I'm always highly skeptical of self-styled "security forces," whether Nation of Islam or Guardian Angels. And I've read quotes/letters/etc. from Mary Kuhl of Westwood Concern before - she seems to be upset that people different than her (race? class? I don't know) have moved in. I could be wrong.
WF
Please explain why the Guardian Angels are so much better than Fruit of Islam security, in your opinion.
Aren't the Guardian Angels somehow affiliated with the Christian faith? If so, I fail to see how they'd be superior than FOI. Both groups are a pain in the ass.
Ah...vigilantes...My solution would be to fire tom streicher, get simon leis out of office, and try, for a change, to be honest about the real problems in this town which are economic first, racial second, and both have created an institutional moloch which continues to snack on the young in this city.
They say timing is everything. Did anyone happen to see that Westwood was selected by Cincinnati Magazine as one of the 25 best neighborhoods in the Cincinnati Metro area? Then today I read that things in Westwood are so-o-o bad that the guardian angels need to come in and restore order.
Let it be known that Mary and Melva profess to speak for people on the westside who feel they have been ignored by city hall. (I tend to think that I can speak for myself - but there is some truth to their belief)
Their stated goal is to restore Westwood to a clean and safe neighborhod. They are pro-police, almost to a fault and they are ultra-conservative. All government programs are bad - especially Hud and section 8 housing. They are agressive (an understatement) and have a huge base of committed followers. They are not politically correct and tend to see things as right and wrong with no middle ground. Diversity, inclusion and collaboration are not in their vocabulary - ask Nick Spencer.
They get about 100 to 110 people to attend their monthly meetings, compare that to 10 or 20 that show up for a community council meeting. Their base is politically active and they flex their political muscle on a regular basis. Ask anyone at city hall.
While they wield some considerable political clout remember that Westwood is the largest community in the city (35,000+ residents) and they speak for about 300 to 400 people.
I chose a differant path and think that if we really want to turn around Westwood it needs to be done through business and housing development. Westwood has to transform itself, embrace the changing demographics of the neighborhood and work cooperatively with the city to accomplish realistic development goals.
Westwood native, truer words were never spoken.
WF
Dolla,
Because the Fruit of Islam is run by the Nation of Islam, a bigoted and racist organization.
Well put Westwood native. Where do we begin??
Westwoodians - What can this Cliftonite do to help? I like the possibilities; and houses are less expensive there. It could be a very cool place.
WF
I guess if you are really jones'n to join a gang it's probably a better option than the others.
Wes
The simple answer is move to Westwood and change it from within. If you know of an entrepreneur (sp) looking to open a business in a quiet neighborhood recommend Westwood.
Westwood is great neighborhood! I live on a tree lined street within walking distance of the public library, Ryan Park, my place of worship, my childs school and Westwood town hall. I'm three stop lights from anywhere in the city and I have great neighbors.
I admire Mary and Melva for their moxie and the dedication to Westwood, but they have no soul. There are several organizations in Westwood that are doing great work, but are less vocal and more inclusive. The Westwood Civic Association, The Westwood Historical Society, and the Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation.
If you really want to see the true charm of Westwood then attend the home tour. The historical society is sponsoring the Westwood Home Tour on April 28th starting at 1:00 pm. You can purchase tickets for the tour at Westwood Elementary School (Harrison and Montana).
I love the Westside. I plan on staying and will work with anyone to keep it a great neighborhood.
Whoops the home tour is on Sunday the 25th not the 28th - Sorry Wes
Native - I'll consider it. Open up a decent art-house cinema (dedicate two screens to first run and classic children's films, and I'll bet you could sell it in Westwood) and you got yourself a deal! 
WF
And what happened with Nick Spencer out there?
WF
Wes:
Do you remember this little news story?
http://www.enquirer.com/
editions...westwood24.html
Good grief - it looked like Kuhl was channeling Bill ("Cut his mic!") O'Reilly in that article. THIS is the person who is held up as a model citizen for Westwood?
WF
Wes:
That is just the way Mary is. She can be over the top and that tends to embarass me when it hits the papers. She is aggressive, opinionated, and stubborn - a typical westside, german, catholic. Like Mary or not - she gets results.
Mary's little antics with Nick did not sit well with a lot of people who were in the crowd at the candidates forum that night. Many in the crowd apologized to Nick for her behavior. I have to give it to Nick he stood his ground and did not back down from the issue.
"Like Mary or not - she gets results."
Yeah, and that's what worries me the most. I'm sure she believes she's doing what's in the best interest of her neighborhood, but I'm not sure it IS. I don't know that this is a time for finger-pointing, fear of the "other," and scare tactics.
Y'know, if I end up staying in town, maybe I will move to Westwood...after all, Todd Portune lives there, and if he can do it, so can I.
WF
Wes:
Don't get me wrong I don't like their tactics, but they work. They do get soem things accomplished - I just don't trampeling people to get results. Remember the Concern is only one of a handful of organizations that are in Westwood. They chose their path and I choose a different one.
Sad to say Todd Portune is moving. His house is not set up for Todd's disablility.
I am a conservative republican (westside roots - I was born this way) but Todd is a good voice for balance on a deeply conservative side of town. He will be missed.
That's a shame about Portune - to where is he moving?
WF
I'm not sure. I'll try to find out
Preshadit. You know, WN, if there are more of you out there, I feel better about (A) conservative Republicans and (B) the West Side in general.
WF
Native:
I was at Ryan on Friday - it was loaded with people - bball games. I wish we could fill it up like that every weekend.
Have you heard any news lately about the Ryan renovation? I've noticed the mulch piles are increasing and the brush and scrub trees are disappearing.
I know there is an effort to renovate the park. Ryan needs it bad. The bball fields are ok, but could be better. The park needs something to attract people to it. It is a cool little park.
Is there a band shell/gazebo at the park?
WF
Commenting by HaloScan
