The Mayor, his dog and a parking lot…
04 Aug 2007
I spent most of the day today over at St. Luke’s in the ER, so rather than post about this story myself this late in the day, I recommend you head over and read what Craig wrote on Idea Treks. Craig makes some excellent points and has a very well written researched piece on this topic.
I agree that Craig did a good job with this story. I’d never been to his blog before; looks like a good place for return trips.
One thing not mentioned: parking lots are the hottest places on sweltering days. The pavement holds the sun’s heat and radiates it upward.
I know that spot where the Mayor was parked because I visit a business there. One part of his reason for parking where he did rings false because there’s plenty of parking spots in the same area. The video also indicated most were empty, so it wasn’t like he’d have to walk a great distance if he didn’t grab the handicap spot. Parking in a non-handicap spot would have added essentially nothing to the distance. I think it was all about parking in the shade — perhaps for the dog, perhaps also for his own comfort when he returned to the vehicle.
Anybody else wonder how it was that a reporter just happened to be in that parking lot at the right moment to catch the offense?
August 5th, 2007 at 4:11 am“Anybody else wonder how it was that a reporter just happened to be in that parking lot at the right moment to catch the offense?”
Yes, I found it interesting that the station knew about the infraction.
I am glad that they were there to film it and it is not simply a Finkbeiner moment but the greater issue. The spaces are for people that need the spaces and the Mayor is not one of them. He could have gotten a temporary permit, if he qualified. My wife has mobility problems and has a properly permitted tag that allows her to park in the spaces.
And as person who shares life with dogs, the car was no place for Scout on days like these in August.
The Mayor should have known better and he should also remember that none of us are above the law and yes he did say that he will pay the fine but in the future he should leave Scout at home and park in the proper place.
August 5th, 2007 at 7:23 amI was surprised to learn that he takes his dog to work. I’m further surprised that any animal, other than an assistance animal, is allowed in our city government offices. Is the Mayor the only one who gets this special perk?
August 5th, 2007 at 8:11 amI like the site too. Fun read.
Lily…dogs other than “Assistance” dogs are forbidden in 1 Gov., just like most business settings. The Mayor’s pooch has been in office right along with him for a long time. Scout wanders the 22nd floor at will for the most part. During a meeting I had in May with the members of real estate dept, scout wandered into the conference room we were using…on the opposit end of the floor from Carty’s office.
I have not noticed Carty “limping” in any of my encounters with him over the last several months. He walks quite fine and at a steady clip. Did ya notice the shoes he was wearing in the 13abc footage?…not something I’d wear if my foot hurt.
Nobody should be suprised that the media is following the Mayor. latley, he’s provided plenty of fodder for the press. He’s apparently blissfully unaware of the negitive opinions about him and the surge of “catch him in the act” activity going on everywhere.
Please note..the office he was in is accross the street from the new Cosco.
August 5th, 2007 at 9:40 amFinky is above the law, or so he thinks. Does anything he’s done surprise anyone. I can see him issuing a citizen arrest parking ticket to some 85 year old lady who didn’t have a handicap sticker. I doubt this is the first time Finky parked in a handicap parking spot
August 5th, 2007 at 9:48 amCHAPTER 351 Parking Generally Toledo Muni Code
351.21. Special locations for the handicapped.
(a) No person shall stop, stand or park any motor vehicle at special parking locations provided for the handicapped under this section or at special, clearly marked, parking locations provided the handicapped in or on privately owned parking lots, parking garages or other parking areas, unless the motor vehicle is being operated by or for the transport of a handicapped person and is either displaying a parking card issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.44 or displaying a special license plate(s) authorized by that section.
(b) When a motor vehicle bearing a special handicapped license plate(s) or the parking card provided in Ohio R.C. 4503.44 is being operated by or for the transport of a handicapped person, the motor vehicle shall be permitted to park for a period of two hours in excess of the legal parking period permitted by ordinances or regulations, except where such ordinances or regulations provide otherwise or where the vehicle is parked in such a manner as to be clearly a traffic hazard. (ORC 4511.69).
(c) As used in this section, “handicapped” means having lost the use of one or both legs, or one or both arms, who is blind, deaf or severely disabled as to be unable to move about without the aid of crutches or a wheelchair, or whose mobility is restricted by a permanent cardiovascular, pulmonary or other handicapping condition.
(ORC 4503.44; Ord. 727-86. Passed 9-30-86.)
http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Ohio/toledo/toledomunicipalcode?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:toledo_oh
August 5th, 2007 at 10:13 am“Lily…dogs other than “Assistance” dogs are forbidden in 1 Gov., just like most business settings.”
Well, maybe yes, maybe no.
Is there a stated policy on the doors or entry way?
The few times that I have been to the building I have seen none. Questions put to the state agency responsible for the building have gone unanswered.
http://oba.ohio.gov/html/disalle.htm
fenlon@oba.state.oh.us
August 5th, 2007 at 10:18 amI’m personally enjoying the fact that members of the Finkbeiner administration are “whipping out a badge” to save the expense of the ticket. It really is apparent that “assumed perks” are rampant in this administration.
How did Reinbolt get a “badge” to whip out? And how do I file these parking “perks”, “Finkbeiner administration” or “democrat party”?
August 5th, 2007 at 10:47 am“Anybody else wonder how it was that a reporter just happened to be in that parking lot at the right moment to catch the offense?”
Hmmm, must have been tipped off by someone in a position to notice such things…
August 5th, 2007 at 12:12 pmThe Blade published a small article on this incident today.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070805/NEWS03/70805023&SearchID=73289346091930
In their report it says:
The fine for parking in a handicapped space is $100, according to the Downtown Toledo Parking Authority.
When I searched for a fine amount for my blog post I found the ORV code that states a minimum $250 fine. Does city law supercede state law in these instances?
August 5th, 2007 at 1:00 pmCraig, like maybe the person who issued the ticket?
