Mayor predicts World War III if Columbia Gas leaves downtown Toledo…
07 Dec 2007
In response to an exclusive story done by the Toledo Free Press on Soil study fueling that states that Columbia Gas is planning to leave their downtown offices. I’ve just been emailed the response from the Mayor in learning this:
“I have spoken to Jack Partridge, Columbia Gas President and Chris Kozak locally. If Columbia Gas goes to a temporary headquarters and/or permanent headquarters anywhere but Toledo, World War III will erupt in Columbus and Toledo.
Toledo citizens and businesses have been very generous and loyal to Columbia Gas over the years, and that loyalty must be returned. I am confident, after my conversation with President Partridge, it will!”
Well now, WW III won’t reflect well on the city’s “most liveable” city award, will it? That might change our “liveability”, don’t ya think?
December 7th, 2007 at 4:53 pmWell well well, looks like the Shiny Trinket® is starting to pay off in volumes.
Was that a quote from Carty?
“If Columbia Gas goes to a temporary headquarters and/or permanent headquarters anywhere but Toledo, World War III will erupt in Columbus and Toledo.”
Yep, looks “business-friendly” to me!
I hope those that paid for Carty and the Embellishing Gypsies and their trip to the UK can find their donations tax-deductable!
December 7th, 2007 at 4:53 pmThat ‘WWIII’ line is what got Bush in trouble a few days ago. Apparently Carty doesn’t keep up with the news outside of One Government Center.
December 7th, 2007 at 5:01 pmWhy would there be a war in Columbus?
December 7th, 2007 at 5:07 pmHow tactful Mr Fink threating the gas company…. Threats… Thats just how he runs things… Just who keeps voting for this man? If this keeps up Perrysburg will be bigger than Toledo. Maybe we need to invest in some tumbleweed instead of flowers so there will be something left here after buisness leaves.
December 7th, 2007 at 5:27 pmHow tactful Mr Fink threating the gas company…. Threats… Thats just how he runs things… Just who keeps voting for this man? If this keeps up Perrysburg will be bigger than Toledo. Maybe we need to invest in some tumbleweed instead of flowers so there will be something left here after business leaves.
December 7th, 2007 at 5:28 pmWell, this being Amerika, all comrads are free to make zuch choices, no?
December 7th, 2007 at 5:29 pmAnd people think I’m crazy???…..LMAO!
December 7th, 2007 at 6:20 pmListen off in the distance…..the sound of one shooting himself in the foot…again
December 7th, 2007 at 6:38 pmChad, both you and Carty are crazy at times but not all the time.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:55 pmNC, I don’t hear that at all nearby or even at distance. Oh wait a minute, it’s “all in your head”.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:56 pmOh, Carty. We love it when you scream at people so.[/sarcasm]
Mayor, sir? Shut your mouth. It’s already done enough.
December 7th, 2007 at 6:58 pmHere is the last paragraph from the Toledo Blade website article that should clarify in what it really means:
“Mr. Kozak responded to the Toledo mayor’s remarks by reading what he said was a revised statement in which Mr. Finkbeiner said he did not mean to be “detrimental” to Columbia Gas but only to emphasize its importance to the community.”
Let’s not all overract as usual until you read or hear the entire story. What a waste of space on the blogs by rushing judgement in “I told ya so…i told ya so….i told ya so…let’s recall Carty…let’s b*tch about him some more….let’s band together….etc etc etc”
It’s getting rather tiresome. Don’t we have children to take care of or dog poop to pick up?
December 7th, 2007 at 7:12 pmRockets, I shared the statement in full, there has been no revised statement that was shared for me to be able to add that. So, what was sent out? Was exactly what was sent out.
I could have either not reported it, which would have been dishonest of me, or report it knowing that it would create controversy. I can’t blame people for reacting to what was sent out and was reported in by the media, which was the initial statement.
Personally? This one is on the Mayor and/or the staff that sent out the initial email, not the people responding to it. He’s human and sometimes he messes up, this is one of those times when it would have been better to think before responding.
December 7th, 2007 at 7:17 pmHehehe…Ahh Rockets…at least I admit my insanity. Let’s face it, in a week’s time The “Mayor” has accused Edison of killing 4 out of 5 family members in a fire and now on the open mouth/insert foot over the top WWIII thing with Columbia Gas. If he didn’t already run the Water Dept., he’d be calling them all kinds of stuff too. It’s one ting to say something behind your office door, it’s quite anotther to release a “Statement” with it on it.
