What would we be without our readers?  Nothing!  Thanks to everyone for your mail!  If your mail ends up here and you don't want it here, please tell me and I will remove it.  Email address and last names have been removed for privacy.


I saw Robin Williams last night at the Palace and he made a New Rome joke.

Something like this:

"So I saw the Santa Maria sitting in the river over there and I thought, boy, they made it all this way and got stopped by New Rome."

"You have to watch those New Rome cops:"

(makes hand into a gun and talks in a redneck voice)

"Boy, I pulled you over for wearing whitewalls after Labor Day and having too many vowels on your license plate.  Now step away from the car."

"Andy, let me have the gun."

"No, Barney, I've got em covered."

Everyone laughed harder than just about anything else.  Even Robin Williams knows New Rome sucks.

John
 

Jim says:

Oh that is TOO funny!  I wish I could have been there.  Robin is one of my favorite comics!  Just all the more reason he rocks!


love the site, hate new rome.  I've been reading this site and I love it.  Expect me at the next march.
 
However, I have noticed a reoccurring theme that doesn't sit well with me.  Every one seems to think that it would be a good idea to fix up the streets and sidewalks.  This is a terrible idea and I'll tell you why.  If they fix the sidewalks, etc. in new rome, than that would make the stretch of west broad street that goes through new rome into a construction site, which allows new rome to do two things, according to Ohio state law.
First:  They could lower the speed limit even more for the "safety of the workers" and
Second:  They are allowed to double fines given out in construction sites.
LOWER SPEED LIMITS AND DOUBLED FINES ARE THE LAST THING WE NEED OUT OF nEW rOME!!
 
keep up the good work and spread the word.
 
-Adam
 
P.S.
other traffic traps to look out for in central Ohio:
1)  Shawnee hills - same deal, traffic cops raking in loot, lowered speed limits in town and no sidewalks, crosswalks
    Note: Located north of Dublin on Dublin road, or accross the bridge from the zoo/wyandot lake.
 
2)  Industrial Parkway _ back road connecting Dublin with marysville.  They pull over every one they see after dark
    Note: They usually let you go if you can prove sobriety. be prepared for many embarrassing road side tests.
 
3)  Plain City - also Known as "Plain Shity"  Cops are referred to by locals as "new rome rejects" need I say more.
    Note:  about five miles west of Dublin on State route 161 @ S.R. 42
 
4)  Powell - This is bad because it is a wealthy community that encourages strict enforcement of traffic laws.
    Decent sized suburb north of Worthington in Delaware County.
 

Jim says:

You have a very good point.  They would really love to double the fines.  That's why we just need to get rid of them once and for all.


Hi Jim,
Love the site.
FYI- an article written by Bob Beasley on the front page of the This Week - West Side June 20, edition is a must read.
Some new good stuff.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim says:

I missed that one!  Dang.  I need to have a copy delivered.


I was reading this news story this afternoon and caught my interest. I really believe that NEW ROME SUCKS BIG TIME! New Rome Council Sucks!!!!!!!!!! I wondered how they can pull it off right under the nose and I think they are a bunch of dishonest thieves planning to pick the innocent drivers clean from the wallets.

Jim says:

If they sucked any less and they would disappoint us!


Hey Jim, here's a new article out on New Rome...Even ODOT is getting in on the picture.

Article - State believes New Rome speed limit  is illegal

They'll be another article out on me soon, and I'll send you a copy.

Brian
 

Jim says:

Thanks for the article Brian!  As the State has said it's illegal why hasn't the Attorney General or the County Prosecutor stepped up to try and make them change their speed limit?  That is what I want to know!
 


hey im sure you already know but did you see the great article on todays (6/13) dispatch about the big speed trap know as new rome? this could be good to know for people if they decide to take their ticket to court away from new rome trailer/courthouse.In general it sounds like there are alot of people pushing to abolish new rome.   Rich H. another new rome victim looking for the end of the little speed trap that wont go away...

Jim says:

It would be interesting if EVERYONE took their case our of New Rome.  I think they would see a lot of cases thrown out.


What you and people like you do is truly American: Standing up for your beliefs and ACTING to change a governmental wrong...or at least bring it to the public's attention.

Check out the page I started when the police department in my college town went bad. WWW.BSUPOLICE.COM.

Keep up the fight.

Mike
 

Jim says:

Thanks for the words of encouragement Mike!  I agree that this is the true American way to fight it.  We can't sit back and let things go and act like it's not there.  It just gets worse and worse!


Hey Jim ... has anyone noticed that the last 4-5 days "someone" has parked a semi cab on the berm of W. Broad (heading east into New Rome) that sits just in the right spot to block the 35mph sign?  Yup ... I've been driving up and down W. Broad the last 4-5 days and have noticed it sitting there.  Great way to nab those people coming from the west who aren't in the know about the tatics of the New Rome Nazis!
By the way ... got my t-shirts and sweat shirts and have outfitted the entire family.  I wear mine every week as I drive through New Rome on my way to my massage therapist ... just hoping they'll find something stupid to stop me for!
Pam

Jim says:

Blocking the sign eh?  Typical.  They let the tow trucks park on the side walk and block the sidewalk.  Probably so they can charge people with jay walking if they step into the street.  I can't wait till they are gone!

You wear your shirt and hope to get pulled over?  That's too funny!  Keep it up!  We will let them know we won't take this sitting down.


