Reader Support Mail - Page 2


Jim,

Have you read the recent news on Columbus Dispatch about how the New Rome concil members got their positions. Basically they appointed each others. They have never registered with the county. So legally they are not New Rome concil members. Those illegal concil members in term hired the police chief  Larry Cunningham, who in term hired all the New Rome polices. So I believe the entire New Rome police department are illegal serving the New Rome. Because they are not legally as New Rome policemem, they cannot issue the ticked. You should go to court to fight them on this ground.

clee3
 

Jim says:

The problem is getting to court.  I don't think I lack the ability to win my case.  Though you do bring up a good point!  How are any of them legal when it comes to enforcing the law?  I'm sure they have some poor logic.


Jim, How do I get a New Rome Sucks Decal? I love it! Thank God for Jim Mueller!!!
Tony

Jim says:

You cane have decals made at www.makestickers.com  I would like to get some and hand them out.  That would be so funny seeing New Rome Sucks on cars!  Maybe some t-shrits!


Don't that make you guys fell a little bad that most people bypass your town due to the hungry cops ready to grab anyone they can grab a buck from.
                                         D.S.

Jim says:

I doubt it bothers them at all.  $400,000 would make them feel better about it.


I think that you should post a link to the Attorney General on your website. This particular link is to a "Constituent Inquiry."

This entire New Rome problem seems not just unethical, but illegal. Maybe the good citizens of Ohio need to register their complaints in volume to the Attorney General.

http://www.ag.state.oh.us/cidwebapp/cidweb2.asp
 

Jim says:

Yeah!  Send them a letter about New Rome!  Let us be heard!!!


Jim, I have read some of your articles about new rome, and they are certainly all true.I have waited for years for someone to come forward and do something about these people.I have had several of my friends get stopped for stupid things.I was with a friend who got stopped they said for running a red light.I went to court with her over this and told the judge it was not red, it was yellow when we went throught.He told us that "he didnt care if the dust off her car was under that light when it turned yellow or red, she was getting a ticket."
I had a friend who got a ticket cause they had a bolt missing from there licenses plate.They go back on some of the old laws, so they can give you a ticket.I had another friend who was pulled over just because they were driving a expensive car, and was checked.
I use to drive a school bus through there and was always scared they would find something to stop for me for.I had to try and catch the light on purpose, so I wouldnt get stopped.
Keep up the publicty on these people, and maybe they will incorporate them into columbus.
Linda

Jim says:

Thanks for your support Linda.  Isn't that just typical!  A missing license plate bolt!!!!!!!!  They will probably find some old Ohio law on not allowing your dog to wear a sweater on days with vowels in them and start handing out tickets.  These people are such a joke and yet it's frighteningly not funny!


Hi, Jim

I just have to drop a quick note to respond to that idiot Nick. His statement about "all the drunks they take off the road" is crap. I believe a Dispatch article the other day revealed that only 3 out of about 1300 tickets were for OMVI.

So much for the social good the NRPD is doing.

Craig

Jim says:

Yeah.  Nick was pulling his own chain.  New Rome Police has no social value at all.  Oh sure, they can hand out a ticket faster than anyone in the US, but that's nothing to be proud of!


I forgot I had a New Rome story:

I was driving through at about 32 mph in my new pickup truck when this New Rome cruiser came flying out of a parking lot, flinging gravel and swerving around the car behind me to get behind me.  I knew I hadn't done anything wrong.  I finally realized what he was doing:  he was looking to see if my temporary tags had expired.

When he saw they weren't, I could see he was disappointed and he turned around.

Come flying into traffic for that?  That's not law enforcement in my book.
Whatever happened to probable cause?  They might as well put a toll booth up.

John

Jim says:

ha ha ha ha!  That's great!  I can't just hear them saying "Foiled again!"  I'm surprised they don't try to set up an inspection booth.  Hand out tickets as you pass through.


