7:22am - Another story about Valleyview:

The part about this story that worries me the most is the sentence "White further complains that the village could make more money if Consolo issued more traffic fines."  Looks like they are competing with New Rome to be the most hated Village in Franklin County.

On a side note: New Rome has been patrolling without a boss for years!  Maybe they need to contact New Rome and hire some of their rejects.

10:33am - Change is in the air!  I can feel it!

I'm glad to see some of the Village residents standing up to the council and mayor.  That is what it really takes to change the Village to work for the people.  They elected them and they can remove them just as quick if they start to go down the dark path of New Rome.  We need to get all the New Rome residents together and talk to them about their government and how they can change it for the better.

9:35pm - A reader writes:

Jim,
First of all, I would like to congratulate you and everyone else who attended the very successful march on New Rome this past weekend, and I regret I was not able to attend. The news coverage and newspaper articles are proof that the word is spreading about these fascists.

I have been following the plight of you and your supporters for the past few months, and I would like to commend everyone involved on their diligence.  It is actions such as this that make this country a great place.  I believe that that the movement that has been started here could be the beginning of the end for speed traps, unfair moving violations, and the general nastiness of police officers in New Rome.

However, New Rome is not the only place where innocent motor vehicle operators have been victimized by badge-wearing bullies who exploit the law rather than enforce it.  This state continues to be debased by police officers who prefer intimidation to understanding, maliciousness to kindness, cruelty to compassion, and corruption to honesty.  It is because of these individuals that the scales of justice do not balance.  I would like to suggest a place for your webpage to include TOW from around the State of Ohio.  The dark corners of this state where speed traps loom could be brought to light, and the tormentors who occupy these corners could be exposed.  It is time that cities like New Rome no longer rely on the rape of passers-by and non-residents to cushion city budgets.

Go to all of the supporters of your cause!

Regards,
Ben

Jim says:

Thanks for your support Ben!  You bring up a good point.  There are lots of traffic traps all over the nation and anyone who has a story of a traffic trap please mail it to me.  I will gladly post it in the Tale of Woe.  This is a nationwide fight in the big picture of it all and I encourage everyone to stand up and make change happen.  Start a web page about a traffic trap in your area or anything like that and make the collective voice heard.
 
 

6:30pm - I got an email from a reporter at the Chicago Tribune.  He is going to put the URL up for the site in their paper.  Too bad LA Time didn't list the URL.  That was a bit surprising.

I was looking through some of the URL referrals and thought I would post some for everyone to see how word spreads:

http://www.angelfire.com/my/corbyfanpage/fanpagenet.htm
http://www.wtvn.com/staff/johncorby/
http://columbusoh.about.com/library/weekly/aa020602b.htm
http://pelican.blogspot.com/
http://prorev.com/indexa.htm
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/spike/1017821005.php
 

Isn't that great?

Thanks to everyone who helps spread the word!
 

12:55pm - Here is the article in The Columbus Dispatch about the meeting last night:

The article reads:

Cunningham, contacted last night at his Fairfield County home, said he wasn't worried about losing his job.

"Unlike some people, I'm not going to pitch a tent and say I live there. They're going to have to find a better way to get rid of me.''

How cocky is that?  A couple interesting things I found in the Ohio Revised Code:

§ 737.01 Director of public safety.
Text of Statute

In each city there shall be a department of public safety, which shall be administered by a director of public safety. The director shall be appointed by the mayor and need not be a resident of the city at the time of his appointment but shall become a resident thereof within six months after his appointment unless such residence requirement is waived by ordinance.

Wasn't Cunningham acting in this position too?  I wonder if they passed this ordinance too?

[§ 737.17.1] § 737.171 Removal proceedings; suspension; appeals.

Text of Statute

Except as provided in section 737.162 [737.16.2] of the Revised Code, if the mayor of a village has reason to believe that a duly appointed marshal of the village has been guilty of incompetency, inefficiency, dishonesty, drunkenness, immoral conduct, insubordination, discourteous treatment of the public, neglect of duty, or any other acts of misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in the performance of the marshal's official duty, the mayor shall file with the legislative authority of the village written charges against that person setting forth in detail the reason for the charges, and immediately shall serve a true copy of the charges upon the person against whom they are made.

Charges filed under this section shall be heard at the next regular meeting of the legislative authority occurring not less than five days after the date those charges have been served on the person against whom they are made. The person against whom those charges are filed may appear in person and by counsel at the hearing, examine all witnesses, and answer all charges against that person.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the legislative authority may dismiss the charges, suspend the accused from office for not more than sixty days, or remove the accused from office.

Action of the legislative authority removing or suspending the accused from office requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members elected to it.

In the case of removal from office, the person so removed may appeal on questions of law and fact the decision of the legislative authority to the court of common pleas of the county in which the village is situated. The person shall take the appeal within ten days from the date of the finding of the legislative authority.

Geee..I think Cunningham is guilty of incompetency, inefficiency, dishonesty, insubordination, discourteous treatment of the public, and neglect of duty!

