Colin on WCBE Thursday October 19th, 1 - 2 pm. Tune in or Stream It.

It's the fall fund raising season for WCBE 90.5 and to pay respects, Colin will be riding shotgun on the air with Maggie Brennan and her fabulous show The Global Village on Thursday October 19th from 1 - 2 pm. Talking Watershed, Bowlers, Pencilstorm and all sorts of things along with the great music you expect from WCBE, it should be a fun ride. Tune in and spread the word. Or hit the link below to stream it on the interwebs the kids are so crazy about. 

Click here to stream the show and to learn about how you can contribute to this great radio station.

Pencilstorm Interview: Michaela Burriss for UA Council

There are eight candidates running for four seats on Upper Arlington City Council.  Pencilstorm asked each of the candidates five specific questions centered around issues that impacted Upper Arlington residents and questions that were being raised by fellow voters.  Pencilstorm will be posting their complete and unedited answers individually throughout October and reposting all their answers together in the first week of November. Answers will be posted in order they're received. Our fifth candidate, Michaela Burriss, is featured below.

Michaela Burriss
www.citizensforburriss.com

If the election were today, would you vote for or against the school levy and why?
Absolutely yes. The strength of the UA Schools was the difference between our family choosing this community over other inner-ring suburbs like Grandview or Bexley. UA's location and school system continue to be our main attractors. As first time homeowners, we want our investment to be protected. The value of our home is interwoven with the strength of the schools.

As a UAHS Volunteer Asst. Coach, I spend quite a bit of time in our school facilities. They're inadequate. In fact, I've even experienced triggering responses around the leaking roofs and flooded basements. It reminded me of my low-income and adverse childhood. There shouldn't be any question about the need to mend our buildings.

There is, however, a valuable conversation to have about how we got here and how we maintain quality facilities moving forward. Additionally, the cost of the levy is significant enough that we will all feel it, but most especially within our retiree community who is on fixed incomes. We have to be sensitive of tax increases and how they may force empty nesters out of UA. For City Council, this means being even more fiscally responsible and efficient with dollars, something I intend to do.

What qualifies you to be on Upper Arlington City Council?
Obtaining a BA in Political Science Pre-Law helped prepare me for a career I've now spent, in it's entirety, within or intersecting with government. As a Constituent Services Liaison for the U.S. Senate, I helped Ohioans troubleshoot bureaucracy with federal agencies, while intaking opinions on issues of top importance. Prior to that, I externed with the Ohio Senate and Columbus City Attorney's office.

Currently I am an attorney working for a non-profit that helps small business owners with free education on resources to start and grow a business. I have the expertise and excitement for the next era of economic and residential development. One that will help seniors age in place, and attract the next wave of homeowners. Ensuring our infrastructure is not only up to date, but innovative.

Locally, I serve on the Leadership UA Board of Directors and as a volunteer UAHS coach. I have the passion, patience and experience needed for a community with high expectations and genuine interest in weighing-in on the future of Upper Arlington.

If you had a magic wand and an unlimited budget, what infrastructure project you would implement?
Ironically, budget wouldn't be the major constraint in implementation of this "magic wand" concept. While canvassing for this race, I have been completely shocked by the frequency in which people mention wanting a community center here in UA. This isn't exclusive to one generation with young families. I've heard it in every neighborhood from every demographic. It would be disingenuous of me to ignore the hundreds of residents that have brought this to my attention. With support from the community, I would love to update the Senior Center and explore how a community center could be brought to UA. The major challenge quite frankly would be physical space.

In that same vein, universal sidewalks and bike lanes would make me so happy! If UA could play a role in a regional mass transit or light rail plan, I would also be delighted. With the increasing population and congestion of cars, our proximity to downtown and OSU where many residents work is losing its convenience. 5-10 minute drives have quickly become 20.  Walkable communities and mass transit are more affordable, decrease congestion/traffic, while helping the environment and encouraging public health. There are so many economic, environmental, and health reasons to invest in alternative transportation and walkability.

