Konop on Warren County stimulus funds…Warren County Commissioner Kilburn responds…
This in via email from Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop:
Konop Presses On for Eschewed Stimulus Funds
Warren County rejects Konop’s request to redirect unwanted federal money to Lucas County
TOLEDO, Ohio – Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop has continued his quest to obtain for his community Warren County’s returned and rejected federal stimulus dollars.
On Tuesday Commissioner Konop faxed letters to the Warren County commissioners and the Ohio departments of transportation and development in regards to over $2 million in stimulus funds Warren County has either rejected or desires to return. Commissioner Konop’s philosophy is that if Warren County doesn’t want its allocated federal dollars, Lucas County will take them to provide more services to taxpayers and put more people back to work.
On Wednesday, while Warren County Commissioner C. Michael Kilburn rejected the local commissioner’s request, Commissioner Konop sought answers from the departments of transportation and development, as well as advice from elected federal officials about getting those unwanted stimulus dollars re-directed to Lucas County.
Below are Commissioner Konop’s statement and Commissioner Kilburn’s original rejection letter.
Statement from Commissioner Konop …
“During this period of economic uncertainty and struggle for our citizens, I will not get into a right-wing-radio-fueled, Rush Limbaugh-esque debate about taxes. Now is not the time for political posturing. Our job losses are real. Our home foreclosures are real. Our challenges are real. Despite Mr. Kilburn’s objections and rejection, I will continue to fight for every dollar out there to provide the services our taxpayers deserve. Also, I will not apologize for, nor will I stop, pursuing every angle to put our citizens back to work. I thank Mr. Kilburn for his response, but I will continue to seek any stimulus funds Warren County returns or rejects for Lucas County.”
Commissioner Kilburn’s rejection …
Mr. Konop,
I am emailing in reply to your letter received yesterday, April 21, 2009, relative to our refusal to accept stimulus funding for our Warren
County Transit Service.
First, let me say that I take exception to your comment that this money comes from tax dollars paid for by our citizens. In fact, this money is NOT tax dollars that our citizens have paid but rather additional debt which will become the responsibility of our future generation to pay. I also question the source of this money. Is it newly printed money from Washington D.C. or more China dollars? Also, what happens when China calls their notes on us?
Secondly, the Warren County Transit Service was being offered funding for the replacement of three vehicles which did not need to be replaced. They were also offering to “give” us funding for new computers and a software program that the grant would fund for the first year but would cost $2400 per month to our taxpayers thereafter. The software that we utilize now works just fine and doesn’t cost us $2400 per month.
I can appreciate your request to receive our share of stimulus funding but that would, in my opinion, defeat the purpose of us not accepting the money. I want our portion of the funding to be utilized to reduce the national debt and to send a message to Washington D.C. that says enough is enough. Stop spending money you don’t have and start being accountable to the taxpayers. God only asked for 10%, why do the politicians in Washington D.C. think they deserve more than 40%?
I respectfully decline your offer to receive our share of the stimulus funds.
Sincerely,
C. Michael Kilburn
Warren County Commissioner
Kilburn is correct that the stimulus money isn’t coming from tax payer dollars, it’s money that will be borrowed. I also don’t really think other counties can just “give” the money away even if they wanted to, typically if money isn’t used, it has to be sent back. Kilburn is also right that if they could just give it to Lucas County it would defeat the message they are trying to send to DC.
I agree with Konop that the last thing we need is political posturing. Unfortunately, this whole thing smells of political posturing on both sides…Though if Vardon wrote that rousing missive? He deserves some credit for creativity and use of passion in a release.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 pmHad Ben done the research, he’d have found the answer out before he showed up with an outstretched can and looking pretty stupid.
But it’s par for the course to be the Mayor of Toledo.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:00 pmGood for Warren County. Kilburn recognizes that paying for new software and new vehicles is not stimulating the economy. Their county does not need replacements for those things, and therefore wants to send the money back. Kilburn recognizes that by accepting this money initially, it will be a tax burden for the county in the future. I’m happy to see that someone is thinking clearly. Konop needs to think about his “let me take your leftovers” attitude if he ever wants a chance as mayor.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:25 pmThank You Mr. Konop I thought it was a great Idea.
A for Effort
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:55 pmI’m moving to Warren County!
So where is it exactly?
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:10 pmGo for it, when you find out it is a joke, well still welcome you back to Toledo.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:43 pmoh ya it is by Pennsylvania, a few exits before, 80/90 will take you right there.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:44 pmWarren county is NE of Cincinnati (Hamilton County), county seat is Lebanon.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:59 pmLisaRenee wrote:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:58 pmC. Michael Kilburn is a great man. Konop is a boob. He just doesn’t get it. He is not capable of running his own household or to pay his car insurance bill, so why would anyone be surprised at the publicity grab.
