The Cincinnati Beacon - Westwood’s Hatred of the Handicapped?

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Westwood’s Hatred of the Handicapped?

Photo courtesy of here.

Melva Gweyn and her merry band of bandits have done it again! They are so worried about their fabricated fear of Westwood being taken over by Section 8, that they can’t even think like normal human beings if the words “rental” and “assistance” are uttered in the same sentence. Apparently, the phrase makes their Section 8 radars go haywire. So much so, that this week the Westwood Civic Association allegedly voted to oppose funding for handicapped people in a program that didn’t even target Westwood in the first place.

This past Monday, the Finance Committee passed this item. It doesn’t say anything about “handicapped people.” Instead, it just reads this in the minutes:

ORDINANCE (EMERGENCY) submitted by Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, on 6/11/2008, establishing a new HOME Investment Trust project account, 411x162x89600 “Tenant Based Rental Assistance 2008” and further AUTHORIZING the transfer and appropriation of the sum of $1,500,000 from various HOME Investment Trust project accounts to the newly established HOME Investment Trust project account, 411x162x89600, “Tenant Based Rental Assistance 2008” according to the attached schedule of transfer to provide funding for a tenant based rental assistance program for eligible households through a contract with Hamilton County Department of Community Development.

You can just imagine how Melva and her renegades must have felt! $1.5 million in rental assistance! You can just see their imaginations filling with the fear of white t-shirts and baggy pants!

And if you go and look at the ordinance language, you can see how the idea was to quickly implement this program so “eligible households” could start receiving assistance.

Can’t you just see them? Freaking out about how people need to take responsibility for themselves, not relying on Section 8 so “their kids” can run rampant in the streets of Westwood?

So on Wednesday, before the Council meeting, Melva and her bitter bandits stormed City Hall. They demanded that this item be taken off the agenda for the evening. According to my sources, led by the Westwood pandering Leslie Ghiz, Melva’s political puppets knocked the thing back into committee.

It just seems like Melva, and her bandits, and even the politicians who will carry out Westwood’s weird wishes in a run for more votes—it seems like all of them failed to read this internal correspondence sheet carefully:

Hamilton County will work in conjunction with the Center for Independent Living Options to implement a tenant based rental assistance program for eligible households.

The Center for Independent Living? Yes, that’s right—the group that helps handicapped people.

Handicapped people!

From their mission:

Who We Are

No one asks to be disabled by injury, disease or act of nature. Today, hundreds of people, and their families and friends in Greater Cincinnati will learn that their lives are about to change forever. If you or someone you know has a disability, please give us a call to learn how we can help.

The Center for Independent Living Options (CILO) is dedicated to helping individuals who have physical, sensory, cognitive, and/or psychological disabilities to maintain active, productive lives of their choosing. In fact, we are who we serve. We are governed, managed, and staffed by a majority of professionals with disabilities. This gives us personal insight into the issues that people with disabilities face.

Our Mission

To break down architectural and attitudinal barriers, build bridges to understanding, and create options and choices in the continuous process of empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Melva Gweyn and Westwood are now apparently afraid that their neighborhood will become awash with handicapped people.

A lot of individuals think that large scale opposition to Section 8 is just thinly veiled racism. So they view Melva and her bandits as being racists. Such accusations, however, can become complicated, since “Section 8” does not necessarily connect purely with being “black.” Some will talk about class issues, which are a legitimate point. Others will talk about the culture of poverty. Yet others will bring in the issue of disrespectful youth culture, or crime. They’ll talk about property values, and on and on.

But what is the argument against handicapped people? What Cincinnati neighborhood has “too many” handicapped people? Who has lost property value because too many wheelchairs showed up on the street? Who feels unsafe because there are kids with walkers hanging out near the bus stop?

These ideas are the stuff of fevered hallucinations. What’s more ridiculous is that it looks like Westwood simply didn’t read the information carefully—and now they are on full force opposition of giving “rental assistance” to handicapped people.

This Monday’s Committee meeting will be interesting, to say the least. The Westwood bandits probably have too much ego to admit their mistake, so I’m sure they’ll be there, with raving rants about handicapped people and Westwood.

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R says:
21 Jun 2008 at 06:47 pm | #

Let’s see. We got your cancer people who had the audacity to try to help other cancer people. we got your wheelchair people trying to park in the PUBLIC garage at fountain square who have the audacity to have the desire to be safe, we have a PR person who has the audacity to be distressed that something bad ( but true) be said about them. We got another group who has the audacity to want as their mission statement says

“To break down architectural and attitudinal barriers, build bridges to understanding, and create options and choices in the continuous process of empowerment of persons with disabilities.” ( Sounds like an AWSEOME program)

We have another group who has the audacity to think the world is going to end by people who need assistance actually getting assistance to be on their own to try to have as normal life as possible, and where the assistance is economic, so they can live on their own. Said group creates storms City Hall in protest and to attempt to save the world ( only their world mind you ) only to have not even taken the time to read what the issue is . So, in true Cincinnati fashion as The Dean says “The Westwood bandits probably have too much ego to admit their mistake, so I am sure they all be there, with raving rants about handicapped people and Westwood” Which is as true to Cincinnati as Skyline Chili. Will they get their 2 minutes with someone on council actually listening to them… Oh that rights, Votes so yes, they were get 20 minutes. WOW.. I think I am going to cancel my cable and just go watch council meetings.

All this could be, or could have been avoided fixed with just some simple things. simple things. examples

A. Cancer people would have been good with a simple, “I am sorry we messed up. “ Now we have lawyers and out of town press involved and a fighter who’s motto is hold them accountable.

B. 3CDC, “ We are sorry. We messed up. we somehow over looked this and we know it is our responsiblity to get this fixed immediately, and we swear to God that it wont take another year in a half. “ Rather than the spin ,” can we keep this between ourselves and oh yeah, can you make sure the reporter knows that it was the cities fault” right before she passes out from distress. I am sure that the lights are burning in the Kroger Building , or Rockin Robbins is thankful for the higher tab from the deep secret meetings on how this can be spun so they look good, and their management is everyone elses fault.

C. Stand up and applaud the Center of Independant Living Options group for showing others thru their leadership of those who have been there that one can “maintain active, productive lives of their choosing.” no matter what life throws at them .

D This group can say I am sorry and ask group C what they can do to help these amazing people and remember the line from an old TV show… “ Just the facts ma’m.

This will free up the Council to figure out the group they they committed a pledge to appoint a committee to watch over group who casued A and B issues.

Oh I forgot this one. The mailing of invitations to 40,000 people whom are now known as Dabblers , who don’t want to come downtown , except in special circumstances such as Reds games, a play, or free fireworks, They know, and have the perception of the “ Life Happen Here” and have already been to Nada, had dinner during which they tell people their own sloagan “ Life happens there too except with out all the stuff” . This time though, the hook is going to be REAL incecntive.... Free parking in the Garage that group B has the audacity to let be unsafe for over a year and a half, blames the city for their mismanagement and failure to fix the issue which ALL the Dabblers saw on the news last night , were digusted with the garage safety ,and all the other news stories of the Life that happens here area , turned, and looked at each other and said “” I am sure glad we live out here” The cost… a Million dollars

There an easier, better, and less expensive way to make this city happen.

wickywalk says:
22 Jun 2008 at 05:51 am | #

A handicap facility would be good neighbors.

R says:
22 Jun 2008 at 10:52 am | #

I looked into this program and it looks fantastic. Welcome them with open arms, and rather fighting and ranting, be a good positive thing for wherever it’s going’s and have the neighbors to rally around and support it. .

says:
22 Jun 2008 at 11:48 am | #

Another source tells me this is the fear of Melva and her bandits: that qualified handicapped people currently live in Section 8, and that with this rental assistance they will move out of Section 8, thereby opening up Section 8 units for OTHER PEOPLE to move in.

Lunacy.

Dewey says:
22 Jun 2008 at 05:02 pm | #

Another source tells me this is the fear of My Main Man and his moonbats: That they (moonbats) won’t be taken seriously. And that they(moonbats) won’t be able to stick their noses in OTHER PEOPLE’S business like so many old, busy body, wash women…

says:
22 Jun 2008 at 05:31 pm | #

Dewey,

I am glad you tried to insult us this way. If you have such contempt for those who stick their noses in OTHER PEOPLE’S business, well then surely you have a special contempt for Melva Gweyn and her band of bandits—who are so into other people’s business they don’t want handicapped people getting rental assistance because they fear a few apartments opening up for Section 8.

These are fevered fears. A simple examination of population and Section 8 rental units by neighborhood reveals that, from a proportional perspective, Section 8 density in Westwood is topped by several other neighborhoods, including Mt. Airy, Kennedy Heights, Northside, and so forth. Even Oakley comes close to Westwood in this regard.

