The Ohio Municipal League hosted a round table discussion on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the Columbus Bar Association, in Columbus, Ohio.
The governor discussed with us a variety of issues including preserving local revenue services, i.e. protecting and preserving revenue generated by the municipal income tax; opposition to centralized collection plans and uniformity issues that will threaten current and future revenue; also Property Tax and implications of HB 290 by the 111th Ohio General Assembly, legislation enacted in 1976 which statutorily freezes revenue levels.
Also discussed was areas of local control, economic development (partnerships, relaxed annexation procedures and townships as impediments. Prevailing Wage-raise limits, employer contributions to pension systems, restoring the local Government Fund and foreclosed and/or abandoned housing.
Specifically I discussed two issues with the Governor. First was the success in shutting down the pill mills in Scioto County. He was happy as am I, that the great coordination between local law enforcement, health department and local citizens all played in winning what is a continuing battle against drug trafficing in our area.
I also asked him about the efforts of his administration in getting the loan guarantee from the Obama Administration for construction and development of the Piketon atomic plant facility. He told me that he had spent much time during his meeting with the President this summer discussing the loan guarantee, that Senators Portman and Brown have also talked with the President, but that he simply didnt know why it was being held up.
The governor stressed the importance of the future of the Piketon site in economic development for our area and that other ideas for development were also being considered.
Although as most of you know, the governor and I dont see eye-to-eye on many issues, I do respect the time he gave all of us, on an individual basis, to discuss our local area problems. It was an important meeting and my thanks goes to both Governor Kasich for attending and Susan Cave, the Executive Director of the Ohio Municipal League, for coordinating the meeting.
Mike Payton
1-20-2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
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
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
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
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
Friday, November 11, 2011
VETERANS DAY - SAY THANKS TO OUR VETS
This afternoon myself, along with councilmen Dan Fetty and Terry Salyers were invited to join local veterans at Applebees Restaurant in New Boston for dinner. The dinner was sponsored by Applebees and was in honor of all veterans. Our group was coordinated by Mike Bell of American Legion Post 471. It was an honor to be with these gentlemen today and I want to thank them for the invitation.
On Monday, November 14, Golden Corral in New Boston will host a dinner honoring area veterans. The Glenwood High School Band and the Oak Street and Stanton choirs will perform. Free dinners will also be given to all veterans and Mike Bell will be the keynote speaker for the event.
I was happy to learn today that the United States Senate has passed a critical piece of the President's jobs plan: two provisions to get veterans back to work - the Returning Heroes and the Wounded Warrior Tax Credits. They help get veterans back to work by giving tax credits to businesses that hire disabled veterans or unemployed vets.
I also want to personally thank all veterans who have fought for me and my family. I truly believe every day should be Veterans Day. I also thank God for the job these brave men and women have done throughout the years to preserve this great country.
Mike Payton
11-11-2011
On Monday, November 14, Golden Corral in New Boston will host a dinner honoring area veterans. The Glenwood High School Band and the Oak Street and Stanton choirs will perform. Free dinners will also be given to all veterans and Mike Bell will be the keynote speaker for the event.
I was happy to learn today that the United States Senate has passed a critical piece of the President's jobs plan: two provisions to get veterans back to work - the Returning Heroes and the Wounded Warrior Tax Credits. They help get veterans back to work by giving tax credits to businesses that hire disabled veterans or unemployed vets.
I also want to personally thank all veterans who have fought for me and my family. I truly believe every day should be Veterans Day. I also thank God for the job these brave men and women have done throughout the years to preserve this great country.
Mike Payton
11-11-2011
THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME ANOTHER TERM
I was very humbled and extremely proud to be re-elected to another term as your Village Councilman.
New Boston has came a long way the past four years. It truly has been a team effort, not just with council but with all our departments.
The police department has been moving forward with drug-related arrests as well as working closely with city, state and federal law enforcement on various criminal issues. Equipment in the police department has been upgraded and all state mandated training is provided when needed.
