May

24

Lima Councilman Ray Maguns Fired On By Mayor Berger

May 24, 2007 |

Thinks are heating up in the Lima City Council race. Two people are vying for the President’s seat that opened up when former President and current State Rep. Matt Huffman was elected to the House. The two candidates are both Republicans. The current appointed President of the Council is John Nixon. Nixon will be facing Ray Magnus in the next election. It appears that something is in the works after the Mayor (who is a Democrat) started ripping on Ray Magnus who was invited to join the County Sheriff on a drug raid in the City. Also along on this raid were the Allen County Commissioners (2 are Republicans as well).

What is the big deal? Elected officials watching law enforcement do their job and help clean up the city from the drug problems that exist currently in the city? Nothing I would expect unless you are the Mayor.

LIMA — Mayor David Berger had his police chief’s back Monday night, telling Councilman Ray Magnus his joining Allen County Sheriff’s Office’s drug raids in the city was a slap in the face to the Police Department.

Berger, during miscellaneous comments at City Council, interrupted Magnus while he was speaking about an upcoming neighborhood association safety patrol, asking Magnus if he plans to invite Sheriff Dan Beck to the event, as Beck had invited Magnus along for the raids Friday.

After the raids, Beck said Police Chief Greg Garlock’s department is losing the fight against drug crime in the city and Beck plans to continue enforcement within the city limits.

The comment that stirred the pot was from the Sheriff. Some might see it as an attack but it was the truth. Lima has a drug problem that is bigger than just the police department’s ability. The Mayor should agree that to beat the problem will take a united effort by both departments. Instead of seeing it as competition shouldn’t the Mayor embrace the help to clean up the drug houses? You have to love Magnus’ response to the Mayor.

“I know a lot of these officers and have nothing but respect for them. I was asked to go and I went and I’m glad I did, because a lot of things got accomplished,” Magnus said. “I know the Police Department is overworked; that’s pretty obvious. Anything we can do to get drug dealers out of our neighborhoods, I’m all for it, regardless of who or what department it may be.” Berger tried to speak again, but Magnus talked over him.

“Hold on Mr. Mayor, I’m not done yet. Now I waited for you, now you wait on me,” Magnus said. “Do I support our sheriff when he makes comments like that about police or the administration? I certainly do not. I don’t make those comments and I don’t intend to. Your attack on me is very unprofessional. … You can attack me all you want. I could care less.”

Just yesterday there was press conference to respond again to the Mayor.

Magnus said he supports the City of Lima and all police agencies working to make it a better place, even if Berger is at odds with Allen County Sheriff Dan Beck.

If the Mayor has a problem with drug enforcement then the city should have a problem with the Mayor. But really the Mayor should address his concerns to the Sheriff. So the question is why the attack? Perhaps Mayor Berger doesn’t want Magnus but would prefer Nixon.

There is one more thing you don’t know… Who might be on Nixon’s campaign? An old name comes to light on his website: Paid for by Committee to Elect John Nixon, Kelly A. Kirk - Treasurer

Kirk is a former local staffer for Congressman Oxley and also opposed the current GOP County Chairman. I just wonder what is going on behind the scenes. Nothing I am sure but the possibilities just seem to spice up the coming election. Nixon posted his announcement on his website that he would run for Council President… not exactly late night material if you know what I mean.


Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. Conservative Culture » Lima’s Mayor Now Moves to Attack Sherrif on May 25, 2007 7:21 am

    [...] Lima Councilman Ray Maguns Fired On By Mayor Berger [...]

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind