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May 15 2012
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Bellevue Borough

REVISED: OPEN LETTER TO BELLEVUE COUNCIL RE: PROPOSED BURNING ORDINANCE AND PERSONAL LIBERTIES

In light of the confusion and misinformation out there regarding the proposed burning ordinance and whether or not it would restrict grills, I’ve revised my initial letter to Bellevue Council.  Below is the letter that will be presented to the council at the special meeting to be convened next week as well as sent to each council member, the mayor, and local newspapers for mass distribution.  Again, if you agree with the sentiment and would like to be a part of the solution for Bellevue, join us here.

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Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of Bellevue Council,

I write to you today to express my frustration with the newly proposed ordinance before Bellevue council which would require Bellevue residents to contact the fire department prior to lighting a controlled burn on one’s personal property.  Why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

In the not too distant past, thousands of citizens signed a petition that the council consider rescinding the ban on alcohol sales in restaurants and diners.  Many council members and the mayor fought this desire for economic and personal liberty tooth and nail.

More recently a similar number of signatures were collected requesting that patrons of BYOB establishments be permitted to consume their libations at outside tables along Lincoln Avenue.  I understand that some are putting up a fight concerning this move as well.

Then, out of the blue (or so it seems to the residents who are not within the inner circles of power in this borough), a handful of residents complain to the borough about smoke coming from their neighbors’ outdoor fires, and without delay, the council moves to limit the rights of its private citizens leading private lives on their private properties.  Additionally, there is obvious confusion among the council and the general public of the limitations and restrictions that will be put in place if this ordinance is passed.  And, yet, even in the midst of confusion and misinformation, the council seems dead set to move forward with new regulations, restrictions and fines upon its citizenry.

Again I ask, why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

Now, I realize that it can be annoying, and possibly even hazardous to one’s health, to breath in the smoke drifting from an outdoor fire.  I truly sympathize with Ms. Wivell who was cited in the Citizen article as the one who expressed this concern to the borough.  However, does the council honestly believe that its primary course of action is to limit the personal rights of residents and property owners?  Rather than attempting to rectify the situation through constructive means such as a public health awareness campaign, or simply taking advantage of this situation to remind residents what it means to be a part of a community by interacting with one another, they immediately jump to regulate, fine, and criminalize.

Does Bellevue council truly believe it needs to protect us from ourselves?  Does Bellevue council truly believe its residents cannot handle our grievances with one another on a personal level?  Does Bellevue council truly believe we need a nanny that punishes all “the children” (read: Bellevue residents) when one person acts out of line?  Or, is Bellevue council simply ignorant to the fact that the only changes that seem to come out council month after month are additional regulations, limitations, and restrictions of personal liberties?

I’ve been a resident of Bellevue for over two decades and in that time I have never heard anyone in an official capacity express concern over the rights and liberties of Bellevue residents, businesses, and property owners.  I’ve seen council members and mayors come and go.  I’ve been forced to endure new and further restricting ordinances.  And after all that’s been said and done, I’ve seen nothing but further economic decline in this borough.

Could it be that restricting the rights of citizens and businesses is a failed modus operandi?  Could it be that trusting the citizenry to live peaceably and respectfully, free of government restrictions is the key to growth, prosperity, and happiness in our little borough?

To be certain, this “burning ordinance” is a small matter when compared to the other violations of personal liberties in this borough (high taxes, prohibition policies, etc.), however, I, and the rest of the liberty loving residents of Bellevue, view this proposed ordinance as the proverbial straw that just might break the camel’s back.

I implore you to strongly consider whether you’re a person who supports freedom, growth, liberty, and prosperity or if you’re a person who will maintain the status quo of controlled decline in Bellevue.  Make the right choice.  Choose liberty before we are forced to rename our little borough to “The People’s Republic of Bellevue.”

Sincerely,

Thomas Fodi
600 Maryland Avenue

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May 14 2012
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Bellevue Borough

Open Letter to Bellevue Council re: Proposed Burning Ordinance and Personal Liberties

Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of Bellevue Council,

I write to you today to express my frustration with the newly proposed ordinance before Bellevue council which would require Bellevue residents to contact the fire department prior to lighting a controlled burn on one’s personal property (including and not limited to fireplaces and gas/charcoal grills).  Why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

In the not too distant past, thousands of citizens signed a petition that the council consider rescinding the ban on alcohol sales in restaurants and diners.  Many council members and the mayor fought this desire for economic and personal liberty tooth and nail.

