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Chardon PAC told thanks, but no thanks
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - October 15, 2008)
Chardon PAC told thanks, but no thanks
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
A resolution of thanks to a Chardon group for working against proposed power lines through the city failed last week to gain Chardon City Council's approval. It failed by a 3-3 vote, with one member absent.
Councilman Robert Cromwell asked Law Director James Gillette whether the issue can be raised again at a later meeting. Mr. Gillette said it could.
The resolution was intended to thank the Citizens to Preserve Chardon Traditions, a political action committee that formed in 2007. It originally was created to counter what its members said was a departure from past election traditions in which financial support from political parties had not been part of city elections.
Following its involvement in the election, the PAC organized a city effort to fight an alternate proposal for new power lines. The power lines were proposed to go west along Geauga Park District's Maple Highlands Trail then north through the city. The group promoted a letter-writing campaign, bought signs and hosted an education forum to oppose the proposed line.
Some members of council said they believe the group deserves thanks for the efforts but not a resolution.
"I don't believe it is the business of government to be involved in political activities," Councilman Jefferey Campbell Jr. said. He thanked "everyone who put in time and effort."
He said there are a "lot of groups" in the city that work hard for their particular causes, but they do not get resolutions. "Government should stay out of politics," Mr. Campbell said.
His position received support from fellow council members Deborah Reiter and Mary Bramstedt.
Mrs. Reiter said she appreciated the group's efforts but could only support a resolution if it names the individuals involved, not the group. The PAC had raised money for Mrs. Reiter's opponents in the 2007 election.
Mrs. Bramstedt said she also could not agree to recognize the PAC for its efforts. "If it had a different name and if it would terminate the day after the (Ohio Power) siting board makes its recommendation, I would be more comfortable," she said. But she believes the group will continue its work with its "ideologies," she said.
Councilman Robert Cromwell appealed to council to put aside the PAC issue and look at what the group accomplished. "I ask that everyone just recognize the work that was done by an organized group that I can't help but believe had a serious and very positive effect on the power siting board," he said.
Councilwoman Leslie Bednar said it appeared that there was more to the objections than people were saying. "I have to wonder what motives are at work, why there's such a negative about saying thank you," she said. "It certainly seems rather odd that you're not willing to say thank you in a declaration type of way. I'll be voting with a thank you. That's all it is."
Mayor Karen Simpson said the reason for the thank you was spelled out in the third paragraph of the resolution, recognizing the group for its specific actions in fighting the power line. "That's what we're thanking them for, right there," she said. "It's pretty pure and simple in here."
After the vote, Karen Baptie, a member of the PAC, addressed council. "I am very shocked that the representatives of the City of Chardon have an inability to say thank you to a group of unpaid volunteers who only have Chardon traditions near their hearts," she said.
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