Thursday, April 28, 2011

I apologize to our PRESIDENT

Dear President Barack Hussein Obama,
I would like to apologize to you for all the racism you have had to endure in America.  You are the first and only President that has to explain why you don't wear a America(made in china)Flag Pin.  You Mr. President is the only President that have received more death threats than any President in America's history.  You, Mr. President is the only one that had to show his Birth Certificate.  You,  Mr.President are now being questions about your grades.  You are the only President that has ever had a colleague yell out "You Lie"  in a State of America speech.  You are the only President that has been asked to give up his church and mentor.  Mr. President you really really love AMERICA.

Some of us really love AMERICA too and appreciate you and your family.  You have served us well.  You are noble, humble, honest, and beautiful.  I wish you all the wealth, humor, swag, love and health you can muster.  I apologize for all you have had to put up with. 


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Diggin the New Developments

I'm simply digging the new developments that is suppose to happen.  I say a big thumbs up!  A high five and all that good stuff.  A new movie theater, a new hotel and new stores is what I'm talking about.  This city needs new and fresh options.  If the Mayor is responsible for making this happen, I say this is what leadership is all about.  To everyone and anyone involved with this "Good Job".  

To the developers I have always been impressed with your work.  I felt proud to be apart of your team when I worked at Wild Oats.  Unfortunately circumstances beyond my control forced me to leave.  However I still regularly go visit my old place, stroll down memory lane, or just walk to Rookwood just to sight see.  I love your work.  I know the city of Norwood is excited about having you as a partner.  We all are excited and look forward to what you will bring the city.  KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WORK YOU DO. 

Playing Catch Up

I feel like the Norwood Girls Varsity Softball team.  I have to catch up.  My busy, never a dull moment life has left me scrambling to find time for my faithful,  loyal readers.  Thank you for coming to Norwood News and Views Blog.  If you are new I welcome you. 

The news and views here are divergent points of views.  I bring another perspective to the happenings in my city.  I view things from a Black point of view.  I bring you the truth as I see, live and experience it.  Some like it and tell me to keep on keeping on.  Some don't like it and tell me what I can do with this blog.  Either way I hope you enjoy reading the articles. 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What's New in Norwood?

What new stuff is going on in the 45212?  Well lets count the way.  There is a new Dots store.  There is a drive thru-Little Cesar Pizza coming.  I understand a bigger and better Ted's Pawn Shop is coming.  I like the New Cricket Store.  I like the new Marshall's.  I like the new Kroger store.  Good things are happening and I like it.  The more the better.  I would like to see even more businesses come to Norwood.  A adult store would not hurt my feelings.  A tattoo parlor would do well.  Our Chamber of Commerce is working hard and I like the job they are doing.  Keep bringing the businesses.  We will keep supporting  them.  Thanks

Grappling with Gas Prices

If you had told me a year ago that gas would be $4.00 dollars a gallon.  I would have looked at you suspicious.  If  I see you today I would say you are like a Ms./Mr.  Cleo.  You looked into your crystal ball and got it right.  The national average cost for a gallon of gas is $4.00.  I think this is a  sign of the times. 

I'm glad I had the privilege of driving when gas was .79 cents a gallon.  Remember those days.  A person could fill their tank for $10.00 or $15.00.  Times were good back then.  Global warming was not a issue.  The weather was great for driving.  Driving laws were unheard of.  No seat belt laws, no limit on passengers, no check points.  Now, driving a car is like giving up all your constitutal rights.  You agree to be stopped and searched at anytime.You have to have your seat belt on.  You have to have your headlights on when its drizzling.  In the city of Cincinnati if you have over size rims you can have your car stopped and towed.  Not to mention the hefty price you will pay to get it back.  Yes, driving is getting expensive.  So to sock us with the high gas prices is making driving a headache. 

I find myself seeking other means of transportation.  Public bus service is one option I have used lately.  Taxis' and cabs are at our disposable.  I will ride my bike as the weather gets warmer.  I will walk to stores.  I will try to make only one driving trip per day.  I will car share whenever possible.  I will not pick up my kid from school as much, she will have to walk.  Yes, these gas prices has put a serious dent in how I roll.  What about you?

