http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19663241&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=566374&rfi=8

Added: Tuesday May 06, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

Avon board

I don't understand....Why doesn't Tim B ask Kevin Romanchok for this information? He seems to be on the ACFC or ACC's side. Also how do you recreate Test Messages? and for telephone logs does anyone even do these anymore? Beside the fact they are one sided. Will this guy ever stop? Find some new ankles to bite!

sandjlewis@sbcglobal.net

From: 

To: sandjlewis@sbcglobal.net

Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 9:16 PM

Subject: Morning Journal comments

Good evening to you.

I have been at work since early this morning and just now had an opportunity to review your comments on the Morning Journal web page. I would like to address your comments in a way that is not inflammatory in any way and I am certainly not looking to pick a fight. I frequently find myself involved in union negotiations and those who know me well would describe me as a consensus builder.

The problem that I have with the Avon BOE is primarily the lack of process that seems to exist before they decided to take Ms. Wolfe's land via Eminent Domain. I would like to also stress that the Avon BOE has now officially begun or threatened  Eminent Domain proceedings four times in the past ten years. On each occasion, it was either a small family farm or a small family business that was a victim of their threats. I am going to make a leap forward in judgment and say that probably greater than 70+% of the current residents of Avon are not aware of this history of the Avon BOE.

I will also say that in very quick time I have researched Eminent Domain and it is always referred to as the last course of action against a private land owner. The Avon BOE has proven through this ten year track record that it is the first course of action.

If I may elaborate; there was ONE public meeting January 10, 2006. The next public meeting was February 19. 2008. TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS IN 25 MONTHS! Somewhere in between they had gone through a (private, closed door, secretive) process of deciding to move to a Eminent Domain process at the 2/19/08 BOE meeting. In fact, they did not even have the common, humanitarian courtesy of notifying Ms. Wolfe of their intent to vote to take her land at the 2?19/08 meeting. Unfortunately, Ms. Wolfe learned of their intentions the same way I did which was through a Chronicle Telegram article the weekend before the 2/19/08 meeting.

Quite frankly I have a problem with that and I will continue to stay on this issue and stay in their face. I will further say that these same BOE members are trying to claim immunity from Public Records Requests because they use their personal e-mail accounts, which are posted on the school web site, to conduct public BOE business. I will simply say this: if you are comfortable with that I will never be able to change your mind. I will also say this: if what I am saying is good enough to bring down the Attorney General of the State of Ohio..........................it can bring down an Avon BOE member.

I am certainly not trying to win you over as a supporter, but simply trying to explain my intentions. 

I thank you for your time and consideration to my comments.

Thank you and have a nice evening.

Please feel free to respond.

Respectfully,

Tim Bresnahan

Added: Wednesday May 07, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

Sunshine Law

Can anyone say Sunshine Law?

Don Capri, Elyria

http://www.chroniclet.com/2008/03/29/opponents-to-avon-eminent-domain-plan-mobilize
Opponents to Avon Eminent Domain Plan Mobilize
The Chronicle
Jason Hawk
Sat. 3/29/08

Comment from col_matt
March 29, 2008, 4:17 pm

I am glad that the Chronicle Telegram has chosen to do a story on this outrageous use of eminent domain in Avon. I feel that both parties were well-represented. I am appalled that the Avon School District would take Ms. Wolfe’s property to build a school.

Comment from ann
March 31, 2008, 3:32 pm

I will be glad when I see every citizen that finds themselves as appalled as I am place a sign on their front lawn and a signature on the petition… http://www.petitiononline.com/avonstop/petition.html You do not have to live in Avon to sign this



Morning Journal
Community Comments

Added: Tuesday March 25, 2008 at 06:05 AM EST

The Morning Journal

E-pinions 3.23.08

By:

03/23/2008

 

 Story: Citizens rally around Avon homeowner; school threatens to use eminent domain
03/23/2008 09:23:34 PM
it's so obvious
isn't it funny how there are no comments in support of the "stealing" of the property from this lady. I just can't believe the school board would actually believe the levy would ever pass if they did in fact "steal" this land from this lady.,...I think the citizens of Avon better start looking now for new school board members....what an absolute shame these board members are so dishonorable.
vicky
North Ridgeville, OH