§ 705.16 Publication of ordinance or resolution.
Text of Statute

(A) All ordinances or resolutions shall be in effect after thirty days from the date of their passage, except as provided in section 705.75 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding any conflicting provision of section 7.12 of the Revised Code, each ordinance and resolution of a general nature, or providing for public improvements, or assessing property, or a succinct summary of each such ordinance or resolution, shall, upon passage of the ordinance or resolution, be promptly published one time in not more than two newspapers of general circulation in the municipal corporation. Such publication shall be made in the body type of the paper under headlines in eighteen point type, which headlines shall specify the nature of such legislation. If a summary of an ordinance or resolution is published, the publication shall contain notice that the complete text of each such ordinance or resolution may be obtained or viewed at the office of the clerk of the legislative authority of the municipal corporation and may be viewed at any other location designated by the legislative authority of the municipal corporation. The city director of law, village solicitor, or other chief legal officer of the municipal corporation shall review any summary of an ordinance or resolution published under this section prior to forwarding it to the clerk for publication, to ensure that the summary is legally accurate and sufficient.

(C) Upon publication of a summary of an ordinance or resolution in accordance with this section, the clerk of the legislative authority shall supply a copy of the complete text of each such ordinance or resolution to any person, upon request, and may charge a reasonable fee, set by the legislative authority, for each copy supplied. The clerk shall post a copy of the text at his office and at every other location designated by the legislative authority.

(D) No newspaper shall be paid a higher price for the publication of ordinances than its maximum bona fide commercial rate.
 

Oh I bet they didn't do any of that when they pass their ordinances way back when.  They are probably all invalid.

8:01pm - Well the New Rome meeting was about as exciting as visiting New Rome on vacation.  We got to listen to Nancy read the minutes and complain a lot.  Best part was when Ed brought up that the Chief of police didn't live in New Rome and never had and according to ORC he had to.  Of course Nancy was going on about how they had voted that there could be a Chief who doesn't lives in the Village, but she didn't  have the documentation to prove it.  She said that there was a Village Handbook and she was the only one with a copy and they couldn't have it.  I think she was lying out her teeth, but that's just me.  Then the gallery started asking about the side walks and making it look better.  That was good.  Oh ant they paid some landscape place 1500 bucks to plant some bushes.  How's that for taken to the cleaners!

Overall nothing was accomplished, but I will go every time just to be seen.  It's worth an hour a month and it's comical.

11:44am - New Rome is in the news!

How's that for attention?  They don't mention the site by name, but that's ok.  People know about them and that's what is important!

Hope to see some of you at the trailer tonight!

5:52pm - Greetings all!  Been away for a few days.

There will be a Council meeting tomorrow at 6:00pm!  I will certainly be there.  Anyone else wishing to attend please come say hi!

Visit http://maps.yahoo.com if you want driving directions.

An anonymous reader writes in:

Dear Jim

Take a look at the movie I made at

http://www.digitalfilms.com/play.php?id=178479

Thank you!

Best regards,
New Rome City Council

Jim says:

Very funny!  Anyone else wanna have a go at making a movie for New Rome?

I'm still putting up the Reader Support Mail and Tales of Woe, so keep on reading!

5:51pm - A reader writes in:

I drive through New Rome EVERYDAY!!!! Never had ONE BIT of trouble!!! Get ovet it and PAY THE TICKET!!!! You were speeding and that's all that counts!!!!!

Jim says:

I can only attribute that to one of several things.  You either know someone in New Rome and they don't pull you over OR your time just hasn't come yet.  Continue driving through New Rome and it will happen.  Please let me know when it does so I can say "I told ya so"

10:00pm - A reader writes in:

I have been driving through New Rome since 1964 and I have never been pulled over for anything. I obey the speed limits no matter where I drive.....
I took a look at your web site but did not see anything funny.....
Good luck and take a vacation to relax.....

No I don't live in New Rome and I don't know any one in New Rome.....

New Rome...the next city park for kids to play and have fun...
 

Jim says:

Randall,

I must say that you are indeed very lucky to have never been pulled over.  Perhaps you can share whatever your secret is with the thousands of people the NRPD pulls over for stuff like "dim license plate light" or "missing license plate screws" or "running a yellow light" or "surprise license check" just to name a few of the excuses for pulling people over.

You obey the law.  That is good.  I obey the law too.  The few time I have got a ticket it wasn't because I was breaking the law and got caught.  I got the tickets because I was careless.  This New Rome ticket isn't a case of that.

My site isn't meant to be funny.  It's dead serious.  Perhaps you should visit http://www.comics.com if you are looking for something funny.  Yes, I do try to make it light hearted and poke fun at New Rome, but would you rather I encourage violence against New Rome or something like that?  Humor has long been used as a way to vent strong feelings about a serious issue.

Good luck to you too.  If you keep driving through New Rome your number will come up some day.

Thanks,
Jim
 

9:34pm - A reader writes in:

Obviously you are are a sorehead and dont know enough about driving a car to read the signs and look at your speedometer. Live and learn dude.
Death is natures way of telling you to SLOW DOWN.

bellyhip

Jim says:

I suppose I am a sorehead.  Who wouldn't be when they are obviously wronged?  It's not a case of "Live and learn."  That is what New Rome is doing.  They have messed with the wrong person.  I won't back down.  Period.

You know what I found kind of funny about the New Rome March?  There was no New Rome Lovers there countering our protest.  I guess these people don't love it that much.
 

8:11am - Latest New Rome story from The Columbus Dispatch:

How's that for a kick in the teeth?  You know what I find funny in all this?  It always seems that the legal systems protects the criminals rights more than the victims rights.  It is happening in this case too!  We have ways to remove all sorts of elected officials from their jobs when it is found that they are not doing their job properly, but we don't seem to have laws that can remove Village Council members when they aren't working towards the good of the community.  Short of Ohio passing new laws it looks like New Rome is just going to have to be taken over by honest people the old fashion way.  Election time!  I think the terms that these people serve are too long.

A reader write in:

This is for the newromesucks.com website:

A short excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, with emphasis added by me:

"...That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they
are accustomed. BUT WHEN A LONG TRAIN OF ABUSES AND USURPATIONS, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, IT IS THEIR RIGHT, IT IS THEIR DUTY, TO THROW OFF SUCH GOVERNMENT, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

The long train of abuses are well-documented.  The people of New Rome have not just the right, but the duty to throw off their corrupt village government.  A noble first step was the election of Jamie Mueller.  The next step has to be the election of a just village council.  Will the New Romans stand up and do the right thing, or will they once again stoop to polish the boots of the crown?

When, by the way, do the current council members stand for re-election?  I know they've been appointed for decades, but I can't believe the county board of elections are willing to let that continue.

Thank you, Jim.  I was at the march, and I'll be at any future marches.

Chris
 

Jim says:

That's inspirational.  It is the right of the people to abolish it!  So why can't the people of Franklin County tell New Rome we no longer want them as part of our community?!  They don't fit in with us.  Move to another county or another state all together!

You think when/if New Rome gets dissolved they will give me one of the New Rome Corporation Limit signs to hang on my wall?

9:35pm - A reader writes in:

Hello, I am writting to you from Oklahoma as a former New Rome resident.  Both my husband and I grew up there , married there at Saint Pauls Lutheren Church and our children were born there.  My husbands Father was the mayor there for many years and his Mother was the village clerk.  That was back in the 1950's and 60's.  Then New Rome was a wonderful place to live.  A snall quiet town where nothing much ever happened and we liked it that way.  It was a close town where everyone knew everyone else and were good neighbors.  Yes, there were squables at the councel meetings from time to time, but nothing that good neighbors couldn't work out.  I know things have changed greatly from those days.  As always towns grow and change as do it's people.  But, there is a lot of history to that old town and I think it is worth saving dispite what is happening there now.  I understand your plite.  I feel the answer to your problems is to elect a whole new coulcel.  Surely there are enough people there that would be glad to run for office and help change the way things are run in New Rome.  Unlike the days when we lived there and Columbus was several miles away, Columbus has now surounded your town which makes it even more inportant to perserve the idenity of the town.  Please don't let New Rome die!!  Preservation of the past is inportant to the future.  It's HOME!!  It's where you live and work and raise your children.  It's your LIFE!! and a chance to make your life and the life of your children better.  Please don't give it all up for a few misguided indivuals who have managed to somehow get elected and take advanage of their positions. Fight for your right for fair goverment!!!  Overthrough the people in office and elect new ones.  I wish you good luck in your efferts and we will be watching your web-site for the latest news.  May New Rome live forever in peace and harmony.  Loretta

Jim says:

Wow Loretta.  What you say really touches me because I think history should be preserved too.  In New Rome's case I think it would be great if they just would change how things are ran.  I know not everyone in New Rome is bad.  The mayor tried to bring on a new council but the old council fought it and won.  It's not so easy to overthrow the government like you say.  Believe me, a lot of us wish it was!  The more we try to fight the more we get beat down by the county and state.  I certainly wouldn't be upset if New Rome changed, but on the other hand if the only way to fix the problem is to dissolve the Village then I would support that also.  Thanks for you letter Loretta.  It's good to hear from someone who is on New Rome's side in a positive way.

7:05pm - I had an interview with someone from the LA Times!  Can't wait to see that!  I will be sure to share it with everyone when I get the link.

10:55am - There is a couple articles in The Columbus Dispatch that talk about New Rome.  I missed them!

I wonder if this emergency meeting will replace their normal meeting?  If anyone knows please let me know.

And the award for a traffic trap acting like a community goes to:

9:33am - A reader writes in:

I have lived in Columbus for 5 years now, and have always heard the New Rome speed trap rumours.  I work part time in the medical office building behind Doctor's Hospital, and frequently travel to the New Rome businesses on West Broad at lunchtime, always taking care to watch my speed.  But after hearing about your website on a morning radio show, I figured I would check it out-and am I glad I did!  What an eye opener!  I read all the Tales of Woe-I had no idea the problems there were that serious.  I will no longer support those businesses on my lunchtime, and will avoid that little strip of corruption at all costs.  After all, my car is 9 years old, and the license plate illuminating light might not burn so brightly anymore.  Sic 'em Jim!!
Your newest supporter, Debbie

Jim says:

When I get letters like this it makes all the work worth it.  Getting support from people who haven't even become a victim   just proves the point that they are just wrong and making everyone aware of the problem is one of my goals.  Knowing   about the problem is not only the best way to avoid becoming a victim yourself, but it also gets the word spread.  When I   started this whole thing my problem was with New Rome the Speed Trap.  Now I have a problem with New Rome the   Government and Police.  Some of the emails I get from non-supporters suggest I should just move on because I broke   the law when that is not even the issue any more.  This is much bigger than a speed trap.

9:30pm - Still working on the stories and mail.  Anyone know who the guy that the NRPD grabbed by the arm was?  I wish I had seen that happen.  If you know him let me know!

Nothing too exciting happening in New Rome land that I have heard.  Their next council meeting is April 2nd at 7pm.  Anyone going to join me?

I mailed Nick and asked where he was during the march.  He said he would be there for me!  I'm so disappointed.  For those of you who don't know who Nick is do search for his name in the archive.

10:44pm - Dreama has made a March Page.  You can click the above link to the march or CLICK HERE!

9:19pm - A reader mail:

While I will agree that New Rome has always had a reputation as a speed trap, I cannot support your complaint. I grew up not far  from New Rome, and used to drive through that area all of the time. I even went to Westland High School right there next to New Rome. I don't feel sorry for you at all. Of the hundreds of times I've driven through that little stretch of road, not once have I ever been pulled over, let alone sited for anything. Know why? Because I obeyed the laws driving through there, just like you should have. You were speeding through there, plain and simple. I have never had a problem seeing the speed limit signs, going either direction. There they are, on either end of the area, in black and white. They are a little lower than they are supposed to be? Boo hoo. They aren't the only low signs in town. With all of the other problems the world faces, do you really think things like this even matter? If I were you, and thank God I'm not, I would be a man and pay my ticket and let it go. Life is too short to deal with petty crap like this, especially when you BROKE THE LAW! Get over it, get over yourself, and move on. By the way, printing Tee shirts with your " logo " on it just cheapens the whole thing that much further. I'm sure you are glad about all of the " fame " you have gotten from this. But what about your dignity? Sounds to me like you didn't have much of that to start with. Have a nice day.

Thomas

I haven't got a New Rome Supporter mail in a long time.

Just because you haven't got a ticket going through New Rome just means you are lucky.  Nothing more.  You don't have to break the law to get a ticket there.  Running a yellow light is NOT a reason to ticket people.  Stopping people because their License Plate Light is too dim is insane.  They aren't there to protect the public interest.  They are there to generate revenue.  That is all.  They protect no one.  If only things were black and white as you make them to be.  We will see who has dignity when you get a ticket one day.  It's not IF.  It's WHEN my friend.  Will you have the dignity to fight for what's right then or will you crawl to their trailer and submit to their bribe?  You know Thomas,  you can't argue against my facts with facts of your own so don't bother wasting my time with your petty insults and riotous undertones.  You just make yourself look like more of an ass.

7:51pm - I really am working on the email!  Just check out the Tales of Woe and Reader Support Mail.

The march pics are being worked on by Dreama.  That should be up soon.

Here is a video clip from the march - March Segement

Thanks to Arthur for that!  Very nice!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

12:02pm - The Columbus Dispatch Article was great!

I forgot to say that Jamie Mueller DID show up yesterday!  I was pleasantly surprised.  The group was about gone, but that's ok.  We all stood around and talked about New Rome.  He is working hard to get it cleaned up and he said he appreciates our support.

The New Rome Council Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month.  I will be there next month and will post directions for anyone else who wishes to attend.

Little quote from The Dispatch: "New Rome Police Sgt. John Carmony, who sat in one of two cruisers parked along the route, said village residents didn't show up because they are happy with the police department. "

Give me a break!  I would be more willing to bet they didn't show up because of several reasons.  First, there is probably only 40-50 residents.  Of those you have the old council and those who was supporting them.  Then you have the new council and some of them were there.  Figure in the people who don't want to go against New Rome PD because they are afraid of police harassment and those who had to work and I think that about covers the whole Village.

6:51pm - That was beautiful!  I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the cause.  Given the cold weather a lot more people showed up than I thought would.  I just watched the Channel 6 news.  Very nice with the chanting and all.  I wish I had seen the NRPD police start to try and arrest the one protester.  I heard his buddy told him to just let him go.  Ahhhh, how nice is that?

I will get to all the mail and putting up pics after I get a little rest.  All this marching up and down New Rome has me needing sleep!  Everyone mail me pictures if you took them and I will make a March 2002 page.
 
