For our family that may not be aware, the following flyers were distributed at GLMF yesterday. Please take the time to read through this, and to help us save our faire. Please be aware that this IS serious. It IS possible we could not have a faire next year.
This isn't "just a rumor", this isn't "something that always happens to GLMF", this is fact, this is time to unite.
The Flyer:
Certain members of the Trumbull Township Board of Trustees have for years tried to close this show for personal reasons. They have filed dozens of frivolous lawsuits (which they have never won), costing tens of thousands of dollars to defend.
Now they are trying a new tactic, one which may work.
If you do not want to see this unique form of family entertainment gone forever from N. E. Ohio, we urge you to call them direct and let them know how you feel.
They are:
RON TAMBURRIO
6666 Dawsey Road
Rock Creek, Ohio 44084
440-474-4216
JOHN T. MCMAHAN, III
6419 St. Rt. 166
Rock Creek, Ohio 44084
440-474-4204
WILLIS CLAY
4695 Hoffman Road
Rock Creek, Ohio 44084
440-563-5476
ALSO, FOR THOSE IN THE AREA, OR CAN ATTEND:
Township Trustee Meeting
Thursday August 13 @ 7:00 pm
If you can make it, please show your support.
Place: Trumbull Township Fire Hall
1 mile North of the faire on St. Rt. 534
Also, please visit Trevor's board for information. http://tay666.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bs
I implore our distant Faire Family to make their voices heard as well. You have travelled many miles, spent money at local places and have helped stimulate the economy of Trumbull township...you have just as much invested in our Faire as we do!
Wanting to get my "far and away voice" heard and I can send duplicate letters - but of the (really long) list on Trevor's site - which contacts would you say would get the most "bang for my buck"?
I would say probably the best 'bang for the buck' would be the Ashtabula County Commissioners.
Trumbull Township does not collect a sales tax. Only property tax.
So any monetary arguments would fall on deaf ears.
The county though, does collect the sales tax on all the stuff we rennies do.
The bed tax from the hotels, motels, etc.
The gasoline tax from the gas stations.
The sales tax from all the other places we frequent.
Also, since it is the county that funds the sherrifs department, and the prosecutors office.
A few people will be hearing from me.
This is horrible news. I've never been to GLMF but have friends that have been. Some traveled from TN to GLMF this past weekend.
Fight the fight.
Good afternoon,
I do a lot of advocacy work and would like to forward letter/and or calls.
While, i attend the faire 6 to 8x a year (since 7th season) I am unaware of the issue(s).
Please provide back round info and/or a link to assist my efforts.
glad to help, raini
Fot it- Please ignore previous request, i was able to connet to the link given.
I inquired; as his photo link/site is blocked when i attempt to connect while at work.
reviewing now, raini
Yeah, my site gets blocked by many work, school webfilters because of words like weapons, swords, exocutioner and such. Even found out one was blocking me because the word "wench". [shrug]
Go figure.
Any locals out there I implore you to do this:
Contact local business, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores and such. Let them know their pocket books are going to be impacted. The economy rules.
When they understand the impact on the local economy, the business will show up as well and speak for you. They benefit from the faire too.
We MDRFers love GLMF and would hate to see it go away!
3 letters sent to the addresses in Wyldfire's post above. Any other addresses that should get a letter?
A friend of mine told me that one of the Renn faires in TX also was running into problems. To show how much Fair cash flows through the community. They stamped the Festival Logo and such on every bit of currency that went through the festival to show it contributed to the economy of the area. I though a brilliant idea.
Quote from: Terry Griffith on August 06, 2009, 05:21:25 PM
3 letters sent to the addresses in Wyldfire's post above. Any other addresses that should get a letter?
Hi Terry!!!!
There are more addresses at: http://tay666.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bs&action=display&thread=1980
Long Live Avaloch!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
All of us New Yorkers have sent letters!!!
Sir William and Lady Julie Ann (aka Mistress Lillith), Blok, and Jesar
me Belle and me have sent letters also.
me thinks, some just do not understand the $$ involved, that are spent at a ren fest and the surrounding community, or mayhaps a vendetta against this type of entertainment.
good Scotsman's idea is perfect, when you start gett'n the chamber of commerce (business's) involved, politicians start to listen (a'lot of campaign $$, come from local business's).
i be the Old Tinker and his Belle...
Haven't heard much in a few days, although I did get a reply to a letter from Debra Newcomb, the state representative. Has anyone else had any positive feedback from letters or calls...or heard any more info? Want to make it out for the meeting, but just not sure I can get the time away....and still be able to be there for final weekend.