Looking around Central Ohio, give an example of a community you think is doing it right and one that’s doing it wrong. What could Upper Arlington could learn from both? 
Bexley, like many other communities in Central Ohio, allows for public comment on non-agenda issues during Council meetings. Having an opportunity to speak on topics that are important to you as a resident, opposed to guided by the City/Council, can go a long way toward increasingly accessibility. More importantly, because it is during an official meeting, it becomes a part of the public record. This too can go a long way in holding Council accountable for inaction. As a candidate for Upper Arlington City Council, I've proposed amending our agenda to bring this to our residents. It's a great tool that allows our residents to drive ideas and help our community continue to prosper.

Columbus has seen a lot of change lately. Columbus/Central Ohio has grown to the 14th largest city in the country and 2nd largest in the Midwest.  MORPC anticipates the regional population will increase by 500,000 in the next 35 years. Developers are quickly changing the look and feel of downtown, gentrifying long time residents and driving up living costs. As Upper Arlington grows and considers who we want to be in the next 50 years, we should preserve what makes us unique and special: a suburban lifestyle close to downtown. I'm a proponent of smart residential and commercial development that protects our character. I'll welcome change that doesn't unnecessarily put us in an "arms race" with the rest of the region that is changing very hastily.

At Pencilstorm, we all have a love of music. In that vein, what's your favorite album and why?
No way I could ever pick a favorite album. I'm such a fan of music! The most recent one I downloaded was Ke$ha Rainbow. I listen to a ton of EDM/Dance music. DJ's dont necessarily produce a ton of original content but rather mix songs

Pencilstorm would like to thank Michaela Burriss for taking the time to answer our questions.  Learn more about Michaela at her website: www.citizensforburriss.com. Look for responses from future candidates in the coming days. Pencilstorm is an independent news source and does not endorse any individual candidate.

Local UA Politics coverage provided by Wal Ozello. You can email him at Pencilstormstory@gmail.com or try to catch him at Colin's Coffee. 

Check out coverage of all the candidates we've received responses from by clicking here.

 

 

Worst MLB Post Season: Tribe or Dusty? Brian Phillips Answers.

Colin G. - Once again both the Cleveland Indians and Dusty Baker can't get it done in the post season. Is there blame to be placed or is that just how the MLB playoffs go?

BP - I think in this case I'll lean with "that's baseball." That 5th inning in D.C. last night especially was truly weird. That said if I had to select one or the other for the hot seat it would be Dusty Baker. I'm guessing patience is starting to wear a bit thin with ownership. They've made multiple pushes to get over the hump and always come up short.  

Tito is a great manager. He did what he could do to put the club in a position to win. Sadly those bats went cold at the wrong time. Losing Edwin Encanarcion for most of the series was a big deal as well. Kluber's performances were head scratchers. I wonder if he's not 100%.

Colin G. - What do you make of the crucial pick off in the Nationals / Cubs in game 5 where the replay showed a clearly safe runner called out for losing contact with the bag for 1/1,000 of a second?

BP - Baseball has painted itself into a corner here. If you put in a rule to prevent that from happening then the video ump is having to decide how far and for how long the player lost contact with the bag. There are many good things about replay, but this isn't one of them and I don't know how to fix it.

Colin G. - Are the Astros the only true under dog? Who should the casual fan pull for?

BP - I get the question, but in my mind the Astros are the team to beat. Nothing but tough outs top to bottom. A rotation built to win in the post season. Good fielders. Good bullpen. I've been watching them beat my Mariners like a gong as Hunter S. Thompson used to say for three years now. I know all too well how great this team is. Adding Verlander pushed them over the top. I'm rooting for good games myself. I don't have a dog in this fight.

Colin G. - Looking ahead, what do you expect in the Championship series?

BP - I always look to the teams who have had the opportunity to set up their pitching. The Cubs went to the limit, the Dodgers have been sitting around. Their pitching is better to begin with. Every night for the balance of the NLCS L.A. will go with a starter better than anyone Chicago can bring. Lester had a good NLDS, but he had a mediocre season. Give me L.A. in five.

The Yankees are in better shape because Girardi did a hell of a job with his pitching in games three through five. Getting all those innings out of Severino in game four allowed them to not have to go nuts running starters out there just to survive. That said I like the Astros in five as well.