Jim and other Ohioans
While I am not sure I have ever been to New Rome (although I have been in Columbus many times) it was called to my attention by another California criminal defense attorney who is from there.  We in California can certainly sympathize with what you are going through as we have been through similar things on a much grander scale (which is par for the course in
California).  Personally, I represent truck drivers and trucking companies both from within California and outside and they are suffering the same or more indignities as you residents of New Rome.  Imagine the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol stating, in the media (TV, radio & newspaper) that truckers were "clowns". He did do exactly that. Naturally, he tried to backpeddle but made little headway.

You and your fellow New Romans have taken the right idea by banding together and fighting the system.  I only wish I practiced in Ohio as I would be more than happy to join your cause.  While traffic laws are obviously necessary for those who cannot drive in a safe manner, when they are used to harass people and to develop a flow of income for the government things have gone overboard.

We criminal defense attorneys in Calif. are fighting many similar battles and it warms the cockles of my heart (wherever they are) to see others in other states getting on the band wagon in their own defense.

Stick to your guns and will keep watching your web page.

Tom
Auburn, Calif.

Jim says:

Thanks Tom.  The whole traffic trap is Nationwide and that is why I think the feds need to step up.  Only they can stop it in all the states.  Maybe not make laws directly about traffic, but make the states accountable if they DON'T do something to stop the abuse.  Maybe someday!


Jim:

Thomas' blathering of 3/19/02 about law-abiding people having nothing to fear in New Rome has no credibility.  I've never been ticketed there, either, but it comes across as pompous, self-righteous ranting to me.  His message is obscured by the reality of thousands of hapless motorists' whose only certain offense is to be within view of the $6-an-hour siren chasers in
their New Rome clown suits.

Their power-trip manifested itself through the one badge-wearing nitwit who demanded identification from the gentleman with the group of protesters who dared to raise a legitimate question about why the cruiser was blocking the sidewalk (er, uh, mud path).

Never again, thanks to this web site, will I patronize a New Rome business.  As much as I would like to, if they must go bankrupt in order to effect positive change, then so be it.

Dave

Jim says:

I feel bad for the businesses because even if they go away the NRPD will be there ticketing away.  The New Rome government doesn't care about them.  The Police is their cash cow.


Jim:

I was dismayed to read in a 2/4/02 editorial in The Columbus Dispatch that sovereignty issues prevent another municipality such as the township, county or state from dissolving another entity's governmental status.  Thus, apparently, New Rome's village status may not be dissolved, except by consent of its own resident voters.  How unfortunate!

While I'm no lawyer, as a common guy I can't help but wonder why these New Rome "village idiots" making up the government can't be prosecuted for gross abuse of power.  In addition to the police harassment that's well known, does not the repeated disappearance of municipal revenue through thievery beg for appropriate and thorough action against the entity itself and not just an individual?  What about the nepotism and shoddy records?

I'll bet that if the Village spent enough money and time ensnared in litigation to defend itself in state and/or federal court, it would quickly rethink the matter of preserving the village.  Hell, from the looks of things as depicted in the photos of the recent protest march, they don't spend a dime to upgrade or maintain anything except the police force.  You'd be taking nothing extra from the residents.

Go Jim Bussey II, go Attorney Nyce and go Mayor Jamie Mueller!  With you all the way!

Dave

Jim says:
 

Thanks for your support Dave.  It's hard to fight the government because you havet he bigger governments backing the little ones.  Not sure why anyone would want to defend New Rome though.


Mr. Jim, my name is Alex and I am the owner of “La Voz Hispana” Newspaper, the main Hispanic Newspaper in Ohio, and I am also an active member of the Hispanic Community in Columbus, especially in the West Side, where we have the bigger concentration of Hispanics in Columbus.
As you know NRPD doesn't discriminate by race or color, but in our case, the Hispanic Community had been targeted by the NRPD.  As you know there has been a lack of support by the Ohio government regarding the issue of Ohio drivers licenses to the Hispanic community, because many Hispanics doesn't have a valid social security number, they are not allowed to obtain a license, so when they are driving trough New Rome the NRPD knows that if they stop a Hispanic driver they have a good chance to get somebody without driver license, but in this country that act is illegal and Is called profiling.
We didn't know about your March, but if you plan to do another one please let us know so we can support you and you movement.
Thank you
Sincerely
Alex

Jim says:

We have reports that a New Rome police actually told someone that is why he stopped them!  How's that for profiling!  Hope to see you at the march on August 17th!


My cousin pointed out your web site to me because he lives in West Jeff I have been through New Rome a few times and luckily I have never been stopped.  As I read some of the stories of your other visiters and fellow wronged drivers I can honestly say that the next time I go to West Jeff I will find a different way.  Good luck in your and everyone elses fight.  I hope this helps.

Jim says:

Good idea and be sure to come to the next march!


I have lived in Westgate for only three years, but have passed through New Rome dozens of times before that while officiating at Westland or  on business.  I have  never gotten a ticket and more often than not do NOT see the police there.  I don't have a problem with police giving tickets as long as it is fair and accurate.  People who have lived in Franklin County any length of time know about the speed traps at other, in my opinion, as aggressive or more locations at Shawnee Hills and Valleyview.  What is unconscionable is that people who live in New Rome apparently do not participate in elections and allow an arrogant bunch of self centered people to "run" their government.  They could be offering services to people of that small community that would enhance their businesses and quality of life.  Clearly they don't need that many police.  The government officials are lining their pockets with these fines.  Just the fact that more than one clerk in the last ten years has been found mishandling or stealing their money should tell you something.  Traffic tickets aside, what they DO with the money should be of most concern to the citizens.  What a waste of an opportunity to do some good.  - David

Jim says:

The people are either part of the problem of afraid to do anything about it.  Not to mention there aren't as many as people think.


