Due to there being no venue for a candidate’s forum or debate and Ms. Haver’s seeming skittishness about answering questions in a public forum, the best that I am then able to do as a candidate with an opponent is to rebut, in a public sphere, the few things she’s posted. This is an election and the citizen’s have some right to know where their candidates stand through their views on matters. Since this is the only method that has apprised itself to myself and the voters, I will then take this opportunity, for you.
The ‘exchange’ you’ll see will be her few statements on Facebook posts from the times she risked going out on a limb with her views. Her comments are in black, my comments (amidst hers) will be in red.
The first is from a FB post where she apparently shared her ‘vision/belief’ for her time were she to be elected to council…

“SIMPLIFYING OUR CITY’S FUTURE: TRANSPARENT AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE
(The title is odd: is she saying that our city’s future success will be achieved through transparency and effective government or that our city’s future will be simplified through transparent government which is effective?)

As a resident of Whitehall’s Ward 1, I’ve seen firsthand the need for a fresh perspective on our City Council. (That ‘fresh perspective’ would be me…Gerald Dixon, unlike ANY councilor in recent memory. The rest are fairly carbon-copies of everyone that came before them. With that argument then, it seems she believes I should stay on council. So why then would she run against me?)That’s why I’m running as an independent candidate for Ward 1 City Council – to bring a voice that’s not beholden to special interests or party politics. (again…that’s ME! Note she didn’t use the word ‘mayor’ or ‘team’ politics. Party politics and ‘team’ politics aren’t the same)

My platform is built around simplifying our city’s approach to governance, making it more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all residents. (It is I that has pushed for greater transparency, hounding them for years to be more forthcoming with information. Its as transparent as it is now thanks to me. As far as ‘efficient’, I would ask exactly what she means by that and how she intends to implement it. Regarding ‘responsive’…I listened to the residents of Fairway Blvd. when their own Ward 4 councilor wouldn’t and bent over backward and worked hard to help them out in their plight. As well, I held a meeting with Ward 1 residents about flooding in 2022. THAT is responsive.)This means cutting through red tape (Not sure what she means by this; is red tape something I and the citizens are missing as a concern?), enhancing public engagement (You mean by fighting against one topic per poll council and allowing poll public letters to be read during council and fighting against the shrinking of communication by government to the people, like I did?), and ensuring that our city’s policies are guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and practicality (It is a brave stance indeed to fight against unfairness, inequity and impracticality)

As your representative, I’ll work tirelessly (that would be ME, tirelessly, for the past 16 years AND the last 4 on council) to ensure that our city government is working for everyone, not just the privileged few (I don’t know who these ‘privileged’ people are that are getting everything, unless you count developers, but ‘few’ is right on the money). I’ll be hosting community forums and listening sessions to understand the issues that matter most to you!

Join me on this journey towards a more inclusive and effective city government (a: who is not being included and b: an effective city government is precisely what I have been advocating for ‘lo these last 16 years! Its what I fight for and have withstood great resistance to make advances on). Let’s work together to make Whitehall a better place for all its residents. Share your thoughts and ideas with me on how we can simplify our city’s future.” (again, ‘simplify’. Is that REALLY the most vital aspect of anything that’s wrong with Whitehall government…its complexity? I’m confused by this focus)

#IndependentLeadership #TransparentGovernance #CommunityFirst

That opening statement was followed by her reply to the President of the F.O.P, Brain Steel. See what you can make of this:

“I stand with our police officers 100%. I do not agree with the blocking of communication within the city departments. I am well aware as a community member, that there is a problem within our city when it comes to our police force. Being that I run a business there I make it a point to build relationships with as many officers as possible. I think that one thing that is easily forgotten is that our patrolling officers are human being not robots. They have emotions, and families just as we do. They are a part of our community just as I am! When I say that I am an advocate for my community, they are included! I am skeptical on the safety of our city. The numbers are scary to me. I have to be honest when I say my heart goes out to these guys. 60 available positions, 38 filled and only 14 patrolling…..and I just saw where we may have lost 2 more. Our officers are being forced In to working 5 12 hours days. How can we hold them accountable on work ethic if we are treating them as robots. Reports on incidents arent getting done in a timely manner, I speak on that from a personal stand point. An accident occured at night, the report is given to an officer that works night shift. There is no one to ask for help because of the lack of officers. Therefor a month later we still have no answers. Its causing our citizens to loose faith in them and its not because of their lack of responsibility, its because of lack of manpower. We all know when we go through things it affects us in many different ways. Do these guys (ladies) get the time to even process situations they are put into because they chose to serve and protect our city? I ask that because this is why Unions are important! Police unions are important because they provide collective bargaining for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, offer legal protection and representation for officers facing misconduct claims or legal risks, and ensure fair treatment during disciplinary actions. Additionally, unions serve as political advocates, lobbying for legislation and supporting candidates that champion officers’ rights and well-being. (EXACTLY why I was endorsed by the F.O.P.!) How can we as a community ask them to advocate for us if we aren’t fighting for them? I had a conversation with an officer the other day. We have had some amazing ones in the years. I have been here and had the opportunity to speak to them in a civilian engagement is it painful to me. These are great men that we are pushing away. Who is going to protect me when I need it? Who is going to protect them when they need it? Experience is detrimental when speaking on an issue such as this. Most of our officers at this point only have a couple years under their belts. Who can they turn to for support within if there is no one? Just as we want them to fight for us, who is going to fight for them! Nothing is always going to come out in your favor 100% but why take away the resources put there to accommodate and differentiate situations. I understand that many people are against you, personal opinions in this matter shouldn’t be shown. You are there to do a job. Again not everything is cut and dry, its just like running a business or even a city. You must do whatever necessary to make sure your job is fulfilled. If it isn’t done properly on an level then there is a process in order to investigate actions. If our police officers can’t reach out and entrust in our local elected officials, why are we here? Support is Key! Having a transparent relationship(s) with others in our community in every level is key! I stand by that!!!”
(Honestly, from this, I don’t understand exactly what she stands by. Its kind of a run-on sentence with no discernible cohesive comprehension for the reader. Its clear that whatever wrote her opening comment, didn’t write this one. She appreciates the police but doesn’t like that they have no one to go to for protection? I read all the sentences and each one alone has meaning but when you put them together, its point is lost in the scattershot jumble of whatever she’s trying to say.)

