Friday, February 04, 2000
3 resign Montgomery council
They were often in the minority
BY WALT SCHAEFER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONTGOMERY — Three members of city council resigned Wednesday, citing reasons including philosophical differences with the rest of the seven-member panel.
Ernest E. (Gene) McCracken and Janeanne Archiable read letters of resignation at the end of Wednesday night's regular council meeting. A letter of resignation from Councilman Gary Gross, who is out of town, was received at city hall Wednesday morning.
Mr. McCracken, who has served the city more than 20 years in various positions, in cluding mayor, told council: “The government standards I so highly value are no longer characteristic of Montgomery.”
He cited an increase in city employees from 28 to 55 since 1980, while city population declined by 4 percent, as unwarranted, and noted concerns over city finances, including general fund operating deficits, among reasons for his departure.
City Manager Cheryl Hilvert said the city has embarked on a study on reallocation of city funds — particularly the amount of city income tax being assigned to the general fund — to offset any future budget deficits.
“While that is being done, I want to emphasize the city is not in (financial) trouble by any means,” Mrs. Hilvert said.
“We at the city appreciate the contributions of Mr. Gross, Mr. McCracken and Ms. Archiable to the community throughout their years of service. We believe a difference of opinion on council is important.”
Mr. McCracken and Ms. Archiable often voted together in the minority and Mr. Gross sometimes supported their positions.
Mr. McCracken told council: “With the resignations of Ms. Archiable and Mr. Gross, I would become super-minority of one ... I am convinced that I can do far more for those who feel as I do as an active citizen.”
Ms. Archiable said: “My philosophy is dramatically opposed to that of the present majority on council and the administration. I see no wisdom in sitting for (two) years to be consistently voted down on all issues.”
She noted the city declined her offer of a “substantial” donation as seed money to a citizens group — the 1,000 Hands Playground Project — to pay for playground equipment at the city's Pioneer Park.
Mrs. Hilvert said Ms. Archiable offered to give $50,000 to the project but stipulated that the park's butterfly garden — which includes a large patch of wildflowers — be removed.
The butterfly garden was a project of the city's Bicentennial Commission and is maintained by the city's Beautification Commission. “By the Ohio Revised Code, we can't grant that stipulation, even if we wanted to, without city council approval,” Mrs. Hilvert said.
In her resignation letter, Ms. Archiable called the garden a “weed patch” that “is ugly, labor intensive and simply occupying very expensive acreage with no redeeming features.”
Mr. Gross said in his letter that his decision “does not reflect my feelings towards the city ... or ... administration. I have great respect for the city ... personnel.” However, he said: “I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support this council's decisions ... I realize my time would best be spent with my family and job.” He could not be reached to elaborate.
Mrs. Hilvert said the city is accepting applications to fill the positions. The terms expire in November 2001.
Those interested should prepare letters stating why they want the position and include resumes. They may be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to the City of Montgomery, 10101 Montgomery Road, 45242.
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