My primary problem with Finkbeiner is that he is always doing this sort of unbelieveable retoric and then backtracking. Sad part, by the time it’s out in the media, it’s too late to take it back. One of the lessons I’ve learned in life is that once a statement is made publicly, you are bound to it forever. Tact and diplomacy are not his strong suits.
December 7th, 2007 at 7:22 pmI’m not defending the mayor, but the media community does tend to interpret the mayor’s statement in a different light every single time. What I usually do is read the same story on different media outlets like FOX 36, WTOL 11, Toledo Blade, and NBC 24 and then I usually sum up my judgement if necessary. The media is very good in editing and cutting up the stories to angle on one particular quote to sell the story for ratings and revenues.
Currently, FOX 36 has a very good Columbia Gas story in clarifying in what the mayor actually said in terms of how he used “WWIII” in his comments and it’s justified IMO. We all know he’s colorful and outspoken with his words but it depends on who’s who can understand what he means. Too many people are too sensitive nowadays with wordings and even the mayor is too. Life’s too short to go all diatribe and ape-like mode in the blogs about the mayor.
December 7th, 2007 at 7:32 pmI don’t try to interpret press releases, I just include them as they are shared, which is exactly how it was stated here. If later clarification was given to the other media sources? That’s great, but all I can go on is what I am given.
I agree he is colorful and outspoken and at times that works for him and sometimes, it doesn’t.
December 7th, 2007 at 7:35 pmTotally agree with your last statement Lisa: “I agree he is colorful and outspoken and at times that works for him and sometimes, it doesn’t.”
But people shouldn’t overract all the time. Makes you think Toledo is the world capital for ulcer.
December 7th, 2007 at 7:53 pmIt’s human nature and I don’t disagree with you that the immediate nature of blogging can create scenarios where the first statement is the one that gets the most attention. It’s another reason why in this instant society care needs to be taken so that it’s avoided.
It’s one of the reasons why I’ll wait on a news story to make sure that all of the facts are there before I put it online if I have any doubt, I’d rather be last and right than first and wrong. Media releases are another thing though I have had some corrected before I published them and then I do run the corrected version or will update with a corrected version if it’s already online.
I completely understand why the Mayor reacted that way, especially since it’s easy to guess that he wasn’t aware Columbia Gas was planning on leaving till after the Toledo Free Press article came out.
December 7th, 2007 at 8:14 pm“# # 11 RocketsMan Says:
December 7th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
NC, I don’t hear that at all nearby or even at distance. Oh wait a minute, it’s “all in your head”.”
Ya know, RocketsMan you are making it very personal and it is discussion and if you disagree with something then disagree, but leave the insipid comments out.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:14 pm“I completely understand why the Mayor reacted that way, especially since it’s easy to guess that he wasn’t aware Columbia Gas was planning on leaving till after the Toledo Free Press article came out.”
He reacted the way he did, because maybe another business was getting to relocate away from the city, even temporarily and he had to react in such a way?
Maybe he has never heard of quiet diplomacy.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:16 pmNC, when I get bad news I react to it, however, I try to not react to it online where people will see my initial reaction…
December 7th, 2007 at 9:23 pmAs a post script – I am in support of everyone being a little less personal – I understand at times things in the course of a discussion will get heated but we should keep the comments directed at someone personally to a minimum. It does take away from the discussion of the real issues at times.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:25 pm“NC, when I get bad news I react to it, however, I try to not react to it online where people will see my initial reaction…”
Okay, I give…
You lost me….
December 7th, 2007 at 9:26 pmYou quoted me, so I was pointing out that I understood the reaction, not necessarily that I agreed with it being public but that I understood why the Mayor felt that way.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:28 pmOh…..
I do not understand why a chief executive of a city would send off a letter with the knowledge that it may make it to the media and knowing that the media would publish it and the ensuing conversations would take place.
Just because he can does not mean he should.
It does not bode well does when the leader of the government over reacts to something that is only temporary and what would he really do to Columbia Gas if the office was moved?
December 7th, 2007 at 9:33 pmUnless we replace elected officials with robots that have no human emotion, chances are there are going to be times when they react first then re-tract. Until I become perfect I’m not willing to judge, agree that the statement should not have been sent out in the form it was? Yes!
December 7th, 2007 at 9:36 pm“Until I become perfect I’m not willing to judge,….”
Oh, making a judgment has nothing to do with being perfect.
We make judgments every day about a lot of things.
The Mayoral habit of spouting off is well documented.