Brian Phillips hosts the Morning Show on CD1025 in Columbus, OH

Pencilstorm Interview: Michele Hoyle for UA Council

There are eight candidates running for four seats on Upper Arlington City Council.  Pencilstorm asked each of the candidates five specific questions centered around issues that impacted Upper Arlington residents and questions that were being raised by fellow voters.  Pencilstorm will be posting their complete and unedited answers individually throughout October and reposting all their answers together in the first week of November. Answers will be posted in order they're received. Our fourth candidate, Michele Hoyle, is featured below.

Michele Hoyle
http://www.hoyleforua.com/

If the election were today, would you vote for or against the school levy and why?
For it  – our schools are our crown jewel, and whether we have children In the schools or- like me, have graduates - we need to invest in the future of our City by supporting our schools.   The schools underwent an extensive process over two years, engaging citizens all along the way to hear our input and solicit our opinions, so we all have had the opportunity to be as educated as possible about the levy.  The transparency of this process should serve as a model for community engagement.  I’m aware that the ask is pretty big – I had an older gentleman share with me that he may have to sell his home and move if the levy passes – and I understand that in some cases support of the levy may not be based on support of the schools but on financial realities.   But we all need to remember - a major reason why families are willing to pay for a home in UA is for the schools, so this investment also serves to protect the value of that which is our largest asset  for most of us – our homes. 

What qualifies you to be on Upper Arlington City Council?
My job for over 30 years was to develop balanced operating and capital budgets for presentation to City Councils in the Cities of Dublin and Columbus; therefore, I am well versed in all aspects of City government ranging from police and fire protection to street repair; from snow removal to recreation and parks.  Serving on UA’s City Council will allow me to use financial skills honed over those years to provide needed and valuable expertise to my own community.  Along with my professional credentials, I have a lengthy history of community service ranging from the Cultural Arts Commission to the Citizens’ Financial Review Task Force.  I believe we need a City Council that values our past, celebrates what we have become, and has a vision for what we can be in our second century. A third generation resident of UA, I am the only candidate who will bring a unique combination of deep community roots, extensive municipal finance experience, and community service to City Council.

If you had a magic wand and an unlimited budget, what infrastructure project you would implement?
In my work experience,  the two words “unlimited” and “budget” constitute an oxymoron.  That said, with unlimited resources, and assuming as per City Council ordinance the people have voted in favor, I would bring a community center to UA.  A community like ours deserves to have a community gathering place, as well as a place to encourage health and wellness. An inter-generational community center would provide residents of all ages with a place to meet and socialize.  In  our climate, our parks, while heavily used, are limited by weather for several months of the year.  A community center would allow residents to remain active during inclement weather months.  In addition, a lot of activities that by necessity go outside of UA to find facilities – such as swimming – would instead have a facility within the community. 

Looking around Central Ohio, give an example of a community you think is doing it right and one that’s doing it wrong. What could Upper Arlington could learn from both? 
Based on my experience, I have to say that Dublin does a lot of things well.   Dublin has a lot of advantages, including many businesses that generate substantial income tax revenues and open space in which to grow.  Specifically, though, I would like to bring the semi-annual cost of services analysis Dublin performs to UA; this process provides valuable quantitative data from which decisions as to funds allocated to specific programs and services can be made.  As to not so well – Columbus does not handle snow well at all.  They could in fact learn from UA.

At Pencilstorm, we all have a love of music. In that vein, what's your favorite album and why?
My favorite genres are jazz and Broadway musicals, but my playlists span a wide variety from Beyonce to U2.  Right now my most-played play list is heavy with music from Hamilton.  It reflects an expansive range of music types from rap and hip-hop to jazz to ballads, as well as telling a story that’s a powerful reminder of how we became the nation we are.

Pencilstorm would like to thank Michele Hoyle for taking the time to answer our questions.  Learn more about Michele at her website: http://www.hoyleforua.com/. Look for responses from future candidates in the coming days. Pencilstorm is an independent news source and does not endorse any individual candidate.

Local UA Politics coverage provided by Wal Ozello. You can email him at Pencilstormstory@gmail.com or try to catch him at Colin's Coffee. 

Check out coverage of all the candidates we've received responses from by clicking here.

