New Philadelphia Proposed Sewer Rate Increase

2010 ended in New Philadelphia with the City still able to sit up and take nourishment. Not much more, but still alive. The effect on City finances of the mismanagement at both the federal and state levels, the increased costs of wages and salaries for city employees, and the lack of income for the City due to lost jobs and the resultant lost taxes, have put a strain on the City budget which borders on the disastrous.

Many of the financial problems could have been avoided. Pay increases for city employees were ill timed, excessive, and prompted by greed. In the immediate future financial problems will only be compounded, if judged by past performance, when all city departments, with the exception of the Fire Department, will attempt to secure additional wage and benefit increases in the coming year. (The Fire Department got a three year contract in 2010.) Wage and benefits increases in the next year could push the City budget over the edge, resulting in layoffs of city employees and cutbacks in services which would be unnecessary.

In some things the City had wisdom. An outstanding example is the refurbishing of the Fire Department’s ladder truck. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see it, go take a look. It is truly a thing of beauty and efficiency. Congratulations to all who were involved in that project. Fire Chief Parrish showed the rest of the city how to get ‘er done. The presentations he made to City Council, the need, the options, the costs, the answers to questions, all added up to the approval and financing necessary. Who won in this one? We all did. Fire protection in New Philadelphia was raised to a new level of excellence because of the Chief’s due diligence.

Reiser Avenue sewers are another impending emergency. When Reiser Avenue was first laid out as part of an industrial complex, the sewer system seemed adequate. Perhaps planners at the time did not expect industrial growth in the area to expand the way it did, or failed to appreciate the sewer requirements if it would, the end result being the inadequacy of the system today is causing serious concerns. To move sewerage in the area a new lift station is required. Along with, again, some government grants, the Reiser project will probably have sufficient funds to install a lift station with the capability of handing increased waste flow now and in the future.

Last March, Mayor Taylor proposed widening University Drive. Should this take place another financial crisis would be hidden in the shadows. The University Drive sewers have been in place a number of years and certainly, judging by those of similar age, are going to need some serious work. If there is even a remote possibility of construction on University Drive, now is the time to make the decision on how to proceed. Replacement of the pipes is certainly an option, but so is relining them. Relining is the least expensive and from what we have been told in the past, just as effective. Whatever option is chosen, planning is essential now to prevent another wasteful exercise as has happened in the past, in which roads are constructed only to be torn up at a later date to replace or repair existing sewers.

Lump these problems and their solutions together and the hard questions begin. How are we going to pay for these sewer improvements as well other projects which are waiting in the wings? How indeed.

The argument will be given that the state and federal governments will provide funds to help make such projects possible. Where is the guarantee for that? It doesn’t exist. The incoming governor is talking about cutbacks in state grants. If the feds cut back funding to the states again, which they will, where is the state going to get the money? Does New Philadelphia have adequate reserves to remain in business without outside help?

The immediate fix is the proposed increase in sewer rates. Those using 400 cubic feet or less will be charged an additional $0.50 a billing period for their sewer usage. At seven hundred cubic feet and above the rate will increase by four-percent. The fifty-cent figure touted by the administration fades away upon examination. To find out what your actual increase will be takes a little arithmetic. Look at your recent water/sewer bills and check the “Usage 100 Cu Ft” listing for Sewer, it will be the second line down. If it is less than 4 the new rate will be $13.40. If it is 5 or more, multiply the billed amount by .04 to get the increase, or by 1.04 to get the total charge.

The lack of planning in the past, combined with uncontrolled wage, benefit, and salary increases have put the City into a serious financial state. It has become imperative that programs of long range planning become routine in all phases of city operation. Spending on nonessential projects must be stopped. The Mayor must take the role of a leader and accept the responsibility of running the city, not merely agreeing with demands made by its employees. City Council must accept its responsibility to research and understand the legislation it considers and desist from rubber stamping the Administration’s requests.

Citizens, call your Councilmen. Call the Mayor. Insist they stand up to their responsibilities. Without your active involvement, there will be no change. Stay informed, get involved, save your city.