More recently a similar number of signatures were collected requesting that patrons of BYOB establishments be permitted to consume their libations at outside tables along Lincoln Avenue.  I understand that some are putting up a fight concerning this move as well.

Then, out of the blue (or so it seems to the residents who are not within the inner circles of power in this borough), one resident complains to the borough about smoke coming from their neighbor’s outdoor fire, and without delay, the council moves to limit the rights of its citizens by requiring permission from, or at least notification of, “big brother” to cook on a privately owned grill on privately owned property!

Again, I ask why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

Now, I realize that it can be annoying, and possibly even hazardous to one’s health, to breath in the smoke drifting from an outdoor fire.  I truly sympathize with Ms. Wivell who expressed her concern to the borough.  However, do you honestly believe that the best course of action is to limit the personal rights of property owners?  A rational person would know that this situation, and others like it, could be solved with a simple conversation.

Do you truly believe you need to protect us from ourselves?  Do you truly believe we cannot handle our grievances with one another on a personal level?  Do you truly believe we need a nanny that punishes all “the children” (read: Bellevue residents) when one person acts out of line?  Or, are you simply ignorant to the fact that the only changes that seem to come out council month after month are additional regulations, limitations, and restrictions of personal liberties?

I’ve been a resident of Bellevue for over two decades and in that time I have never heard anyone in an official capacity express concern over the rights and liberties of Bellevue residents, businesses, and property owners.  I’ve seen council members and mayors come and go.  I’ve been forced to endure new and further restricting ordinances.  And after all that’s been said and done, I’ve seen nothing but further economic and personal decline in this borough.

Could it be that restricting the rights of citizens and businesses is a failed modus operandi?  Could it be that trusting the citizenry to live peaceably and respectfully, free of government restrictions is the key to growth, prosperity, and happiness in our little borough?

To be certain, this “burning ordinance” is a small matter when compared to the other violations of personal liberties in this borough (high taxes, prohibition policies, etc.), however, I, and the rest of the liberty loving residents of Bellevue, view this proposed ordinance as the proverbial straw that just might break the camel’s back.

I implore you to strongly consider whether you’re a person who supports freedom, growth, liberty, and prosperity or if you’re a person who will maintain the status quo of controlled decline in Bellevue.  Make the right choice.  Choose liberty before we are forced to rename our little borough to “The People’s Republic of Bellevue.”

Sincerely,

Thomas Fodi

P.S. If you agree and desire to see Bellevue be a place of personal and economic liberty join us here.

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Apr 26 2011
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Bellevue Borough

Open Letter to Mayor Doscher of Bellevue, PA

Dear Mayor Doscher,

here is a link to an article I have written with regards to the alcohol referendum coming up for vote on May 17.  I figured, as our mayor, you would be interested in the perspectives of all your residents (aka – voting population).  As a home owner and religious leader in Bellevue, I have a vested interest in the community coming around and growing in a positive fashion so I would love to entertain a conversation with you about this matter.
I realize you are a busy man, as am I, so I do not expect a sit down conversation over a meal at one of our local eateries like Bite Bistro or Thai Suan Thip (two fabulous restaurants who serve as excellent examples of what Bellevue CAN look like if the vote goes in favor of a referendum).  But, something like a cup of coffee at Acoustic Moose Cafe  (example of great business owned by young people who support this referendum and hope Bellevue can survive her current plight) would be nice.  Or perhaps, you’d rather have a chat while we stroll around the dollar stores, rent-a-center, pawn shops, or the myriad of vacant spaces (examples of what Bellevue will CONTINUE to look like if we continue in this downward spiral of discouraging growth in the future).
Or maybe, and in all seriousness, if you are simply swamped with work, we could entertain a conversation via email on this matter.  At the end of the day I pray we both want the same thing for the neighborhood we call home.  I look forward to hearing from you!
–

In His Service,

Tom Fodi

Emmanuel Christian Church
Associate Minister
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Apr 21 2011
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Bellevue Borough

Why I am Voting IN SUPPORT OF Alcohol Sales in Bellevue

Those of you who live in Bellevue, the small, independent borough, situated just north of the city limits of Pittsburgh along Route 65, know that May 17 is an important day.  May 17, typically a slow, election day geared towards local primaries, will this year be a day when our community will finally vote on whether or not alcohol may be sold by local eateries and restaurants.