August 5th, 2007 at 1:04 pmmaybe
August 5th, 2007 at 1:28 pmThat really is to say “maybe.” I dunno who exactly called in the tip or who wrote the ticket, they may be one in the same or they may be in an equal capacity.
August 5th, 2007 at 1:32 pm“When I searched for a fine amount for my blog post I found the ORV code that states a minimum $250 fine. Does city law supercede state law in these instances? ”
While you do provide a source for the dollar figure there is:
“737.051 City auxiliary police unit – city parking enforcement unit.
(A) The legislative authority of a city may establish, by ordinance, an auxiliary police unit within the police department of the city, and provide for the regulation of auxiliary police officers. The director of public safety shall be the executive head of the auxiliary police unit, shall make all appointments and removals of auxiliary police officers, subject to any general rules prescribed by the legislative authority by ordinance, and shall prescribe rules for the organization, training, administration, control, and conduct of the auxiliary police unit. Members of the auxiliary police unit shall not be in the classified service of the city.
(B)(1) The legislative authority of a city may establish, by ordinance, a parking enforcement unit within the police department of the city, and provide for the regulation of parking enforcement officers. The director of public safety shall be the executive head of the parking enforcement unit, shall make all appointments and removals of parking enforcement officers, subject to any general rules prescribed by the legislative authority by ordinance, and shall prescribe rules for the organization, training, administration, control and conduct of the parking enforcement unit. The director may appoint parking enforcement officers who agree to serve for nominal compensation, and persons with physical disabilities may receive appointments as parking enforcement officers.
(2) The authority of the parking enforcement officers shall be limited to the enforcement of ordinances governing parking in handicapped parking locations and fire lanes and any other parking ordinances specified in the ordinance creating the parking enforcement unit. Parking enforcement officers shall have no other powers.
(3) The training the parking enforcement officers shall receive shall include instruction in general administrative rules and procedures governing the parking enforcement unit. The role of the judicial system as it relates to parking regulation and enforcement, proper techniques and methods relating to the enforcement of parking ordinances, human interaction skills, and first aid.
Effective Date: 07-13-1990″
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/737.051
Typically a city through legislation can enact a regulation or code that is not more restrictive than the state unless the Home Rule is used.
August 5th, 2007 at 2:18 pmCraig: How is ticketing on private property done? Would a TPD officer patrol the lot looking for violations, or would that have been spotted by private security and phoned in to police to have it checked out?
Also, might it have been a private citizen who alerted police?
Is there anything on the Mayor’s car indicating whose car it is?
August 5th, 2007 at 2:35 pmLily..his suv is obvious..papered in “Toledo Pride” stickers.
August 5th, 2007 at 2:44 pmI don’t know how ticketing is done. That’s a good question. I suppose any place of business, private property or not, that has a public entrance and parking can be patrolled by TPD. There are hundreds of handicapped spots all thru the city in front of large and small stores and large and small businesses. Does the TPD just make random patrols thru these areas on a daily basis?
As far as this particular piece of property goes, the space where Carty parked could be seen relatively easily by anyone who passes by on Central Ave.
August 5th, 2007 at 4:19 pmThe lot at the shopping center is open to the public for the use of the public to access the stores and offices.
CHAPTER 309
Parking Violations Bureau
Spells out in great detail the regulations concerning parking.
http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Ohio/toledo/toledomunicipalcode?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:toledo_oh
August 5th, 2007 at 4:38 pmneighborhood concerns is a genius at finding public policy!
August 5th, 2007 at 4:42 pm“neighborhood concerns is a genius at finding public policy!”
No.
Just use the city web site – http://www.ci.toledo.oh.us/
Right column – Municpal Code
http://www.amlegal.com/toledo_oh/
Searching the code can be a bit arcane at times. Use single words and try different words. Interpreting the code can be iffy. Need to apply the code to the situation.
I studied to be a paralegal but would not fit into corporate culture or law culture.
August 5th, 2007 at 4:52 pmThe mayor is going to accept responsibility and pay the ticket. The reasons he did it are just as they were reported in the paper. Scout was well ventilated and doing fine. Windows were all the way down and the was able to stick his head out. The only distress he suffered was being pestered by reporters.
This was a doctor’s office and it was after his standard office hours. The mayor was there for treatment and knew nobody else would be there to use those spots. He would not have used them during normal business hours.
Chad, the mayor has walked with a distinct limp now for more than a week. Reporters commented on it when he walked into his last press conference.
August 5th, 2007 at 7:34 pmBrian, the law is the law whether it is during office hours or not. Handicapped spots are for permit-holders only, no matter if there are a hundred open ones or not. The mayor thought he was above the law and there is no excuse for it.
I thought he was at a massage therapy office, not a doctor’s office.
August 5th, 2007 at 7:46 pm“He would not have used them during normal business hours.”
He had no right or need to use the parking space at any time of day or night. He had no placard or license plate granting him the right to use the space.
August 5th, 2007 at 7:56 pmDell Diva,
My mistake. It was a massage therapist.
The mayor accepts what he did was against the law and will pay the ticket. Is there something else you want him to do?
August 5th, 2007 at 8:04 pmBrian, did the dog tell you he was stressed by the reporters, or did you just read his mind?
Please explain why the Mayor is allowed to take a dog to gov center.
Also, are there any other laws the Mayor feels comfortable breaking?
August 5th, 2007 at 8:05 pm“The mayor accepts what he did was against the law and will pay the ticket. Is there something else you want him to do?”
How about an assurance to the disabled community that the Mayor regrets his decision to park in the space and he understands the gravity of the issue, that the spaces are for disabled or those with medically verified disabilities.