New Philadelphia Committee Mishandles Gas Aggregation Proposal

Years ago, Dr. Laurence J. Peter wrote a book, The Peter Principle, the theme of which was that people advance to their level of incompetence, and then remain there to the detriment of the business or enterprise in which they are involved. In recent years, this concept has become combined with a lack of responsibility by individuals to fulfill their obligations to others. This combination, plus ignorance of what the position of City Councilman entails, has become commonplace in the New Philadelphia City Council.

The following example is illuminating.

For some months now, the Special/Contact Committee, Mr. John Zucal, Chairman, has been dealing with a gas aggregation issue for the city. The aggregation theory is that if a number of citizens go with a single gas supplier, the rates charged to them as a group will be less than what they can obtain as individuals. For the most part this is true. The Administration chose to accomplish this through the services of a broker specializing in obtaining these prices.

In the attempt to obtain an aggregate natural gas supplier, the Special/Contact Committee has failed to perform its obligation to the City Council and, as a direct result of that failure, its obligation to the citizenry of New Philadelphia.

Consider the following:

The selection of Buckeye Energy as a broker for the City was done without due diligence on the part of the Contact/Special Committee. Prior to the vote accepting Buckeye as the City’s sole agent, no other broker was interviewed by Zucal’s committee. When asked by Councilwoman Sandy Cox if Buckeye Energy’s performance was investigated, Zucal replied references given by Mr. Bellish were checked and he was satisfied with Buckeye and Bellish’s performance. When Cox reported other municipalities had concerns with Buckeye, Zucal stated that the mayor and he were satisfied with Bellish. The question was closed, no further response was forthcoming.

Mr. Bellish recommended Direct Energy as the preferred natural gas supplier to the citizenry. Mr. Zucal concurred, recommending City Council approve his recommendation. Then it became apparent Direct Energy, who had recently been the supplier for the City of New Philadelphia, was in a disagreement with the City because of its performance. Although Buckeye Energy did not uncover this disagreement, Zucal permitted Buckeye to propose another company, Constellation New Energy Gas Division. No inquiry was made into Constellation by Buckeye or Mr. Zucal’s Committee. A check of Constellation by New Philadelphia Tattler, revealed a penalty of five million of dollars imposed by the Federal Government for its avoidance in following government regulations concerning its gas distribution practices which is yet unexplained. When this was brought to the attention of Mr. Zucal, he made no comment and no follow up was reported by his committee.

When the legislation was presented to City Council to accept Constellation New Energy Gas Division LLC as the “approved supplier” on November 22, 2010, the Administration and Mr. Zucal hoped the acceptance of Constellation would pass on the first reading. “No” votes by Councilwomen Sandy Cox and Winnie Walker, who objected to their late receipt of the Constellation agreement, prevented its passage. Cox stated that she did not have sufficient time to read the agreement, a feeling shared by Walker. As a result, the vote to waive the rule requiring three readings before voting on the resolution failed. Mr. Zucal commented in a later interview, that it didn’t pass because of a “bureaucratic SNAFU ”.

A letter from Robert Conner to Mr. Michael Johnson, City Law Director, concerning the terms of the Constellation agreement, was forwarded to the Mayor and City Council, and subsequently published on this blog site (see blog New Philadelphia Gas Supplier Agreement Questioned). Because of questions raised by that letter, Mr. Zucal, at the December 13, 2010 City Council meeting, requested Resolution 58-2010, the acceptance of Constellation as the gas supplier for the City, be tabled until January 10, a request passed unanimously by City Council. Cox read a statement after the vote in which she stated her concerns about past financial and operational practices which brought about the federal inquiry and fines to Constellation. In an interview with the news media, Zucal stated that Mayor Taylor didn’t have time to look into the gas aggregation situation and that is why he, Taylor, hired Bellish to seek out a company for him. In addition, he told the media, “The information Sandy (Cox) shared, although somewhat relevant, is really insignificant at this point in time.”

