Jane Murray: A Bad Bet for Portsmouth

Anyone who has read our stories about Jane Murray and her dismal record must admit that she is NOT PLAYING WITH A FULL DECK. Everyone she has worked for in the past has gotten a RAW DEAL. But if two Council races go her way tomorrow, she will have THREE OF A KIND on City Council. Soon she could have FULL HOUSE OF FREAKS running City government. If she and her friends get elected, the whole town will get a ROYAL FLUSH. And that would be BAD DEAL for Portsmouth.

MS. MURRAY: Where Are Your Endorsements?

Dear Ms. Murray, Your website and you yourself tell us about all of thewonderful accomplishments of your career. You speak of all of the powerful connections you have with important people. Didn't you ever have "photo-ops"? Pictures of you standing proudly in front of all the museums and cultural centers you built? Where are the photographs of your powerful friends? Did you lose them with your credit card receipts? If you have done all the wonderful things you claim, where are your endorsements from your high powered friends in Kentucky? Why have none of them shown up for your campaign events? What about former Mayor and former Congressman Scotty Baesler. A well-respected Kentucky politician? He's retired and Lexington's not that far away. You were his loyal legislative aide for almost ten years? His name is all over your website? Why haven't we heard from him? Don't we voters deserve to know his opinion of you and all the projects you worked on? Won't he return your calls? How about Pam Miller, former mayor of Lexington? You worked closely with her when she was Vice Mayor? She, like you, is a loyal democrat? Where are her best wishes? How about Jim Newberry, the current Mayor of Lexington? Also a democrat. You worked him on so many City projects. He knows your reputation as well as anyone in Lexington. Why hasn't he endorsed you? And how about the UK Basketball Museum, you take all the credit for in your resume? Why hasn't the great former UK basketball star and director of the museum endorsed you? Where's that phone number? Oh, wait. That museum is gone. It went broke, doomed by your inflated revenue projections and poor "master plan." And Jim Lemaster, former UK No. 12, is out of a job. What about the Director of the Lexington Cultural Center that you take credit for on your website? Give him a call. Surely he is grateful for all your fine work? What's that? There is no cultural center? The city of Lexington was forced to build a County Courthouse on the site of your Art & Culture District because it sat vacant for so many years? Hmm. Well then. What about the fully remodelled Lyric Theater that you promised the African-American community? The place where the Temptations, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, the Ink Spots, and Redd Foxx all performed. You, as the Mayor's Director of Special Projects, took that building over by eminent domain, didn't you? How about a picture standing in front of it as a true example of all the great things you are going to do in Portsmouth? What? You mean it's still sitting there vacant 20 years after you promised to restore it? Surely you have some endorsement. Surely you don't expect the Cityof Portsmouth to just take your word for everything you claim to have accomplished, do you? No. You don't think we're just a bunch of dumb poverty-stricken Appalachians, do you? Oh, wait. That's right. You do have two endorsements, don't you? This guy and his cousin.

Bubb Payton's Revenge

THE TRUTH BEHIND JANE MURRAY'S SO-CALLED ENDORSEMENT "BY EVERY CITY WORKER EXCEPT FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE UNIONS" (UPDATED AT 9:00 AM. See bottom of page.)

In March of 2008, Roy "Bubb" Payton, Jr., the long-time President of the AFSCME Local Union 1039 (the Union that represents the utilities, streets, sanitation and other workers of the City) was caught red handed-stealing city property, an electronic camera. He was recorded on the water plant video security system attempting to destroy evidence of his theft. This occurred at the City water plant where he worked at the time, after hours. Payton tried to burn the camera box (which had the serial number on it) and then stuff the box into a drain that led to the Ohio River. Then he threatened and tried, unsuccessfully, to coerce fellow employees (his fellow Union brothers) to cover for him,. The partially burned box was later retrieved by the police and used as evidence, along with plant security footage.

http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/16694936.html

As part of their investigation, the police got a warrant to search Payton's house, where they found lawn mowers, power tools, weed eaters, and more, even a heavy-duty trailer for hauling heavy equipment and pipes--all equipment and supplies purchased by the City and taken by Payton over a period of years. (Payton was also being investigated by the police for drug charges as well.)

