Welcome to My World

Hello and welcome aboard.

You're probably wondering who I am and what this blog is all about.

It's always good to begin at the beginning.

I never expected to become a blogger. Not in a million years.

But several years ago, the elected officials in my town did something that really concerned and upset me: they agreed to allow controversial “frac” gas wells to be drilled in our community park.

The mayor and council made that decision very quietly. They didn’t engage in public bidding or hold a public hearing. Residents were kept in the dark.

The drilling was supposed to begin in November 2007, right after the election, during a week when the mayor was scheduled to be out of town. No surprise, residents exploded when they found out. Council quickly back-pedaled, and a judge later declared that the mayor had “no power” when he rushed to sign a drilling lease.

It’s been four years and the drilling company is still trying to force its way into the park.

What a mess.

That’s what happens when no one from the public is watching. That’s what happens when residents are kept in the dark.

I started attending council meetings. I wanted to keep an eye on my elected officials, to make sure there was no repeat of the drilling fiasco. I began emailing reports from those meetings to interested residents, letting them know about current issues and controversies brewing in the city.  I provided information and also shared my opinions and perspectives about what was going on. Those e-mails turned into a blog, Highland Heights (Ohio) Happenings   (http://highlandheightsohiohappenings.blogspot.com), which  celebrated its second anniversary in March.

Readers of my blog won’t find Pollyanna (okay, so there I go dating myself). I believe that it’s perfectly reasonable for residents and taxpayers, who are footing the bill, to hold elected and appointed city officials to high standards. I scrutinize and criticize — as well as commend – Highland Heights officials for the decisions they make and the positions and actions they take. I also share the facts behind my opinions, so readers can decide for themselves what they think about things. If you need a label, think of me as a lobbyist for residents and for good government.

It’s an unfortunate truism that politicians don’t tend to make good decisions when acting behind closed doors or in the shadows. Our system of government works best in bright light.

My blog is a spotlight, shining on the Highland Heights Council Chamber. I hope you enjoy reading it … just be sure to wear your sunglasses.