Which brings us to the heart of the matter. Who has the responsibility for getting this legislation passed through City Council? Certainly not Mayor Taylor who can only request such legislation. Only City Council has authority to pass legislation.

The structure of City Council is such that any legislation first must pass through an appropriate committee before it reaches the Council floor.

It is the responsibility of the Committee to which legislation is assigned to investigate, using due diligence, to obtain all the facts pertaining any resolution or ordinance assigned it. It is the responsibility of the Chairman of that Committee to lead and direct such investigation and deliberation required to provide answers to council members when asked. It is the Chairman’s responsibility to oversee and approve ordinances and resolutions prepared by the Law Director, assuring they are what the Committee recommended, and are written as to be understandable to all who read them. It is his responsibility to provide direction to his committee, request their input, and to reach agreement within his committee before presenting legislation to the full Council.

Committee members should aid the chairman in finding information which is important in understanding the legislation. They also have the responsibility to seek out data which could effect the final legislation as well as the floor vote. Their input to the chairman should be pertinent, accurate, and timely, providing both pros and cons with which to judge pending actions.

The discussion, or lack of it, which took place during the attempt to pass Resolution 58-2010 is memorable because it reached a low point in the activities of New Philadelphia’s City Council. It is a memorial to ineffectiveness. Questions asked by council members were unanswered or ignored. Deficiencies of companies vying for New Philadelphia’s business were accepted without question. Delivery prices of natural gas were never quoted. Bellish provided questionable information which the Committee never questioned. Competitive bids for agents and suppliers were not requested as required. The Committee Chairman placed blame for his lack of information on the Mayor, the lack of passage of the resolution on incompetence of members of the Council, both allegations unfair.

The condition of New Philadelphia’s City Council is the result of citizen apathy. Individuals with potential to serve on City Council choose not to run. Unqualified people sit on Council by default. Being the only candidate for a ward seat is not an election and leads to indifference.

Legislation is passed by council members who do not understand its language or its implications.

A council member who does not take his position seriously, does not accept responsibility of the position, does not act to represent the people who elected him, does not ask questions or do the research required to gain knowledge of the issues before he votes, and does not understand how the system works, has no moral right to claim a council seat.

Attempting to legislate for New Philadelphia requires a dedicated council of seven members. You have lost control of your city through incompetence of many City Council members. Take it back. Do not let your future be decided by part-time council members who neither understand nor have a commitment to the responsibility which comes with the position. Citizens, you must become involved. At the very least, attend Committee and City Council meetings. Consider running for office. You owe it to yourself and your city.

Ohio Deer Hunters Donate 416,400 Meals To Needy

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 104,100 pounds of venison to local food banks so far this deer season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

“I am happy to see this program continue to grow each year. Ohio hunters once again have shown their generosity so Ohio’s food pantries will receive the nutritious red meat they so desperately need,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife.

The 104,100 pounds equals approximately 416,400 meals for needy Ohioans. To date, 2,082 deer have been donated with plenty of deer hunting opportunity left in the 2010-11 season. Last year at this time, 1,910 deer had been donated representing 95,500 pounds of venison.

Last year FHFH collected 116,750 pounds of venison from 2,336 deer through the entire season, which ran from September 2009 to February 7, 2010. Ohio county chapters with the highest numbers of deer donations so far are: Licking-208; Muskingum, Morgan and Perry-189; Coshocton, Tuscarawas, and Knox-160; Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Meigs, Vinton and Washington-137; and Franklin-121.

“We are thrilled that the partnership between FHFH and ODNR has resulted in greater numbers of donated deer – and meals provided – across Ohio again this year. With high unemployment in many areas fueling an even greater need for nutritious food items at food banks and feeding ministries, this growth could not have come at a better time, ” according to Josh Wilson, FHFH national operations director.

Hunters still have a weekend of deer-gun hunting, December 18-19, and eight weeks of archery hunting in Ohio. Archery season remains open until February 6. The statewide muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be held, January 8 – 11, 2011.

