for such people. Maybe I'll start moderating the comments. Don't say I didn't tell you. Then you'll just have to watch while the rest of us slander you.
I would be interested to hear perspectives on these three questions:
1. Did it ever occur to anyone that a Monroe Transfer lawsuit was inspired by people in the city who wanted to see this company come in but didn't have the political guts to say so publicly? And that Monroe Transfer was advised that the most expedient means to their end would be a lawsuit?
2. Did it ever occur to anyone that the difference between Monroe Transfer and R&M is that R&M isn't smack in the middle of a neighborhood on a site that has a lot of bad memories for many people?
3. And did it every occur to fans of personal attacks that the stalking case involving Mr. Smith and Ms. Compora had absolutely no winners? No one was vindicated and a lot was damaged?
One other thing: I've mentioned this before and I'll say it again -- you have the right to your opinion and the right to post it here. But let's try to clean it up a little. I'm not going to waste my time censoring birdbrains, but the birdbrains really have the power to ruin this forum for everyone. I am considering blocking posters who don't have the intelligence to make their points without language you wouldn't want your granddaughter to read. Even anonymously, I don't want to be an enabler for such people. Maybe I'll start moderating the comments. Don't say I didn't tell you. Then you'll just have to watch while the rest of us slander you.
posted by The Observer at 6/20/2007 02:22:00 PM
17 Comments:
I believe that the lawsuit resulted from many things. First the attempt to rezone the property illegally. Second, the attempt by the planning department to claim a mistake in the zoning map, when actually they had only rezoned three of seven parcels. Third, the balking at the property swap by the city. There may be more reasons, but I believe that those are the most important.
I'm not sure who wanted to see them come in and didn't have the guts politically. It seems that the councilmen with the guts (Paisley, Beneteau, And Martin) stated their intentions to bring business to Monroe. Perhaps others wanted this business, but they voted the way they wanted, and that is their vote, whether wrong or not.
Monroe Transfer was advised that the most expedient means would be to go before the CPC for special land use. This would certainly be quicker than 1-2 years in a suit. Plus, they already said that they would work with the neighbors, so the CPC would be the best way to listen to the neighbors, and get everything in the open before opening. I don't see that there is any way for the council to settle this without going through the CPC process.
Regardless of where R&M sits, it is still within blocks of residential. It is still adjacent to the battlefield site. Regardless of bad memories, the new company has a right to operate their business in a lawful way. Past performance is no indication of how a new company will operate, and they should be given the opportunity to show that they will do as they say. I'm sure that the neighborhood can use jobs and some much needed revitalization that industry could bring, such as trickle down effects to new stores, restaurants, shops, etc.
The only thing that the Smith v. Compora case did was promote more hate. An elected official should not have sought a PPO against a constituent for videotaping a meeting, which is his right to do. On the other side, directing the camera directly at Compora possibly had other motives than just taping the meeting. Regardless, they both have restraining orders against each other, so the world should be a perfect place for now. It was probably the best that Compora could have hoped for, since from reading the transcripts of the case, this PPO would have been overturned regardless.
There have been statements made on this blog which are obviously from Mr. Smith, and there are others which are obviously from Compora. To tell the truth, both should be ignored. Neither seems to have anything intelligent to add. Both attack each other, with Compora's attacking even other people, such as the Mayor and other council members. Some people should just keep their mouths shut, because they make themselves look even more ridiculous than they do on TV.
This is your blog, Observer, so you should do as you wish as far as moderating the posts on this site.
Great post city resident. I would differ on one issue regarding Monroe Transfer. I believe that had some of the "community minded" folks not pushed this issue like the community would not have gotten so up in arms.
It is hard for me to get past the fact that there is a member of the CPC who lives in the Orchard and voted to approve Monroe Transfer. This leads me to believe that initially everyone was in agreement. Then, as cityresident outlined, I believe that a lot of people backtracked because of pressure - not because they thought it was the right thing to do.
It did occur to me the location of R&M Recycling. But, as cityresident has pointed out this site is next to the battlefield area. Additionally, this site is near Mason Run (a new development - that I would assume we are hoping will attract new residents), on what is considered part of the "coastal drive" from Sterling State Park to the City. While I understand the communities concern - please explain what an appropriate use for property located between railroad track would be? Before you do this please explain why this site was approved by the CPC prior to them getting "jerked around". I guess the point is that if such a facility is OK on Dixie Hwy (near the battlefield, on a main entrance from I75 to Monroe, near Mason Run, near the MultiSports Complex and skate park) without protest why is it not OK on a site that has historically been used for this purpose?
Compora v. Smith had no winners - except this. Mr. Smith went into this, I believe, feeling that he needed to defend his first amendment rights. He has indeed done so.