 

8:34am - Few more hours it all begin.  I'm pumped!  I hope to see a lot of you out there.  I will be passing out tickets.  Be sure to stop and say Hi and sign our book.  I would like to have a somewhat of a count.  After yesterday I wouldn't be surprised if hundreds of people showed up.  That would be great!

I have a heap of mail to work on so if I haven't replied to what you have sent I will.  I reply to all mail eventually!

Every please be safe and I will see you later!

11:02am - Remember, if your business supports New Rome Sucks and has a web site, let me know!  I will post a link in the New Rome Sucks Supporters listed above!  I certainly would be more inclined to visit a business who doesn't like New Rome's ways.

If you are attending the protest be sure you cross as the cross walks when it says to cross.  We don't want to give new Rome PD reason to hand out tickets.  Though I won't be surprised if they try anyway.

Last, if you see/hear about the site on a news station, paper, or radio record it and let me know!  I would like to collect all that and put it on the page and have a copy for my own personal use.
 

9:26am - The day before!  I'm pretty hyped!  I got my signs and everything ready.  I just need a bullhorn!

I will be at the Ex-Kroger parking lot at 11am or so if anyone wants to come down and complain about New Rome with me.  It's sort of my hobby now.  I have read every T.o.W. that has came through here and some of it just makes your jaw drop and you think it's something out of a bad cop show.  Just there is no justice in the end is what makes it real.  The bad guys have been winning for so long.  My car will have a big New Rome Sucks sign on it.  You can't miss it.

In case you missed it, here is a link to the article in The Columbus Dispatch.  Much thanks for to Steve Stephens for his fine New Rome coverage.

A couple things I want to comment on in this article:

"Police spokeswoman Robin Spangler, the mayor's court clerk, said protesters will have nothing to worry about from New Rome officers.

Forgive me if I'm not reassured.  I actually gave her the newromesucks.com address back when I started it.

"Contrary to popular belief, we won't be wearing riot gear or using gas masks,'' Spangler said, laughing.

Because they pulled your budget and you can't afford it.  Lt Kerr will probably buy his own with credit cards.

Only the normal contingent of officers will be on duty Saturday, she said"

How many is that?  10 of the 14?

7:37pm - Time rolls on and 3/16 grows closer and closer.  It should be interesting to say the least.  I'm going to call up Corby Friday and plug the March.  Send more mail out to the news stations and radio stations to see if they will mention it.  I really believe this is a great cause.  A reader who thinks so too writes:

I was reading the latest posted e-mail in the reader support mailbag.  Yeah, you both agree on this subject, I was thinking of Sept. 11th that brought all Americans together for safer, freedom country, more to list to save room in email. March 16th should bring all local Americans, native and new residents alike from any country or state or anything together for right thing in government....... sic the terriosts, crooks, etc. New Rome people should follow the example of the New York famous ex-mayor who pulled everyone together for all support that came pouring. This stands for America! We can do the same for this on March 16th! No matter what background we come from white collar or blue collar or any religion or anything, we still deserve to be treated with respect and dignity!
I am proud to be an American and a resident of this big great city! If the New Rome resident want to be proud of his town, then he can do something! That is the philosophy! Either vote the town into thin air or veto the police dept that is not
needed........we can get plenty of protection from Sheriff Deputies.
Whatever it needs to be done! This town is the hillbilly heaven made out by corrupt police dept and old guard council. Robin Hood

That says it all!  We have to stand up to even our own government from time to time.  I hope a lot of people show up at the march.  We have to make out voices heard.

8:28pm - A reader writes in:

Hey Jim,
Where is everybody going to meet for this march, i would be interested in joining in on this. I think it is great, let me know.
New Rome Hater

Good question!  I have updated the March in March link with parking and meeting info as well.  Also please feel free to bring video cameras and as many people as you can.

We will meet in the Primary Parking location between 11:30am and 11:59am.  I will be at the car with a big New Rome Sucks sign.

Primary Parking
I am going to park at the old Krogers lot on Norton and Broad.  We were not able to get hold of the owners so if you don't feel comfortable parking there please use the alternate parking.
Map to Kroger Parking

Alternate Parking
Broad St to Oxley, turn SOUTH, go 1/2 block.
Just past the car lot, turn right at the first driveway.
There's only one house on that side of the road.
Park anywhere along the semi circular drive.
Head-in parking along the road between the ends of the driveway, the lawn here is flat to the street and pretty firm.
Park in any grassy area around the house, driveway and the large field behind the house.
There will be someone on hand to direct traffic.
5 block walk to New Rome from here.

1:43pm - An email to share:

I would still like to hear one good thing about New Rome! One good reason for it not to be eliminated. I did some spying....here's a pic.

Very nice.  Thanks!

7:24am - The council meeting was last night at 7pm.  sigh  I thought it was Thursdays.  I'm sorry!

BUT we did have someone there wearing their New Rome Sucks T-Shirt!  Jeff Heidlebaugh of Jeff's Barber Shop was there in the front sporting his shirt!  Way to go Jeff!  Thanks!  I wish I could have been there beside you.  Channel 6 filmed him and had a close up of the shirt.  Great stuff!