August 5th, 2007 at 8:11 pmBrian, accepting what he did was against the law is hardly adequate. That’s a given and we all know it was against the law. He needs to discard his excuses, make an apology, swear to never do it again, and make alternate arrangments for the care of his dog when he’s going somewhere (including to the office). And then he should go get a temp parking permit so he can use handicap spaces if he needs them. He could show the public how easy it is to do so — whether they get their own, or have someone who’s in better shape physically go get the permit for them. There may be people who don’t know temp permits are available. All they need is a form from their doc to get one.
August 5th, 2007 at 8:16 pmAnd Ohio does permit Assistance dogs into public buildings but the owner has to meet the following requirements:
(1) “Mobility impaired person” means any person, regardless of age, who is subject to a physiological defect or deficiency regardless of its cause, nature, or extent that renders the person unable to move about without the aid of crutches, a wheelchair, or any other form of support, or that limits the person’s functional ability to ambulate, climb, descend, sit, rise, or perform any related function. “Mobility impaired person” includes a person with a neurological or psychological disability that limits the person’s functional ability to ambulate, climb, descend, sit, rise, or perform any related function. “Mobility impaired person” also includes a person with a seizure disorder.
(2) “Blind” means either of the following:
(a) Vision twenty/two hundred or less in the better eye with proper correction;
(b) Field defect in the better eye with proper correction that contracts the peripheral field so that the diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees.
(3) “Assistance dog” means a guide dog, hearing dog, or service dog that has been trained by a nonprofit special agency.
(4) “Guide dog” means a dog that has been trained or is in training to assist a blind person.
(5) “Hearing dog” means a dog that has been trained or is in training to assist a deaf or hearing-impaired person.
(6) “Service dog” means a dog that has been trained or is in training to assist a mobility impaired person.
Effective Date: 03-17-1989; 11-26-2004; 06-30-2006
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/955.011
August 5th, 2007 at 8:45 pmBrian…thanks for clarifying the durration of his “injury”. I’ll grant ya, I have not been in a meeting with him in 2 weeks or so, so if he was injured after that, I wouldn’t know. As of my last meeting, the day before he left for Colorado..he was not limping.
August 5th, 2007 at 9:22 pmBrian…thanks for clarifying the duration of his “injury”. I’ll grant ya, I have not been in a meeting with him in 2 weeks or so, so if he was injured after that, I wouldn’t know. As of my last meeting, the day before he left for Colorado..he was not limping.
August 5th, 2007 at 9:22 pmChad,
The Achilles tendon problem has been off and on for a couple months. He aggravated it last week.
I discussed this issue with my father-in-law over the weekend. He is the father of a grown son who has been in a wheelchair since birth. His first reaction was “Good! He deserved a ticket.” But after I described the circumstances to him, he didn’t think it was that big of deal. Nobody who needed a handicapped spot was deprived of a handicapped spot. Because of the hour, the mayor knew nobody would be deprived of a handicapped spot.
The issue of Scout is not important since the windows were down, the car was shaded, and he was obviously fine or the news would have reported on his distress.
Lily White, are you aptly named and claim that you have never committed a minor misdemeanor that you felt justified in committing, such as speeding to get to an appointment for which you were late. We all break the law. I speed all the time. I get caught, I admit I broke the law, and I pay the ticket. It doesn’t mean I feel like I need to commit a public act of contrition. Heck, I might speed again.
I think some of you need to look up the word “Sanctimony” in the dictionary and see if it does not apply to you.
August 5th, 2007 at 10:16 pmBy the way, Scout meets the legal definition of an assistance dog. He does not function as one. Scout is good for morale on the 22nd floor.
NC, go on quoting the city code and the ORC. It doesn’t matter. Scout is coming to One Government Center every day if you like it or not.
August 5th, 2007 at 10:20 pmI’ve been thinking about this since it happened, I of course believe that people should not park in handicapped parking spots without a permit, but I also wonder given the limited number of police we have right now and the other areas of this city, as one example at the shopping plaza where Aldi’s is on Glendale where people park illegally in both handicapped spots and in a firelane that Toledo police cruisers drive right by with out stopping to cite any of them…that it seems a bit planned that the Mayor was not only cited but that the media was contacted. While I don’t believe people should be given a free pass on parking citations, it’s also obvious that unless it involves the Mayor or some other official that it seems most citizens get away with parking illegally daily.
I ran into Aldi’s tonight to grab a few things, there were over 8 cars parked illegally, a Toledo police car pulled into the shopping center, there is no way they missed the illegally parked cars, drove right by them and pulled into Panera Bread. In the almost year we have lived here, there has not been one time where we have gone into or by that Plaza and not seen cars parked illegally. Only one time ever have we seen a Toledo police car citing these cars.
The Mayor should of course lead by example, but he is going to pay the fine rather than to try to fight it, though I do agree with Craig’s suggestion and the others that have suggested the Mayor should consider a temporary handicapped permit while he is under treatment. That way it won’t be a problem in the future.
August 5th, 2007 at 10:47 pmI think what people are missing here is neither about the ticket nor Scout being left in the SUV. It’s not even about whether the mayor needs a therapist–massage or otherwise.
The real issue is that the mayor expects certain behavior from people yet he doesn’t do it himself.
We all break the law. I speed all the time. I get caught, I admit I broke the law, and I pay the ticket. It doesn’t mean I feel like I need to commit a public act of contrition. Heck, I might speed again.”
That’s exactly it Brian. So does this mean that Carty will tone-down his rhetoric, posturing and politicking like he told city council to do or will we be hearing more poaching, pirating, and pilfering?
Why does the mayor think it’s o.k. for him to do the same things he scolds city council and others about?
If Carty doesn’t want to be criticized, then why does he open himself up to it?
August 5th, 2007 at 11:17 pmBrian…I really have mixed feelings on it. At this point… he should have parked in the closest reg. spot. He should have had his wife pick the dog up or given someone $5 to take it home for him.
Right now, I’m primarily concerned with the attack on my wife last night, the slow response time from the police and the lack of assistance today in locating the guy that beat the crap out of my wife. The fact that I have been home all day, except for 1 hour, and I have not seen a cop or patrol since they left here last night. I called the watch commander downtown and nobody has returned my calls. I’ve been trying to add to the description and details of his know hang outs.