Monday, April 18, 2011

THIS LEVY IS LUDICROUS

The Superintendent held a town hall meeting at Williams Elementary on April 18, 2011.  The attendance was about 20 people.  Most folks there had a interest in the levy passing.  That was okay.  I wanted to hear their reasons for wanting it to pass.  I wanted to hear any board member speak on why they felt the need for a 10 year 10 million dollar levy.  I wanted to see all  interested parties interact with one another about this levy.  You know a real town hall. 

Instead we got the Superintendent Mr. Amodio repeating the same selling line.  It will cost $5.00 dollars a week.  We will have to close the library.  You know the exact same thing you read on the notice on the door.  Exact same thing.  Folks if you want the exact same o thing then vote for this levy. 

If you want to see something better vote NO and force him to do something else.  Force Mr. Amodio to speak of the good the bad and the ugly.  He wants to sell us on the good.  That is fine.  There is a lot of good things going on.  However, the bad and the ugly is what we have to discuss. Leadership is discussing this.  This levy money is not going to fix it.  Leadership does, and this Superintendent does not have the leadership skills to do the job.   

I would not have minded this levy if it had been brought to the community in a different manner.  When you try to insult my intelligence with the only $5.00 dollar a week, or we have not had a levy since 1995 crap it rubs folks the wrong way.  It might be only $5.00 dollars a week but $250.00 a year hurts like hell to a family barley paying the rent.  That family is mine.  

The Superintendent make it clear he was not there to have a town hall community meeting.  He was there to sell this levy.  I was the only one in the meeting that made it very clear that I was not buying what he was selling and that is when he decided on his own to close down the meeting.  And not everyone had spoke.  Say what you want about me, I was there to speak to speak my mind.  I made it clear ......Vote No 

WoW What a Week!

To the readers of Norwood News and Views we apologize for not blogging before now.  We have been working a a project.  It took the entire week.  I must say it looks great!  We will catch up on some news and views.  Stay tune.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Norwood Students are being Shortchanged

When I think of education I think of exploring people, places and things unknown.  I think of being taken to places I wouldn't  normally go.  I think of being challenged to be different and to think different.   I think of the arts.  I am shown a old western movie.  I am educated about who Doris Day was.  I'm made to find the beauty in Malcolm X.  No matter how uncomfortable it may be.  Education is suppose to make you pick up a instrument and learn to play it.  Education is having a place to say "I need condoms because I'm experimenting".  Education is black boys being able to say and express "I need more".  Education is a white girl asking, "why am I attracted to this black boy"?  Education is learning about the medication (ADD)  that plague so many of our children.  Education is a  having discussion about our dear sister Rhianna.  Education is inviting our parents for a surprise thank you party.  Education is having a role in a play that was hand picked by a teacher thinking of you.  Education is losing and still having fun while doing it.  Education is openly discussing the pregnant girls in our schools, education is everything and it's everywhere. 

Norwood Students are hip, savoy, bright, over exposed, and begging us to give them the education that they deserve.  Until we do something different........... all of us even the students are being shortchanged.  That is shameful.

That is why I'm voting NO on this levy.




Norwoods Negro need to NetWork

Attention!!  Norwood Negros we need to network.  Networking is the key that bring solutions.   Networking is a tool that says I'm paying attention.  It also gives answers.  Answers to questions that we don't get.  In my expert opinion I would say that most Negros are transitional. Meaning we only only here for a short time.  Most Negro families are just passing through.  It is what happened to me.  Whether its the cheap rent, section 8 housing, baby mama drama, HUD housing, inexpensive home purchase, a place to shack up with a soul mate, employment, need a single room, staying at the Salvation Army rehabilitation home or was born and raised, or a family just starting out, we all play a part. 
Networking let your opinions and voices be heard.  It is what we all need. 

I hope the Negros in Norwood will act noble, prosper, get involved, and pay attention.  That is all one Norwood Negro can ask to another Norwood Negro.

I commend you and welcome you. 

Tax Dateline Is Near

April 15, 2011 is near.  The day we have a date with IRS. 

Do you think we need another way we should implement tax returns? 
Do you think we need a flat tax?
Would you agree  to 3% flat tax for families?
Would you agree to a 5% flat tax for businesses?
Do you like the Ideal of no State taxes? 
Have any input on taxes? 
After filing your taxes.............. was the date with the IRS a good one?

Let us know.