Here is The Columbus Dispatch article about the meeting.

Jeff just wrote in:

caused quite a rukkus at town meeting last nite wearing the "New Rome Sucks" t-shirt.  Nancy Chapman wasn't amused at all.  She accused me of disrupting the meeting.  S-O-R-R-Y.  I just wanted to be another clown at the circus.
                                JEFF'S BARBER SHOP
 

 Jim says:

Thanks a lot Jeff!  You rock!  Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you on the 16th at the March.

5:11pm - I have an interview the the Westland News reporter tonight and he said he was going to take a picture.  I think I will wear my New Rome Sucks shirt if he will let me.

11:20am - A reader just mailed me about a reply they received from Ron O'Brien when they asked why he didn't do something about New Rome.  Ron basically said he just reads the law doesn't interpret it or make it.  He just reports on what it says.

I know and I'm sure that everyone else knows that he doesn't enforce the law and punish those who break it.  But as a PROSECUTOR he can bring the people who he thinks breaks the law to trial and see if the court agrees so they can be punished.  Or am I wrong about this?

9:52am - I just read a very disturbing article in The Columbus Dispatch after a couple readers mailed me about it.

This just makes me sick to my stomach.  Ron O'Brien could have cleared this whole thing up, but rather than make waves he bulked in my opinion.  I know he has to follow the law, but this whole article doesn't make a bit of sense.  To top it all off he has the nerve to say "That could be an issue the mayor could raise,'' when asked about if Plants was legally elected to the seat.  He said "he thought the council seat filled by Plants had been open fewer than 30 days."  Come on man!  Don't THINK!  Find out!  Is this too hard to do for the people of Franklin County that elected you to your position?!  Do a little work and get the answers we deserve?  He never replied to my last email asking him about who makes sure that Village aren't breaking the law.

9:05pm - Things are slowing down a bit.  I don't think that's a bad thing.  It's the calm before the storm.  I think after the March things will happen a lot will happen.  I am also going to attend the council meeting with some friends.  Should be fun.

Going to be interviewing with Westland News tomorow.  Keep an eye out for that.

10:12pm - Another picture:

9:18pm - Reader mail to share:

I met with a great lawyer who is helping me with a case against New Rome. He is a wonderful man and he really is out to help any one that has been wronged by New Rome. He is NOT out to make money. If any one would like any info.
about him email me @ msldyhuntr@aol.com. His name is Mr. Kinsley Nyce. If you want more info I urge you to contact me. Any one who has been harrassed by these pigs need to contact me. Let's get these creeps shut down!!!!! Shana

Jim says:

Mr Nyce is a great guy.  He is helping witht he Class Action Suit againt New Rome.  He is listed in the Suppoters above.
 

8:59pm - A picture for all to enjoy:

Thanks!  Very nice!
 

8:07pm - Well I am hearing that they are still out there causing trouble according to a couple emails I got.  No big surprise I suppose.

Michael (michael@newromesucks.com send us this link:

http://www.kroger.com/customercomments.htm

You can email Kroger and tell them how you don't like going go their location out past New Rome because the NRPD is ticket happy.
 

10:11am - Sorry no updates for a few day.  Took a long weekend.  Even though, not much is going on yet.  New Rome hasn't been in the news for over 7 days.  How odd is that?  I also got a couple emails that people have drove through New Rome and they didn't see police hovering around waiting to bust people.  Anyone heard anything?  Police cars parked by the trailer being unused.  That thoroughly frightens me!

Could New Rome be falling?  Did they finally hand out the grape Kool-Aid now that they are under scrutiny?  Stay tuned to find out what happens next in the town that never sleep as long as someone somewhere can be ticketed.

I will be working on email tonight and will get more ToWs and Support mail up for your reading pleasure.

7:48am - 
Please feel free to tell the radio stations and papers you read about the March in March!  Spread the word!

Anyone have any insiders helping with the New Rome audit?  I wanna know what is going on!  Nothing very exciting going on with New Rome recently.  Too bad they don't have an official web site.  We could keep an eye on them too!  I doubt many of them have computer at the PD.  Let alone know how to build a web page!

11:00am - I have mailed John Corby, Steve Stevens, Channel 4, 6, and 10, and WNCI Morning Zoo about the site and the March.  I want to get a lot of media if possible!
 

9:29am - I have posted the March information in the above link and will talk about it here as well.  The March will take place on 3/16 at 12:00pm.  It will be a peaceful protest against the abuse they inflict on us.  I am ENCOURAGING you to buy from the surrounding village stores during this protest.  Show them that we will make use of their services if the NRPD was not making us detour.  Please check back here for any updates to the protest info.

I would also like to start getting an idea of how many people will be there.  Mail me if you intend to join us and let me know how many people will be there.

6:41pm - A couple of things to share today.  Article in The Columbus Dispatch about Chief Cunninghams now defunct boot camp.

Thanks to everyone who mailed me about it!