So, for the moment, I think hitting the mayor w/ a ticket is a far lower priority than catching a crackhead woman beating, looser that’s still running the streets.
August 5th, 2007 at 11:18 pmChad,
I’m sorry to hear about your wife. It sounds like you’re experiencing first hand what people were complaining about regarding the police at the June town hall meeting.
Now Chad, we know that Mrs. Finkbeiner was in no condition to pick up Scout. She herself needed a ride.
August 5th, 2007 at 11:32 pmJay, I see your point but if all of us were to be honest, we have all been hypocrites at one time or another. It’s a part of human nature, even for elected officials. I’d have a larger problem with this if he did as other officials have done in the past and believed he was above the law after being caught for what is in reality a minor infraction. It’s not as if it is a felony that can be used to try to remove him from office. It’s not as if he flashed a badge and said “I’m the Mayor I can do what I want deal with it”.
Chad, that’s where I’m coming from on that too, if we have such a limited police force that your wife goes through what she did last night and not only is the guy still not caught but you have not seen a more visible police presence? Maybe our police department should concentrate on what is more important than the Mayor parking in a handicapped spot in an empty parking lot. Now, if the lot would have been full and he would have created a scenario where a person with a permit would not have been able to park there, and called to report it? That would have at least been a bit more understandable. Or if Scout would have been in visible distress and someone would have reported it for that reason.
August 5th, 2007 at 11:37 pmJay, that’s a bit snide, and I’d point out our Mayor’s wife does not have the history like the wife of the Mayor of Columbus when it comes to alcohol issues.
There does however seem to be an increase in alcohol use by both elected officials and their spouses, is this because we watch them under a microscope so we know or is it because they are under the microscope is something that might be interesting to discuss at some future point.
August 5th, 2007 at 11:42 pmLR, I don’t think it is snide since it is true. Have a quick look at my blog at the top. I’ll be happy to explain my remark to you via email.
August 6th, 2007 at 12:12 amJay, was she arrested for drinking or public intoxication? Did you see her pounding down beers? Or are you making an assumption that she was drinking?
I need to take pain medication at times, and it is this very type of assumption that has made me not go to public events where people could be whispering asking if the blogger is drunk when the reality is, the blogger was in pain. Like right now, I fully admit I am PUI (posting under the influence of pain meds)
Thankfully you aren’t here to photograph me as I look pretty darn crappy.
I have no idea what the situation is with her but I do know unless she is caught or admits she has a problem like what happened in Columbus, it could be many things…
August 6th, 2007 at 12:37 amBrian, I don’t need to look up sanctimony. I see it in your post.
The reporter did say the dog was in distress. Didn’t you see the report when it originally aired? A later, shorter version left that part out.
You talk about breaking the law as if you’re proud of it. It’s sad that you feel so entitled to do so. And that you feel no reason to be contrite is pretty disgusting.
You also seem to think it’s okay to thumb your nose at the rules governing the building where you work. We can just lump it, or so your attitude indicates. It’s really not cute to be inventing new definitions for assistance dogs — animals that have far more serious tasks than boosting the morale on the 22nd floor. You are demeaning and belittling, and your words do not reflect well on your boss or the city. Maybe if the work environment on the 22nd floor were improved you wouldn’t need to go to the dogs.
You and Scout have a lot in common: you meet the legal definition of city spokesperson, but I’m not sure you’re functioning as one — not if you think it behooves the city’s image to have you show up here bragging about the laws you break.
And by the way, I have never gotten a ticket. I respect the law and I follow it. You may think that’s a trait worthy of derision, but that’s just one of the many differences between us.
Lisa, people do get ticketed when they park where they’re not supposed to. True, the police don’t catch everyone, but how could they? I, too, would like to know how the police noticed the Mayor’s car, and I’d like to know how the media got there, but that’s just curiosity on my part. The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter; what does matter is what the Mayor did. Ignoring the law is not an attractive quality in a city official. It’s even less attractive when he then tries to justify it with excuses.
Also, I don’t see how the Mayor could even consider fighting the ticket. Who would win that fight? Would you? Would I? His saying he’ll pay the ticket is a no-brainer and meaningless given that he’s required to do so.
And of course there are more serious things than parking violations going on in the city. Does that mean we should make a list of all the laws we won’t enforce and then pull them off the books? The laws were passed for a reason. Just because there are worse offenses doesn’t negate the fact that the Mayor displayed his poor judgment yet again.
I don’t think what he did was the end of the world, but it did indicate that he sees himself above the rules that govern everyone else — and I think leaving his dog in a car on such a hot day is inexcusable. Would the Mayor have liked sitting there for 45 minutes in a fur coat?
August 6th, 2007 at 1:33 amThe issue should be priorities, when you have lots of extra police officers and people are not waiting over an hour when someone has been physically assaulted then all of the parking miscreants on private property, including the Mayor should be dealt with.
There have been elected officials and city personnel who have tried to fight such citations or made it very clear they thought that even being cited was something that should not happen because of their position.
Let’s be honest, the only reason why this citation happened was because it was the Mayor, given the lack of enforcement when it comes to parking in handicapped zones and fire lanes if it would have been a regular citizen there would have been no media about the dog in the car, no ticket and most likely no one would have even complained. Try calling the police about a dog in danger when the Dog Warden is not open…no one responds…I’ve witnessed situations where a dog has been left in a car with even less ventilation and it was not deemed a priority call for law enforcement to deal with. I waited and informed the owner what I thought of them, whether it did any good or not is probably a separate issue.
If the Mayor would have left Scout in the sun, he would have been accused of being guilty of poor judgement yet again, if he would have been late to his appointment and had made the next person have to wait, he would have been guilty of poor judgement once again. At least this episode of him being guilty of poor judgement once again will make the City of Toledo $100.00 richer.