 

 

Story: Citizens rally around Avon homeowner; school threatens to use eminent domain
03/22/2008 11:13:26 AM
If the school gets its way where will it end?
EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT BUT SO ARE PEOPLES LIVES. I SAY TAKE EACH OF THE SCHOOL BOARDS PERSONAL PROPERTY AND TURN IT INTO SCHOOL LAND. PLAYGROUNDS, PUT TRAILORS ON IT FOR CLASSROOMS .IF THE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ARE SO SET ON SOMEONE ELSES PROPERTY USE EACH OF THE BOARD MEMBERS LAND, OR IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THE LAND LET THEM PAY FOR THE LAND SOMEWHERE ELSE.
mel
wakeman

school-eminent domain

its not there property or home;why should the school board care.to much power.the citizens have given up there right.'wake up america'.eminent domain them out of office in a hurry.we need people in all offices who knows that the rights of the citizens come first.

l.brown, lorain,ohio




Community Comments from Morning Journal
3/20/08

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19407987&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

Recall Smitek

Smitek and others need to be recalled. Ms. wolfe and most long time Avon residents never wanted the growth. Politicians are the ones always wanting more comercial and residential development to fill their coffers. Who are they working for? Bucky Kopf?

Kim D., Avon, Ohio

Added: Thursday March 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

Avon Schools

Build the school someplace else. Can't you just install new utilities at a different location? "Come on people" Leave this poor woman's property alone. "NO, means NO". I don't even live in Avon and this really makes me angry. Good luck Mary Jane.

Dena, Lorain, Ohio

Comments from The Morning Journal  3/19/08
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19404003&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

Reader Comments

E-pinions 3.19.08

By:

03/19/2008

Recent comments about stories on The Morning Journal's Web site, www.morningjournal.com. We read them all and publish a selection. Please include your name and valid e-mail address.

Story: Citizens rally around Avon homeowner; school threatens to use eminent domain
03/18/2008 12:18:29 PM
Outrage
I can't believe the school board is taking someone's livelyhood just to build a school. Yes, livelyhood, she does farm it and then receive income from the farm revenues! There are plenty of other properties the school board could buy! No way should they be allow to take this woman's farmland that's been in the family for generations! Renovate the old school or buy property that people want to sell! Eminent domain was not intended for buildings, industries, etc. Its intention was for roads!!!

---------
                  
03/18/2008 12:42:37 PM
Eminent Domain
This should be against the law ! If she doesn't want to sell the property, leave her alone. Taking it from her will not help your image across the county, it will only hurt it. Build the school elsewhere, or fix up and renovate the properties you already possess.
R.H.
N. Ridgeville Ohio

-----------
                  
03/18/2008 01:03:54 PM
wow
if she where to sell that same 25 acres to a developer in Avon, she would be offered millions. what a rip off, leave the lady and her land alone !
Rob
Lorain, Ohio

Added: Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

Eminent Domain

This should be against the law ! If she doesn't want to sell the property, leave her alone. Taking it from her will not help your image across the county, it will only hurt it. Build the school elsewhere, or fix up and renovate the properties you already possess.

R.H., N. Ridgeville Ohio

Added: Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

Outrage

I can't believe the school board is taking someone's livelyhood just to build a school. Yes, livelyhood, she does farm it and then receive income from the farm revenues! There are plenty of other properties the school board could buy! No way should they be allow to take this woman's farmland that's been in the family for generations! Renovate the old school or buy property that people want to sell! Eminent domain was not intended for buildings, industries, etc. Its intention was for roads!!!

jelyria9@aol.com

Added: Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

New School

This is ridiculous that in America you can own a piece of land and then a city or school district can come through and take it from you at whatever price they deem fair. Avon citizens please stand behind Mrs. Wolfe and do not allow them to keep taking your precious land out there. They have built enough, and to say building a new building is cheaper than rennovating an old one is ridiculous. This is just so YOU the citizens approve them building a new one. If they take her land, DO NOT PASS THE BOND REQUEST on voting day!! Stick it to them like they are sticking it to you guys!!