The Fire Department has all fire hydrants in perfect working order, safety checks and tests done in a timely manner and new equipment has been added. Fire and safety inspections are done throughout the village in the various businesses on a scheduled basis.
The service department has maintained 2-day a week garbage collection, repaired sewer and road problems in a timely manner and maintained a strong presence throughout the high water periods earlier in the year. New equipment has been provided for the service department and safety standards have been greatly improved.
We continue to make improvements throughout the village with major repair and replacement of traffic light systems, utility poles, as well as improved flood defense and recreational equipment.
We have had a good four years. Yes there were problems. Layoffs, budget issues, and crime but these issues really mirror the whole nation. I look forward to the next four years with both caution and enthusiasm.
Again, thank you so much for your support. As always I promise to do my very best.
Mike Payton
11-11-2011
New Boston has came a long way the past four years. It truly has been a team effort, not just with council but with all our departments.
The police department has been moving forward with drug-related arrests as well as working closely with city, state and federal law enforcement on various criminal issues. Equipment in the police department has been upgraded and all state mandated training is provided when needed.
The Fire Department has all fire hydrants in perfect working order, safety checks and tests done in a timely manner and new equipment has been added. Fire and safety inspections are done throughout the village in the various businesses on a scheduled basis.
The service department has maintained 2-day a week garbage collection, repaired sewer and road problems in a timely manner and maintained a strong presence throughout the high water periods earlier in the year. New equipment has been provided for the service department and safety standards have been greatly improved.
We continue to make improvements throughout the village with major repair and replacement of traffic light systems, utility poles, as well as improved flood defense and recreational equipment.
We have had a good four years. Yes there were problems. Layoffs, budget issues, and crime but these issues really mirror the whole nation. I look forward to the next four years with both caution and enthusiasm.
Again, thank you so much for your support. As always I promise to do my very best.
Mike Payton
11-11-2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
INFRA-METALS BREAKS GROUND IN NEW BOSTON
This past Thursday, October 27, I had the pleasure of joining other New Boston Village Council members, the Mayor, Scioto County Commissioners and leaders from the Southern Ohio Port Authority(SOPA), Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI), and the United States Department of Energy in attending the ground breaking ceremony for the new Infra-Metals steel distribution center located at the Bob Walton Industrial Park in New Boston.
Infra-Metals is a subsidiary of Reliance Steel. In March I attended the signing of the developmental contract between Reliance Steel and the Southern Ohio Port Authority which in effect started the construction process for the $13 million steel plant.
The Department of Energy, because of recycling more than 18 million pounds of steel, was able to raise money for economic development projects and contributed $150,000 in financial assistance to SOPA for the relocation of electrical power lines at the industrial park so this project could move forward.
New Boston will be the company's seventh plant with others operating in Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut and Illinois. The New Boston plant will begin with approximately 66 employees and would like to have 100 employed when operating at full production.
It was raining and cold most of the morning, but with not only the eventual plant jobs but the many construction jobs that will be utilized throughout the process of building the facility, I thought the sun shined all day.
Mike Payton
10-28-2011
Infra-Metals is a subsidiary of Reliance Steel. In March I attended the signing of the developmental contract between Reliance Steel and the Southern Ohio Port Authority which in effect started the construction process for the $13 million steel plant.
The Department of Energy, because of recycling more than 18 million pounds of steel, was able to raise money for economic development projects and contributed $150,000 in financial assistance to SOPA for the relocation of electrical power lines at the industrial park so this project could move forward.
New Boston will be the company's seventh plant with others operating in Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut and Illinois. The New Boston plant will begin with approximately 66 employees and would like to have 100 employed when operating at full production.
It was raining and cold most of the morning, but with not only the eventual plant jobs but the many construction jobs that will be utilized throughout the process of building the facility, I thought the sun shined all day.
Mike Payton
10-28-2011
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