Hi Jim, I live in the neighborhood bordering New Rome to the south (Westwoods Village), I personally have never had problems but my husband has gone several rounds with this so called police department and he proudly participated in your ralley, I find it unbelievable that they can do the things that they do this day in age but somehaow they do, I have lived in
Westwoods for almost 6 years and can tell you that since the opening of Sullivant Ave. the traffic volume has definitely increased while I dont blame anyone for taking the detour I would ask that people remember that the path of the detour passes 2 elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school, so please drive with care.

Jim says:

Hope you see you in the next march on August 17th!  Thanks for your support.


Hey Jim, I can still not believe how the NWPD can even go outside their village limits to hunt down and arrest them for anything like 30 days tags even if drivers didnt come into the village limits!!!!!!!! It is ILLEGAL for any police officer of thier own city to go outside the city or village limit to ticket any driver for any violation that never happened inside the village or city limits! The Mercer County Municipal Court struck down the speeding ticket that Celina, Ohio cop busted outside Celina city limits! The corrpurt police dept. needs to be aware of this!The court made the Celina Police Dept. draw the city limit map and pass out to all cops assigned to road patrols! Sick of the cops who like to wander off the property limits and do thier illegal things! Round them up and haul them to Franklin County Municipal Court and make them obey the village limit rules! It really boils in my blood when I read or hear about that illegal activity!

Robin Hood

Jim says:

They don't go alone.  They get the police of that distract to serve the warrant.  Of course it still shows they have too much time on their hands.


I think the New Rome Mayor's Court should accept the costs of the interpreter after finding one guilty. The ADA law says so. I don't think the deaf people have to pay more out of the pocket for the costs of interpreter, they ough to pay only the traffic fine costs and court fees just like a regular person would. I was once found guilty and I looked at my bill of sale from the court and they didn't even charge me for the costs of interpreter. New Rome Mayor's Court rakes in so much enough to
afford the simple costs! Bulls*it.

Jim says:

I think you are right.  They should provide it free.  I don't know if they charge the disabled people.  I know they charge the foreign language people though.  I would think they should have the same benefits without additional cost.


Just wanted to share my story.

I was driving through New Rome about 8:30 p.m. on a Friday night when I passed the Police he pulled out right behind me (I was in the inside lane) and I thought I was being pulled over.  I was not speeding.  It was crowded so I had to inch my way over to get into the far right lane.  Well he speed past me, went through the red light all the way down to the tractor shop.  (keep in mind everyone is trying to get over)  He does a U turn and then shuts his lights off and starts going back the other way.  What he hell was up with that?  He could have caused an accident that night.

That made me mad!  You have to wonder sometimes why they think they are above the law.

Amy

Jim says:

From what I have heard they ahve caused accidents with that kind of action and they got in trouble.  I would love to be there when something like that happened.


While attending Westland High School back in 1988. Our Tech School bus would go through New Rome on its way to Grove City.  Well that morning as our bus was traveling through crooksville. The New Rome cop on duty pulled our school bus over and said "That she ran the Yellow Light." She began to argue that the light was green(which it was) and me and my fellow students on board began yelling at him from the back of the bus that the light was green. He didn't look and sound to happy when he said " I could give you a ticket but I'm going to let you off this time" Big f***in man pickin on a School Bus.  From the time I was in High School doesn't seem like much has changed. They need to shut it down.  HOW DO YOU JUSTIFY SPENDING $400,000.00 MOST OF IT ON THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
WHEN THE SIDEWALKS AND STREETS LOOK LIKE S**T.....HOW ABOUT FIXING UP YOUR PILE OF S**T AND AT LEAST MAKE IT LOOK NICE.....WHAT'S NEXT?  HOW ABOUT HANDING TICKETS OUT AT THE FAST FOOD RESTRAURANTS IN NEW ROME. THAT COULD BRING IN MAYBE $1,000,000.00. THE PEOPLE ON THEIR COUNCIL NEED TO GET THEIR HEADS OUT OF THEIR A**ES.  GET THE G*****N HILLBILLIE OUT OF THERE....

Ron

Jim says:

Pulling over a school bus.  Now that sad.


To my fellow agonizers,

I was certainly glad to see that we have many protesters against this ‘village’ of New Rome among the fair citizens of Columbus.  I sincerely believe that everyone who has submitted a complaint on this website should sign a petition and take the multitudes of pages of petitions before the courts of Columbus!  The funniest thing about this story of mine is that my sister has warned me about this little fake ‘village’ and their ‘speeding traps’!  I was to your demonstration last Saturday, March 16th, and I have to admit that I am impressed with the response of support that afternoon!!!   :o)

My story is not as horrific as some tales of woe out there; however, I feel I was violated as a dutiful citizen who ‘pays my taxes’ but more simply, I was taken advantage of.  My ‘citation’ does not include a speeding ticket, oddly enough.  My only crimes were not wearing a seat belt, $70 fine, and the reason they (a sour old man and a pimply teenager) actually stopped me because I do not have a license plate on the front of my car.  Total fine $140.00.  (how many people do you see whose cars and trucks DO NOT have license plates’ on the front?)   I am dismayed and upset that these shady Sherwood Forest sheriffs’ still, obviously practice this rotten law in the great state of Ohio!