Mayor Kalb, after going through the proper procedures, fired Payton. The Union (particularly AFSCME Council 8 in Athens, Ohio, which is over Local 1039) tried every possible tactic and threat to pressure Kalb into letting Payton keep his job. They said Payton had just borrowed these dozens of pieces of equipment. They offered various compromises to the mayor, such as a suspension, a demotion, or a so-called "death letter" (which is basically meant to give an employee "one last chance" before termination.) They also threatened him. That suggested that the Union would endorse him for reelection if he was lenient, but they would make sure he was defeated if Payton was fired.

Despite the veiled threats, Kalb stuck to his guns. He felt that there would be no discipline in the City if Payton were allowed to get away with it. The Union made it difficult for the Mayor. Many current and past city employees are related to Payton (including Keith Nyland, the current Union President, who is Roy Payton's cousin.) Fortunately, the Mayor stood up to the threats and the termination stood.

The Local and Council 8 (Athens) filed grievances to try to get Payton's job back. They paid out thousands of dollars (and made the City pay thousands) to appeal the firing. They fought it every step they could, all the way to an outside arbitrator who, by the City's Contract with the Union, had the authority to force Mayor Kalb to re-hire Payton, based on some technicality or error by the City.

The last of the hearings were held several months ago, but the final binding decision by the arbitrator was only released last month.

The arbitrator ruled that the City had acted properly and the Union (AFSCME Local 1039 and Athens Council 8) had no case. The termination of Roy Payton for theft stood.

Payton was also charged criminally with theft of city property and other crimes, but ultimately pled guilty to 30 counts of tampering with evidence. He was sentenced by Judge Harcha to five years probation and is prohibited from drinking alcohol or taking non-prescribed drugs during that time.

http://www.sciotocountycpcourt.org/ (PAYTON, ROY E., Case No. 08CR000870)

04/24/09 CT. ORDER WAIVER/ENTRY: DEFT. ENTERS PLEA OF GUILTY TO THE CRIME OF TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE SECTION 2921.12(A)(1) ENTRY: THE PLEA OF GUILTY IS ACCEPTED. 04/24/09 SENTENCING JUDGMENT ENTRY: CHARGE: CT 30 TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE [F3] SECTION 2921.12(A)(1) THIS SENTENCE IS AN AGREED SENTENCE FOR 5 YRS COMMUNITY CONTROL. COMMUNITY CONTROL SANCTIONS SHALL INCLUDE NOT TO CONSUME ANY ALCOHOL OR NON-PRESCRIBED DRUGS. DEFT IS TO ABIDE BY ALL REGULATIONS OF THE PROBATION DEPT. DEFT IS ORDERED TO PAY ALL COSTS OF PROSECUTION. THE COURT FINDS THERE ARE NOT ITEMS TO BE FORFEITED TO THE STATE. THE COURT OTHERWISE ORDERS THE REMAINING COUNTS OF THE INDICTMENT ARE HEREBY DISMISSED.

But don't feel too bad for Mr. Payton. The State of Ohio awarded him full disability due the debilitating stress of his job (or maybe the stress of being fired), so he has good income. Also, being on disability gives him a lot more free time to do side jobs as an electrician to supplement his disability pay and state employee retirement income.

Plus he has a lot of friends, especially at Council 8. And his cousin, Keith Nyland is his replacement, as president of the Local.

A few months ago, the Local AFSCME group took a vote. They asked the members who they would like to endorse in the upcoming mayor's race. The members decided that they should stay out of the race, despite the fact that some members (remaining relatives and cronies of Payton) pushed hard for them to endorse Murray. But the members felt that Kalb had treated the Union fairly. They were no layoffs. Health benefits had been maintained. They had gotten fair raises. But they did not want to make an enemy of Jane Murray either, in case she won. The decision by the Local stood: no endorsement.

