That can be the only explanation for his incredibly arrogant behavior last Friday when taking a tour of the United Way building downtown. The tour which has been taken by numerous politicians has always been open to media also. The mayor however under the guise of having an "honest discussion" about the building with the architect had his spokesperson ask the press to not go on the tour. Actually "ask" is a nice way of saying it. The mayor made it clear that he would act like a child and not take the tour at all if the media were allowed to attend.
When Ms. Phillps tried to stop me from getting on the elevator with the mayor I stepped past her. The mayor tightened his voice as only he can and told me in no uncertain terms "You are not taking this tour." I didn't reply since there was no reason to do so. The mayor took a few steps toward me and repeated what now sounded like an order. Again I ingnored him and simply looked him in the eye. The famous Finkbeiner finger came out next and pointed to me while the mayor's voice rose, "The last time I checked, this building didn't belong to you." he told me. That demanded a reply. "Mayor, the last time I checked it didn't belong to you either, it belongs to the United Way." He started to interrupt but I told him " you'll let me finish. Each tour has allowed the media and I will be going on this tour."
I swear I heard the mayor stomp his foot before he got off the elevator. He stepped to the phone in the lobby and called Adam Loux the city law director. The mayor asked if since the building was owned by United Way was there any way he could take the tour without "WSPD looking over my shoulder". Apparently Mr. Loux told him no since the mayor's next move was to the conference room where he waited for Bill Kitson.
The mayor threatened Bill that he would not take the tour if he were not allowed to do it without media. Kitson caved to the pressure because he thought letting the mayor take the tour with the architect would change the mayor's mind. It didn't and of course no one now knows what was discussed between the two men while on tour since we were not allowed to go.
Following the tour the mayor spoke to the remaining press and made a joke about betting that the builiding if left open could find a buyer within two or three years. The bet according to the mayor was "$5 or a Big Mac". The United Way meanwhile is left paying a minumum of $400,000 per year for upkeep, money which could be used in the community.
This entire event from start to finish should anger every Toledoan and each of you should find the time to let the mayor know how you feel either by mail, e-mail, or phone.
Finkbeiner Doesn't Understand First Amendment
By fred - Posted on September 15th, 2008
Tagged:
when the judge convicted the city of violating the Constitution? :)
How many people are actually proven in the court of law to violating the Constitution? That takes an BIG error to get that award.
Apparently the City does not learn or the City thinks it is a City of men and not laws.-both is quite disturbing.
will win the people . But apparently a king doesn't need the people. Don't even think of running for office again, you will get crushed , even by the gullible Toledo voters. All can see through you now.
While I applaud Fred's standing up to Carty, I'm thinking that more might have been accomplished if Fred would have 'backed out' when Carty first tried to deny him access. Yes, the point was made, but it's looking like another court challenge is in order. WSPD won on the same merits before, but, evidently, it didn't 'register' with Carty. Maggie's 'Stuck on Stupid' motto comes to mind.
Although another lawsuit may still fail to impress upon Carty - and the Carty administration - that there are Constitutional issues that must be adhered to, another suit to demonstrate to the residents of the city that Carty is a 'loose cannon' and unfit to serve in the best interests of the City of Toledo would be a point worth driving home.
Then again, maybe Fred's handling of the incident was better. I have a tendency to get impatient when I know someone has done the same stupid thing over and over and over and ......
I give to various charities. So the fact that United Way is wasting money on this building shouldn't keep the various charities who are "under" the United Way umbrella from collecting funds whether money is wasted on the building or not. Maybe United Way should declare bankruptcy, let the various charities collect their own funds, and then the city could be stuck with this "white elephant" like we are now stuck with Portside, and the Erie Street Market.