Gazette Article on the Better Flip

When reading this article about the Better Flip project written by Glen Miller of the Gazette, we are left wondering about the competency and fiscal responsibility of Land Bank director and State Representative John Rogers, the Willowick Mayor, Rich Regovich, and Commissioner Jerry Cirino.   They are all saying that it is acceptable to them for the Port Authority to be almost 100% over the pre-designated spending limit of $150,000.  The “good old boy” network, also known as “the cabal”, is alive and well in Lake County as they rally the troops to protect each other’s backside.  Well, they better all cover up because their incompetency is showing……..

They do not even care that the Port Authority created NO BUDGET at the beginning of the project even though the Port’s Board President, Art Lindrose, stated that they must create a budget to determine what the overall costs might be BEFORE they accepted the house from the Land Bank.  Here are the Board minutes that clearly states Mr. Lindrose’s position:  2017-12-20 Minutes

Here is the excerpt of the Board minutes detailing Lindrose’s comments:

“Chairman’s Report: Mr. Lindrose reported that Mr. Martin was reappointed to the LCOPEDA Board and his term expires December 2021. Relative to the Better Flip Initiative, Mr. Lindrose reported that on Tuesday, December 19, he met with Mr. Cahill, Mr. Zahirsky and the Mayor of Willowick at the proposed flip house. He noted that the group walked through the house, and he believes it will be an interesting project for the port. Mr. Lindrose stated that he and Mr. Martin would collaborate on the project to put together a budget, i.e. what it would take to bring the house to the point of resale to a millennial, should the Board choose to take the project on. He noted that it is important that the Board understands everything up front before the LCOPEDA receives the home from the Lake County Land Bank.”(emphasis added)

We have received confirmation from Rantala and the Prosecutor’s office that NO BUDGET WAS CREATED!  Rantala even had the audacity to tell the board that he thinks that they can make a profit on the sale of the home.

It should also be noted that Board members, Art Lindrose and Bill Martin, are in the construction business.  If I were them, I would be totally embarrassed their names are associated with this.

For Rogers, Regovich and Cirino to be so cavalier with the people’s money is APPALLING, and voters will be reminded of this issue when we surely will see their names on future ballots.  Cirino should not think the moniker “State Senator” is a slam dunk.

If the Lake County officials cannot even bring the renovation of a bungalow to completion “on time” and “within budget”, why should taxpayers and voters trust them on multi-million dollar projects.

Note to Rogers, Regovich and Cirino – your names are tied to this debacle, and we will remember your irresponsible fiscal position the next time you are running for office!

Lake County taxpayers are waking up, and politicians should remember that their actions will have consequences.  YOU WORK FOR THE TAXPAYERS – DON’T EVER FORGET THAT.

Categories: Lake

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