Monroe Transfer took the long and respectable road in my opinion. After purchasing a eyesore that all of these do gooder politicians and neighbors did nothing about for ten years they try to open the yard and bring jobs to Monroe. The past administration for what ever reason drags their feet and renigs on the agreement however at the same time trys rezoning the property while they are negotiating with two different scrap companies. Then the city screws up the rezoning and only rezones 3 parcels intead of all 7. A year goes by and a new administration starts. Instead of sueing the city Monroe Transfer reaches out to the the mayor, randy richardville, george brown, and Laura Krepps. At this time they express their displeasure of how they were treated but wish to open the facility to bring new jobs. Monroe Transfer is rewarded for their honesty by Laura Krepps immediately trying again to rezone the property. Monroe Transfer defends the propery at their own expense and wins at the cpc level as well as council. All the getting a warm welcome from everyone with a political agenda. For what? Defending their property? Once they win at council they ask to open but are denied because Joe Leahman says they are not a recycling center? The ZBA agrees? and now there in court. Doesn't sound to me a lawsuit is what they ever wanted. They tried for 3 years to do it the right way but Monroe didn't let them open. All the while Monroe has let 2 more scrap yars open up? It doesn't take a genius to figure out something terribly wrong has occured.
Two points. One, if you review the cities file on Monroe Recycling you will find that in their lease they agreed to purchase 1 million dollars worth of rail siding and have agreed to turn it over to the Port Authority so the port can continue to develope. Certain officials are quoted as saying this is the best deal the port has ever done to help promote future growth. Those same negotiations started at the same time Monroe Transfer attempted to open. I wonder if Monroe Transfer was purposely derailed so as not to compete with a company that would bring in rail for the ports benefit? Why would Monroe Recycling want to have competition right down the street. Food for thought. Second point. If you google (sturgis iron and Metal) you will find this company was indicted by the United States of America for stealing scrap from their own customers. The relivance to this is that Sturgis Iron and Metal is the same company that owns Monroe Recycling. I find it strange that a company that was indicted and took a plea bargain is allowed to open at one of the cities best port sites all the while pledging 1 million worth of rail siding and Monroe Transfer can do nothing right. Incidently the parent company for Monroe Transfer is Hog Brothers Recycling. They have been searched and in ten years of business they have not one environmental violation, or any criminal proceedings against them. If you look at Sturgis in your same google search you will also find EPA VIOLATIONS against this company. Talk about a double standard. If they are willing to steal from their own customers and violate EPA laws, I wonder if they will respect our water ways that they operate a business on? Final point. Who's watch did these people show up under. Where was Laura Krepps to defend us against bad business men. Why did John Ico allow these people on our port? Why didn't Linda C ring the alert? Or was it all part of a plan? You can find all the answers if you look hard enough. I have!! More to come.
So far I agree with all that has been said in the new topic posted by the observer and the first two responses above. Reading a conspiracy theory into the scrap yard issues is not supported by any evidence or logic. The land swap did not supply a railroad siding costing millions as I understand matters so it would not be an even trade if my understanding is correct.
The scrap yard would need to go before the CPC no matter how the ZBA voted. The difference in the interpretation that the appellant sought would have made it more difficult for the CPC to deny the use but the city would retain oversight. The initial CPC vote not to downzone the property appeared to be based on their not accepting the mistake claim by Laura Kreps considering full due process had been exercised in the current zoning process.
I cannot bring myself to hate Linda Compora. As a life member of the NRA and Monroe County Rod and Gun Club, what she demanded was unacceptable. Here one must trust Judge Costello and the extent to which he found Linda’s claims believable. Some aspects of my employment requires a clean LEIN record and her claims placed a stalking charge on it. Thus there was no choice than to challenge the matter before the Judge. The result was not a victory but a costly necessity.
David Alkire Smith
Mr. Smith, Respectfully, why do you continually bring up linda with regards to your personal issues with her. That incident has no relivance to Monroe Transfer. It appears you can't seperate the issues and may need professional help. I think your a smart man but your proving to everyone you are unstable regarding anything to do with Linda. Please stop referring to her unless its relivant to this issue. Keep your personal comments to yourself. Thanking you in advance!
Last Poster.
I think Mr Smith was responding to this statment by the observer:
"3. And did it every occur to fans of personal attacks that the stalking case involving Mr. Smith and Ms. Compora had absolutely no winners? No one was vindicated and a lot was damaged?"
I think you need professional help to improve you comprehension. I think his statement made perfect sense as a response to the observer. His comment was not negative - just a statment of agreement with the observer.
You on the other hand took an opportunity to make a personal attack as a response. Isn't that ironic!