For as long as I can remember, Bellevue has been a dry town.  I want to say it’s been a dry town since the borough was incorporated, but I cannot find the history to verify that.  Either way, prohibition has dragged on in Bellevue for a long time, and for many in this community it has become more than just a perceived safety net against “riff raff,” it’s become a point of selfish pride to their own detriment.

It’s no secret that for many years, Bellevue has been in decline.  More folks are moving out of town than moving in.  More homes are being subdivided and rented as section 8 housing, than are being sold as whole units to young families.  Many potential business locations continue to sit vacant for long periods of time.  And, for those of us who are sticking it out and betting on Bellevue coming around, property and income taxes are always going up.

It shouldn’t be that difficult for Bellevue to turn around.  Situated just north of the city limits, Bellevue is in the unique position to have immediate access to the great things of the city of Pittsburgh, while not suffering from the even higher tax rates, larger, more corrupt government, and more expensive homes.  Additionally, the daily commute between the city and the northern suburbs is surprisingly smooth compared to the commute east and south of Pittsburgh.  And for those who do not work in Pittsburgh and have no reason to trek downtown, Bellevue has an amazing little business district within walking distance of pretty much everyone who lives here that can meet just about every need one can think of.  There are SO MANY REASONS for folks to move to the northern suburbs, especially Bellevue, but for some reason it cannot escape this downward spiral that is literally killing it.

Something MUST change in Bellevue sooner rather than later.  Something has to give.  Some how Bellevue must again look attractive to new residents and business owners and I believe that this alcohol referendum, will be a step in that direction.  There are some great little, independent restaurants in Bellevue that, as of right now are BYOB.  They seem to be doing well, but imagine what might happen to their business if they could serve a cocktail or a bear with their meals.  There is currently no night life in Bellevue.  Bellevue residents who enjoy a drink in the evening are forced to go to other communities to hang out and spend their money.  Eventually, because they must regularly leave the community they call home to find adequate entertainment and dining options, these residents purchase homes elsewhere because people generally want to live where they spend most of their time.

The fear, of course, is that if Bellevue allows alcohol sales that the only businesses that will open up shop from this point forward will be night clubs and bars.  Coupled with that, the fear goes on that these bars and clubs will cause Bellevue to experience an immediate up tick in crime, violence, drunkenness, and debauchery.  My frustration with this fear is two fold.  First of all, this fear ignores what is actually being voted on.  The community is voting to permit Title-R alcohol permits which is for RESTAURANTS only.  Second, this fear assumes that either alcohol is NOT being consumed in Bellevue already (in private homes or BYOB’s at local businesses) or that the alcohol already being consumed in the community has somehow NOT effected the crime rate and only alcohol paid for and served in a few restaurants will cause this increase in crime.

I’m willing to bet that the majority of households in Bellevue have a few beers and a bottle of wine sitting in the fridge; they might even have a little of the hard stuff in the liquor closet.  Unfortunately, for Bellevue, all of these NOT SO CHEAP drinks were purchased outside of our community, were taxed in other communities, and are being consumed free of charge here.  Last I checked, the police have not been raiding these homes and making arrests for lewd activity, violence, and drunkenness.  So, if adults are able to enjoy a little alcohol in a mature way in their homes or at restaurants via BYOB, WHY NOT SELL IT HERE???   WHY NOT HELP OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH ADDITIONAL SALES????  WHY NOT MAKE USE OF AN ORGANIC INCREASE IN THE TAX FLOW RATHER CONTINUALLY DEMANDING TAX HIKES ON THE FEW WHO ACTUALLY STILL PAY TAXES HERE???

I’m not one of those people who believe that alcohol sales in Bellevue will fix all of our problems and will be the one thing that turns the community around.  However, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.  It’s a huge piece of the puzzle to modernizing our community, increasing it’s appeal to business owners and home buyers, decreasing the need for higher tax rates, and ultimately increasing home values (which, for those of you who are not aware, is the one key measurement of whether or not a community is thriving or dieing).  ALL IN ALL, PERMITTING ALCOHOL SALES IN BELLEVUE CAN ONLY BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY.

This is why on May 17 I will be voting in support of alcohol sales in Bellevue and I hope you will consider doing the same.

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