The Division of Wildlife collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. So far, a $100,000 subsidy grant was provided in two $50,000 allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by FHFH. The division subsidized this year's FHFH operation as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.

Venison that is donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are currently 71 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.

Currently there are 31 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the "Local FHFH" page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties they serve.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.


(EDITORS NOTE: Specific numbers of deer donated by individual chapters can be obtained by calling Vicki Ervin or Josh Wilson at the numbers listed below.)


For more information, contact:
Rick or Josh Wilson, FHFH National Headquarters - 1-866 -438-3434
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife - 614-265-6325
Lindsay Linkhart, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Central Ohio - 614-644-3925
Tom Lavergne, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northwest Ohio - 419-424-5000
Jamey Graham, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northeast Ohio -330-644-2293
Susie Vance, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southeast Ohio - 740-589-9930
Kathy Garza-Behr, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southwest Ohio - 937-372-9261
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations - 614-265-6860

New Philadelphia City Council Meetings for December 13, 2010

For those of you who may be interested, the following items are scheduled to be discussed at tonight's, December 13, 2010, New Philadelphia City Council committee meetings which begin at 6:15 PM.

6:15 PM -Review New Philadelphia Fire Department Ambulance Charges

6:45 PM - Renewal of the lease between the City of New Philadelphia and the State of Ohio for the use of state property upon which the east end of the runway at the city airport rests

7:00 PM - Increases in the sewer rates for the City of New Philadelphia

Immediately following the 7:00 PM meeting - Appointment of Airport Commission members for the coming years

Regular City Council meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Of special interest in tonight's meeting will be the Gas Aggregation resolution.

New Philadelphia Gas Supplier Agreement Questioned

The following Letter sent to Michael Johnson, New Philadelphia Law Director, by Robert Conner expresses concerns about the gas aggregation legislation, Resolution 58-2010, being considered by the New Philadelphia City Council at the request of Mayor Taylor and sponsored by Mr. John Zucal, Chairman of the Special/Contact Committee. Copies of this letter were distributed by Mr. Johnson to Mayor Taylor, Council President Day, and all members of the New Philadelphia City Council. It raises questions about the appropriateness of the proposed legislation being discussed in the City Council. Resolution 58-2010 will be presented for a second reading at the City Council meeting on Monday, December 13, 2010, which begins at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

* * * * * *

ROBERT N. CONNER
122 North Avenue, NW
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
330-602-7001 rnconner@yahoo.com

December 4, 2010

Mr. Michael Johnson, Law Director
City of New Philadelphia
117 South Broadway
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663

Dear Mike,

Thank you for the information concerning Resolution 58-2010. I have looked it over and have some concerns in which you may be interested.

The use of the City letterhead in conjunction with that of Constellation Energy (CNEG), while an excellent marketing tool, should be reconsidered. The implication is that the City of New Philadelphia is a participating partner with Constellation in the providing of natural gas to its citizens.

The letter itself is misleading, stating, “Under this arrangement,….(CNEG) will be the exclusive natural gas supplier and provide the City of New Philadelphia’s citizens with offers for service beginning with the February 2011 billing cycle.” This is not factual as other natural gas suppliers which are doing business in New Philadelphia will not be terminated. “Exclusive” indicates that Constellation will be the sole supplier of natural gas within the City and is the only choice. From a marketing standpoint, while effective, the terminology raises a question of marketing ethics.

The reference to billing and maintenance as “your local utility” is ambiguous. The specific designation of Dominion East Ohio should be used to prevent confusion. A minor point but one which could be a precursor of misunderstanding.

The letter has potential for involving the City in future lawsuits. The tenor of the letter is that New Philadelphia, by authority of the Mayor, recommends New Philadelphia residents use Constellation Energy and concurs with Constellation Energy’s policies and procedures. The dual signature blocks at the bottom of the letter indicate a partnership.