Jim,
    I thought that you would like to know that we are going to cover the whole thing about new rome on tomorrow's show (tomorrow was 2/6.  Sorry) on the R!OT on 88.7 Radio U. It will be in the 7:00 hour and it will also find it's way to our TV show that we do thru dish network and on the web at TVUlive.com I thought that you should know so you can check it out and i am also going to give the web site a pulg as well. Hope things are well and Remember the timeless words to the song we all sing...." I fought the Law and the Law won. I fought the law and the Law won" Don't the 5'3" community keep you down.
Tedd
Producer of the RIOT TV/RADIO show
Columbus ohio, Marion indiana and on the dishnetwork
 

Jim says:

Tedd thanks a lot!  The more the word is spread, the better the chances of taking New Rome out!


New Rome does suck - you ought to think about creating a bumper sticker to "shame" New Rome into doing the right thing.  Nothing cute - just to the point.

Jim says:

You can go have them made online.  I would like to get some to pass out.  Maybe some shirts too!  If we have a march, we have to have shirts!


Hello,

I think I might have something that would interest you.  The only thing is, you will have to check with public records to find out the details, but this is what I know:

A elderly gentleman came to our shop and stated he could not pick up his items on time due to his wife being in a car accident.  His wife was pulling out of Dr's West onto Broad Street at Norton Road, when she was broad-sided by a New Rome Police Cruiser.  The Police Officer driving had an off duty officer in uniform with him.  There is a couple of kicks with this:

1.  The off duty Police Officer was drunk
2.  The Police Officer who was driving was going to give the little old lady a ticket
3.  Good news, the little old lady had several witnesses stating she had the green light.

It is unfortunate that I have not ran into the elderly man, because I would loved to have found out more.  I know a Columbus Police Officer, who laughed at the incident and confirmed that it happened.  To the best of my knowledge this took place about 2 months ago.  Sooooo....If you want to check it out, you will have to go to Columbus Public Records due to the zoning.

Good luck!!
 

Jim says:

Interesting story to say the least.  And he tried to give her a ticket to boot!  Man!  I'm surprised they didn't arrest her for some off the wall charge.  I'm glad there was lots of witnesses.  Anyone else know anything about this?


Jim

Right on brother!  It's great to see someone standing up for what's right! Especailly against those "Barney Fife Bastards!"

I don't have a New Rome story. I never get out that way, but years ago when I was a teenager, I got snagged on Alum Creek by Obetz. I went to mayor's court and watched them suspend all the fines for the few Obetz residents, and the rest of us got no mercy.  There were all kinds of court fees and "rotary" fees in addition to the ticket. It was a long time ago, but I think it was around $180 all totaled. They socked it to me at a time in my life when I could least afford it.

They try to say that they're just enforcing the law, but everyone knows it's just a pathetic way to legally pick pocket people passing through so they can fund their little towns.

Keep up the good fight!

Larry

Jim says:

Thanks Larry!  I heard New Rome also lets it's citizens go.  Wouldn't want them to dissolve the Village.  They are really the ones with the power.


Good Afternoon I live on the same street that New Rome Police Dept is on.  It has come to my attention that if they pull you over but don't have their lights on while they are in their own jurisdiction they can't pull you over they can go out of the jurisdiction if they have the lights on but are ignored or not seen till out of their jurisdiction.   So I tell everyone to have them call County if they are out of their jurisdiction.   They only have 2 blocks so most likely they will be out of their jurisdiction.

You can also advise anyone that gets ticketed to have it transferred downtown then New Rome won't benefit from it as well.

Good luck very good web site.

Jim says:

I always wondered about that.  They do go out of New Rome frequently.  Anyone have any insight on this?