Finally, there is this, a screed lambasting my supporters and her feeling attacked (“slandered”):

“Let’s talk about this …….

You guys are upset at me for running for an elected seat in my community. (I don’t think they’re upset you’re running for a seat but rather, because they have a councilor that is actually doing the job he’s supposed to: working for them and fighting wrong in their government, they’re upset that there would be anyone that would want to challenge that AND suggest that she’ll do the same good job…its nonsensical. As well, they know of your self-admitted dear friendship with Michael Bivens and so, given all the issues with him that they have and his fondness for yes-people (and despite your assurances to the contrary) they have a very tough time believing that once in there, you’ll have the courage (or will) to go up against his wishes (that’s surely one of the reasons he attended YOUR Meet & Greet and calls ME a hypocrite and a liar…) OK. Everyone gets a vote, an opportunity to use their voice! True. With or without that seat I will still be ME!!! As one should always be… But let’s talk about it….(It should be noted that after she posted this piece on FB, she shut off comments…)

I am being slandered because I run a business in my community and have for 6 years. (‘Slander’ is your word but, I don’t think its your running a business in and of itself that is their issue) I work in customer service as a bartender…..My opponent is also a bartender at a bar in a different community ! (Wrong. Firstly, I am a waiter, have been for 46 years. Served tens of thousands of people in my time. Secondly, why does my serving somewhere other than Whitehall deserve an exclamation point (!)) I am being slandered because I am married to a man of color, a well known educated blue collar working man (how are they ‘slandering’ you because of his color? Show us the proof)…….well my opponent likes men as well! (Ha-ha-ha! That was crass. What the hell does my sexuality have to do with your husband being a “man of color”? You think people hate that you and I both like men?! Where is the reason in this statement?) I don’t see any problem with either of these. (Neither do I.) The ONLY difference is I am open with my life. (Firstly, there are several ways in which we’re different but this sentence suggests that I’m not open with my life. I couldn’t possibly be MORE open with my life.) I love every part of my life. I have always stated I know people from the benches to the trenches. (I have known or waited on people who didn’t have two nickels to rub together and an actual Rockefeller.) I am not new to this, I AM TRUE TO THIS!!! My experiences can be used to help others in many ways. My door is always open (You keep saying this about your door but it always seems to be one on one and not public. Public service is not private, if people can’t know your views because you don’t want to share them or are afraid they’ll get criticized, then they should rightly reject you to serve them.)

I am getting an understanding on slander and “coming” for others during an election but as you can see we know where all the negativity is coming from. I am over here trying to help come up with solutions to bigger problems (Which are…?) and they are running a Smear Campaign (How is it a ‘smear campaign’ when people ask you legitimate questions, particularly about things like asking the overworked police dept. to walk through your Meet and Greet, and not once, but twice. You owe the citizens that pay their salary a reasonable explanation so they can trust that you’re on the up and up. When you hide, you lose trust…) and then have the nerve to get upset that WE/I don’t respond to every outburst on facebook. We have jobs and responsibilities. (I ALSO have jobs and responsibilities. If you’re too busy to campaign and be accountable to the people you claim to want to serve (and with transparency!) then why initiate such an endeavor in the first place?) Meet & greets have been held and I have said numerous times that I am available, I have run from no one. (Except those asking for public answers to public questions.) If anything I reached out to them asking to speak about issues. (privately) Those that want to know the truth, will make a way to find a way. One sided political social media pages aren’t it! (Regardless if you find these pages ‘one-sided’, you have the ability to persuade them to your side with argument. If they’re so wrong, prove them so. If you can’t argue your POV with people on FB, how are you going to accomplish it when needed to do so on Council?)