Good things come to those who wait, but better still, those who wreck havoc will meet their end!  I would like to see something done about this and will sign a petition or hold a sign in protest anytime, anywhere!  WE NEED TO MAKE AN ACTION TOGETHER!!!

Most sincerely,

Catherine

Jim says:

Together we can defeat them!


JIM,
            JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I LIVE ON THE OTHER SIDE (WEST) OF NEW ROME, AND I HAVE TOLD MY WIFE THAT IF THEY EVER TRY TO STOP ME OUTSIDE OF THIER BOUNDRIES, THAT I WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE HOME, AND THEY CAN CALL THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST. I HAVE SEEN THEM STOP PEOPLE AS FAR AWAY AS HALL ROAD & GALLOWAY ROAD. THAT'S ABOUT 2 MILES FROM EAST BROAD STREET. MY FAMILY DOES NOT FREQUENT THE BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN OF NEW ROME. WE WILL TRAVEL THE EXTRA MILES TO GO SOMEWHERE WITH THE SAME NAME COMPANY.
THANKS FOR LISTENING, AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. ELS

Jim says:

Thank you for your support!


Hey Jim,  Is it true Yassir Arrifat is moving to New Rome because that's the only place he's welcome? I hear he's very fond of Tony's Coneys.

Jim says:

hahaha  I'm sure he would be welcomed in New Rome if he could right up a ticket or make money somehow.


Hi Jim, How about the deaf people who got ticketed and requested for sign language interpreter as required by ADA law? It would be likely that NRPD and the mayor's court might have violated the law due to expenses of having interpreter? They make so much money a year. I thought of that.
Robin Hood

Jim says:

That was addressed in one of the council meetings.  They pay the interpreter and charge the person back when they are found guilty.  It's part of the court costs.  Isn't that something.


In a related case, the court ruled 6-1 yesterday that police officers can arrest individuals suspected of committing a crime even if the officer is outside his jurisdiction.

The ruling upheld the 1998 drunken-driving arrest of a woman by a Ravenna police officer who spotted the woman while he was outside Ravenna city limits. Quote from the Dispatch.com

Isn't it scary even if the police dept can stop anyone just outside the limit for any minor violation? OK for DUI, yes, but anything?

Robin Hood

Jim says:

I know.  I'm surprised New Rome isn't all over that.  I don't think the courts would be too keen on it though for all of New Romes bogus tickets.


First of all New Rome has no zoning. No ordinances to control weeds or junk cars like most villages have. So let's get to work making phone calls and writing letters and taking pictures to submit as proof of problems that perhaps the Franklin County Board of Health and Sheriff can address.

The junk cars: Sheriff can work to get these removed and can get New Rome Towing to clean up up thier act like stop parking large wreckers on what is supposed to be sidewalks.

The Franklin County Board of Health can go after junk that can contain water that will allow bugs to breed and weeds that allow the same etc etc. I am sure if we can get the Board of Health to just make a tour or two thruogh New Rome lost and lots of violaitions will be heading to the Franklin County Environmental Court.

Robocop


Hi Jim,

Check out this article in todays Dispatch.com. Two things stuck out to me:

     1)  "Ohio Law does not permit motorists to be cited only for a seat belt violation"
     2) "Ohio has a secondary law, meaning motorists can only be ticketed for not wearing their belts only if there is another violation, such as an accident, drunken driving or speeding"

Despite the current law, Col. Kenneth L. Morchel of the Highway Patrol is making the ticket mandatory. Since when does a Highway Patrol officer have the right to override the law, just because he feels like it? He must have been trained by New Rome!

Personally, I always wear my seat belt, so for me this is not an issue. But what concerns me is that New Rome is notorious for (among other things) ticketing folks for seat belt violations only.  Also, Col. Morchel may have good intentions, but his decision to over-ride the current law seems like a violation of our rights. I agree with him that we should all wear our seat
belts, but I also think he should wait until the new law is in place before enforcing this policy.

Here's the link....

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/news/news02/apr02/1225829.html

Regards,
OPOC

Jim says:

Just like any other secondary violation the officer can make something up to pull you over and then you have to actually fight it in court.  Look at what New Rome gets away with!  People are afraid to fight the power!  Only when we unite and fight will they see that they can't abuse us.


After working as a Deputy Sheriff and having served previuosly as a Village Police Chief and having attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol LEADS Training I have to disagree with Jeff's comments on "Random Runs". First of all no Police Chief or Sheriff in his right mind would encorage nor TOLERATE any officer doing random runs not only because they just are not done but REAL cops doing REAL police work do not have time.  Second of All Police and Sheriff's Departments that exist to PROTECT and SERVE the general public cannot waste valuable Dispatcher time running every license plate they see.
To simply run a license plate because you are wasting valuable patrol time sitting in one location for eight hours and simply because a vehicle is legally stopped at a rec light and NO VIOLATION is observed is something that would make any Police Chief or Sheriff quickly question the motivation and professionalism of any patrol officer.
The State Highway patrol except in the case of OMVI Checkpoints will not tolerate any such RANDOM RUNS.
Just Because Former PART Time NRPD Officer Jeff has a quirk in the law that says what NEW ROME does is legal does not justify in any way shape or form the way NEW ROME operates.
New Rome could cease to exist tomorrow and the Franklin County Sheriff could assume the area without any increase in manpower or any increse in cost to any taxpayer since what was once a village would be unicorporated county or township
area and thus the Sheriff's responsibility.
So If Former New Rome Officer Jeff is working as a COP anywhere else his Chiefor Sheriff needs to sit him down and have a long talk with him ASAP.