Jim;
Speed traps will always be with us - and I can live with that. When we first moved in this area (Little Farms), one block out of the New Rome "limits", I thought "It's a speed trap, but there are a lot of kids crossing Broad St. to go to school, so the kids will be safer."BUT, New Rome isn't about a SPEED TRAP, New Rome is about law enforcement terrorism, BULLIES WITH BADGES.
As for the ludicrous statements made by "Nick" (who I am quite convinced is just a stupid New Rome Bully with a Badge) there are some blaring mistakes: he rants and raves about felons, protecting citizens from drunks, and on and on.
According to the statistics printed in the Columbus Dispatch, from September through December there were NO felons apprehended, and only 3 DUIs.
Me thinks these idiots should start producing DOCUMENTATION to their insane claims of righteousness.
How about the idiotic statement Cunningham made to the Dispatch, claiming New
Rome cops get trained then move on to other police departments. THAT's a laugh. The officers I know of personally in other townships want no association with New Rome. So many law enforcement agents make it very clear that the New Rome "officers" are an embarassment.
The sooner Mayor Mueller is able to take his lawful post, the sooner justice will prevail.

-patsy-

HAVE A GREAT DAY
 

Jim says:

You are very right Patsy.  They do their bad things in the name of the law.  Some people think the law is fact and can only go one way.  If that were true, we wouldn't have the need for a court system.  That article talks about how many tickets are speeding and how many are other things.  They fail to mention that most of those other things are let go if they pay their fines.


Jim,

My husband and I have been following the news stories about New Rome.  We simply cannot believe that those people have been able to continue doing that they are doing to good citizens.  They are a disgrace to all of the decent police officers in this state.   And what's up with the Hilliard police?  Tagging along with New Rome to arrest a woman at work???  You all need to get up ONE BIG LAW SUIT AND SUE THEM!!!!!

Keep up the good work and don't stop until they crack that little hole!!!

LMB
 

Jim says:

Thanks for your support LMB.  I intend to keep fighting!  I think we have a lot of back up too.


One thing that I have been wondering about is whether the laws passed establishing the speed limits were validly passed since it is possible that neither the Council nor the Mayor met the prerequisites for taking office. This would be a tough argument to make, but if successful, the implications would, obviously be devastating, as the Village's traffic ordinances would be invalid.  The Village should be required to give you a copy of their ordinances and the record of their passage.

The implications could be that Council members and the police could be subject to a civil rights lawsuit for depriving people of property under color of law and perhaps could be the subject of a racketeering (RICO) type lawsuit.  I'm no expert in any of this, however, so perhaps someone else could pipe in and tell me if I am off base.

BTW, how were fines levied?  In a mayor's court by the prior "mayor"?

Kris
 

Jim says:

I don't know who sets the speed limit.  If the council does, it was probably passes a long time ago and the council may have been legit.  I did read that they set the fines though.  I think they could be held liable for issuing tickets prior to the sign being corrected.  The Ohio Revised Code says very clearly you can't hold someone liable if it isn't visible.  That sign they had was far from it.


I equivocate the fall of New Rome to the fall of the Iron Curtain in East Germany.

I am doing some research on The Evil Empire (New Rome) and will share it with you in the nest few days.

If we all work together, its only a matter of time.

I suggest that after the fall of New Rome, we stand in the streets collecting donations from drivers to build a statue of Jamie Mueller, the man who liberated the west side of Columbus.

Charlie

Jim says:

A statue would be great!  I would donate my 103 to getting it built!  ha ha ha


Just wanted to say, if your ticket gets dismissed " and i hope it does" , and its because of an illegal sign placement, well get in line, cause if your ticket isnt legal, then how about everyone else who got a ticket because of that same exact sign . Newrome could be in a world of hurt. keep fighting it , its one thing to punish wrongful drivers to help protect the innocent,but eveyone knows Newrome is very extreme with their ways, hopefully the new mayor will make some changes .    a new rome avoid er

Jim says:

I think that is why they are fighting me on this so much.  They won't give in because it opens them up to a load of crap.  I'm talking about a class action suite with my lawyer.  It would bankrupt them.


Jim,
Being from Marion, Ohio and recently moving to Grove City, it is appalling to hear about the shenanigans that go on in that pissant little block called New Rome. The fact that they have been getting away with this is disgusting. Many of my friends are police officers. Every one of them do not pull anyone over unless they are doing 12 mph or more, or if they are being reckless. New Rome police officers are a disgrace.
Good luck with your court battle!
I know now to go around New Rome.
Tanks,
Ryan
PS New Rome Sucks!!!
 