However, an entirely different part of the AFSCME, the Area Political Committee (a political action committee or "PAC") does endorse candidates. It is made up of, not Portsmouth City employees, but other AFSCME members in Southern Ohio, such as health care workers, retirees, etc. No City workers are a part of this political arm of AFSCME. Except one. Of the seven voting members of the AFSCME PAC, one is the president of Local 1039. Keith Nyland. Cousin of Roy Payton. The fired and disgraced former Union president.

This 7-member group, which includes Nyland, is entirely political. They endorse whatever candidates that Council 8 in Athens tells them to. So Jane Murray got AFSCME's endorsement through this PAC, with Nyland as a voting member, despite the true wishes of the AFSCME employees of the City of Portsmouth. And Roy Payton got his revenge.

Or he will if Jane Murray is elected.

Payton still haunts the city. Lately, he has been sneaking onto City property, seeking out his old co-workers. He's been bragging about the Union's endorsement of Murray. He claims that Murray told him she would give him the Service Director's job when she wins. Of course, no one believes she would be stupid enough to bring Payton back (would she?), but no one doubts that department heads will be fired.

Many AFSCME members tell P-Town Underground that the majority of them support Kalb, and are hoping that Murray does not win. This is especially true following the candidates' debate at Shawnee State last week at which Murray said that she "would not have given AFSCME employees raises" and if she is elected she intends to take the AFSCME raises back from the employees.

Some describe confrontations they have had with her about working in the alley behind her home or complaints she has had about City workers and City vehicles driving past her house on Dorman Drive. Many feel betrayed by their union leadership.

A hint of the AFSCME members' frustration can be seen in the following video of Murray's press conference yesterday. Several City workers attended and sat together. At the 8-minute mark of video, after Murray had asked for questions, one of them, who claimed to be an AFSCME member, said the Local was never informed of the endorsement and that they had voted to remain neutral. Unfortunately, Murray rudely cut the gentleman off in mid-sentence and abruptly ended her brief press conference. Untitled from Jane Murray on Vimeo.

It should be noted that the other two unions of the City, the fire and police unions, actually allowed their members to hear the candidates in person. Following personal presentation by each of the candidates, they each held a vote of their full memberships. Each of these unions, in legitimate open forums, voted to endorse Mayor Kalb for re-election .

So on Tuesday, November 3rd, we will all learn if Mr.Payton will indeed get his revenge.

(As Paul Harvey would say: "Now you know THE REST OF THE STORY.")

_________________________________________________________

UPDATE

(Thanks to "A City Worker.")

Not Playing with a Full Deck

Are you sure you want to play cards with these people? They would be a bad hand for Portsmouth.

Why Jim Kalb is the Mayor of Portsmouth?

Everyone knows that the Mayor of the great city of Portsmouth is an hourly employee at a local supermarket. (He works there four hours per week.) Jim Kalb does not have a college education. He is not a successful business man. He is not a lawyer. He has none of the qualifications that you would expect of an elected mayor of a city like Portsmouth. So why is he our mayor instead of someone whose more qualified? Well, a big part of the reason is the nature of politics here. You have to question the sanity of anyone who would went to run for Mayor in Portsmouth. Kalb's predecessor was recalled from office. And Kalb's critics (the same one's who recalled the previous mayor) constantly threaten him with being recalled.When "recall fever" hits this town it becomes like another country: Recallistan. They pass recall petitions at the drop of a hat. And enough people in this City will sign any petition that is put in front of them, that its a piece of cake to get a recall on the ballot.

But the threat of recall is the least of it. There is a circle of internet critics in this City who are so relentlessly negative and full of hate for anyone who disagrees with them, that they can't stand to see anything good happen in Portsmouth. When they are not recalling, their boycotting some business or other: the local newspaper, the hospital, the donut shop, even the waffle house! (more on this in future posts).