Here is a copy of the reply from Ms. Newcomb
August 11, 2009
Dear Ms. Cousins:
Thank you for your email regarding the annual Great Lakes Medieval Faire held in Trumbull Township. Before serving at the State Representative for the 99th Ohio House District, I previously served as an Ashtabula County Commissioner. As a commissioner, I was made aware of the legal battles between the Trumbull Township Trustees and the owners of the company entrusted with Medieval Fair each year.
It is in my understanding that despite the several lawsuits regarding zoning requirements, the faire has yet to be cancelled. In order to continue the preservation of this annual occurrence, I encourage you to contact the Trumbull Township Trustees, urging them to reconsider removing the Great Lakes Medieval Faire from Trumbull Township.
Please contact me if I may provide any future assistance.
Sincerely,
DEBORAH NEWCOMB
State Representative
99th House District
Borrowed from Trevor's board to keep you updated:
http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_224012553.html
This is also taken from Trev's Site and I found it quite enlightening...
****
The following was taken from the owners words and summerized. It has been edited and checked by Larry. This is his story.
Fun Facts about the Legal Issues of
The Trustees of Trumbull Township vs. Lawrence Rickard
Sixteen years ago, Larry Rickard brought the Great Lakes Medieval Faire to its new home in Trumbull Township. The property he began to build on was originally donated to the Girl Scouts, by private citizens who cared about their cause. Some members of the Township were upset when this donated land was sold, as they felt it should belong to the community. In an effort to give something back to the community, Larry offered to aid the Trumbull Township Fire and Ambulance Department. Larry had lived through a traumatic disaster that was much like Hurricane Katrina. The Fire Departments and the Red Cross were the primary organizations that helped him through his grief, and so he cared very much about their cause. Larry offered the Trumbull Township Fire and Ambulance Department the rights to the beer program at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire. The partnership between the Faire and the Fire Department helped supply the Township with an exemplary Fire and Ambulance Department.
However, certain people saw this partnership not as a way of giving back to the community, but as a source of "money"coming in and decided that they wanted a share. Larry graciously offered them options to come work with the Faire. Tambarino turned him down and, instead, expected the Faire to just give him the money with nothing in return for the community or the Faire. This is extortion. When The Faire refused to be apart of this corruption several frivolous lawsuits were brought against the Faire.
The first round of lawsuits were concerned with zoning. The lawsuits questioned whether or not the Faire was allowed to operate on its own property. The property on which the Great Lakes Medieval Faire lies, was originally zoned as a "park". The Township, not understanding how to define a park, re-zoned the property as a "single-family residence." This was all done behind closed doors. The Trustees broke the Sunshine laws which state that all regulatory authorities' meetings, decisions and records are to be made available to the public. GLMF was up and running for five years, before the Trustees decided to demand a zoning permit for operation. A permit was promptly filed.
Now zoned as a "single-family residence" the operating procedures of the Faire were put into question. Some of the ridiculous suits put up against the Faire are as follows:
The Jousting Horses vibrate the ground so much that they cause windows to break miles away.
The Tilt-a-Whirl lights shine in peoples windows. (The Faire does not have a Tilt-a-Whirl or any other electronic rides, and closes before dark)
The sound systems are a noise violation.
Dust from the Faire's road gets cars dirty
An archery arrow attempted to kill a neighbors horse
Traffic issues, such as too many fumes
The Township went so far as to force the Faire to remove safety features (i.e. street lamps and traffic control signage) which the Faire put in place to regulate the flow of traffic, and to protect individuals traveling on State Route 534, both those coming to the Faire, and those just passing by. A result of this removal has made the Township liable for accidents.
All of these suits went to court, and, in the end, a 100% victory on all accounts was in favor of the Faire. After our Trial Court victories, and with several trips to Appeals Court, they again ruled in favor of the Faire. Theses cases were then sent to the Supreme Court, but were turned down. These suits sat in Trial Court for over ten years. The Faire had to spend ten years waiting on a ruling, and lost out on over ten years of income and convenience. The Faire was forced to not hold the annual Halloween show, they were not permitted to allow on-site camping, and not permitted to house their own employees, many of who travel some distance.
Twenty-one days after winning the rights to resume Halloween Knights,and to gain back many other rights that were suspended by this long going battle, the Faire was back in court, and again, won in appeals. The Trustees took their case to the Supreme Court, and a ruling is still forthcoming.