We also got a picture:

I added the words.  heh

Still waiting on the word from the Franklin County Sheriff about protection.  If any Sheriffs out there read this mail me!  jimbe@columbus.rr.com   I have questions!

4:16pm - I got the following reply back from Ron O'Brien.

I am familiar with your web site. I am not the supervisor of cities and villages within the county, but got involved in the current new rome matter pursuant to a request  to file a special statutory proceeding regarding the status of those holding office in the village. That matter is still not finally resolved. I would be happy to send you a copy of the letter regarding the status of those officials, at least prior to the various appointments made or attempted to be made at the council meeting this past thursday. We are prosecuting a Theft in Office case against a former new rome employee, and I have requested certain information from the Chief of Police and village regarding funds referred to as missing in a previous audit report.

I replied with:

Thank you for your reply.  Could you tell me who does supervise that Villages and Cities are following the law and not just making their own as they go along such as New Rome seems to do?  They have only got away with it because people have the attitude that you can't fight City Hall.

Thanks,
Jim

3:55pm - I encourage everyone to E-mail Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien at rjobrien@co.franklin.oh.us and let him know what we think of New Rome abusing us.  We elected him and it is his job to protect us from these criminals.  He has the power to shut them down.

I emailed him the following:

Hello,

My name is Jim and I run the web site www.newromesucks.com

I started this web site back in September 2001 because New Rome took the liberty of using their powers as a Village to stop me and ticket me for speeding.  I went to the Mayors Court to fight the ticket because their Speed Limit Sign was not visible and according to ORC you can not ticket someone if the sign is poorly placed.  I lacked a key element to my defense.  State evidence that their sign was wrong.  The magistrate, Pete Beagle, said they had the information somewhere but wasn't going to look for it.  They found that I was fighting the ticket amusing.  Being the nice guys they are they said if I plead guilty to a muffler charge they would drop the speeding charge.  Feeling down, but not out I agreed with the intent to appeal because I knew I was right.

I finally heard back from ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration.  I was right.  Their sign was well below the required 7 foot height and it was posted with many other signs.  It was easily covered by my 5'8" wife and I had shown theme these pictures.  They had still refused to believe me.

I appealed feeling pretty good about it now that I had the proof they asked for.  Was I in for a surprise.

I had no idea it would be in the Franklin County Court of Appeals.  Had I known this I would have secured an attorney.  I thought it would be back in New Romes Trailer Court or in some sort of Franklin County Traffic Appeals Court.  How would anyone know without having done it before?

So I showed up and Pete Beagle was also acting as the PA for New Rome.  Seems that set up for create a bit of a conflict of interest.  He asked me what new evidence I had.  I showed him the Federal and State manuals where is talks about how Speed Limit signs must be mounted.

He took this to the judge and brought it back.  He told me how this was a real court and how people think they can just come in and get justice without an attorney and people are so naive.  He claimed the judge said that the Federal Highway Manual did not apply because it was Federal and that the ODOT copy wasn't certified and wouldn't be admissible.  Talk about feeling abused and beat down.  Being the nice guy he is he said I could withdraw the appeal and the Mayors Court ruling would stay.  Not knowing what else to do I agreed.

He wrote out a withdraw and had me sign it.  He thanked me for educating him on the proper sign height and said he could use this sort of evidence to help future clients.  I told him I would keep on ODOT to make them change their illegal sign.  He smiled and said there was no need and that the sign would be changed by the end of the day.

As you can imagine, I was FURIOUS.  He ADMITTED I was right and yet I still had to pay them.  Where is the justice in this?  It's just wrong in so many ways.

So the next day I contacted lawyers and was for the most part laughed at for listening to him.  I was told there was nothing I could do.

They have broke several laws and admitted it in many ways.  They are wrong on as a Village and the people know they are wrong so they are just as liable.  Hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars have been taken from us with that sign alone.  What else have they done?

So I created my web site www.newromesucks.com on a mission to give them as much bad publicity as possible.  I knew it was a matter of time before something happened and people took notice.  I was right.

The recent happenings in New Rome has sparked a lot of interest in the little Village with the big police force.  I talked to The Dispatch and radio.  In the past couple week I have had over 10,000 hits and hundreds of stories of people being abused in many ways.  They are all there for everyone to read.

We all want to know what is going to be done to stop them from abusing us financially, mentally, and physically.  Please.  Go read the Tales of Woe on my web site.  You will see for yourself the injustices the occurs in New Rome.  They claim they have a right to enforce the law.  This may be, but they do not have the right to warp the Law to better themselves.

I have posted your email address on my site and encouraged people to mail you expressing their concerns at New Rome.  Something has to be done and we will not stop until something is done.  We elected you to protect us.  We hope that you will.

10:05pm - Mail and picture from a reader.

Is it true that New Rome's "leadership" had hired and/or promoted from within it's family?...  If so (and I'm making no accusation), then here's a sign "of the times."

Very nice!  Thanks!
 

6:34pm - Response to Nicks mail from Dreama:

What's Your Excuse?