Robocop

Jim says:

I don't see how running plates all the time doesn't fall into some sort of privacy issue.  Why not stop random people and run their ID through the police computers?  This is the same thing as far as I'm concerned.


Jim,
This is in reference to the former New Rome "Police Officer" Jeff who wrote to you.
Although he may have been fictional, it was Mayberry Sheriff Andy Taylor on the Andy Griffith Show who said it best and Jeff should, if he is human, agree, "It's not always so much to go by the book, but by the heart."
I believe in that and I think if New Rome was to practice this tactic, we wouldn't be in this disagreement.
(Unless New Rome truly has no heart)
John
Westside Columbus

Jim says:

Andy is right.  New Rome doesn't have a heart.  Remember, money is the root of all evil and New Rome is the flourishing tree.


What a great site. I live about 50 miles east of Cleve. and saw an article in our morning paper and had to check it out. We have our New Rome here but it is called Linndale. Just had to tell you what a great site you have. Will check back often. Bob Madison Twp

Jim says:

I have heard of Lindale.  It would be nice if the state passed a law to get rid of these little money generating traffic traps.


Hi there  Jim---
Thanks for all you are doing about the low quality police work at New Rome.  It is a shame we have to have such garbage type enforcement with a  bunch of "wannabees" trying to do a job while uneducated and lacking any degree of common sense..

I was in law enforcement for nearly 20 years and I am well aware of the "tricks of the trade",  how they argue in support of what they are doing--and never even having to smile while knowing they are  falsehoods.  Police work is  85-90% common sense and this is evidence they lack most, if not all..

In a report in today's Cleveland Pain Feeler---(whoops--sorry, it is Plain Dealer) they show a number for those arrested for not carrying their driver's license.  The last I knew,  not carrying a driver's license is  PRI'MA FA'CIA evidence--- which is "not conclusive on its face" or "presumptive evidence."

Unless there has been a change in the law I am not aware of, these could be considered illegal arrests.  Many drivers are not aware of this so they "lay down and roll over" and take it on the "chin".

Keep up the "information highway" Jim, it is appreciated.  I only wish more people were aware of this exposure.  I am glad I don't travel in that area anymore.

Have a good day.

R.J.

Jim says:

Thanks for your support R.J.  I like getting positive feedback who are/was in Law Enforcement.  Just proves, all the more, that New Rome isn't doing it right and we're not just belly aching about getting tickets as some people seem to think.  New Rome abuses it's powers.  That's a fact.  They try to hide behind "the law" and they taint it for everyone.


Saw the article in today's Plain Dealer. Never been in New Rome, Never gonna be.
Thanks for the site, lots of fun.  Have a feeling New Rome PD is going to be
looking for new jobs?

ang

Jim says:

Good idea not to visit New Rome unless you come down for the next march.  Thanks for your support!


From the article:
Wolpert said that only villages not meeting today's standard of becoming a village would be covered by the law. To become a village today, a community must take up no less than two square miles and must have 800 residents per square mile. While New Rome would fall within the guidelines of the proposed law, Wolpert said, the West Side village wouldn't be covered.
"This would not be retroactive," Wolpert said. "It would not affect New Rome."

Well, then what is the point?

More and more our governments make no sense to me.

John

Jim says:

My point exactly!  It makes no sense at all.  They could remove future villages and stuff without the peoples vote, but if a village gets bad enough the people will do something about it.  New Rome just doesn't have enough people to take control of the government.  He needs to make a law restricting how much a village can collect from traffic enforcement.  THAT would be helpful to a lot of places and discourage future abuse.


How about a boycott of New Rome business? That will stop tose tickets when merchants lose money.
 

Jim says:

I wish that was true.  The businesses are hurting as a result of New Rome PD, but there are not enough of them to do anything about it.  In a way the New Rome PD is its own business.  They would take in 400,000 with or without the businesses since Broad St. is a very busy road.


The auditor's report says New Rome uses a "private company" to balance (?) their books.  A friend of mine works there and says their "books" are the biggest mess they've ever seen.

Don't ya just love them saying this audit is the best they've ever had?  Over half a dozen findings including theft and this is their best?

John

Jim says:

I know!  I couldn't believe that said that either.  Then again I guess once you hit rock bottom up is the only way to go no matter how bad it looks.


There is a need for an Ohio Constitution amendment doing one or more of the following:
1. On all state financed highways, all fines shall be sent to the state's general fund less a legislated administrative fee.
2. Any charges brought against a citizen which fails to get a conviction shall make the political entity responsible for the defendant's court costs  AND LEGAL FEES.
3. Eliminate conditional immunity for government employees.

Jim says:

I agree that something needs to be done and all your ideas are good.  I think implementation would be the hardest part because all the little governing bodies have been in control for so long.


Dear Sirs:

Why not just move a dozen and a half people into town, get them to register to vote as New Romans, then vote the village out of existence?

Seems simple and legal. And a lot more productive than sharing misery on the Web.

Just a suggestion.

Steve

Jim says:

That is a great idea and it has been tossed around several times.  The sad truth is most of us who get nabbed by New Rome don't have the money to rent an extra apartment for a couple months.  If some fine business wanted to invest such money I bet I could find willing people!