Varsity Girls Softball Schedule

Monday-canceled(rain)
Tuesday-Sycamore-lost
Wednesday-Sycamore-lost
Thursday-Little Miami-lost
Friday-Mt Healthy-lost

April 11, 2011 Week

Monday-Mt Healthy-home
Tuesday-Mariemont-home
Wednesday-Ross-home
Thursday-Deer Park-away
Friday-Ross-away

Friday, April 8, 2011

Norwood COW Meeting

On Thursday April 7, 2011 the Norwood COW(council of the whole body) meet.  This meeting had three things on the agenda
1. Current expenses
2. Unpaid Bills
3. Budget/Appropriations
Nothing got done and it will be held over till the City Council Meeting on Tuesday April 12, 2011. 

Norwoods Public Workers-Private Pain

The City of Norwood is in a battle over the budget.  The City is 2.6 million dollars short of money. The Mayor and members of City Council is in a big mess.  The Mayor and the entire Administration let this happen.  It is that plain and simple.  This is a problem that could have been prevented. I do have a question........ Mayor and City Council members did you not have other issues and things to work on?  Did it have to get this messy? You are causing your Public Workers to have  private pain?

You see they are the forgotten ones.  The ones that do the dirty work.  A thankless job that this Administration have overlooked and underpaid. They are the ones that the city don't recognize.  These workers are giving the city everything to help out.  Even cutting their 40 hour work week down to 36 hours a week.  That is a cut that most of us would not want.  Not to mention they would love to make a little over time money.  That is simply not going to happen.  Their finances are being hit hard.  They are left in the middle of the Mayor and City Council's mess.  When all they want to do is work a simple J-O-B. 

These Public Workers live right here in our city.  They have families that reside here.  They go to school here they volunteer here, they eat, shop and play here.  Now their pay is being put on the auction block.  As if they can be sold to any bidder.  The City has left a sour taste in the mouth of the best customer service providers they have. 

When you see those bright yellow jackets working  around the city.  Smile-wave- but most of all tell them we feel your private pain.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Eight and Eleven year Old set NORCO Fire

This is a damn shame.  Where were the parents of these kids?  I don't know but I'm going out on a limb and say the parents were not at home and did not know where these kids were.  I could go further and venture to say the kids were black.  I say this because of the number of black families moving into that area.  One thing for sure I'm glad they got them before they hurt someone or something. 

A big ups to the fine firemen of Norwood and all those that assisted in putting out that fire.  Glad to see no one was hurt and the city got the property cleared away.  Good job. 

Town Hall Meeting

On Thursday the Norwood School District will host a town hall meeting.  The date is April 7th at 6pm at Sharpsburg School.  It will be interesting to see what the district has to say.  Will it be more spin on the levy?  Will it be to answer the many many questions people have about issues concerning the schools?  Will it be to rally the troops to go out and sell this 10 year 8 million dollar mess?  Will Mr. Amodio announce he is moving on to another 100,000.00 paying job? 

I could be wrong but it seems like these town hall meetings are being held in a rush.  My question is why the rush?  Should the board have not been haveing town hall meetings all along?  Maybe, maybe not, either way it will be decided by the voters if they think the school board has cared enough. 

President Seeks Re-Election in 2012

Yesterday, President Barack Obama announced he would run for re-election.  You may have heard about it.  The media coverage was too busy with Charlie Sheen and Dancing With the Stars.  Yes, in spit of all the President has had to deal with, he still cares enough about America to serve again.  That is honorable.  I can not think of one other President that has had to tolerate and endure the things this President has had to. 

The BP oil spill, the earthquake in Haiti, the huge deficit he inherited, the county going into a recession, the tsunami in Japan, the terrible poll numbers, the unrest in Libya, the high gas and fuel prices, two wars he voted against.  yes, this President has been tested with all kinds of messes.  Like him or not I'm glad he is standing wanting to serve America again.  Best of Luck Mr. President.

CAUTION.........SLOW DOWN

Residents please use caution when traveling on Duck Creek, Williams, Smith, and Edwards road.  The company doing the repairs is doing all they can.  Watch the man holes and the man holes covers.  Drive slow and watch out for the workers and children.

Varsity Girls Softball Update

The Norwood girls Varsity Softball team is up and running. 

Monday April 4th the game was canceled.
Tuesday April 5th the girls traveled to Harrison.  The girls took a L(lost).
Wednesday April 6th the girls will travel to Talawanda.
Thursday April 7th the girls will host Little Miami @ 4:30.
Friday April 8th the girls will travel to Mt. Healthy.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Our Superintendent is selling Fear

Superintendent Robert Amodio sent a letter home to parents on April 1, 2011.  The letter was placed in the package along with the children's report card.  I think the Superintendent is trying to scare the parents into voting for this ridiculous tax levy.   