But they really heap their hatred on politicians who want the City to prosper. Here is a mild example, from just last year, of what the vicious attack dogs of the internet say about the Mayor:

"The Mayor, Jim Kalb, is known mostly around town as the Tool or the Fool for the unelected leaders of Portsmouth. He barely graduated from vocational school, went to work at Kroger’s, and could never progress past a stock boy due to his attitude and aptitude. It's been said he barely kept his job at Kroger’s and if it wasn't for the union he would have lost the job at Kroger's a long time ago. He also told me shortly after his placement as Mayor when Greg Bauer was recalled that he would never be able to get elected on his own as Mayor because of his lack of experience and aptitude. Chief Horner, Mayor Kalb's boss, is the Chief of Police who uses intimidation tactics to get his way, no matter how much it hurts the community. Chief Horner is too busy trying to lend a hand to council in bankrupting the community through intimidation tactics and working under the "color of Law" instead of doing his job arresting and convicting drug dealers, prostitutes, burglary crimes, wrong doing etc. It's also been said Chief Horner deliberately stays away from enforcing these types of crimes due to a close relationship of his. Seems the county wants to plan for the future. Maybe the city of Portsmouth should be join forces with the county and eliminate our incompetent elected officials who continue to be played for the Tools and the Fools."

Notice how the writer uses cheap-shots to smear a man whose only crime was to actually get elected by the Citizens of Portsmouth. "It's been said..."and "...mostly known around town as..." The writer uses this smug innuendo to make it look like a lot of people agree with her. Just who is this low-class self-styled internet journalista who takes it on herself to speak as the voice of Portsmouth? Why its none other than Teresa Mollette, wife of a city councilman, on her own website.

(Click below to read the whole story.) http://com2.runboard.com/bccgforum.f1.t989

Please note how ridiculous her comments from May 13, 2008 are in retrospect. She said the City was mismanaging funds and City officials were incompetent and inept, but Scioto County was planning for the future and its officials had backbone and vision. She said the "city of Portsmouth should join forces with the county and eliminate our incompetent elected officials..."

As we all now know Scioto County is in a fiscal emergency: the first Ohio county ever to be under the financial control of the state. This is a very serious situation that is a major embarassment to our community and black-eye for all of us. Yet if had listened to Mrs. Mollette and followed her "ingenius" advice, the City would now be in the same sinking financial boat. (Brilliant, Teresa!)

But instead the City seems to get by on a tight budget, even in these tough economic times, with nothing but constant criticism by Mrs. Mollette and her pack of strange friends. Here is another example of how she speaks of our cities leaders (other than her own husband of course.)

(Click below to read the whole story.)

http://com2.runboard.com/bccgforum.f1.t1507

Week after week, Ms. Mollette goes on her web forum to air every stitch of the City's dirty laundry that she can find. One of her biggest targets over the years has been Southern Ohio Medical Center, the local hospital. She "spreads the word" about how the hospital is run by a bunch of "crooks and liars" and how the administration and the doctors are all incomptent. Here is just one example from early last year.

(Click below to read the whole story.)

http://portsmouthcitizens.info/blog/?p=317

Recently, due to "financial hardship" SOMC has had to severely cut back its pediatric unit and may eventually close it altogether. Well who was crying about it on her website? After so many months of her and her circle of internet jerks relentlessly talking down our area's main health care provider, who just couldn't understand why the hospital would do such a thing? None other than Mollette herself, the eternal critic of Portsmouth. Did you ever think your chickens would come home to roost, Teresa?

The Mollettes claim to be positive and that they want to work with others for the Cities betterment. But we have searched in vane for one positive or encouraging word that she has ever printed about Mr. Kalb, the elected mayor of Portsmouth. We can not find one.

So why is James Kalb the mayor of Portsmouth? Well, mainly because most people who may be more qualified just don't want the job. Who wants to take on the idiots in this town. In a future posts we will mention just a few of the past decent City Council people who have been hounded out of office by these people.

But what about Jane Murray, you may ask? What about this candidate who si supported by the Mollettes? Isn't Murray qualified to be mayor? We'll take a look at Ms. Murray soon.