Greetings,
I've spent a good hour looking at this website after reading about New Rome in the Plain Dealer today (the site was listed in the article).  I've been heartily amused by many of the letters and comments on the site.  Now for the perturbed portion---As a relative newcomer to Ohio (I used to live "out west"), I'm troubled by the robotically conformist attitudes that seem too prevalent in this area, and are so idiotically (and ungrammatically) expressed by some of those writing to you.  This country initially broke away from England in protest of ridiculous laws in the colonies (really brief history analysis for conformists with short attention spans).  I'm sure some of these people would have paid infinitely extravagant tea taxes and opposed those evil proponents of the Declaration of Independence if they had lived in colonial America and would have whined about those involved in the aforementioned issues because "they're breaking the law".   LAWS THAT ARE NOT ETHICAL AND DO NOT MEET THE NEEDS OF THE GOVERNED PEOPLE NEED TO BE CHANGED, RATHER THAN BLINDLY ADHERED TO.   Thank you for your attempts to promote positive change in government (if only in this little corner of our world).  More people need to get angry about poor institutional ethics so abuse and corruption do not (continue to) run
rampant.
Good luck!
pbj
 

Jim says:

Thanks for your support!

I will never understand how some people look at the law as something set in stone and it also infuriates me when people mail me telling me how I broke the law and need to deal with it.  They have arguments like "just because it was a little low" and can't seem to understand the idea behind laws being there to protect us and not fund small governments contrary to what some people seem to want to believe.  I hope that one day we can get the legal system working for the people because while in some areas it does it's job in other areas it lacks seriously.  Am I saying I can do better?  No.  I'm just saying that "We the people" can always look for ways to improve on it.


read the plain dealers artical about new rome ,,,,sounds like a bunch of gung ho cops who like being king !!!!!!! ill tell all my friends to avoid new rome ,cause im sure ill be picked up there since my car is a little loud  thx for your time scott

Jim says:

You don't even have to have a loud car to get picked up there.  Dim license plate light is good enough reason to pull you over in their eyes.  Please do spread the word though!  The more that avoid it the better.


An editorial about New Rome by David Young of America's Voices

http://www.americasvoices.org/archives/YoungD/YoungD_020402.htm

Jim says:

Great article!  I can't seem to get to it now.  I hope they are just having server problems because it's well worth the read.


I have a suggestion for you guys...
I think that you should keep the "barney in front of the new rome sign"
on the front page just below the opening info,  or even above it,  it is a real eye catcher,  and pretty much tells the entire premise of the rest of the site.
SKEETER

Jim says:

Your wish is my command!  I redid the whole front of the page.  Moved things around a little.  I think it's easier to navigate.  Any and all suggestions are welcome.  Unless you want me to change the background and text colors.  I like the white on black!


Jim:

Sad to say but New Rome is neither new to the game nor are they the best at what they do.
Ever hear of Linndale, Ohio? They feast on I-71 traffic with similar jurisdictional space as New Rome.
Bedford, Kentucky enjoyed a bountiful harvest of fines drawn from truckers, servicemen from Fort Knox and unsuspecting targets such as yours truly. Their reputation was that of Macon, Georgia.
What cured them both?  Interstates and signs erected at each end of their respective communities alerting motorists of what's to come.
The signs at Bedford read:  "BEWARE OF THE SPEED TRAP OPERATED BY THE PARASITES OF THIS COMMUNITY!"
Rent-a-cops can perform better and at less cost than those professing to be police officers in your Ohio community.
And, for the New Rome Police Department to identify themselves as police officers is a crime,as impersonating a police officer is an arrestable offense.
In the end, none of the communities that harbor such negative and unprofessional activities come out as winners. They are, continue to be and will end being nothing worth a sneeze on the food chain of places that count.
What a waste of a good Crown Victoria!

Respectfully.
 

Jim says:

I would love to erect signs and such around New Rome!  There was a billboard that said "I would slow down if I were you," but it is gone now.  It's just so expensive to do that stuff.


I cannot even believe that line in the Cleveland Plain Dealer that stated "hyper-enforcement has been the law in New Rome since 1947 and he's not about to change a good thing" !! A good thing? That is just wrong. To pull someone over for a license plate bolt missing, just in case they can write you a ticket for something they does not seem American to me. To not have any
other city services or fire department should be embarrassing to the overkill police department.
Anyhoos, I am sending along an aerial view of the little town that couldn't.
Doesn't it look like it would be a good location for a park...just the right
size.

Dean

Jim says:

Very nice Dean!  We have a "Fly Over New Rome" coming soon!

As for the article saying he's not going to give up a good thing I think they were making New Rome look bad again.  We can never get enough of that!


Hello Jim,

    My name is Heath, I wish i knew about the march cause i would of been there in support cause i hate new rome with a extreme passion, and they need to be stoped ,  now heres something interesting, i have been driving thru new rome for over 5 years and have been blaring my music so loud it shakes windows and still have yet to be stoped ?? I guess its horrible that they would of stoped me though if i had a scratch on my car and my spare tire missing or something stupid like that,  thats just the way i feel , but my qestion is will there be another walk/march cause i would love love love to be in it !! to show my support to getting new rome taken down !!!

Jim says:

Thanks for your support Heath!  The next march is schedule for Saturday August 17th.  Hope you will be there!


Tired of hearing how they prey on people over the plate plate lights that ain't illustrating the plates bright enough! The Wen Emor Ecilop Tped is Izan ! ( spelled backwards ) (cough cough ) The Nazi cops ought to go after the more important things like DUI or anything not worrying about very tiny cute things like plate light, missing license plate bolt, etc etc etc. Think it is enough is enough! Better yet, it is time to clean up thier acts by voting it off the face of the earth.