The third page, first paragraph, of the letter, it states, “Voters in the City of New Philadelphia approved this aggregation program and in response the City of New Philadelphia passed an ordinance enacting the same.” I have no knowledge of such a referendum appearing on a ballot for the City of New Philadelphia, nor the passage of such, by the voters of New Philadelphia. Such a blatant lie should not be propagated among the citizenry, especially under the letterhead and signature of the Mayor of New Philadelphia.

Concerning the Contract:

Article 1.1

The City of New Philadelphia is committed to actively promote and market the services of CNEG. It further states that for the period of the contract the “City agrees that it will not endorse any other gas supplier during the term of this Agreement.” Such an agreement may open the City to charges of discrimination and/or possible action under Anti-Trust legislation.

Article 1.2:

The City of New Philadelphia is committed to participate in paying for advertising and mailing of advertising materials for CNEG.

Both Articles 1.1 and 1.2 are committing the City of New Philadelphia to become an active partner in the advertising and marketing programs of CNEG. This is not in the best interests of the City. Such commitment and action by the City, or its officers, may constitute a serious conflict of interest and/or constitutional issues. The City should not become involved in the activities of private businesses which are attempting to sell to the citizenry a product for financial gain.

Article 1.2(b) states that CNEG “may utilize City resources for advertising, promotion and consumer communications….for the term of this Agreement.” This opens the possibility of the use of City copy machines, sign making capabilities, personnel to deliver advertising and promotional materials house to house, advertising on City water bills, advertising on City vehicles, and commits the city to provide information on names, addresses, and possibly other information for all city residents listed in the City’s computer systems.

It is not in the best interest of the City to enter into an agreement or partnership with any vendor in which the vendor will be selling a product to citizens of the City. The use of the City logo, the terminology used in the cover letter, the Mayor signing the cover letter along with a CNEG representative, could be construed as a City mandate to use a specific natural gas supplier, namely Constellation New Energy.

There are other issues which cause concern. Thomas Bellish, of Buckeye Energy Brokers, who by resolution was authorized to represent the City in finding a proper natural gas supplier, recommended Direct Energy as the best choice gas supplier when the City is in conflict with Direct Energy because of a performance issue. This displays a gross lack of due diligence on the part of Mr. Bellish.

Mr. Bellish offered a donation to the City of $3.00 for each resident who signed up with Direct Energy, an offer which was not repeated with the CNEG proposal. Why was the $3.00 offered in the first place and why not with CNEG? Could it be because of a difference in natural gas price between the two being overshadowed by the commission?

During his original presentation, Bellish stated that he would be the New Philadelphia resident’s representative with the gas supplier. In a discussion with Robert Berry, Vice President of CNEG, Berry stated after the Marketing Agreement was signed, neither Bellish nor Buckeye Energy would be involved. All transactions after the signing would be between CNEG and its customers, no intermediary involved.

Could the City have done the same thing that Bellish did and come up with the same agreement. In short, yes. By contacting suppliers of natural gas the City Administration could have cut the same deal. There is the possibility that a better deal could have been made. Considering that Bellish works on a commission basis, the offer from CNEG might not be the least expensive to the consumer, but the most advantageous to Mr. Bellish. The way the situation is now, the New Philadelphia gas user who buys into the CNEG agreement may never know.

The City of New Philadelphia is not considering a contract with Constellation New Energy for the supply of natural gas to New Philadelphia. It may not enter into any contract on behalf of an individual citizen of the city. What the City and its Mayor are about to enter into is a marketing agreement between the City and CNEG which will allow CNEG the opportunity to use the City’s reputation in an aggressive marketing plan based on the good name of the City of New Philadelphia to sell natural gas to its residents. It is the same type of marketing agreement signed between Michael Jordan and Nike, with the same objective, to add legitimacy and credence to a sales campaign. What will the City be endorsing next? Pepsi over Coke? Burger King over McDonalds? Lauder over Clinique?