Tamborino then turned his attention on destroying the Fire Department that the Faire helped to build. It has been made abundantly clear that certain members of the Township are against the Faire. Despite this aggression, the Faire continued to supplement the Township with the best Fire and Ambulance Department in Ashtabula County with no tax increase. It was the enormous egos, built up by Ron Tamborino's personal vendetta, that caused the Fire Department to go bankrupt. Now, Trumbull Township has a significantly smaller Fire Department and no Ambulance service. People in this Township have died as a result.
When Tamborino forced the Fire and Ambulance Department to go bankrupt as a result of frivolous lawsuits, the Township agreed to absorb all of their assets, and all of their debts. The debts are still outstanding. The Trustees feel that because the Faire allowed the Fire Department to operate out of their pubs, that these pubs belong to the township. Ron Tamborino wants the rights to the beer money, the Pub buildings, and everything else involved with beer at GLMF. Instead of asking the Faire to help rebuild the Fire Department, Ron Tamborino and the Trustees sued the Faire for the right to operate the beer program at an establishment they think should not exist.
The Trustees have spent a full year learning if they even have a case. The Trustees have spent over a $100, 000 to interrogate innocent people in order to gather information on a case they don't even have yet. They are using deposition as a tool to attempt to bankrupt the Faire. The Trustees have spent over a $100,000 in Township funds to obtain beer privileges that they never even asked for, at a Faire that they feel should be shut down. Furthermore, township accounting is public record. By law, Township accounting records must be released to whomever asks for them. Kris and Russ as well as others have requested to see this accounting information and have yet to receive said information.
Ron Tamborino publicly swears to shut down the Faire at all costs. He even went so far as to contact the State of Ohio, and through pulling strings convinced the State to investigate the Faire's charitable contributions. An effort is being made to turn the Faire's charities against it. It is not working.
Below is a list of just a few of the Charities that GLMF supports:
APL
Camp Cammo
Conneut Fish and Game
Lewie and Alissa Wortman – Junior Drag Races
Peaceful Pastures
The Human Society
Red Cross
Joe Kaluza Motorcycle Run – Sponsored with KFC
Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital
RESCU
Food Pantries
Tamborino's current tactic is to harass all of the vendors who make a living selling their wares at the Faire. Over 50 vendors were cited this past weekend for not obtaining a transient vendor license. Such a license clearly is not required by The Ohio Revised Code, which states:
505.94 Registration and regulation of transient vendors.
(A) A board of township trustees may, by resolution, require the registration of all transient vendors within the unincorporated territory of the township and may regulate the time, place, and manner in which these vendors may sell, offer for sale, or solicit orders for future delivery of goods, or the board may, by resolution, prohibit these activities within that territory. If the board requires the registration of all transient vendors, it may establish a reasonable registration fee, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars for a registration period, and this registration shall be valid for a period of at least ninety days after the date of registration. Any board of township trustees that provides for the registration and regulation, or prohibition, of transient vendors under this section shall notify the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the township is located of its registration and regulatory requirements or prohibition. No transient vendor shall fail to register or to comply with regulations or prohibitions established by a board of township trustees under this division.
This division does not authorize a board of township trustees to apply a resolution it adopts under this division to any person invited by an owner or tenant to visit the owner's or tenant's premises to sell, offer for sale, or solicit orders for future delivery of goods
Ron Tamborino has had a personal vendetta to close down the Faire, and anything else the Faire does to create income. Thirteen years later he is still failing. Now, he is trying to infiltrate the Faire take their livelihood, and the livelihood of its employees in other ways: frivolous lawsuits, demanding beer sales, harassing vendors and charities. What will Ron Tamborino and the Trumbull Township Trustees do next? They have already destroyed our Fire Department and Ambulance service, neglected our roads, run local businesses out of town, and spent our Township's funds foolishly to fight Ron Tamborino's personal war. Can we really trust them? Let's remove Ron Tamborino, and restore our Township's safety, dignity, and trust in those elected to lead us! Just Ask him to leave our Township so we can again, live in Peace!
Morgan.
Thanks for copying stuff over here.
With my ongoing car repairs I just don't have the time to get to it.
No worries! ;)
We made the papers!!!!
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/08/_john_kuntz_the_plain.html
"Tamburrino said the trustees' only goal is to protect the health, safety and welfare of township residents, saying "I can't think of any financial benefit the township derives directly from the Great Lakes Medieval Faire."
I bet this guy still thinks the world is flat too....Sheesh!
Thanks for posting the link Robin. I've been staying abreast of this battle here and on Trevor's board. It's a huge plus for Larry to have the bureau of tourism on his side. If the faire goes belly up, the county and state will surely suffer as a result. Definitely more than this piddly township board of trustees.
