Many folks know my first foray into Harrison government through my work with the Doug Dunaway ATV and Motocross Park. During mayor McGuire’s tenure I helped with a November cleanup day. “The Doug” was a great place for me to ride my new to me Dual Sport motorcycle, head out to southeast Indian to explore and then return for a few laps before heading home. When Mayor McGuire was voted out in November of 2015 I reached out to the newly elected Mayor Neyer and Councilman Randy Shank to make sure that the park would remain open. in the summer of 2016 development of Willow Park on the Whitewater began and the idea to start a Facebook Group to develop a grassroots effort to maintain the Doug began. Today that Facebook group has over 6,200 members, the members donated to pay for a portable restroom and the track is in better shape than it has ever been. In 2016 we had a council that was ready to close the park down, by 2018 we had 7 pro-track council members and a pro-track mayor.
On a very dark and rainy September 9th, 2018 Tracy Ann Davidson, known by those that loved her as “John Wayne”, died on the West Road overpass. I don’t think anyone that has ever driven over, walked across or ridden their bicycle over, would have been surprised that this happened. It’s unfortunate that a fatality made everyone in this community gravely aware that pedestrian access over this bridge was long overdue. At the next streets committee, we were told nothing could be done. Perhaps the city could place a sidewalk up to the bridge and maybe add some lights and signage, but that the bridge itself was owned by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Through the network I had developed while advocating for the Motocross track, I contacted Caroline Duffy of 143 Engineers and she told me that this would be a perfect project for ODOT safety money and that these kinds of project were funded 100% by the state. We began the process by contracting 143 Engineers to perform a traffic count. This traffic count used cameras and recoded numerous pedestrians crossing the bridge on foot and bicycle, many of the pedestrians being school age. At this point the city’s long time engineering firm, JMA took over and stepped out the process to obtain the design of a 7-foot-wide pedestrian bridge along the northwest side of the bridge with planned construction for spring of 2023. Thois spring the project was completed. It’s time to memorialize one of Harrison’s own name this walkway and bridge Tracy’s way.
All of us are struggling with inflation. Our city is struggling to pay the bills, the taxpayers of Harrison are struggling to pay our bills. Consumer credit card debt has soared to record levels as citizens try to figure out how to maintain their standard of living, pay their bills and put food on the table. I understand that the city is having trouble paying their bills, but raising taxes by removing the income tax credit without considering any cuts to the city budget is tone deaf. THis is why I was the only council member to vote against the repeal of the income tax credit. As I asked Billy Richardson when he came before council earlier this year. how are you managing inflation? Have you asked your boss for a raise?
Just a few months ago we faced a difficult vote for a new subdivision in our community. I voted against this subdivision on the grounds that the developer and builder were not the best for Harrison. I would also argue that our zoning ordinance are obsolete and need to be completely rewritten. As M. Nolan Gray so aptly states in the title of his book: Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It, zoning in Harrison is broke and we need to fix it. If your not ready to pick up this book consider listening to the podcast.
Lastly, I’ve voted against every marijuana moratorium resolution this council has brought to our meetings. The only thing that has won the “War on Drugs”, are the drugs themselves. Now that recreational marijuana has finally become legal in Harrison watch how quickly this Republican council will back down from their moratoriums.
I”ve voted for the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) that allows our downtown events and District to be so successful and I voted for Golf Carts!
Thanks for allowing me to outline several of the projects I have been involved in while I have served on council. Understand that these projects are all very Libertarian in spirit, and best summarized by the Libertarian saying: “I don’t care what you do as long as you don’t hurt other people and don’t take their stuff”.
Another Libertarian principle that I strive to abide by parallels the perhaps the most interesting question and answer ever given in the course of mankind, found in the Book of Matthew Chapter 22.
35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:35-40
In libertarian philosophy we find a similar ethical principle often referred to as the Non-Aggression Principle, or “The NAP”.
“no man may initiate the use of physical force against others.… Men have the right to use physical force only in retaliation and only against those who initiate its use.” – Ayn Rand
“no man or group of men may aggress against the person or property of anyone else.” – Murray Rothbard
It’s interesting that throughout my career on council I have been consistently Libertarian and the moment I made one very non-Libertarian move this council has been quick to remove me, even before this misstep has been fully vetted through the Municipal Court of Hamilton County. Please understand that until the criminal charges against be have been I cannot comment, but once that happens I will make a complete and appropriate statement. As I stated at the last council meeting, all I want to do is set individuals, my city, my state and my country free in my lifetime.
Mike for Ohio 
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