Captain Underpants says:
22 Jun 2008 at 07:35 pm | #

Dewey: Another source tells me this is the fear of My Main Man and his moonbats: That they (moonbats) won’t be taken seriously.

Not the best timing, Dewey, given that, per today’s Beacon front page, said moonbats are being “taken seriously” by WLWT and commissioner Portune.

Also, what’s your beef against helping the handicapped? Seems like you’re a prime candidate in the between-the-ears department. Don’t be ashamed and admit that you have a mental disability. I support you on your road to recovery!

R says:
22 Jun 2008 at 09:56 pm | #

Hey, if cords are being struck, then its a good day. Some things are wrong and some are right. I think it’s right at a citizen level to shine the light on the wrong and be an advocate for the wronged and others in need. .Last I heard Cincinnati Ohio was In the United States. It’s a democracy, not a someones Kingdom.

That’s an interesting circle of Logic. She’s afraid handicaped people in need of assitance, are creating an opening for OTHER people that need assistance.. Let me guess who “ Other People” are. I don’t think she means Dabblers.

white male says:
23 Jun 2008 at 06:27 am | #

Dean of Cincinnati wrote.....
These are fevered fears. A simple examination of population and Section 8 rental units by neighborhood reveals that, from a proportional perspective, Section 8 density in Westwood is topped by several other neighborhoods, including Mt. Airy, Kennedy Heights, Northside, and so forth. Even Oakley comes close to Westwood in this regard.

Dean, I have a suggestion for you. Over the next few weeks make it a point to have a cup of coffee with a Cincinnati police officer, an expeirenced patrolman or Sgt. in the field - certainly not a desk jockey. Ask for feedback regarding their experience with section 8 people and the runs they make to section 8 homes/apartments. I’ll bet you will learn that they make a much much higher percentage of runs to section 8 properties than they do homeowner or non section 8 rentals.

Dewey says:
23 Jun 2008 at 07:33 am | #

Read the story of Memphis Section 8. It is the same story being played out all over the U.S.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/memphis-crime

says:
23 Jun 2008 at 08:02 am | #

OK… There is crime where there is Section 8. Your point?

Melva’s fears are fevered because (1) Westwood does not have more section 8 than plenty of other Cincinnati neighborhoods, and (2) denying people with disabilities a place to live due to an irrational fear of section 8 is disgusting.

R says:
23 Jun 2008 at 12:16 pm | #

Is it the actual people who live there, or cousins or such that show up unannounced and “take over ‘ gramdmas apartment ? I have had Police officers in the field tell me alot of times that is the case, or M.O. of these young drug gangs.

white male says:
23 Jun 2008 at 03:42 pm | #

The Dean of Cincinnati says:
23 Jun 2008 at 08:02 am | # OK… There is crime where there is Section 8. Your point?

It’s the ENTIRE point that I have been attempting to convey for a few weeks now. Why should law-abiding, tax-paying and home owning citizens be subjected to this? Melva rightfully wants to protect her community.

Ok, Dean, housing for people with disabilities is a separate matter. I have no problem with this if is only for people with disabilities. That is an entirely separate matter.

I haven’t been on a certain street in a few years where there are three side by side two family dwellings - all section 8. There is a marked difference between these three dwellings and the sourround homes which are all single family dwellings, and to my knowledge, owner occupied. When last there the three two family dwellings were unkempt with neglected lawns and toys and bikes scattered about the properties.

The sourrounding homes were in much better shape. Many of the sourrounding homes are starter homes.

I knew one such fellow who lived on that street 40+ years. Both he and wife have passed on. They raised four children, sent them through the Catholic schools and to my knowledge all have gone on to college. This geneleman probably missed less than five days of work in his entire lifetime. He was alive when the three section 8 dwellings came to his street. He lived about 2 blocks down the street, and reported there were a high amount of police runs TO THOSE DWELLINGS and very very few, if any, to the other homes on the street. Dean, why should he and other neighbors have to live near section 8 people who have consistently been a nusisance to the neighborhood?

Westie Westsider says:
25 Jun 2008 at 04:04 pm | #

STOP GROUPING ALL PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN WESTWOOD FOM&M. FRIENDS OF MELVA AND MARY. GOT IT JASON???

HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT THIS SMALL GROUP DOESN’T REPRESENT ALL THAT LIVE IN WESTWOOD- AND THAT SOME OF THE THINGS THEY HAVE DONE ISN’T ALL THAT BAD- BUT THIS IS JUST ONE OF THEIR INSANE THINGS.

BUT THEY ARE NOT WESTWOOD!!!!!

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