I’m very glad I’m not an elected official or an employee of the administration or even the wife of the Mayor as I would really hate to have to be under the constant microscope of judgment that people place on what like it or not are human beings that are going to screw up at times. I prefer being one of those who when I do screw up? It doesn’t make headlines.
Does he bring part of this on by demanding perfection from others? Of course, and that’s exactly why this whole thing happened. Which is why I said I understood Jay’s point, that the Mayor should remember the next time when he decides someone is lacking in perfection that he’s not without his own flaws as well. However, hypocrisy is a human trait that many of us exhibit at times…Even Mayor’s.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:16 amThere’s never going to be a time when we won’t have serious crime going on. There’ll always be more important things than parking violations. So should we all just park wherever we feel like it? I get your point, Lisa, but I don’t think anyone’s demanding perfection of the Mayor. That would just be a pipe dream.
When you waited to talk to someone about a pet left in a car, how’d that conversation go?
I do remember History Mike posting about a dog not too long ago.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:59 amNo, we should realize if we park in the wrong spot and we aren’t the Mayor maybe some day we might actually get caught and have to pay a fine. If we are an elected official we should expect to get caught sooner, which means if you are an elected official or a high level employee you should follow the laws even closer than regular citizens. You are always going to be a larger target, and one infraction like this will get more attention than something positive that is done. I don’t think it should always be that way but that’s the reality.
The most recent one the guy told me to go to hell, I told him that wasn’t very likely since I didn’t abuse animals. Before that the woman said she didn’t plan to be in the store that long and seemed upset that it had taken that long. I’d have to say over all in the half dozen or so times I’ve dealt with this personally most people are like the woman, they didn’t plan on being in the store that long.
August 6th, 2007 at 3:20 amI have not seen any patrols, or bike cops or any police officer since nearly 1 am sunday morning when they were here to get a description. I have not recieved a single call, nor a visit from any officer, detective or otherwise. I made 4 calls to various numbers in the phone book for the police, not a single returned call. I have further info on the person that attacked my wife, and yet, not a call, not a visit..nadda. I would do better to use my tax monies to pay a private security firm to handle this sort of thing.
August 6th, 2007 at 6:12 amJay…hence the “pay someone $5 to get scout home…hehehe
August 6th, 2007 at 6:35 am“NC, go on quoting the city code and the ORC. It doesn’t matter. Scout is coming to One Government Center every day if you like it or not.”
What person has the permit for Scout as an assistance dog?
Is there someone that needs the dog as an assistant?
Is the Mayor defined to need Scout as an assistance dog?
It is State Code not TMC, but you knew that.
August 6th, 2007 at 6:47 amCalling TPDBLUE…..
please contact me to give me guidence on how to continue with getting help from the police on this matter…I’m loosing faith in the dept.
twoquigleys@buckeye-express.com
August 6th, 2007 at 6:51 am“I pay the ticket. It doesn’t mean I feel like I need to commit a public act of contrition.”
As one of the commoners there is no need for contrition to the public for me but there is to myself and my family if I harmed them.
The Mayor holds the status of being a leader and by design he is that a leader and how many leaders have stubbornly refused to be contrite until one day…
And Mr. Schwartz you even stated you are the city’s spokesperson 24 hours a day 365 days a week and here you are exhibiting the same tone towards people with regards to the Mayor’s latest indiscretion.
We as citizens have a right to be vocal and speak out and the city’s spokesperson again speaking out against citizens who choose to state an opinion.
Should you not address the comments? Of course that is your choice but you are digging the whole for all of us a bit deeper.
The Mayor explained why he did what he did on camera, which is no excuse and he, is, the leader of the city.
August 6th, 2007 at 6:53 am“Lily White, are you aptly named and claim that you have never committed a minor misdemeanor that you felt justified in committing,”
This coming from our city’s PIO.
What does this say about city’s response to comments.
They are not welcome?
Who are you to comment on what the Mayor does?
The city does not like your name?
The city finds it necessary to make fun of a persons name?
Is this a professional demeanor that the city wants to put out to the public at large, when there is a difference of opinion.
August 6th, 2007 at 7:09 am“Here was his explanation. “There were no other people parked here. There were five other spaces. I have a semi-torn achilles tendon, my dog is overheated. That’s why we parked in the shade.”
“But, now the humane society has a problem with Mayor Carty Finkbeiner leaving his dog in his car.
The Humane Society says even after 20 minutes in the shade with the windows down temperatures in the car can soar.
The Humane Society say it only takes 107 to 110 degrees before an animal can suffer heat stroke, brain damage or death.”
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=local&id=5539491
August 6th, 2007 at 8:44 amI like the Toledo Free Press, also:
“Scout was training to be an actual assistance dog, a canine with special skills to help the blind, visually impaired or physically challenged. The dog developed arthritis and had to be removed from the program.”
Was training. Removed from the program.
So Scout is not an assistance animal?
http://www.toledofreepress.com/?id=4599
August 6th, 2007 at 9:01 amAwwww, an arthritic retiree is stuck in a hot car on one of the hottest days of the year. Seems like it’s time for a sit-in … er, bark-in. I’m picturing all the asssistance dogs in Toledo coming out to protest Scout’s treatment and to demand that, if Scout has to work the Mayor’s schedule, he should get an extra scoop of Alpo every day — or at least be allowed to bite the hand that feeds him. Because we now know dogs are permitted inside gov center, they can gather in the lobby where it’s cool. Carty will be responsible for cleaning up the gifts they leave on the floor. He’s used to cleaning up the messes he makes, so he’ll be qualified for the job.
August 6th, 2007 at 10:47 amHa ha Lily, I love the idea. Scout will probably want to bite the mayor today after he LEFT HIM IN THE CAR AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 6th, 2007 at 11:15 am: OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Chad Quigley on Mon, 2007-08-06 11:27.