Jim says:

I wish they would give Franklin County the option of voting them out of our County.


Jim,

In reading your story I was surprised that you didn't mention the name of the judge that had a good laugh with the New Rome Lawyer/Magistate at your expense.  No judge should belittle someone trying to stand up for their rights.  And he had to know that he was dealing with the corruption of New Rome.  Does the judge sit at the will of the people?  In other words, doesn't
the judge have to run for reelection?
 

Jim says:

I don't mention the judge because I have no idea what that Attorney really said to him.  He could have showed him my evidence and then while he was looking it over told him a funny story and I wouldn't want to drag him into this if he didn't do anything wrong.  I think Pete lied to me is what really happened.


I seen your website in the westside messenger wish I could of known about your march would of loved to protest and show my support. I myself have never been  unlucky with being stoped by a New Rome cop but last month my boyfriend and I were stoped there for a dim liecense plate light I just could not belive he really got a ticket for that what bullshit. Love your website and show all my support somthing really needs to be done, they take it to far.

Jim says:

Thanks for your support!  The next march is set to be Saturday August 17th as long as nothing comes up!


Jim,
First off I want to say that what has been going on lately is great, keep up the good work and the March in March was great. I do have a new idea though AROUND IN APRIL that's right with some protesters positioned correctly for a day in April we ask everyone to take 5 minutes and drive around New Rome. The traffic will be a mess but the fun of seeing just their cruiser on the street would be better. Second I saw the map on the sight and I feel some land was included that is not actually in New Rome, on the West side the Dairy Queen is not in New Rome neither is the insurance company house or the Children's World. On the East side of "town" laugh the strip mall that faces Norton Road and the Dr. Office is not in New Rome.
      More things not in New Rome is Larry Cunningham. Seems he actually lives in Fairfield County, hear he owns some nice boats, and a really nice house wonder Now where all that money went?? Time for someone to look into someone's bank and buying records. I have also heard that Mr. Cunningham is also in charge of a juvenile detention center there and that there are allegations of wrong doings there also........If only the TRUTH COMES OUT WE WILL KNOW. If it does like I think it will lets us make sure he gets put away somewhere close....so we can all visit.

Jim says:

Sorry I didn't reply earlier.  I am going to have the marches every 6 months or so depending on what is going on at that time.  The next march will be Saturday August 17th as of now.  This could change of course.  I will get all the details up as soon as possible.
     It was brought up at the last council meeting that Larry was not living in New Rome and they are suppose to investigate it.  I will post what they say about it at the next meeting.


A reader made this comment but it's entirely possible if you have any idea of the history of local hospital's and the efforts they have went to to secure additional property arounf their facilities. Take a look a Mt Carmel West they have for decades
bought property after property and would love to get their hands of the Graham Fordarea. They have been agressive in this area as have Riverside and Grant because if they do no buy up houses etc as they can they loos their ability to expand and Doctor's certainly has been expanding and will continue to do so.
Hopefully they can snatch up as much New Rome Property as possible since they have the resources to do so.

Robocop

Jim says:

It would be great if they bought up the land in New Rome.  I wouldn't mind a parking lot being there!  We need more parking!


Jim:

Have you seen the cover story about New Rome in the Columbus Monthly magazine?  I don't know which month it was; I just read it in the doctor's office.  But I'm sureit's a recent issue.  It seems that New Rome's reputation is causing potential employers to avoid locating in Prairie Township, and the trustees are sick of it.  It describes some strategies that Prairie Township has for destroying New Rome if Mr Mueller fails to do it himself.  It's a fascinating read!

Now that it's warmer, do ya think it's time for another march on New Rome?

Chris

Jim says:

I got my copy of Columbus Monthly.  Too bad they didn't talk to me!  I could have gave them some stories!  Oh well.  I would like to get in contact with Prairie reps and maybe we could work together.

The tentative date of the next march will be Saturday October 12th.  This will mark 7 months since our last march.  I know some people want to do it more often, but I fear the media would grow tired of talking about it and people would start to ignore it.


Jim

I just moved to Columbus from Cincinnati about 2 years ago.  It wasn't long before I started hearing stories of this place called 'New Rome'.  At first I thought they were kind of funny ... I started to look at it as a little soap opera right here in my new home town ... something to amuse me while I got acquainted with Columbus ...but it didn't take long before I was reading stories in the Dispatch about an area of just two blocks with an income that seemed incredible given the run-down look of the place.  And then to find that nearly 70% of what they take in comes from 'traffic fines'!  I could not believe it!  I was warned by several neighbors that you drive at your own risk through New Rome.  I heard stories from people who've lived in Columbus for years and the tales they tell of corruption just amazed me!  It sounded like a town full of it's own family mafia.  I can't help but wonder if all 60 or so residents of this mecca condone what goes on there or are they too lazy ... or worse, too afraid to speak up?!
I'll admit I've yet to be formally introduced to the NRPD but hope springs eternal!  There are days I drive down Broad Street just daring them to pull me over just so I could join in the fight I see slowing building.
I was happily enjoying what little bits of news showed up in the Dispatch or on television about my favorite burb and then lo and behold ... New Rome shows up on the cover of Columbus Monthly, April 2002!  Now the story was starting to really get good!  How in the name of all that's holy can this crooked little bit of land continue to exist?  How have they managed to run off two huge businesses that would have brought much needed dollars to New Rome and surrounding areas?  How have the good residents of New Rome managed to live day to day, year after year without protest?  Do people like Patricia McCormick and Nancy Chapman ( see the article ) think that the way they've behaved speaks well of them?    Ms. Chapman's statement of, "Everyone thinks we're just a bunch of stupid hillbillies." just blew me away .... OF COURSE they think that ... because of the way you behave in office, public meetings and in the media!  Does Chief Larry Chapman REALLY expect people to believe that, "only 10 percent of our tickets are for speeding."?  Why has no one questioned an area not quite four blocks long that can issue more than a dozen tickets a day?  Do people like Joyce Johnson really think that tampering with public records and theft in office will go un-noticed or unpunished?    Could Patricia Kinder, Bob Lee or James Bell really think they'd get by with swiping money or using the village credit cards for personal uses?
Count me in!  I support anyone who does anything to speak up about the corruption that has gone on FAR too long in New Rome.  More power to Jeff Nourse and Jamie Mueller - hang in there guys!  And more power to you and people like you Jim .. who are FINALLY speaking up about the dirty little goings on in tiny little New Rome.  I wish I had known about the march because I damn sure would have been the loudest person there!  Something about this kind of deceit and injustice makes my blood boil!!
Speaking of boil .... New Rome is a boil on the butt of humanity!
Thanks for the opportunity to speak out!  Continued support to you!!