Jim says:

Thanks for your support Ryan!  I have yet to hear from any Law Enforcement person who thinks New Rome is anything but a traffic trap.  I would suggest staying away at all costs too.  You will be a happier person.


I just read the article in the Dispatch on New Rome.  I had already heard of the place before.  The 300k they collect in tickets surely can't be worth the reputation they have.    I am very familiar with your story (like receiving a speeding ticket going 15 in a 10 mph zone etc. with no sign) I fully agree with your position.  It make one wonder if these folks have a 'life'.  I would be embarrassed to admit it if I lived there.  They exist by sucking money from the poor.  Its a power trip, and the poor can't fight it.  When they run into someone who fights, they dig in.  Be happy you are not one of them!  I wish you the best of luck.

Jim says:

You are so right!  A Traffic Trap like New Rome wouldn't exist where powerful and wealthy people live.  It would get shut
down real quick!


If I'm not mistaken, you have the right to demand that your case be transferred to the Franklin County Municipal court. With the evidence you have, it seems to me that you might be able to win. (in front of a REAL judge)  Even if the signs WERE legal, you still have the argument that your speed of 42 mph in a 35 mph zone was not unreasonable for conditions. Funny that it's
safe for traffic to travel at 45 mph on all surrounding parts of Broad St. EXCEPT through New Rome. I'd say you'd have a pretty good shot there.
Good luck,
Sam

Jim says:

I wish I had requested that, but I doubt they would have let me.  They like to take advantage of people not being lawyers.  If I had known I was speeding that could have been a good defense.  I have seen a couple people get their case dismissed from Franklin County with that.  I seriously doubt New Rome would though.  They aren't interested in justice.


Tomorrow I'm going to add a link to your Web site.  Please consider linking to my article at:

http://columbusoh.about.com/library/weekly/aa020602a.htm

Or to columbusoh.about.com.  Thank you for spreading the word that New Rome sucks.

John Kazalia
columbusoh.about.com

Jim says:

This is from Sunday.  I didn't get to it until now!  Sorry everyone!  Great artilces about New Rome!  Check it out!


Jim,
Love the site! Hate the village!  I did get a ticket there which was legit, believe it or not, and for this part I am not ticked off at anyone but myself.  Just a failure to display, which was under my seat. OOPS!  But, when this ticket finally made it to the BMV, it was posted as a speed and unpaid, although I also had the receipt in my pocket.  It was resolved after many hours of work on my part and no apology from the Village.
The reason I am writing is that I live in Little Farms and on Beacon Hill Rd. which New Rome has turned into the "MAIN DRAG."  People avoid Broad St., which I do as well, and are forced to spend more time getting to where they are going.  The drawback to this is they often don't remember, and/or care, that this is a residential road and posted 25 MPH the entire length with MANY STOP signs.  On a daily basis, I observe the majority of cars going in excess of the speed limit and rolling through stop signs, this does include New Rome cruisers.  (Wish I could ticket them!)
For the safety of my family, and that of my neighbors, I politely ask you to remind everyone that is looking at your detour to PLEASE remember this; Even though New Rome is dropped from 45 MPH to 35 MPH and you do have to take caution crossing town, the "detour" is 25 MPH.  They also need to stop at each stop sign and be even more cautious of mine and my neighbors' children playing!!

Robert

Jim says:

This is a good point Robert.  If you use detours to avoid New Rome, do it safely!  We can all rejoice when the Traffic Trap is gone and no one has to detour any longer!


Jim,

    Have you transferred your speeding case to municipal court.  I would encourage everyone who receives a citation in New Rome to do so.  This is a County court that has little interest in the revenue generated by New Rome.
    Here I think you would get a fair and unbiased ruling when you present your evidence on the posting of their signs.  You seem to be in the right on your particular case although many who pass through are receiving citations for being in the wrong.  Although I completely agree that enforcement could be stepped down.  You just never know what your going to be stopped for.