Acording to Sarget Toney of the TPD, it was “only” 38 mins untill they arrived..whopdefreakindo. Also, assault is a lower priorty for the TPD than robbery. And because we don’t know the perps legal name, there’s nothing they can to to hunt him down…OUTRAGOUS!!!
I contend, that if Amy Finkbeiner was the victim..there would be a city wide 24/7 dragnet until the criminal was caught.
This is bullshit we live in and I’m sick of excuses…everyone has one.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:31 amBrian,
Dog Heat Exhaustion
Just as human athletes must take additional precautions during the “dog days of summer”, we as dog owners must watch over our canine athletes. Canine heat exhaustion, however, is not limited to canine athletes, every dog is a potential victim.
The leading cause of heat exhaustion, and its advancing into heat stroke; is leaving a dog in a hot car. Even on a mild day (75-80 degrees F), the temperature inside a car can raise up to 130 degrees rather quickly. Leaving a window slightly open will not prevent heat build-up. Leaving a dog in a car on a warm day is a risk to the dog’s life.
Dog’s do not sweat. Their only means of reducing built-up body heat is by panting. Long coats also hold in body heat. Clipping a dog’s coat a little shorter for the summer will help to keep the dog cooler. Be sure not to clip the hair too short or shave the dog – the dog’s coat protects him from sunburn and is additionally an insulator. The best thing to do in the summer for a long coated dog is to comb or brush the coat regularly. It will remove the shed hair, helping the skin to breathe and by reducing the excess hair the coat will tend to trap less heat.
The color of your dog’s coat also has an impact on your dog’s ability to reflect the sun’s rays. Black dogs absorb more of the sun’s rays than do dogs with lighter-colored coats.
There are many variables in triggering a dog to experience heat exhaustion; the dog’s physical condition, its age, its coat length, its breed, and its climatization to heat. An older, couch-potato, “snuggle the air conditioner” dog will have less tolerance to the heat than a young, romp outside all day, adolescent. Both the very young and very old dogs are among the highest risk categories. Brachycephalic (short muzzled) dogs, in general, are high risk on hot humid days.
The first signs of heat exhaustion:
a) Excessive panting
b) The skin on the inside of the ears becomes flushed and red.
Heat Exhaustion can progress in to Heat Stroke, as indicated by :
a) Weakness
b) Staggering
c) Fainting – loss of consciousness
Heat stroke is an emergency situation. If your dog shows signs of heat stroke, you must cool him down as rapidly as possible. Don’t wait for veterinary treatment. Heat Stroke is an Emergency – Treat the dog NOW ! Hose the dog down with cool water. Apply an ice pack to the dog’s head. If your dog is small enough to move – hold him in a tub of cool water. Do not stop treatment until your dog’s body temperature is approaching normal.
As soon as the dog’s internal temperature has stabilized at a near normal level transport the dog to your vet. Heat stroke can leave permanent damage.
Many dogs will play until they drop. You must supervise the games, and determine when it is time to stop. During hot weather limit your dog’s time outside. Be sure that there is a shaded area for your dog to rest in and that your dog has a constant supply of clean water.
The Mayor might want to get his dog to a vet since it was extremely hot that day.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:46 amBrian,
You might also want the Mayor to see a doctor as well.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
An all-pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour), need for admiration or adulation and lack of empathy, usually beginning by early adulthood and present in various contexts. Five (or more) of the following criteria must be met:
1. Feels grandiose and self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents to the point of lying, demands to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.)
2. Is obsessed with fantasies of unlimited success, fame, fearsome power or omnipotence, unequalled brilliance (the cerebral narcissist), bodily beauty or sexual performance (the somatic narcissist), or ideal, everlasting, all-conquering love or passion
3. Firmly convinced that he or she is unique and, being special, can only be understood by, should only be treated by, or associate with, other special or unique, or high-status people (or institutions)
4. Requires excessive admiration, adulation, attention and affirmation – or, failing that, wishes to be feared and to be notorious (narcissistic supply)
5. Feels entitled. Expects unreasonable or special and favourable priority treatment.
6. Demands automatic and full compliance with his or her expectations Is “interpersonally exploitative”, i.e., uses others to achieve his or her own ends
7. Devoid of empathy. Is unable or unwilling to identify with or acknowledge the feelings and needs of others
8. Constantly envious of others or believes that they feel the same about him or her
9. Arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes coupled with rage when frustrated, contradicted, or confronted
Some of the language in the criteria above is based on or summarized from: American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition (DSM IV). Washington, DC American Psychiatric Association. The text in italics is based on: Sam Vaknin – Malignant Self Love – Narcissism Revisited. For the exact language of the DSM IV criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) – please refer to the manual itself.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:56 amThis is quite an entertaining story. I’m not sure it’s worth publicly “hanging” Carty, but hopefully he’s learned his lesson.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:18 pmNo lesson to learn. He did it then and so would millions of others and he would do it again, so would I and also millions of others.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:23 pmPeace.
CarlJB
ps. Prove your side first. smile
CarlB – Your post makes no sense.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:31 pmI see that My comments are unneeded here.
Carry on everyone; you’re doing a great job!
August 6th, 2007 at 11:07 pmAnother example of the idot running this city….
Frank don’t always agree with your post’s, but this time your right on.
What he did today to that dog was pure arrogance, he wanted to prove a point at the expense of this dog’s health.
He says he had water in the car. How was he keeping the water cold? Does he have some kind of devise to do that? Not so much, so the dog was drinking hot water on top of the heat problem..
This guy is losing his mind, the recall effort is a blow to his over inflated ego. I can’t wait to the spin doctor on this one!!
P.S.: was on vacation up in Northern Michigan since last Wednesday, and the idiot even is being talked about up there.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:24 pmEmily Said:
This is quite an entertaining story. I’m not sure it’s worth publicly “hanging” Carty, but hopefully he’s learned his lesson.