 

 

Baver Answers Colin's Questions - Huskers Week

Catch Baver on the CD1025 Morning Show w/ Brian Phillips Friday Mornings at 7:40 am. and follow @baverbuckeyebag

Colin: Before talking Buckeyes, do you think Baker "Money" Mayfield would have planted that flag in Ohio Stadium if he knew Iowa State was going to do him the same way just once month later? How embarrassing was that and why did the Sooners defense that dominated the Bucks with ease give up so many points?

Baver: Yep….humiliating. 7 straight yrs with a loss to a double-digit dog. This time to a 31-point dog. That’s pretty hard to do. That wasn’t the same Baker Mayfield that carved up the Bucks. All those times he found open receivers after being chased by OSU D-linemen? Mayfield overlooked open receivers time and time against Iowa St. As for Sooner defense…similar story. It didn’t look anything like the defense that shut Ohio State down. The short passing game that the Bucks couldn’t get going? Iowa St feasted on OU with their short game. OU did have some key injuries on D, with Emmanuel Beal and Steven Parker missing good portions of the game….but come on, this was Iowa State for heaven’s sake.

Colin: Along those lines, with the improved Buckeye passing game, do you think we would beat the Sooners if the rematch were this week?

Baver: The Bucks probably would win a rematch. The OSU WRs sure look improved. We’ll probably be able to answer that question better after Penn State’s trip to the ‘Shoe in 2 wks.

Colin: Nobody is giving Nebraska any chance in this night game at Lincoln. Sounds like a classic trap game. Is there a scenario where the Huskers pull the upset?

Baver: Nebraska is a team that could probably beat Ohio St if a number of things went right for them. None of OSU’s last four opponents could say that. They got CB Chris Jones (meniscus tear) back for a bit against Wisconsin last Saturday, and he should play more against OSU. When healthy, he is the best defender the Huskers have. But if the Buckeyes let Tanner Lee beat them, God help them. Lee has thrown a league-high 10 picks, and is going to get harassed by Nick Bosa and company all night long. If they get Ohio State in a funk, this could be close, but I don’t think that happens. I like Ohio State 41-13, so I think you lay the 24 pts.

Colin: JT Barrett putting up some huge numbers. Is your confidence in him on the rise?

Baver: To an extent, but again, judgment day is October 28th against the Nits. Kevin Wilson is JT’s 3rd O-coordinator that he has played for. It looks like things are now starting to click a bit, and JT’s got some of his confidence back. Barrett doesn’t throw many picks, and is such an effective runner. And you’d see a big downgrade in those two areas if Haskins were running the show right now. But JT has not played well in big games as of late, and Penn State still looms.

Colin: Is Michigan's offense beyond repair and why hasn't Jim Harbaugh been able to recruit a stud QB?

Baver: That’s a pretty bad offense, isn’t it? Of course, bad play calling, and a minus-5 turnover ratio against Sparty didn’t help matters last Saturday. What is it with Jimmy continuing to throw the ball when he doesn’t need to in big games? It absolutely killed them against Ohio St last year and against Sparty last week. But I wouldn’t necessarily write UM off just yet. As for QB’s, they’ve signed a top-10 QB in the last two classes (Brandon Peters in ’16, Phil Steele’s #8 QB nationally, and Dylan McCaffrey this yr, Steele’s #4 QB). They may turn to Peters at some point, but they are trying to redshirt McCaffrey. Peters is probably behind where UM thought he would be at this point.

Colin: Washington State cracks the top ten. Can they run the table in the Pac 10?

Baver: Maybe, but I doubt it. The Cougs of course have the big one against the Huskies to end the regular season, and that one is on the road. They also have to play at Stanford, and would likely have to probably beat USC again if they make the P12 title game. Still, this is a good Wazzu team, and even if they don’t win the league, they are not going to go quietly.

Colin: Give us an update on your picks to date and any other lines/games you will be keeping an eye on?

Baver: 13-6 against the spread….so good overall, but thought Urban would lay it on against UNLV, and take it a bit easier on two of his ex-assistants in Ash and Durkin…and OSU did the opposite. I like Utah catching 13 on the road at USC. USC has the look-ahead with a much-improved Notre Dame team on deck, while Utah is underrated year-in and year-out. I definitely like Auburn laying 7 on the road against LSU. This is simply not a good LSU team. And I gotta go with Tom Herman’s Longhorns getting 8 1/2 in the Red River Shootout.