Jim says:

I didn't transfer my case.  I'm betting they would have told me I couldn't even if it was my right.  One lady in the court asked for an attorney and the magistrate denied her a court appointed one when she explained she could not afford one.  Gotta love that kind of justice!


Glad you are sticking to your guns...someone needs to that place has been a thorn in so many people's side for so long...I know a young person that got stopped by them for having a tail light out and they gave her so much stuff over it..but she did'nt fight it just paid and was glad to be done with them...I hope you stick it to them...Good Luck to you
Joyce

Jim says:

Thanks for your support!  My guns won't be going anywhere any time soon.


I live just a few miles away from New Rome and always avoid going through the town.I've lived this area all my life and New Rome was ALWAYS referred to as " A SPEED TRAP"
People when you read this, take my advice and DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH NEW ROME!
Use other side roads.Everytime I do occasionally drive through,And always past a cruiser sitting there preying on people,I breath a sigh of relief when I make it past the city limits. What a shame people have to be afraid like this.  I really hope a new Mayor gets into office really soon,If not Mueller then someone else that is elected by the people,instead of being appointed.
 My 2 cents
 A very concerned citizen of Galloway
 Mark

Jim says:

New Rome is so much more than a speed trap.  It's a driving trap!


Hi, just read your site, pretty cool. Keep it going!!

             Karen

Jim says:

Thanks for your support Karen!


Hey

First off I want to say that your site is great. I stopped driving through New Rome a long time ago. I'm headed to a carrer in Law Enforcement and I knew that I needed to keep my record clean and the best way to do that is to bypass that strech of blacktop. I wanted to share my experiences with a New Rome cop before he was one. I was involved with a local Police Explorer Post (where teens can learn about Law Enforcement jobs) There was one guy there who I never cared much for. He was everything that people who hate cops think about when they think about cops. He was fat, covered with pimples (not to judge anyone by their looks, but I don't think they helped his attidtude) and just an all-around prick. You could tell that he had been picked on as a kid and wanted to be a cop so he would be in charge. We once directed traffic for a community service project and he told me that he liked doing traffic because once in a while "You get to chew someone out"  He had flashing police lights installed on his personal vehicle, he was a wannabe in every sense of the word. We had some new officers take over the Post and they sniffed this guy out and knew that he was trouble, they picked on him enough to make him quit the Post. This guy turned me off so much that I made the decision that I was not going to go to the same police acadamy he did because anyplace that would certify someone like him didn't have the kind of standards I wanted. I'm sure you know how this story ends. Thats right, last I heard he was a police officer (note the lack of capitol letters) for New Rome. Its a well known fact in the local Law Enforcement community that New Rome takes the bottom of the barrel from area police acadamies. Not to say that they're all like this, but I'm sure the pricks outnumber the good cops. Even calling them police makes my stomach turn. I
did want to let you know that a lot of local cops and officials have as much contempt for the place as you do. I pray that this latest scandal is the final straw in this story that has gone on for much too long, I'm tired of driving around the damn place.

Keep up the good work
 

Jim says:

Someone needs to make a LifeTime Story about "The Making of a New Rome Police."  I can't feel sorry for the guy.  Having that sort of attitude is inexcusable.  I had my share of being picked on, but I just got gravel in my gut and spit in my eye.  It didn't make me into a control freak.


I just want to say that I think it's cool that you are doing this. I wish you the best of luck. I think it's extra cool that you got it on the front page of Sunday's paper!!!

Jim says:

Thanks!  I never expected this much attention!  Then again, I knew there was a lot of people who did not like New Rome.  What better way to spread the word!  Now all we need is to get on TV and we will have bee in all the media ...... Hey David Letterman!  I'll be on your show!  hehehe

NEXT PAGE ----------->

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions posted are solely views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  Jim or anyone at newromesucks.com.