Hey Nick!!!

 Let me first start by saying YOU are pathetic.  Instead of coming up with an intelligent way of defending and representing
New Rome, you decide to take the 5 year old approach and take shots at a person's appearance.  But, you are correct; this is a site for open opinions so all are welcome. Thank you for contributing to our cause.  I just wonder how many times you come back here (to a site that you so obviously detest) to read what you so intelligently composed.  My guess is that I will get a response to this and you will continue to email this site and inflate your ego even more. Heck, all this time I thought the 10,000+ hits were legitimate and it's just been you re-reading your eloquent prose over and over again.

Personally, I am really interested in that last email because it mentions me “the so-called wife.”  I commend you, Nick, for being so honest, (or at least stating over and over how honesty and freedom of opinion is so important to you) and for you and your spy hitting it right on the nose.  Jim's sister and I share the same name so many people do mistake us for each other on occasion.  Now, you stated your spy saw Jim and me getting into a car and I opened the door for him.  That is correct, Nick, that is called “manners” you might try that with your significant other sometime.  It may turn over a whole new way of life for you.  And what is this rant about Twinkies all about??  Do you like them too?  When Jim started this site, he didn't realize how upset you would get that he and many others were putting down New Rome…oh wait, maybe I have misunderstood.  I see, you want us to start the Twinkie site then you can visit that one too and have something to do on the weekends. I suppose we could start that web site so you can tell all your friends and family to read what you wrote there  too.

Okay, all jokes aside.  Forget about Jim's case for a minute.  You are telling us that you honestly believe that if someone is accused of doing something wrong that means they were??  Just anyone?  If you believe that, and allow yourself to be taken advantage of, well then Nick, I guess I can understand why you are so bitter.  That's a hard life to lead. I can also see why you continue to worry about honesty and “being a man” or not.

Or…you could just be making money thru New Rome somehow and if it is dissolved then that means you lose your “under the table” income.  Now, I've accused you…does that mean it is true??  You have showed a lot of support for New Rome, you must have some other motivation.  But since I do believe in dissolving New Rome, and figure you just like to read what you write over and over because you are arrogant, I will assume that you are generally an honest person, since that seems to be your main concern with Jim's web site, and conclude that you are just disappointed with your life.

Don't you hold hands with your wife/sister anymore???

Gee, Nick, I'm tired of writing, you are just so darned clever I don't know what else to say.  Hey, feel free to go to my web site too, www.dreamas-domain.com.  There are plenty of pictures of me on there that you can make fun of too.  Feel free to call me fat, ugly, toothless, anything you like.  Whatever makes you feel more intelligent and honest.

Oh, and you shouldn't bother with that, “let's see if you are really a man” tactic.  Jim knows he's male.  He isn't hiding behind another person's name, emails or fat cracks.  And I’ll be right there walking down the street head held high and proud next time I go through New Rome.  Where will you be, Nick?

You know what I think??  Since this is a site to post a free opinion, I’ll go ahead and tell you.  I think you are really good friends with a New Rome Police officer and are speaking for him.  And you are jealous that you paid your ticket without a fight, that you gave in and really felt that you were innocent.  That's what I think.

By the way, that New Rome flyer was wrong. I don't even know where they got those dates.  March in March does not mean March in February.  (I could insert a “New Rome spies don't know how to count” crack here, but I won't.)

Thanks,  (manners again)
Dreama
 

11:24am - We got another email from Nick!  What joy!

Hey Jim! Word on the streets is that you are so fat you cant even open your on car door. A friend of mine saw you and your so called wife (SISTER) getting in your car this past week. He told me your sister had to open your (passenger) door for you because you could not reach the handle. HAHA! I guess that explains why you don't care about getting your license back. So when does your Twinkiessuck.com web site start? I am sure you are pissed at them or there president for creating something that has put you over weight. And the way you are, it isn't your fault they taste so good so you'll be taking shots at them too. I can't wait to see you trying to walk down Broad St. in New Rome. I will be sure to take some pics. of you going to jail so you can post them too. I salute the council members of the village for not taking Mueller's shit. The people of New Rome are obviously doing something right,because all these so called new council members and the temporary mayor have just recently moved there. So apparently the place isn't too bad. So big boy lets see if this makes the site,since you want to call them "bastards" Lets see how much of a man you are at taking your own medicine. Hmmm! Lets see,you and your sister holding hands walking down the street,who is the inbreeds? I can't wait to get back in town to see what kind of crap you can come up with next.
 

P.S. Good luck on your march,the guys downtown will love you!

Jim says:

Nikolaos!  It's good to hear from you again!  I was thinking you didn't love us any more.  I see you haven't really grown up since your last email.  What's next?  Your momma insults?  I bet if/when people in New Rome see this email from you they will feel embarrassed and wish you wouldn't be on their side because you make them look even worse.  Can't you present some sort of defense for New Rome that they would be proud of?  No?  That's ok Nikolaos.  It's hard being a moron.  You tried and that makes you special! Yay Nikolaos!!