There are some on this board who attack Mr Smith, and accuse anyone and everyone of being David Smith.
Accusing Mr Smith of needing professional help and being unstable is unwarrantted.
Please keep on topic and avoid personal attacks.
Smith – you are one sicko, buddy.
There you go again asking the question and answering.
You need to get a life buddy!
Thanks for your last post Linda.
Shame on the observer for giving the fuel to this fire by even posing a smith vs. campora question. Nobody gives a hoot about there personel fight. I for one think they should both be removed from their respective seats for gross negligence of the communities faith in us expecting them to act as adults when representing our city. Let's hope the voters and a new mayor will vote in and appoint responsible leadership. You both should be ashamed at the way you represent out city. No wonder business won't come to monroe. Its a big joke!
I really do not believe that business is not coming to Monroe because of the lunatic ravings of Councilwoman Compora and Mr. Smith. However, that being said, Compora has had a history of being against business, while Mr. Smith has voted on a regular basis on the ZBA to help business. If one should be hanged by the pro-business community, I would cast the vote to do away with Ms. Compora. If she had her way, the only industrial facilities in Monroe would be nice quiet, non odor producing green space factories, which would be non productive and not have the ability to hire our labor force. Sure, tear down IKO and put in housing. How long would it take to sell out that neighborhood? Just think, a loud railroad track right next door, and industrial to the north, not to mention your councilman. Who would buy there?
I'm back. Got off early today. Let's see what's the Campora smith battle is doing today? Damm, what's the web master doing? Trying to kill our entertainment in monroe? This web page is weak compared to televised council meetings. Not to mention hallway blowups after meetings with swear words and tears and all sorts of racial undertones. I'm convinced we send this stuff to a hollywood producer and everyone gets rich. Mr. Smith and Compora would make the most I must admit. Hey what about Omar. This up and comer in Monroe politics? Does he deserve a starring role in the show or only cameo appearances? Let's talk about richie cunningham, opps I meant Pat Lewis. This guy wins a oscar for ass kissing. Keep pouring it on Pat! So many stars and not enough air time. We'll until tommarrow. Hey, didn't anyone like my cage match idea with the circus. I was waiting for at least one official vote for mayor? See ya Simpsons!!!!!.
I'm back. Got off early today. Let's see what's the Campora smith battle is doing today? Damm, what's the web master doing? Trying to kill our entertainment in monroe? This web page is weak compared to televised council meetings. Not to mention hallway blowups after meetings with swear words and tears and all sorts of racial undertones. I'm convinced we send this stuff to a hollywood producer and everyone gets rich. Mr. Smith and Compora would make the most I must admit. Hey what about Omar. This up and comer in Monroe politics? Does he deserve a starring role in the show or only cameo appearances? Let's talk about richie cunningham, opps I meant Pat Lewis. This guy wins a oscar for ass kissing. Keep pouring it on Pat! So many stars and not enough air time. We'll until tommarrow. Hey, didn't anyone like my cage match idea with the circus. I was waiting for at least one official vote for mayor? See ya Simpsons!!!!!.
For Omar it looks like Cameo appearances only.
Too bad felons can't run.....
What's wrong observer? There has been no bad language? If we are forced to watch and listen to the likes of people like Mr. Smith and Linda Compora who have PPO's against each other and they are both elected and appointed city officials, why can't we have fun with it. At least were not hurting anyone with our Votes like Smith and Campora. Were just little people on a computer. The real carnage to the citizens and business happens when council, ZBA, and CPC are in session. Just ask Monroe Transfer? If your really looking for constructive input start a new site. I'm sure you have better things to do with your time anyway. By the way, what's your interest in this whole issue anyway? What side are you on? Are you an elected or appointed official?
I know that Compora made many a bad vote, mainly under IACO. The last two years I guess she has been in the Wetzel role of lone objector on many votes.
I know Smith voted for Monroe Transfer along with Beneteau. Frankly I don't know his voting record except for that one vote, which to me seemed correct.
If you are going to say any elected or appointed official is bad - please tell me exactly what vote / issue you are referring to.
It seems to me many of you are just spewing stupidity with no basis in reality.
Its very clear to me that what we are seeing is a very divided group of people. For those who know Monroe politics its clear that the lines are drawn. What's great about this great country is that we are free to speak in many forums as well as free to VOTE. We should continue this passion of debate into the election both. We all can make our vote count no matter what side of the fence you are on regarding any issue. Monroe Transfer is one small moment in time that illustrates some very specific circumstances. The end result appears destined for federal court where our great system shall apply justice in one way or another. Let's remember that even if we chose to disagree with each other we are all still part of the greatest country in the world.
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