Outside Erie

8 Responses to “Comment of the Week — Local is What Matters”

1. Dan
   November 7th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

   Agree. Erie needs a change from 40+ yrs of Democrats running this city into the ground.

2. Mike
   November 8th, 2008 at 11:33 am

   I’ll second that Dan. It seems like a jolt of electricity must go through the lever if people try to vote Republican in Erie.

   All kidding aside though, I think it goes beyond just the elected leadership. I believe Joe Sinnott is a decent mayor,but because of how deep the politics run in Erie he can only do so much to change things. It’s been stated on here before that there are many “Power Players” that are behind the scenes that have a large say in how things are done- and the unions are included in the “Power Player” list. That’s at the root of the problem. After seeing what happened to Filippi- yes he was arrogant and made bad decisions- but he was also met with resistance to change coming from all directions, I feel that no matter who the mayor is or who is elected to lead in Erie, it won’t be enough by itself to change the culture in the positive direction that is sorely needed.

3. George Vietze
   November 8th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

   The Mayor is doing a good job with what he has to work with given the tough economic conditions, if enough constituency get behind the administration it could gain the synergy to overcome most of the behind the scenes power structure. He needs an adequate salary and the backing and respect of the majority of the community and the political support will gather around that synergy. The problem is that outside sources do not want the administration to gain that support and change things from the way they are. The community needs to pick a horse and support that choice and hold them accountable.

4. anonymous
   November 9th, 2008 at 10:19 am

   Read that the Mayor gave $200,000 to the ice machine company. Heard this company has never made any money since it was bought out of bankruptcy. Is this considered economic development by the Mayor. If we promise to generate jobs in Erie and consistantly lose money, do you think we can get some of the Enterprise Fund money too?

5. julio c reyes
   November 9th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

   Dan,

   I thought I was bad but you really are something else. You might want to consider moving to Alaska you might feel right at home with a bright Governor arguably smarter than Rubye, Pat and Jim Thompson together of course with a convicted felon as their Senator.

   You said:

   “I like Mayor Sinnott and think he’s doing a good job”

   See the important thing is that people should careless if they like or not the politicians and pseudo leaders. The most important thing is to look at how they perform.

   While I might somehow agree that in some situations Joe Sinnott might be doing a decent job in other situations I believe he could have done much, much better.

   It is quite obvious he is in a difficult position given the economic situation of the City of Erie. There is no magic there. I guess the same should be true for the guys in City Council.

   To put it really crude for you, I rather take an ugly looking politician that does a good job rather than a nice looking politician making stupid mistakes putting the whole place and country in jeopardy. I rather take the smarter guy in the block willing to work hard and accomplish something assembling a good working team with qualified people rather than a fool that refuses to accept reality, only listen to their inner circle and make decisions based on tantrums, and emotions invocating to God and driving everybody out of a cliff.

   But again, what do I know I am just one of those minorities trying to bring progress to Erie. Also, luckily for me I do not vote otherwise just because I look Mexican you might be labeling me as an illegal attempting to vote for Obama.

   Disclaimer,

   This post should not be considered an endorsement in favor of City Council. I have repeatedly posted that some of those people sometimes do not even take a bath in a regular basis and some of them should be retired by now and babysitting their great, great great, grandchildren.

   I do consider myself a minority not because the color of my skin and heritage but rather because I try to analyze and understand the situation from a non bias, non partisan and non religious position without being indoctrinated and buying into dogma and propaganda.

6. Dan
   November 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

   Julio,
   What do you mean by “moving to Alaska”?
   I recently returned to Erie and lived for 26 yrs as minority in metro D-FW Tx where blacks and latinos outnumber white people.
   I am also confused about what I expressed as my opinion has to do with they way people look. I am basing my thoughts on the information and life experiences I have gathered in over 63 yrs on this planet.
   Why does expressing my opinion make me “something else” (more than bad)?
   Why is Erie still 40yrs behind? Same ol’ one party rule for 40yrs. Like it is said dumb is doing the exact same thing over and over for 40yrs and expecting things to change.

7. julio c reyes
   November 10th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

   Dan,

   My statement about you being “something else” was the most polite way I found to qualify your post because as you could see it was so outrageous and sickening that Peter already removed it.

   I recommended you to move to Alaska because it seems that State has a bigger Republican base therefore I assumed you could live happier there.

   I am also only expressing my opinion based on 54 years of life experiences.

8. Dan
   November 10th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

   Julio, my mis-understanding on the move to Alaska, which is a beatutiful state that I have been to. I’ve been a union member in “good standing” of IUE506 for a few yrs and TWU513 for 24yrs. The sixteen yrs in-between I worked in a suit and tie and dealt with professionals was just at a TWU513 union mtg on Oct 29th. I’m a retired lifetime status member. Of course the big push was for “O” and the Dems. I just feel that the ave everyday Republicans of today are the Democrats of the 1960’s. The radicals and liberals of 60’s have hijacked the Democratic party as it is today. The last President I voted for was Reagon on all the rest I voted not for but against an individual. I have also never voted a straight ticket. I beleive in more self reliance and working an honest chore for an honest day’s pay and not the gimme gimme attitude of most of todays younger union workers.
   I’m not really a bad guy but i do speak on what is presented in life to me and my perceptions as I understand them to be. Its a funny thing I retired last yr and even those that worked under my supervision still call me on the phone ( yes even my black freinds). Their planning an Octoberfest trip to Germany next year and want me to join them. So I think this has something to say about me not being a racist. A freind from Kenya also wanted to take me on a business trip to his home in Kenya.
   I don’t know I guess I just don’t communicate my points politically correct. I’m old school and “it is what it is”.