I hope the folks in toledo are not stupid enough to vote for a pin head such as this.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 pmI have relatives that work in Lebanon and have visited the Golden Lamb (great restaurant). It is not a “high class” area…just a typical small town with a quaint, yet struggling downtown. The local coffee shop went a little upscale and went out of business.
These are simply people of principle, which explains why Ben can’t relate.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 pm“Now is not the time for political posturing.”
What else is Konop capable of besides political posturing?
I guess he is good at dodging legitimate questions. Kilburn makes great points that will not be answered – kinda like not directly answering his ethics issues.
Change!
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:49 pmWarren County did this to make a point, they got media attention for it. Konop used it to get media attention.
He got coverage in the Blade for this in today’s paper prior to the response from Kilburn and will probably get more media coverage on it.
Will it accomplish anything to help Lucas County? Nope, even if Warren County wanted to give the money away that’s not likely possible with the this type of funding is done but it served the purpose of getting Ben’s name out there and getting people to talk about him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 pmKonop is good at getting attention in the Blade. He’s not good on follow through. He’s announced a number of initiatives, including education for adults to prepare them to enter the job market with new education – which I subscribed to support.
I never heard back from him. And it’s been about a year. All talk and ink. No action.
But he got the ink. You’ve got to give him that – his accomplishments? Zero.
Times at bat with the Blade? He’s batting 1,000.
More substance, Ben – you’ve got to learn to W.O.R.K…less talk. Leadership is hard work.
And didn’t the Blade learn anything with their Carty creation? The newer, gentler version of Carty who had a bulleted list of items he was going to initiate once in office? That list that is unaddressed to date?
You would think that a paper who found itself in this position would learn prior to creating another monster. But, then again – maybe no.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 pmNot Again wrote:
Why, yes. Yes we are. Over and over – yes we are.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:38 pmWarren County is doing just fine. It’s one of the few counties in Ohio that is actually gaining population each year. Home to Kings Island, The Beach waterpark, and a Tennis Masters series tournament, Warren County attracts thousands of tourists from across the USA.
Located just outside Cincinnati, Warren County has a pro-business approach to governance. Lucas County’s commissars could learn a lot from Mike Kilburn and the other Warren County commissioners…not that Konop & Co. would listen. Konop has all the answers, of course, and he has the press releases to prove it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:39 pmIt looks like this nut job konop’s only defense for his own stupidity is to try to discredit a creditable person like Kilburn with insults. (Not Again thinks) konop is a respectless low life.
From the blade:
Mr. Kilburn said for Lucas County to receive Warren County’s share of stimulus funding would, “in my opinion, defeat the purpose of us not accepting the money. I want our portion of the funding to be utilized to reduce the national debt and to send a message … that says, ‘Enough is enough. Stop spending money you don’t have and start being accountable to the taxpayers.’•”
Mr. Konop disagreed.
“These Rush Limbaugh talking points don’t help the people of Lucas County get back to work,” Mr. Konop said.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090423/NEWS16/904230352/0/NEWS16
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:32 amLiz’s comment is in moderation temporarily, there’s a question about the ip address used that I need to have answered before I’ll repost it.
I again remind people to PLEASE read the rules of this site before posting. Especially when it comes to using one email address and one posting name. I realize some of you are in a situation where you are posting from a shared network or a shared computer, that’s fine, all I am asking is that you pick a name and email and stick with that one or at least let me know off blog if you are changing that name for some reason. If there is ever a question, I’ll email you and once the situation is resolved? Re-approve any comment that has been temporarily removed.
Not Again, this is working to get media attention, Ben is very good at that and he’s also pretty good at deflection/framing, (or whoever wrote the letter) “I will not get into a right-wing-radio-fueled, Rush Limbaugh-esque debate about taxes.”
That way anyone who questions him on the issue of where the stimulus money come from, has been labeled “right wing” — He did the same thing when it came to this blog as far as those who comment here.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:50 amNot Again says –
Mr. Konop disagreed.
“These Rush Limbaugh talking points don’t help the people of Lucas County get back to work,” Mr. Konop said.
Yes, Ben we all know how well you create jobs for Lucas County. Selling artwork doesn’t exactly cut it. You blame the common sense of Warren County’s Commissioners on Rush Limbaugh? No stupid, they realize the consequences of accepting this money. Look at what is happening to private corporations. When you accept this money, the government can tell you how to use it. If only Lucas County had Commissioners that have a mindset of fiscal responsibility. What do we have, Larry Moe and Curly. Do you know what a joke you are? Please gain some self respect, get a makeover and for God sakes, take some voice lessons.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 amPam, I understand the points you are trying to make, but I don’t think we need to go into personal appearance/voice attribute type insults. You are entitled to express your opinion as to whether you think Konop is a joke or not, I just don’t think we need to go into personal insults directed at candidates. We have a long mayoral campaign season ahead of us…
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 amI think back on the refreshing promise that Mr. Konop offered when he was first elected. I wonder if he remembers the kind of politician he wanted to be when he first sought office? Or has the jading of local politics destroyed the passion for the “right thing”?
