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Friday
May 16, 2008

Ask the Mayor

Your Government in Action

February 9, 2006

Pam of South Charleston asks,

"I have grown up in Clark County,and lately I am disgusted by how things look and are ran in Springfield. Anywhere you go in the city, North St., Columbus Ave.,Lagonda Ave.,Mcreight, etc..... all you see is filth, filthy houses, filthy yards,why?And the people are just as bad it is like no one in that city has any pride anymore.And no one is making them clean up anything.And as for the voice issue, well that sir, speaks for itself, just look at the Walmart issue, you did not allow those from the Township and /or County vote on it , why? Well, I know why , we would never have allowed it, really look at the one on Bechtle Ave. that store is filthy, and the sad thing is within 1 year the new one will look the same. Dayton is cleaning up there city and reducing the amount of people on Government assistance, so why aren't any of you? Springfield really has nothing to offer anyone who comes to visit except bars, and not everyone drinks! There is nothing for the young people to really do any longer, oh, I forgot they opened a skate rink, in the middle of a slum.As I said, why don't you conduct a survey and ask the public what they think of your city and what needs to improve,you may be shocked at what you learn. I am not the only person who feels this way I know hundreds of people that I have spoke with and they all agree. Also, you want to revitalize the city well then I suggest cleaning it up , the Hospital downtown is in no way going to do that. I have friends who work for the hospital who have said this is a huge mistake, they will run out room, there will be no ample parking and where it is going to be located is not the best area.That is another issue that we the public did not get a voice in, and again, because we wouldn't have allowed it. People from the county do not want to drive that far for a hospital, so if we have to go that far why not go to Madison County for services, at least we know we wouldn't get robbed.And what are you going to do with 2 empty hospitals? That were just remodeled? Well I am probaly burning some bridges by now,oh well, this is how a lot of people feel, just ask and then listen. And in conclusion, I would even donate my time since I am fortunate enough to stay at home with my children, to help conduct such survey and/or let you know what areas need to be cleaned up to help you enforce it."

Mayor Copeland replies,

"You raise so many questions that I am not sure exactly where to begin. I will try to answer the big ones:

By State law you have to live in a local jurisdiction in order to vote on matters within its borders. Thus, you must live inside the City to vote on City zoning etc. I do not make State law. I am required to follow it.
We have done a number of citizen surveys. They show that most of our citizens are reasonable happy with city services. We have also eliminated a number of City jobs during the past three years in order to balance our budget. We probably cannot eliminate jobs and do all of the things you want us to do at the same time.
I live in a southside neighborhood that is not trashy. I have been in neighborhoods on all other sides of Springfield that are not. Springfield has poverty and low income neighborhoods with housing in bad repair. We are constantly at work on that.
The hospitals decided to merge and build a new hospital. Those were not decisions made by the City. Once those decisions were made, we worked hard to get the merged new hospital located in downtown Springfield. I have seen preliminary drawings of the new hospital. It will be a beautiful addition to the community and should spark other significant improvements downtown. By the way, one option they considered was north of town, much further away for you.
The current generation often does not show the responsibilty you and I learned. I assume that is true in every community, including yours. It makes me unhappy too, and I confront people who are throwing trash when I see it. I do not shop at Walmart; I shop at Meijer and Krogers. I do not find either of them trashy. I have tried to get Krogers to upgrade the South Limestone store, but it is generally not trashy.

I hope I have at least responded to most of your concerns. I recognize that we have deteriorated housing and low income people living in Springfield. I try to do everything I know how to do to increase good jobs and improve neighborhoods. We have lived here for nearly thirty years. We have raised our children and now enjoy our grandchildren here in Springfield. They find plenty positive to do. We think this is a good place to live. I am sorry you do not agree."

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