I am slandered because I enjoy my hobby, riding with a motorcycle organization that gives back to the community at any chance they can……well we don’t know his hobbies, maybe he has none or is shamed? (‘shamed’ or A-shamed? Not sure what you meant by this. I’ve had hobbies since I was a child…creating portraiture, collecting old bottles and cans, antiques and collectibles, stamps, gardening, movies (seen over 3000 at this point), reading, hiking, bicycling. None of which I’m ‘shamed’ of.)

I have lived in this community for over 16 years. I have raised all 3 of my children here as well as helping be a positive impact on many others ! I have spent countless hours in the schools and community giving back, being an advocate for not only children but many parents! I can sit here and name a million things I have been involved with within our community during my time here, many of you know, that’s how we met! (My attitude has always been: just do the work. I or you or anyone else that does good things owes nobody a list of them. For me, that’s not what interests me as your opponent, rather, it is your knowledge and understanding and acumen to serve as the people’s representative. Your courage and willfulness and independence and ethical morality with the people’s business. That is where your mettle will be tested and what information you owe the voters and not merely cozy buzzwords and phrases proffered to entreat their votes. What is the meat behind it? If you don’t have it, the citizens of Ward 1 shouldn’t be the victims of that kind of enchantment.)

Regardless of what happens ay the election I WILL STILL BE THE SAME ADVOCATE FOR ALL (Good for you. Now…why did YOU (per the police log) request officers to show up at yours and Micole Spicer’s Meet & Greet not once, but TWICE? Was it some kind of stunt to impress anyone that showed up? Were there threats (two times) that necessitated this call? Regardless of your cavalier attitude about transparency when it comes to yourself and sloughing off your deserved responsibility for this, the public is owed an explanation.)

Jerry’s kids are attacking myself as well as others on social media HARD! (Jerry’s kids…well, apparently my supporters don’t care for you and want me to win. That is quite natural and on them. The real question is, why can’t you take the heat? Why can’t you answer questions? You want to be a big adult and be up there with the big guys and gals but can’t handle some Facebook critics? We’ve seen what kind of difficulties which come from a thin skin already, its not a good trait when serving in government. Again…prove them wrong, convince them why they’re wrong and to come to your side of things. If they’re wrong, they’re wrong. If you can’t prove they’re wrong, deal with it and use it as a learning moment.) I ask why? I feel as though names should speak for themselves! You can’t be hidden from the community and then at election pop out and start to point fingers and make accusations that aren’t true! Newspaper articles, photos and best of all word of mouth from our village will tell who has been active and on what level! I know that I take responsibility for any and everything I have involved myself with. Am I perfect? Absolutely NOT but do we make mistakes, go through trials? Absolutely!!! And it makes us stronger. I can definitely tell you that this experience has given new light to those that hide behind keyboards. Makes you wonder what trials that they have encountered and you begin to ask yourself what can you do to help them…..

Having a chair on City Council means being an advocate for those without a voice! Having a way to bridge the gap between those who simply don’t know who or where to go to ask questions or simply doing the footwork for them. Having a “normal” person that is available and will help explain things that are happening around us. As I have done on many occasions. (While I have striven to rise above my station in life (as we all have the ability to do), that ‘station’ was right here in good ol’ Whitehall Ohio, in the 60’s and 70’s and 80’s and 90’s and 00’s and teens and 20’s. My mother kept and used Cool Whip containers as cereal bowls because we couldn’t afford to buy regular dishes and when she did, she bought ‘Corelle’ because they were pretty and, more importantly, unbreakable. We’d stuff a washcloth in a broken window because we couldn’t afford to buy a new pane. She shopped at Harts for our back to school clothing because it was affordable)… I am a NORMAL woman trying to continuesly help others in her community!

A HUGE Thank You for every organization and Individual that has supported me yesterday, today and tomorrow I appreciate You ALL Moving together, building relationships & making memories one day at a time!”

If Ms. Haver wishes to rebut what I’ve said then, this would be a good place to start:

https://ward1blog.com/2025/10/14/my-first-terms-record-as-ward-one-councilman/

So, there you have it from Ms. Haver and myself.

Here then are some questions I’D like to ask my opponent…

*What is an ’emergency measure’, how is it used and what is your view on their use?

*What are your views on the Public Trust and conflicts of interest?

*We have seen what vested interests in the legislative branch has done to skew our separate branches of government; the executive branch being headed by Michael Bivens, whom you have claimed to be good friends with for a number of years. If elected, would you be able to keep that relationship separate from your duties in the legislative branch for the constituents you serve? If so, how would you do that?

*How do you feel we should balance the need for housing with saddling citizens, particularly Senior Citizens, with higher tax bills?

*Do you think TIFS and Tax Abatements are fair to the citizens?

*What about the mayor’s proposed ‘Department of Neighborhoods’ do you think is a good idea and what might be troubling?

*You say you want to build a more united Whitehall. What makes it divided and why and, in your opinion, what will you do to close that division?

Thank you