Little Ceaser’s Pizza boycott for one golden oldie.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:41 pmI disagree, I try to abide by the “judge not lest you be judged” theory of life when it comes to people. Though I would suggest that given he has such an established reputation of spouting off that it shouldn’t become the news it does, but? It always does and…he was elected to Mayor with people full well knowing what he was like.
It seems silly to me for people to have wanted him back because of his passion for Toledo then be surprised when his passion shows.
Blogging about Toledo is more exciting with Carty as Mayor.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:52 pmI don’t see why Columbia Gas would leave. Downtown Toledo has everything that employees and residents would want: a baseball stadium, a mega-suspension bridge, an upcoming hockey arena, and tons of restaurant and coffee options only a 20 minute drive away!
December 7th, 2007 at 9:57 pm“I disagree, I try to abide by the “judge not lest you be judged” theory of life when it comes to people. ”
Well, sure. The judgment in the scripture had more to do with the greater matters of life, I think.
See, you judged the Mayor makes Toledo more exciting. Something wrong with that? Your Honor?
December 7th, 2007 at 9:58 pmLisa?
I can assure you that you are doing a fine job and to not take personal issues personally.
I live in Florida and I even know how unbiased you are with this site. Your patience is envable and your tact professional. It’s not your fault some people just don’t get it.
You release what you get. Altho you aren’t “direct media”, your forum is qualified enough to be on some pretty impressive lists, and with those lists, what is expelled from those locales are pretty much it.
Now, RocketsMan, there is a protocol utilized in situations such as this which elude Carty. You’d think with the past experences of shooting himself in the foot someone would be around Carty to stop him from embaressing himself, and since he represents Toledo, and Toledo like this.
Altho I think it’s great that you’re cheerleading for the community, there are just some things that have to be taken into account. The leadership has proven time and time again how immature they are in dealing with private enterprise. Where else do you see an imbicile call out another county and call them pirates for “stealing a company” that is just looking for a bigger place to move it’s operations? Not once did I see Toledo’s Economic Development Administrator extend an olive branch and offer assistance, I saw an irate worthless whiner blaming someone else for his own shortcommings.
That is just one example as to the crap Toledo is experiencing. Electing the same friggen people into office year after year thinking one day it will change just shows how truly ignorant many are.
This comment wasn’t “accidently” released, this is someone asserting their self-imagined importance.
I bet Amy is pissed she had to give up her side of the bed for Carty’s Shiny Trinket®
December 7th, 2007 at 9:58 pmOh, Lisa, since someone brought up Florida, it’s going to be sunny and in the 80’s through to next Friday, where it will drop to 79.
Just thought I’d share
December 7th, 2007 at 10:11 pmMaybe it’s because it’s late and my brain is fried from a week of work, but does the title of the article “Soil study fueling” not make sense to anybody else either? Almost like it’s missing the last word or something… “Soil study fueling move,” “Soil study fueling debate.” ???
December 7th, 2007 at 10:32 pmOh shut up about the weather Brian, if I could send my icy look at you now!
Lisa and Brian, I am in agreeance with you and I’m just trying to understand people’s reaction to when they see something like Lisa’s thread in regards to the mayor and they immediately cave in like some crowd/bull run in Spain.
Lisa, you ARE the most non-bias person blogwise and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
I have to say…the media loves reactions from people whether its getting them riled up no matter what the extent of the story.
December 7th, 2007 at 10:36 pmLOL@dell. Good point.
December 7th, 2007 at 10:36 pmRockets, I just witnessed a 3 day bender on Swampbubbles whether or not WSPD is good for Toledo.
Literally witnessed fisticuffs because an on-air talent called “naysayers” to the carpet and demanded a solution instead of complaining.
Over an entity which has only ONE priority. Make money selling advertising.
You’d think someone took a urine on the Toledo Pride logo.
Yes, I understand Toledo is a fantastic city. Yes, I understand I pay over $1,600 a year in taxes to, heh heh, enjoy the fringe benefits of not living in that politically corrupt-filled cesspool and maintain my svelt and nubile complexion, but when the leader of this fine community, of which I proudly wear my Toledo paraphenilia, consistantly screws over and pubically humiliates in the media business looking to either relocate or expand, Costco, FedEx, Bass Pro Shop, or lambaste outlying communities for “pirating or ignoring his presence”, Wood County, Maumee, Ottawa Co. Jail, just off the top of my head, when someone more QUALIFIED, with a QUALIFIED CITY COUNCIL, could make Toledo into a thriving metropolis, with medical, environmental, and technological fields in a bustling environment.
Toledo Government is just too f-ing stupid to find the right people to put their collective asses together FOR THE COMMUNITY instead of their PERSONAL AGENDAS, and that is the bottom line.
