Thursday, December 22, 2011

NEW BOSTON CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS & TIME TO REFLECT

Today I had the privilege of being with the New Boston Police, Fire and Service Departments along with Councilmen Ralph Imes and Junior Williams in traveling through New Boston helping Santa Claus pass out Christmas gifts to children.

The New Boston Police Department's Toys for Kids program marks the conclusion of the Village's annual efforts to make Christmas a great time for all of our citizens, with the annual Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Parade being held earlier this month.

I really think you would have to look hard to find many small towns that do as much for their kids and adults during the holidays as does our village. This year the Police department event was coordinated by Lt. Diane Davis. Many volunteers as well as police dispatchers and other village personnel helped in the wrapping of gifts.

As we move toward a new year I think reflection on the past year might be in order. Although some difficult times financially toward the beginning of the year caused pay cuts and layoffs, we have been able to move forward and have reinstated part of the pay cut, gave a Christmas bonus and hope to be able to give back the remaining part of the pay cut early next year. Employees who were laid off were called back if they chose to return.

We are moving forward with the Flood defense program. We have bonded over $400,000 for repair of the current flood defense system to insure the safety of our citizens as much as possible from a repeat of the tragedy of 1997.

New utility poles have replaced most of the old metal poles in the village, new park equipment has been installed and repair and replacement of basketball courts has happened.

We have had several new businesses come into our community and next year we will welcome the opening of the new high school and the Infra-Metals plant.

We had an election this year and all of the incumbents were returned to office. I think I can speak for all of us in saying thanks for the vote of confidence and we certainly hope you have been happy with what we've tried to do.

But we all know there are issues and problems facing us in the new year. Some of the problems we know about, some are yet to come forward. It is my hope that you will continue to voice your opinion both at our council meetings as well as by calling or emailing me.

Finally I want to say thank you all for supporting me the last four years and I will do my very best for all of you in the new year and beyond. I enjoy working with our great village staff and with all of you. Merry Christmas to all and I wish you a great New Year.

Mike Payton
12-22-2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

IRAQ WAR COMES TO END FOR ALL

As the upcoming Christmas weekend signals times of joy and excitement, it is only fitting and proper that we talk for a minute about the end to one of the most deadly and divisive wars that lasted over nine years and cost the United States both in blood and in millions of dollars.

The Iraq war came to an end this week. To be honest I feel a little disappointed that there was not more said in the local media and among our politicians and local leaders. This war has in one way or another found its way into every home in our nation. A controversial war by most everyone's view, this war caused permanent loss of family and also permanent physical and emotional injury to many who returned.

I just wanted to take a few minutes and tell everyone who may read this column that I am very proud and thankful to all the men and women who volunteered to go to Iraq. And yes, it was a war where no one was drafted. It was an all-volunteer effort and it worked out fantastically. I am so proud of these fine people and of this great country. I wish all these military personnel and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Long life.

Mike Payton
12-20-2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, CHRISTMAS PARADE, TOY DRIVE ALL SHOW NEW BOSTON CARES ABOUT KIDS

Once again the Village of New Boston has stepped forward and provided area children and adults with a great beginning to the Christmas season.

Mayor Warren's annual Breakfast with Santa was held Saturday, December 3 in the New Boston Community Center and over 500 meals were served. Village council, police, fire and service personnel as well as local volunteers participated in this wonderful event. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus met with children in the Community Center lobby and gave free toys to each child.

Later that evening the 2nd Annual New Boston Christmas Parade was held with over 70 units participating. Glenwood High School's marching band led the way with former Fire Chief Elwood Turner serving as Grand Marshall. Entries from throughout Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky participated including schools, churches, businesses and civic organizations.

On December 19, the New Boston Police Department's annual Christmas Toy Drive will go through the streets of New Boston giving toys to children throughout the village with Santa Claus and a variety of Police, Fire, Service and council members helping. Additionally children from throughout Scioto County will also receive toys from the event but their families will pick those packages up at the police station.

I am so proud of our employees and community for the great and tireless effort that they put into these projects each year. This year once again, the community of New Boston is stepping up to help children have a great Christmas. My thanks to all who have helped in any of the Christmas projects and I wish them all a very Merry Christmas and great New Year.

Mike Payton
12-07-2011