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Opinion: Editorial

The more things change ...

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:09 PM EDT

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Bickering and back-stabbing have become the norm for Aberdeen Village Council over the past decade.

How sad for the residents of this Ohio River town which was once known for its progressive attitude. These day, the village is better known for its often entertaining, if unprofessional council meetings. Infighting between council and the mayor, the mayor and the police or simply among council members has become the village's claim to fame. It's a notoriety citizens and council could do without.

In 2006, in this forum we asked "Can things get any worse in Aberdeen?" as the mayor stripped the acting police chief of his title and the police department pressed charges against the mayor for having the audacity to answer a police call. In 1999, we reported on a physical altercation between council members in a parking lot following a council meeting. The case eventually ended up in court. "The whole situation has given the city of Aberdeen ... a black eye," we wrote at the time.

In 2003, when a council member walked out of the first meeting of the year after disagreeing with a proposal from the mayor, we wrote "We urge the mayor and council to get together and try to work out their differences which have kept city hall in turmoil over the past few years." And these are only the highlights. There have been numerous instances of accusations and innuendoes among the village's elected officials over the years.

And now, a different council and a different mayor continue the tradition and council meetings still offer more entertainment than substance.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

There are council members who truly have the best interests of the village and its residents at heart and sought office for all the right reasons. For others, we fear, the primary motivation behind their political careers was promoting a personal agenda. But Aberdeen voters keep hoping that eventually, those who seem so sincere in October and November will prove voters' faith was well-placed when January and February roll around.

Also in 2006, we wrote "Aberdeen is full of good, hardworking people who have elected a mayor and council to act in their best interests. They deserve better than the overgrown kindergarten class they are getting now."

Apparently, class is still in session.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

Esme wrote on Oct 10, 2008 2:58 PM:

" I moved away from the area several years ago. When I came back, I could not believe the change in Aberdeen. It looks like a stretched out ghetto. I would never own property there. I say get out while you still can. It's a shame. Huntington Park is such a nice neighborhood. "

matt wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:35 PM:

" the ones that voted these people in are the same ones that seem to like the fighting,,, its not hard to figure out "

Axel Hernoe wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Aberdeen,
this people are voted in. Who did vote for them??? "

TRINA wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:56 PM:

" I agree with the article - these are supposed to be the educated leaders of our community and all they seem to be doing is name calling each other - i have an 11 yr old child that has more self control than they do. please mayor and council grow up - and do the job you are elected for with some respect for youselves and the people you serve!!! "

Sandra wrote on Jul 28, 2008 10:29 AM:

" Aberdeen used to be a lovely little village. I am sure there are still many good people who live there. When I read where these village idiots on the council as well as the mayor spend their time fighting and arguing instead of doing the people's business, I am outraged. They have driven businesses out of town and I am sure many who would live there are totally put off by their conduct. Someone has got to take charge!!! "

Agree wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:52 AM:

" This article is 'right on' and the idiot Aberdeen council and mayor should read it and be totally embarrassed. Each and every word is so true and it is a disaster that the people of this village have to suffer for the insane acts/words/accusations of the elected few who after being elected have badly failed. I will just disagree with one word used in this article,that being 'kindergarten' class.....it is far below that, more like 'pre-school' class. How these people can even walk among the village residents is beyond me. Even other areas, and some are far away, are making fun of the Aberdeen mess. It must stop. "

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