Frustrating?
Very.
December 8th, 2007 at 5:03 amAnd it disgusts me that Carty actually believes his lie-filled Shiny Trinket® will be his legacy when the community he shared with the UK to get that thing dosen’t even exist.
I mean, really, since when does River Road become downtown. Seriously?
And all Carty HAS is that stupid ass trophy and he is convinced that Shiny Trinket® will do the job a qualified Economic Development Director could do.
Sorry Carty, ain’t no Shiny Trinket® going to bandaid the hell you’ve put Toledo in.
December 8th, 2007 at 5:10 amOh snap, I hate pulling an “NC”, but I just saw this on Swampbubbles. See if you can tell which one was sent professionally to cover Carty’s fubar and which one was sent by Carty personally. And thank you Maggie:
First Press Release (in its entirety and as received):
“I have spoken to Jack Partridge, Columbia Gas President and Chris Kozak locally. If Columbia Gas goes to a temporary headquarters and/or permanent headquarters anywhere but Toledo, World War III will erupt in Columbus and Toledo.
Toledo citizens and businesses have been very generous and loyal to Columbia Gas over the years, and that loyalty must be returned. I am confident, after my conversation with President Partridge, it will!”
Second Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 7, 2007
“The statement regarding Columbia Gas is strong because it is meant to emphasize the importance of this issue to Toledo and its citizens. The statement is not to be understood as detrimental towards Columbia Gas. It is simply meant to express the fact that protecting the interests of our citizens is our primary objective. We are committed to not losing an important employer and contributor in our community.
Our conversations with Columbia Gas have been very positive and they have indicated their desire to stay in Toledo and work closely with the Mayor’s Office to accomplish this mutual goal.”
December 8th, 2007 at 5:17 am“The statement is not to be understood as detrimental towards Columbia Gas.”
Maybe these types of statements should be prefacing the statements before so we know what is what.
And what happened to being a Business Friendly City?
December 8th, 2007 at 6:44 am“Literally witnessed fisticuffs because an on-air talent called “naysayers” to the carpet and demanded a solution instead of complaining.”
And yet the on air personalities, some, do the same thing.
Take an issue or problem and criticize and same as many do and say that we need change.
I am not sure how the on air people are any different in regards to them calling for change and progress forward, than people who comment with the same intent, of course they have the air waves and have made a name for themselves.
December 8th, 2007 at 6:51 amIs anyone surprised at all by this?
December 8th, 2007 at 8:54 amThe city’s leadership and policies have been beating businesses like dogs for years. After a while the dog runs away.
Toledo’s solution everytime?
Blame the dog!
I sadly suspect, however, that several folks who have commented here voted for the ne’erdowell dolt. I can proudly state that I did not.
December 8th, 2007 at 9:59 amExactly MR, what was it again?
Rather vote for passion than a sleepyhead?
There were more mature and qualified options available, but the dunces revolted.
December 8th, 2007 at 10:09 amWell, being from Dayton, it is good to see we are not the only city with clueless administrators. If we want to save Ohio’s (and the US’s) large cities, we are going to need to take control away from urban special interest groups. Everyone who works in a city pays city income tax and should be able to vote for city issues and candidates. It is simply taxation without representation to do otherwise and it costs this country billions in wasted tax payer dollars. It amazes me that more people don’t take issue with our urban governments. If I were Columbia Gas, I would be outta here. It can happen, Dayton’s Gas company is from Indiana.
December 8th, 2007 at 1:19 pmThat’s Carty’s way of “economic development” for Toledo. Scream, throw tantrums, then issue a statement that has him cowering in the corner, realizing he made a fool of himself and the city again. If I were Columbia Gas and he continued to act like he’s ready to go to World War III, as he first said, then I’d tell him that we’re moving as far away from Toledo as we can go.
December 8th, 2007 at 2:46 pmWhat bothers me most about the mayor’s statement is not the fact he made it, but the fact that there isn’t more public outrage over it.
The mayor basically told Columbia Gas, ” Play ball with me or I will beat you to death with the bat”. The bat being local regulations and the mayor’s ties to the governor.
Now what is the next step, does the mayor instruct the police to ticket fleeing Columbia Gas employees as they leave, or does he instruct the police to shoot them as they flee?
December 9th, 2007 at 11:36 amInstead of issuing threats, Carty should be issuing suggestions of where Columbia Gas could relocate. I’m sure the city owns a few buildings and/or some land they could build on.
December 11th, 2007 at 12:55 pm