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:41 amLisa I understand completely. But young Ben goes off on his own insults. He needs to stop saying people are responding to talking points when they make valid and reasonable decisions that affect their communities. I think Ben needs to play nice and respect others. You get respect when you give it. Do you not believe that Ben has insulted the Warren County Commissioners? Do you think that is very mayoral of him? I have called Ben’s office regarding various issues. His boy friday has been very insulting to me. His office should not be combative when taxpayers call with concerns or complaints. We are their boss. I have no respect for Ben’s job as Commissioner.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 amI think liz is really ben, in drag.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:08 amNot Again – no, it’s not Ben, just a question concerning the email address/name used that will hopefully be resolved.
Pam, I have no problem with you expressing your opinion, I’m just trying to get people to focus on not making it too personal and I want supporters of Konop as well as other candidates to comment without it turning into insult wars, it’s been suggested that this blog is conservative, it’s not, anyone is welcome to share their thoughts as long as they follow the rules of the site.
I’m just trying to get us all in campaign mode…
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 amBefore you guys start lauding Warren County too much, it should be pointed out that it does not appear they are against taking all stimulus money.
Middletown Journal:
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:24 pmMr. Kilburn never said he wouldn’t accept stimulus money, he just doesn’t want funds designated for use on things that they do not need. I think this was very clear in his letter. Please don’t muddy the water.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 pmLisa, I hope you are not sucking up to the liberal crowd.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 pmIt doesn’t say that anywhere in his letter Not Again, and it’s not muddying the water, it’s making sure that both sides of the issue are pointed out.
He specifically states how he feels about the stimulus money:
People can read the Middletown Journal and make up their own minds, but it should be pointed out that not all of the federal stimulus money is going to be refused. Which doesn’t mean they can’t be credited for returning what they don’t feel they need, but it is different than taking a total stance against the federal stimulus dollars, as some have suggested has happened.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:21 pmI don’t suck up to anybody…most times it’s the opposite.
It’s relevant to the topic and provides more information for people to decide for themselves.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 pmLisaRenee wrote:
Yes it did, here is where he is talking about not wasting money on stuff they don’t need. I bet Ben would buy buses just so he could say he did.
“Secondly, the Warren County Transit Service was being offered funding for the replacement of three vehicles which did not need to be replaced. They were also offering to “give” us funding for new computers and a software program that the grant would fund for the first year but would cost $2400 per month to our taxpayers thereafter. The software that we utilize now works just fine and doesn’t cost us $2400 per month.”
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:34 pmHe does not say anywhere in that letter that he is in support of accepting stimulus funding, and the commentary as well as some of the reporting has made this appear as if Warren County is against all not some stimulus funding.
Which is why I think it’s important to point out it is not all stimulus funding they are returning. What significance is placed on it, depends on the reader.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:44 pmYes ma’am.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:54 pmWarren County refused stimulus money – otherwise known as pork – for unnecessary pet projects. I don’t recall seeing any other Ohio county make a principled stand for responsible spending. Instead, a greedy politician by the name of Ben Konop crawled out to demand even more pork.
No one ever claimed that Warren County refused all federal dollars. That’s a sneaky attempt to switch the focus of the story. Warren County rejected pork it didn’t ask for and didn’t need.
Fiscal responsibility by county government is one of the reasons why Warren County continues to grow, add new residents, and flourish in a tough economy. The Lucas County commissars could learn a lot from the Conservatives in Warren County government.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:10 pmDidn’t Arnold Schwarzenegger offer to take stimulus money that some states were refusing? It’s not like Ben’s idea was a new one.
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 pmNor is Kilburn’s idea unique – Jindal, Palin, Sanford, Milwaukee, etc. Just sayin’
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:09 pmNo the the TX and SC Governors declined the federal intrusions in certain areas as well. King obama wants to make subjects of us.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:28 pmIt’s quite obvious that none of you know much about Warren County. It’s also obvious that you don’t know the commissioner in question lives in a 4000 square foot house paying incredibly low property taxes.
I don’t know how you can support someone who wants to deny transportation assistance to the elderly and disables because he’s “tired of paying for people who don’t have…”
The school systems in Warren county are suffering horribly due to levy failures and growing sprawl outside of city limits.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:08 pm