Today's column is a bit like the resumption of a TV series after a cliffhanger episode.
Sort of like, well, “Desperate Housewives” after a plane crashed-landed on Wisteria Lane and some people died and others survived. But then the series went on hiatus for the holidays and we didn't know the results for weeks.
Eh, maybe my column isn't exactly like that. But I did leave you with a request to answer an inquiry by a former Clevelander who moved out West, has returned to the Cleveland area and is thinking of locating a business in Conneaut.
He did his homework, likes the area, but found the infighting by city officials particularly disturbing and now wonders if it would be better to seek out a location in say, maybe Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, I took a week off for vacation and quality time with grandson Henry, so there was no column the next week.
You're right. It's nothing like a plane crash on Wisteria Lane. What is a Wisteria anyway? But maybe we left you wondering how people would respond.
So thank you all for writing and let's found out what you had to say.
Good Morning Bob,
Sitting here sipping coffee reading the Plain Dealer and Star Beacon early Sunday, usually one of the most relaxing parts of winding down an otherwise hectic week. Your article captured my attention and I could not help but respond in any possible way that may help this gentlemen make an informed decision as to where to move his family and business. It should be noted that I have never written a newspaper, placed a blog or called a talk show so this is an absolute first! In fact, I'll be surprised if I actually hit send when this is completed.
I humbly feel compelled to offer my two cents toward what could be added that has not already been printed and communicated in your article. Conneaut is a great family town that yes, may be currently down in terms of industry, but way up in terms of friendliness, affordability, recreation, natural resources and beauty! Now on to the all important Department of Taken for Granted”!
Just look to our north and Lake Erie and the Great Lakes provide a fresh water gold mine! Many other states, entire U.S. regions and dozens of countries across the globe would give anything to have one-tenth of this fresh water right about now! Locals may take it for granted, but what was first forecasted regarding severe climate change by Al Gore, the “Father of the Internet,” now unfortunately seems to be playing out. Our abundant fresh-water supply is a long-term resource that will help local industry return with a vengeance across the Great Lakes. So much is dependent upon fresh water not only for everyday life, but for most manufacturing operations large and small. Just ask our friends in the Southwest and West Coast regions where heated battles loom across state and national boundaries for this formerly taken for granted natural resource!
Yes, fresh water may be a longer term rebirth opportunity perhaps, but please also share with this gentlemen and his family that short term there is a groundswell of supportive people young and old here in Conneaut who realize that a few narrow-minded politicians may have only temporarily tainted progress with shortsided goals and actions. But now thankfully , our recent elections have placed a key leadership group of successful , experienced and educated people in place who first and foremost care about Conneaut, its economic progress and it's long term future!
My wife, Deanna, and I are now well into our second tour of duty here, having previously been relocated around the country several times over 15 or so years with my previous corporate position. But we chose to move our family back here because of the area, its people and its many advantages. So I guess I am only encouraging him too also move here to Conneaut and become part of Conneaut's rebirth! Please tell him the first cup of Folgers is on me!
Respectfully,
Bruce Fleischmann
Bob,
I am writing to you for the first time. We moved here from Philadelphia area via Chesterland, in 1992. I travel throughout USA and always look forward getting home here in northeast tip of Ohio. Here are the reasons:
1. Conneaut leadership has changed and they are more pro residents and pro business than before. Residents and business drive the local government not the other way around. We expect better decisions and leadership now.
2. Conneaut has a port, marina, rail yards, two new windmills, planned truck stop, prison, free gas from gas wells, good access to I-90, railroad yards, new schools, lots of hardwood timber and lots of inexpensive large tracts of land. Most towns do not have all these resources going for them.
3. Housing cost and taxes are about the lowest in the state. My family invests in houses in northeastern Ashtabula County. Currently our houses range from $72,000 to $129,000 and we lease, too. Last week a young couple in our church bought a Conneaut house for $160,000. Where else could you buy an 11-year-old house on 2 acres in a really nice neighborhood? Lakefront houses can go for $200,000 to $1 million. So Conneaut area has housing for every type of transferee. If people are coming here and staying here, that is good news for all businesses.
4. When we moved from East Coast to Ohio it felt like a gigantic raise in disposable income. We were able to live on a larger property and enjoy the outdoor life. Our kids could work anywhere in the country but they chose this area rather than……where the higher cost of living over overwhelmed the higher paycheck.
5. Excellent quality employees are available. In our business, we hire one to 10 people for weeks to months at a time. And employees are of all age groups including many seniors who have retired here and still want to keep active.
6. Shopping. We moved here just as the Ashtabula Mall and then Wal-Mart were being built. With continued growth in Conneaut, a new grocery store at Gateway should come along soon. Also the new Love's Truckstop should help the local economy. If you like really big malls we are 30 minutes from Millcreek Mall in Pennsylvania where clothes are not taxed. Gasoline at I-90 exit 235 is always almost the cheapest in the state and 10 cents/gallon less than in Pennsylvania.
7. Business should look at getting relocated to Conneaut now while the ante is still low.
And don't forget Conneaut area residents, business owners, Chamber of Commerce and local officials will all welcome your business and your family.
Fred Ruhland
Kingsville
Bob,
I agree with the answers that you printed in your column and hope that you passed those along to this person. Conneaut is not the only viable option, unless there is a personal reason they want to move there. Ashtabula Harbor and Geneva-on-the-Lake would be excellent choices as well.
My response to the concerns over the governmental issues would be simple. They can choose to follow the lead and sit back and complain or they can be a leader by bucking the trend and make a stand for an alternative way. Politics and the attitude it generates is infectious, but they do not have that infection unless they allow it to enter their lives. It's sort of like, you aren't born with a prejudice, but you can certainly learn it. Learned attitudes do not have to be, it's just the easy way or maybe better, the lazy way out.
I'm all for promoting Ashtabula County in any way possible. If only the politics were far different, it would be so enticing for outsiders to come here. One battle at a time…
Name withheld at request
I wanted to get all of the responses in with this column, but it would be too long. So we'll continue it next week. We will hear from a new council person. We will also hear from someone who left Conneaut, returned, and is on her way out again and doesn't have too many nice things to say.
As they say at the end of those old movie serials: To be continued….
Lebzelter is special sections editor. E-mail him at bobleb@starbeacon.com.