Sorry Emily, there was a repeat performance on Monday afternoon.
http://ideatreks.wordpress.com/2007/08/06/oops-he-did-it-again/
August 7th, 2007 at 2:34 amThanks Mike,
I’m sure if we interviewed every mental health professional in Lucas County there would be unanimous agreement there is a personality disorder there.
August 7th, 2007 at 8:19 amI’m sure there’s a rule covering this in the AKA book or the drug dogs Highway patrol use. Instead of hatred why not consult these.
August 7th, 2007 at 9:26 amsmile
CB
I was just at the Kroger on Suder Avenue this past Saturday morning, and I’ve seen two cars with dogs in it and some barking elsewhere. Where’s the media in all of this? Pot calling it’s kettle……
August 7th, 2007 at 9:36 am“Where’s the media in all of this? ”
Well, the media, ABC13 reported on the Mayor parking in a handicapped spot and it was noted that he had his dog in the car.
And yesterday at a press conference the Mayor once more had his dog in his vehicle on a hot day and the press people assembled heard the Mayor’s dog barking.
I would not expect the media to purposely look for dogs in cars on hot days but it might be a bad idea to do that as an educational lesson.
The Humane Society recommends that when people see what you claim to have witnessed the police or Humane Cruelty officers should be notified.
August 7th, 2007 at 10:00 amLet’s not go into the handicapped spot issue cause I’ve seen countless of times people abuse that system around the area. Even the ones who abuse the usage of handicap stickers when they are not even handicap! So the mayor paid the fine, so what…let’s move on to something that is more relevant in our community. Like I said before, no one, and I repeat no one has any room to talk when it’s regarding to dogs in cars and parking in handicap spaces illegally.
August 7th, 2007 at 10:14 am“Even the ones who abuse the usage of handicap stickers when they are not even handicap!”
Who do you know that those that appear to not be handicapped are just, medically defined as handicapped?
My wife walks with a gate due to a stroke. Not every one needs to show an outward disability to prove the point.
And she has a tag from the state.
August 7th, 2007 at 10:23 amRocket Man you seriously need to go to the Government Center and walk right in to Carty’s office and report for Duty. Just be advised your going to have to push Brian S out the way to get to Hizzonor. Also be very careful if he stops to quick there could be an unfortunate incident, where surgery will be needed.
Now, anyone who tries to justify, defend, spin whatever you want to call it for what Carty Finkass has pulled over the last few days, needs to really evaluate there morals and common sense thought process.
This is unbelievable what I am reading. NO ONE I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO PARK IN A HANDICAP PARKING SPOT UNLESS YOU HAVE A PERMIT. FUTHERMORE LEAVING AN ANIMAL IN A HOT CAR FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME IS ANIMAL ABUSE, JUST BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE DO IT DOESN’T MAKE IT RIGHT, ESPECIALLY THE IDIOT RUNNING THIS CITY. GROW UP PEOPLE.
August 7th, 2007 at 10:44 ammike20..don’t your panty in a bunch. People should not just be outraged at Mayor Finkbeiner…but this is a common problem across the board with Average Joes and Mary-Anns. I don’t know why ya’ll need to get your wigs flipped over this.
August 7th, 2007 at 11:03 amI have finally come to the resolve it is pointless to argue with Carty apologists.
Now could someone please go change Carty’s diaper!!
August 7th, 2007 at 11:19 amFollowing Rockets Man’s logic, we should never arrest anyone for murder because some people get away with murder.
Mike20: Those who think laws don’t matter and animals aren’t all that important are going to think that way regardless of what arguments are presented to them — just as you and I will disagree with them no matter how often they tell us a suffering dog is no big deal and those no parking signs are there just for decoration, like Carty’s Toledo Pride signs.
I never paid attention to whether people had the proper permit to park in handicap spaces until I got a permit. After that, I did notice — and what I noticed was that, at least in my experience, those parking in the spaces had the permits on their license plate, or hanging on a rearview mirror, or sitting on the dashboard in view. I’m sure offenses happened every day all over the city; they just haven’t been happening where I’m parking.
It can also be that some people forget to take the permit out of their glovebox and hang it on the mirror. You’re told when you get the permit you are not supposed to keep it on the mirror (though many do) because it can block your view of traffic.
I got the permit because of a family member’s breathing problems (exertion like walking brings on severe shortness of breath) and blindness. But looking at my family member, you not see either problem.
August 7th, 2007 at 11:35 ammike20..since I am continually labeled as a Carty apologist by you. Is it safe to say that you are a habitual Carty-basher?
Lily White..such a bad analogy when it comes to using logic in your terms in the issue of getting away with murder. By saying this, by having dogs in cars is not even a legal/illegal issue, so if people are so offended with it then why isn’t there a law about it?
I have several dogs of my own and I know personally I don’t leave them in my car on a hot day, but to some people it’s not even an issue to them when some of us see it all over the place from malls to doctor’s office to post office to etc and etc.
On the flip side of the coin, I am not excusing Carty’s behavior in abusing the usage of handicapped space or even illegal parking zone areas, however, that goes for the rest of ya’ll who does abuse it because he is NOT the only ones that does it. The point of the story is he just happened to get caught whereas others may have not so he paid the ticket and moved on. We should as well.
August 7th, 2007 at 11:48 amSome of you are really missing the point. It’s about a Mayor who believes the rules don’t apply to him. That he is above the law.
Richard Nixon thought he was above the law.
It’s the same “governmental arrogance” that Carty chastised the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department about.
No one really cares about Carty parking in a handicap spot, what concerns those with common sense is that the man has a history of thinking the rules don’t apply to him.
I can’t apologize that I expect the Mayor of this City to act with civility, professionalism, and to be law abiding.
This is the same man who would gather a group of troubled youths and lecture them about being on the straight and narrow yet go out and deliberately break the law and display the same type of unruly behavior he lectures youths about.
I expect more from the Mayor of my City.