R.T., Lorain, Ohio

Added: Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 03:24 AM EST

Avon Homeowner

This is outrages! The entire nation should rally behind Mary J Wolfe. I'd be willing to bet that Mr. Reitenbach would be upset if someone tried to take his property.
So what that they are offering her the appraised value of the property. We all know that todays real estate market is bad.
The Avon school board are a bunch of BULLYS! Shame on you!


Jacquelyn Jones Felton, Lorain Ohio

Added: Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 02:14 AM EST

appalled

I think this just abuse of power that, if some private home owner doesn't want to sell her property they will just take it. people wonder what is wrong with our children and it is this type of example that we show them. if you can't have just go and take it. also what a slap in the face 750000 dollars for 25 to 27 arces ( 27000 to 30000 dollars per arce) the going rate for good land in Avon Lake is much more that.

Brian, Amherst,oh

Added: Wednesday March 19, 2008 at 10:25 AM EST

Eminent Domain

Bravo David Vargo and the other 75 that came out there. Show them where you can get them back, in their wallets. Everytime they want a levy passed remember Mrs. Wolfe and VOTE NO, when they are in fiscal emergency and wondering why the State is taking their finances over maybe they will think of how KARMA works and remember what they stole from Mrs. Wolfe. Keep the fight up Avon, or next it will be your farm or property they take for what a Newer High School, or a Shopping Center!!

R.T., Lorain, Ohio

Added: Wednesday March 19, 2008 at 10:15 AM EST

Stealing from the elderly

How sad the City of Avon finds it appropriate to steal Mrs. Wolfe's land. And they are. I know someone who less than 2 years ago sold 5 acres for 500,000. They should pay her 100,000 an acre or 2.7 million dollars - a far cry from 750,000. The city and school board should be ashamed of themselves. And especially to a member of the Wolfe family who long supported the city of Avon and ran their greenhouses there. I am proud of those residents who are standing by her and I sincerely hope they all remember to vote against those now in office and to vote down any future levies to show their nonsupport of this theivery. Good luck Ms. Wolfe. Keep fighting, you are right.

ruth smith, lorain,ohio

Added: Wednesday March 19, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST

They tried to do this to my Dad right after he retired. He has Farm land that he grew up on and the the city was trying to take some of his land for a water tower, Funny thing is, The jail is right next door. Why take , when you already have the land. Needless to say my Dad spent 2 years fighting for what is already his. He won, But not without a Huge fight.

nationwidebrat@yahoo.com

Added: Wednesday March 19, 2008 at 09:15 AM EST

Avon School District Lawyer Experienced in Helping Steal Land

Dennis O'Toole is one of the lawyers who has represented Erie Metroparks in the disasterous greenway situation along the Huron River. That legal battle has lasted 15 years & cost Erie county taxpayers huge sums of money. You folks in Avon are wise to stand up to this abuse of eminent domain. The Avon school board members who voted to take Mrs. Wolfe's land should be replaced. Avon residents need to find candidates now to run against these board members whenever their seats come up for re-election. At least you all have that option. Folks in Erie county are dealing with an appointed park board. I say amen to Mr. DeChant's comments to the school board & shame on the board members who refused to second Mr. Romanchok's motion to suspend action for 90 days & form a citizen's committee. Best wishes to Mrs. Wolfe & may God protect her & give her strength & courage to keep fighting the good fight for justice!

Erie County Resident, Huron Ohio

Added: Wednesday March 19, 2008 at 07:23 AM EST

Mr. O'Toole sees $$$signs

Gee, this is the same lawyer that is representing Erie MetroParks fight the landowners along the Huron River Greenway! These lawyers have given Erie MetroParks bad advice from day one! The transactions that started the legal proceedings for MetroParks was all handled illegally to begin with. The Board of Education better have a lot of money to give Mr. O'Toole, that's what he is all about! Good Luck Mary Jane and don't give up! The do not have a right to take your land by Eminent Domain!

Against Eminent Domain, Huron, OH

Comments from the Chronicle Telegram 3/19/08
http://www.chroniclet.com/2008/03/18/eminent-domain-fight-in-avon