Lastly, I find it inconceivable that the City would consider passing legislation authorizing a letter signed by Mayor Taylor and an Exclusive Marketing Agreement, which contain empty spaces. These unfilled spaces reference contact information for Constellation Energy and other critical items including the cost per cubic foot of natural gas delivered, and the dates the agreement will be in force. All pertinent information should be stated in writing before any agreement comes out of Committee and is presented on the Council floor. The Marketing Agreement being considered for passage in its present form is tantamount to signing a contract for the purchase of real estate without the location and price being disclosed. I know of no attorney who would recommend the purchase of anything by presenting the seller with a signed blank check. If 58-2010 is passed in its present form, all parties involved will have failed their moral and legal responsibilities.

Passage of Resolution 58-2010 is ill-advised. The City of New Philadelphia has no moral nor legal right to become involved in a marketing plan with a supplier of any sort which is in a competitive industry doing business within the City.

Thank you for your time. I would appreciate your comments and am happy to discuss this with you at any time should you request it.

Respectfully,



Robert N. Conner

Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, And The American Character

Sixty-nine years ago the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. In what President Roosevelt called a day of infamy, the United States was drawn into the world's most destructive, devastating war.

I lived in Seattle in those dark days. The military was not prepared to take on a two front war. One of 35 anti-aircraft guns available to protect the west coast was located at the city playground not far from our house. We kids thought it pretty impressive. The barrel pointing upward and nearby the big ears of a sound detector which was designed to hear aircraft engines of approaching aircraft and determine their altitude and direction in which they were flying. No radar, just sound. We were unprepared to fight. Had the Japs landed on the west coast that day, the only protection the country could offer were the Rocky Mountains.

There was one factor which only Japanese Admiral Yamamoto recognized. He said at the time of the attack, "We have awakened a sleeping giant." From the destruction of the Pacific Fleet, the loss of 2,500 American lives, the sleeping giant, the American character shook itself from the depression of the 1930s which was still ongoing in 1941, took a deep breath, and joined in defeating two of the greatest threats to freedom the world has ever experienced.

On December 8, the United States declared war on Japan. On December 11, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. In four days, the United States took on which, at the time, were two undefeated military opponents, the Germans and the Japanese. There was no hesitation. There was no fear. Deep concern, but no thought of letting either the Japanese or Germans take away our liberty and freedom.

America had the industry to do the job. Natural resources which God had provided our nation were plentiful. Factories producing consumer products were converted to the production of war materials. Singer Sewing Machine production was changed to weapons manufacturing in a matter of months. Aircraft production exploded and in less than a year the Boeing plant in Seattle was producing a B-17 Flying Fortress every hour, 24 hours a day, and they were only one of many plants which built the mightiest air force in the world. The American worker was up to the job and provided all the materials that the U.S. military needed to fight a two front war while at the same time produced enough additional materials to supply our allies.

The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps expanded rapidly. Before the 1939 draft, the Army alone was only 175,000 men strong. The draft increased it to 1.4 million before December 7. The response of the country after Pearl Harbor was a rapid increase it the Army's size, not only because of the draft but of patriots who enlisted, to more than 8.3 million men by the end of the war in 1945.

Were it not for the United States involvement, the war would certainly have been lost. Without America's men, resources, know-how, and America's belief in God, World War Two would have been lost.

It was the American spirit which made the difference. American pride, courage, and determination freed the world from oppression and saved our country, our liberty, and freedom. It was the American ethic which, after the war was over, rebuilt Europe, including Germany, Italy, and Japan. The United States took nothing in the way of conquered lands. It helped the countries devastated by war, aided people displaced from their homes, fed the hungry and cured the sick, not because it had to, but because it was right.

Sixty-nine years ago America suffered through the beginning of a world changing conflict. But in the long run, it won and for a while the world was a better place.

December 7, 1941 was not a disgrace, disaster, or humiliation. It was a day which showed that the American dream was capable of reaching into its deepest inner soul and meeting any challenge. That dream still lives.