August 7th, 2007 at 11:56 amCitizens have every right to expect our mayor to have common sense. If Carty had common sense, WTVG would not have been at Westgate in the first place. Thereby not giving his political detractors anything to be critical about.
Notice the progression. We go from lack of common sense, to arrogance, lack of humility, and the Nixonian mentality of they’re out to get me.
Carty is much like Nixon. He spends more time answering his critics and investigating those who disagree with him, than he ever does at getting the results he promised.
I don’t think Carty is much different than Nixon in that respect. As Nixon’s bold, arrogant statement, “I am NOT a crook” brought him down, so will Carty’s lack of humility and stupid statements be his. Perhaps not today, next month, or next year but someday he will bring himself down.
“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
At least John Irish learned the lesson of humility.
August 7th, 2007 at 12:01 pmRocket..
I am a Carty Basher and proud of it. This man’s arrogance and logic is beyond belief. He is turning back the clock with old school back door politics, he is failing this city miserably. Finally people like Frank on city council are standing up to him.
He is a bully a tyrant, and feels he is above the Law. He leads with fear tactics and physically and verbally abuses his staff. I know a former high ranking staff member from the previous Carty tenure, and the things this person has told me makes my skin crawl.
Tom Morrisey is close to getting the signatures he needs and the mayor’s office knows it.
August 7th, 2007 at 1:04 pmMike, Frank Szollosi has stood up to the Mayor when he felt it necessary ever since the Mayor has taken office. Having had the chance to meet with Tom Morrissey and have a short conversation with him, he seems like a very nice young man and he has gotten more signatures than the last recall attempt. This is due to the hard work of he and some of the volunteers.
However, I would caution you and others to remember that the number of valid signatures is what matters and the majority of times a petition process is done between 25% to 50% of the signatures end up not being declared valid. I’m not writing this to diminish the amount of signatures but so that when the signatures are submitted people are aware that this a regular part of the petition process and many signatures and at times pages of a petition are thrown out for not meeting the set out standards. It’s why even when a District Council Candidate needs only 50 signatures to run, they get more than that and they go down and pre-check their signatures to make sure they are valid before they turn them in.
Whether you are a Carty basher or a Carty supporter, the process does not change.
As a mini reminder to everyone, certain topics in Toledo, one of which is our Mayor does evoke strong emotions in people, so while you are expressing your opinions on why you believe this is important or why you believe it’s not important let’s try to not bash each other too much along the way.
August 7th, 2007 at 1:24 pmTwo large windows completely down on an SUV, I belive lawfully this is a large doghouse not a closed up death trap. Special parking is for a crowded parking lot, again, where’s the harm done. This is pure hatred, nothing else.
August 7th, 2007 at 1:28 pmcb
“This is pure hatred, nothing else.”
Well there is no hatred on my part and as a dog owner I know, and veterinarians and the Human Society locally and on a national level also have stated quite clearly why a dog can become overheated and ill and possibly die from being in a car, no matter who owns the vehicle.
“Special parking is for a crowded parking lot, again, where’s the harm done.”
The harm that was done is that a law was violated.
August 7th, 2007 at 1:42 pmTotalitarian dictators didn’t start out as evil tyrants they became what they were. Nor were such rulers self-deluded, nor exhibited clear, outward signs of paranoia in the beginning. If it was obvious from the beginning, those people would never have gotten their positions.
C.S. Lewis in his “Screwtape Letters” shows just exactly how evil begins. It starts out with little things that don’t mean much and gradually over time progress to bigger and more egregious things.
It happens incrementally in the same way a frog doesn’t know he’s being boiled to death until the water comes to a full boil. By then, it’s too late.
The citizens of Toledo are unaware that Carty is boiling them to death because the mayor himself is self-deceived.
It’s easy just to brush off the idea that all of this is due to people’s hatred toward the mayor. So let’s look at that.
People would not be so critical of the mayor if he wasn’t so pompous and arrogantly self-righteous. People would not dislike him if he acted more like a human being. When he starts making sense and stops lashing out, people will stop trying to point out his errors in judgement.
Courtesy and respect is something to be earned, it’s not a an automatic right just because Carty is in authority.
It’s not a political issue at all. To say that all of this is politically motivated is itself political posturing and is a self-defeating argument. And a very poor defense, I might add.
It’s a free country, so people can defend the mayor all they want. My question is what will it cost the citizens if he continues to insult, attack, defer, ignore, ridicule, deride, chastise and lambast those who disagree with his narrow-minded views?
August 7th, 2007 at 1:50 pm“Special parking is for a crowded parking lot, again, where’s the harm done.”
This kind of ignorance is exactly what is wrong with this world.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:36 pmActually, Rockets Man, animal cruelty is a crime.
August 7th, 2007 at 3:08 pmMr. Ott….
I salute your intelligence, Thank you for that insight.
I could not of said it any better myself.
August 7th, 2007 at 5:22 pmI’m truly amazed today. I have blogged about my personal day and it can be read here: http://www.chad4you.blogspot.com
As for the Mayor and his dog, a very nice woman just left here after coming from the East Side to sign the recall. It was the dog in the car a 2nd time that tipped her over the edge on Carty and brought her all the way here to make that known. She shared her personal views and experiences and we had a lovely chat.
Sane people understand what the real problems are, but it takes some a certian type of event to get the gumption to go for it. Anyone wishing to sign may do so by contacting me directly or the various websites with info on locations and times.
August 7th, 2007 at 8:23 pmChad, how are things working out in the assault case? Is your wife okay?
August 7th, 2007 at 8:29 pmOops. Never mind. I should have read your link before asking questions, Chad.
August 7th, 2007 at 8:30 pmI know this probably doesn’t have anything to do with anything, I’m asking out of pure curiosity… Was Carty driving the SUV that is leased through Toledo tax payer funds or was this his own personal vehicle?
August 8th, 2007 at 3:53 pm