Help thy Neighbor!

I would like to share a story about my neighbor. He lives in Miami Township next to a subdivision that is currently under construction (Mills of Miami). Before the first chunk of dirt was turned, he had concerns about stormwater runoff and the potential for flooding of his home.

He took his concerns to the Chief Building Official, Ray Sebastian, and the Clermont County Commissioners. Numerous letters were sent and many calls were made. He even hired an attorney and a geotechnical consultant. The geotech consultant determined that the detention basin for the proposed subdivision was too small. These concerns and others were conveyed to the county officials. Over the course of nearly a year he received absolutely no response (nothing, nada, zero) from the county apparatus. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) found violations on this site.

Meanwhile, the plans for this subdivision were not properly approved and the development hungry County Commissioners were ready to approve the record plat of the subdivision even though the proper procedures had not been followed. The Planning Commission rubberstamped it knowing that there were violations at the state level. It should be no surprise that the procedures were not followed, we are in Clermont County after all. Meanwhile, my neighbor gets flooded out several times. His worst fears were realized. He conveyed his concerns and they fell on deaf ears. What is interesting is that the County Planning Commission approved the plan at a 5pm meeting, the next day at 1pm the Commissioners approved it. Is this adequate public notice? NO.

The county did not follow the proper subdivision regulations nor their own stormwater regulations as it related to this new development (and many others, I might add). They did not respond to the concerns of this resident and taxpayer. He filed suit against the Commissioners and Planning Commission. The suits are now pending.

The question is: Why in the hell does the County machine force the little guy into litigation when the issues presented could have been addressed at the onset? I can think of no other reason than the Commissioners (Mary Walker, Bob Proud, Scott Croswell), the Chief Building Official (Ray Sebastian) and others are getting kickbacks or some other payment, cash or otherwise from these developers. People, this is corruption, plain and simple. It must stop! If there is some other reason, perhaps the Commissioners can enlighten me.

This type of situation breeds well (much like mold in a damp environment) in a culture of corruption -- a culture which is facilitated by the one party domination of the County elected officials.

Coming Soon: Republican Authors Only at the Clermont County Library

It should be no surprise since well-read, intellectual geniuses such as Phil Burress and Jean Schmidt once served as members of the Clermont County Library Board of Trustees that the Clermont County Board of County Commissioners appointed their very own Clerk as a new member. The next thing you know only books written by Republican's will be allowed at the Clermont County Libraries. This is probably already the case as I tend to go to the Hamilton County Libraries to protest the historical small mindedness of the Clermont system.

(Judith is the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners plus Republican Party Executive Committee and Party Vice Chairman):

from 05/23/07 BCC Meeting Minutes

IN RE: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS...DESIGNATION OFAPPOINTMENT TO THE CLERMONT COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES...07-0522-001…APPROVED Moved by Mrs.
Walker, seconded by Mr. Croswell, that the Board of County Commissioners approve the following recommendation:Recommendation to appoint Judith Kocica, 6689
Nancard Drive, Loveland, Ohio 45140, to serve onthe Clermont County Library
Board of Trustees for the term of 05/23/07 through 12/31/14, filling the unexpired term of Joseph Braun and subsequent appointment of a full seven year term, pursuant to Section 3375.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.Upon roll call on the foregoing motion, the vote was as follows:Mrs. Walker, Yes; Mr. Croswell, Yes; Mr. Proud, Yea.

Hello, May I Speak to the Township Finance Director?

"What!?!? You mean there is no such person or position?"

Ok, this is really dry and mundane, but it has to do with your wallet and mine, so pay attention!

The State recently released the latest audit for Miami Township (2004 and 2005) with some interesting findings. It seems, yet again, that there are some serious issues with internal control and accounting for funds. Similar reportable conditions have been issued in past years, still uncorrected. Some of the non-compliance citations identified by the audit include:

*Deficit cash balance in fund. A deficit cash balance indicates money from another fund(s) has been used to pay the obligations of the aforementioned funds. Uh, maybe robbing Peter to pay Paul?

*Expenditures exceeding appropriations (negative balance) in the following funds in 2004: Motor vehicle license, FEMA reimbursement grant, EMS Computer Grant, Byrne Memorial, TIF #1 Construction - which equals nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

The best part, not really, because the taxpayers of the township are on the hook due to shoddy accounting practices and leadership of the township:

[Text from audit] We believe the above conditions limit the ability of the Township’s accounting system to provide correct and timely data to management and other users. The condition of the accounting records has resulted in errors in the preparation of the Township’s annual financial statement filing with the State of Ohio and has required additional efforts to identify and make necessary corrections for the preparation of the audited statements" (p. 16).

Township’s Response
The Township is aware of the condition of the accounting system and is in the process of making steps to correct recording issues. Beginning in 2006, a full time finance director with applicable experience has been hired. Additional reviews and interim reporting to the Board of Trustees is being performed.

The fact is, it is 2007 and Miami Township DOES NOT have a finance director. There also was no line item in the 2007 budget for the hiring of such a person. Is this a case of "liar, liar, pants on fire?" Did the Township tell the State they had hired a finance director to get the State Auditor off their back?

Did you know that the Township has an elected 'Fiscal Officer' named Eric Ferry who is up for re-election in 2007. What is this man being paid for? He has served in this position since 1992. This is also the man who, it has been reported, told citizens that the Township budget was not public until AFTER it was approved by the Trustees. This, after details were published in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Hello!?!

Rest assured citizens of Miami Township: the Trustees apparently have no intention to hire someone to ensure that their fiduciary duty is upheld, however, they are hiring a facilities manager to manage their new Civic Center. Priorities!

For more information to to the actual audit:
Auditor of State of Ohio - Online Audit Search - Report Detail