On Jan 24, 2011 the Norwood City School District Board of Education voted unanimously to place a 8.61 mill 10 year Emergency Levy on the ballot for May 3, 2011.  The word unanimously strikes me the most.  Is it a fact that not one board member voted no on the Levy? Norwood Board you are telling us that not one person felt uncomfortable enough to say no.  I find it odd that everyone would be doing the same o thing.  Going along to get along.

I fear this levy is tied into the Gov. Kasish  HB5.  The letter stated, through collaboration with the unions all school employees had a base pay freeze for two years, beginning with the 2009-10 school year.  Well those two years are almost up.  Will this levy money go into employees raises?  I would say "yes" and that is where I have a issue. 

People don't fear voting No.  Hold the Board to the oath they took.  Serve or else get off the board and let fresh air get in there. 
 

Extra Extra.........Message from the Mayor

In a letter dated Jan. 6, 2011 the Mayor explained to the more than 150 city workers his opinions of the budget.  At one point he stated the city has been in this budget crisis before.  He also stated he was proud of the city workers and how they have conducted themselves during this period. 

Mr. Mayor will you answer a few questions?

1.  When the 2009 surplus was used in 2010, when did you start to work on the 2011 budget?

2.  How much income from the up and coming businesses do you anticipate in the 2011 calendar year? 

3. When will you discuss the quality of life issues of your city?

We all know the Mayor has never been able to tackle the tough questions.  He seems to be consumed with getting new businesses to come here.  While most would agree we welcome the new businesses we still need to focus on other pressing important issues. 

If you could speak the our Mayor what would be your pressing issue?  Let us know, we would love to hear from you.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Attention................................Attention

The Norwood girls varsity softball team lost their last two games.  On Thursday the girls hosted Deer Park.  They lost by a score of 18 to 0.
On Friday they hosted Harrison High School and lost by a  lot of points to 0. 
 
Ladies you will win some and you will lose some. It does not matter at the end of the day.  The question is did you have some fun?  Was the experience a good one?  Is there anything you could have done better?  Would you want your children to act like you?  If you answered yes to all these questions you represent Norwood  the way we would like. 

The girls next home game is Monday April 4th at 4:30 pm.  The ballpark next to the high school.  See you there.

BROWBEATING NORWOODS BUDGET

I sit here wishing there were lots of new, fun, exciting things to talk about in Norwood.  Instead the City Officials are browbeating this budget issue.  Sure, its important.  It is just as important today as it was this time last year.  Where was the decision making leaders?  Why did they not see the writing on the wall?  The amount of tax revenue coming into the city was far less than anticipated.  Did no one question this issue.  I mean where could their heads have been?  Who is minding the City's business?  I said in another article on this blog, The Mayor has failed this City terribly.  This is embarrassing and shameful. 

My personal opinion about the budget is the NPD and NFD need to take a huge cut.  Their budgets alone make it impossible for the other departments to operate.  For two departments to take almost 70% of the money is unfair.  I will make it clear, I respect their jobs.  However, I have a few issues with how they do their jobs. 

When you are the type of person I am, you will have lots and lots of encounters with police.  I see this as a good thing.  Especially since I'm a "round the way girl".  In all my worldly experiences I can say without a doubt Norwood Police are the most unprofessional department I have ever had to deal with.  With that being said, I say cut their money.  A city's police department will make or break a city.  NORWOOD YOUR CITY IS BROKE!!!!!!!!!!  So is your police department.  It has the worst police customer service I have ever seen. 

Being a cop is easy.  It becomes hard when you get too full of yourself(Norwood).  Being a cop gets hard when you put yourself before the people you serve.  Being a cop gets hard when you stop doing what you took the oath to do, Protect and Serve.  Cops nowadays are over paid and under scrutinized.  They have way to much authority with little to no oversight.  Cops are good people, the job makes them dishonest.  Even in a City this small being a cop should be real easy.  We only have four miles to patrol.  Take it easy, relax, and treat those you encounter like you would your mother. 

The budget needs your help firemen and police officers.  Take a major cut for now.  Watch, look and listen for the future to be better.  Then come back and ask for more pay.  Until then, stop being the hold up.  Let the unions make tough pay cuts, grit your teeth, grin and bear it.  We all are suffering.