                Pam
 

Jim says:

Thanks for your support Pam.  They actually get 90-95% of their budget from traffic fines.  Some of the stories we have had sent in are just amazing.  Almost hard to believe until they keep pouring in.  The town really has about 35-50 residents and most of them are afraid and the rest are on the council or know (or are related to) someone on the council.  They continue to exist because only the people who live there can do anything about it and then we go back to the concept of children making sure each other behaves.  It just doesn't happen.  The people on the council don't seem to realize that their time is running out and change is in the air one way or another.  They will fight it tooth and nail, but it will change.  I hope you join us at our next march!


I spent several years in the Sheriff's Department and I never met a Deputy or Supervisor who had any thing but jokes to tell about New Rome. Larry Cunningham was a thorn in the side of law enforcement and when one New Rome "Officer" stated at a recent council meeting that they would hate to see Cunningham fired with all his years experience in law enforcment. Listen just because a guy can con a "Village" into giving him a badge and allowing him to call himself "Chief" does not an
experienced law enforcement officer make.
Any Certified Peace Ofifcer that is still associated with New Rome and Larry Cunningham are basically clinging to the law enforecment version of the Titanic. There will someday soon be no more New Rome and No More Larry Cunningham with a badge. I talk with officers daily and there is not a department we can find that will give Larry a badge once his in New Rome is long gone. Sheriff DeMastry might have since they are of the same breed but we all know where that Sheriff is now.
So if any more New Rome "Officers" are out there thinking about some more humorous e mail for myself and others to get a good laugh at please by all means write, write and write. Humor is a Good Thing !!!!!!!

Robocop
 

Jim says:

I wonder if any real Law Enforcement agency has hired a former New Rome police?  Anyone know anyone still in Law Enforcement who was once part of the NRPD?


hi jim,  have you heard any news about the chief,weren't they supposed to have a meeting last week to determine his outcome. please let me know thanks. denny

Jim says:

I haven't heard anything about it.  I will be at the next meeting though waiting to see what happens.  Anyone have any info on it?


Jim,

   I recently moved from Toledo to Galloway for work and luckily I turn onto Norton to go home - just before New Rome.  When I moved down here in December - the media was all over the New Rome controversy.
   I justed wanted to drop a line and maybe have you post it on the web site.  I am a police buff and even went to school for law enforcement.  Some of the actions I see and stories I hear are really borderline...some even go over.  As we all know this small department seems to act like it is a major city.
   I have a police frequency in my car and home and listen to them run plate after plate.  Then when the moment strikes - a warrant, expired tag, one cruiser sometimes two blares lights and sirens as if they are chasing a bank robber.  Sometimes they do not catch up with the vehicle - funny.  I know it has been said before, but it is worth repeating.  Avoid New Rome, but if you have an expired tag or warrant - definately avoid New Rome.
   If anyone wants to frequency for New Rome, it is 453.9250 Mhz.

Jim says:

They don't catch up with them?  That's great.  I don't see how what they do isn't an invasion of privacy.  What next?  Stop people walking down the street and checking your ID to see if you have anything outstanding?  How is this any different?


Jim,

Here are some suggestions for your Motto of the Day and/or Reader Mail:

1) There's a saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do", so it makes sense that  "When in New Rome, do as the New Romans do"  Therefore everyone should be allowed to intimidate, bully, lie, cheat and steal from Barney while they are in that God-forsaken town.

2) A quote from "Exploring Ancient World Cultures"
(http://eawc.evansville.edu/ropage.htm)

     "Rome's greatness grew out of its imperial program of conquering others...This military expansion at once brought great material benefit to the Roman state and guaranteed a pipeline of wealth for Rome, the imperial city. "

     Wow! Now I see why it's called New Rome. They operate under the same guidelines!! Only difference is that (Old) Rome is a beautiful city with architechtural treasures, while New Rome is an eyesore who's architecture consists of a shabby trailer on a street with no sidewalk!

Jim says:

Very nice!  They really are trying to live up to being called New Rome.  They will try to take over Ohio before we know it!


I think Doctor's West should buy New Rome and make it into the parking lot
they so badly need.

John

Jims ays:

I agree.  New Rome is a waste of what could be a perfectly good parking lot!

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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.