New Philadelphia Police Union Asks For Pay Increase

Thanksgiving is over. Black Friday, that magical day after Thanksgiving when stores cut prices to reasonable levels in hopes of breaking even for the year, is past. The weather is cold, damp, and wet. The prospects of snow increase day by day. Unemployment is on the increase again. Housing foreclosures are on the increase. Personal bankruptcies have exceeded one and a half million through October this year, a new high. More than 58,500 businesses filed bankruptcy papers during the same period. Negotiations for pay increases for city employees has begun. Yep, the holiday season is underway.

We live in an age of greed, selfishness, and feelings of entitlement. Starting in the 1960s, the work ethic in the United States changed. Pride of craftsmanship was traded for the easy dollar. This is the curse of the MBA, that highly educated group, if you have low expectations of education, of managers whose total ambition was to build the bottom line, to make larger profits. These supposed financial geniuses had the book learning but no practical understanding of business. It is unfortunate that they succeeded in destroying the concepts of dedication to God, country, and family which made the United States the great nation it was once. In its place they created a society where bigger is better, where morality, responsibility, and pride in self was replaced by the concept of “you owe me”.

The principle of responsibility for one’s self has all but disappeared. The pride of a job well done has for the most part been replaced with the concept of I deserve things and if I don’t work for them, then somebody should provide them to me. The idea of being paid for the work one does seems no longer to exist. Employment is now considered to be a right instead of a privilege.

It used to be that that pay raises were based on achievement. You work harder, you get promoted, you make more money. That and the acceptance of responsibility, was the bellwether of pay raises. Today that is no longer the case. There does not seem to be any correlation between ability, competence, professionalism and wage scales. The last negotiations between the City and the Police Union, along with the other three city unions, were unique in a number of ways. With the rest of the country in a depression, pay raises were granted city employees not based on achievement or job proficiency.

Police officers in New Philadelphia are in the top 20% of wage earners in the city. The average salary in the department, including benefits (wages, sick pay, hospital and medical care, retirement, clothing, paid holidays, overtime, personal days, special assignment differentials, et cetera) is in excess of $65,000 per annum. Not bad when the average income for city residents is somewhat below $44,000.

How did the wage scale get to the level it has for city employees during three depression years? What happened is two fold.

First, the administration has been inept in its negotiations. Unions have been advised by union negotiators, lawyers who do nothing but represent union members in conflicts with the city. The City failed to hire competent attorneys to represent it in such discussions. During the past negotiations the attorney hired by the Administration was not qualified in the intricacies of labor law, being primarily a human resources (personnel) manager. The City was in jeopardy at the start and never recovered. Members of City Council, for the most part, did not perform diligently to determine if the city was able to afford the pay raises, most of which were based on creation of new positions of sergeant and lieutenant, and the lumping together of all patrolmen into the highest paid level. City councilmen generally approved pay increases for 2% with the promise of reopening negotiations at the end of the year.

Secondly, when disputed contracts go to arbitration, the referee has a long association with the union movement, generally as a long term union member of good standing. When union lawyers present their case to a friendly arbitrator while the City uses an attorney who is not familiar with, nor has experience with, union law, the result is fairly well predictable. In the past, such conflicts have been decided on the principle that the City has the money and can afford the increases. There is no reason to suspect that the same formula will be used in the upcoming union contract discussions.

The police are going to ask for more money, probably more benefits as well. In return they won’t be asked to do anything more for the citizens than they already do. No increase in services, no increase in courtesy, no increase in patrolling of troublesome areas, no increased enforcement of the laws and ordinances which they ignore now. Business as usual, that’s the plan. But if they don’t get the wage and benefit increase they want? Well, it can’t get any worse. Or can it?

So here we go again. There will be much ado in the negotiations but they will be the same smoke and mirrors approach of the past. The city will be hit again for unjustified increased expense brought about by self-interest on the part of the unions. The added expense to the city will be made up as the mayor’s promised during his election campaign, to raise city taxes to pay the cost of City wage increases and layoffs will not be considered.

So here we have it. Another year of neophyte City negotiators taking on Union professionals. You would think that the Mayor and City Council would learn from their past ineptitude. But they won’t.

Welcome to the start of the holiday season.