I wish everyone success at tonights meeting! I hope the local tv news covers it too!
See you all on Saturday!
A reply to an email that I sent to Geneva Tourism Bureau.....
On behalf of the Geneva-on-the-Lake Visitors Bureau and the business community in Geneva-on-the-Lake, I can assure you that yes, we are concerned about the potential loss of the Medieval Faire and are very aware of the movement by a minority in Trumbull Township, where the Faire is located.
Unfortunatly, our concerns or voice seems to carry no weight with the Trumbull Township trustees.
What I personally believe, however, that no matter what happens in Trumbull Township, there WILL be a Medieval Faire. Two different landowner along the Route 531 corridor have pledged their assistance to host the Faire in future years, should it come to that. At least that is what I have been told.
Thanks for your concern, and again, I can assure that the Geneva-on-the-Lake business community is 100% behind the Medieval Faire.
Sincerely,
Don Woodward, Special Projects Director
This just keeps getting better and better:
Seems the problems with Township government are also being discussed on another local forum
http://www.happyhackerbbs.com/index.php?topic=3520.0
So, certain trustees are pissed off because they can't line their pockets (I'm convinced it's all about personal gain) with the GLMF's beer money, and they're putting the squeeze on Larry. Are these people elected officials or gangsters? I really, really wish I could vote in Trumbull Township, though I'm starting to wonder if that would make any difference. Something sure stinks up there.
I'm doing some early Christmas shopping this weekend and showing support for our vendors. I hope if worst come to worst Larry moves the faire to another location. It would be a damn shame to lose something special that means so much to so many.
It was so nice to see the amount of ppl that showed up tonight! We almost had 200 supporters there for the faire! When Larry the owner showed up we gave him a standing ovation. I think he was really suprised at how many ppl turned out!
Please check out Channel 3 news in cleveland! They showed up! :D
Latest news on the township meeting borrowed from Trevor's board:
Thought I'd share this, newest article in Plain Dealer about the meeting with the trustees tonight~
Keep smiling :)
Hundreds of Medieval Faire backers confront Trumbull Township trustees at meeting
Posted by John Campanelli/Plain Dealer Reporter August 13, 2009 22:01PM
TRUMBULL TOWNSHIP -- About 200 supporters of the Great Lakes Medieval Faire converged on the town's fire department building Thursday night, trying to stop what they believe is a vendetta by the township trustees to kill their beloved event.
The Middle Ages-themed Faire, held on about 180 acres of private property in this rural Ashtabula County community of 1,400, has been fighting litigation from the township for more than 10 years.
This summer, the feud boiled over, with dozens of Faire vendors receiving citations for not registering with the township as "transient vendors" and paying a $150 fee. This, despite Ohio law that exempts vendors invited onto private property from registering with townships.
The trustees, led by chairman Ron Tamburrino, say the transient-vendor law only protects the residents of the township.
Despite legal victories, Faire owner Larry Rickard says the litigation costs have put him near bankruptcy and are jeopardizing the future of an event that draws tens of thousands of visitors during its six-weekend run each year.
A sheriff's deputy allowed only 100 people into the building, which has no air conditioning or microphones. About 100 others waited outside trying to listen to the passionate, often contentious meeting.
A resident asked the trustees how much the township had spent on litigation against the Faire.
"Between July 2008 and today," said Tamborino, "I would say about $60,000."
Amid some hoots and whistles, resident Bob Kovach, then stood up.
"How much are we going to spend," he asked. "I'd like to see some potholes filled."
Resident Chuck Loya, who lives just south of the Faire property, complained that five arrows had landed on his property over the past few weeks.
"I'm afraid to go outside," he said. "I'm watching from my window."
Earlier on Thursday, the vendors who received citations were scheduled to appear in Judge William L. Stevens' courtroom in Geneva. That didn't happen because the citations were never filed with the court, said lawyer Michele Stuck, who is representing many of the vendors.
It turns out the citations contained a typographical error, stating the vendors were violating section "5055.94" of the Ohio Revised Code; the section in question is actually 505.94.
Stuck says she does not know whether the citations will end up being filed at a later date or if the matter will be dropped by the prosecutor's office. County Prosecutor Thomas Sartini was out of his office Thursday.
The saga is beginning to take a toll on the Faire's vendors.
"What this has successfully done is put a very foul taste in every professional crafter's mouth," said illustrator Ed Beard Jr., one of the vendors cited by sheriff's deputies earlier this month. "Is it really worth it? What's the next thing they're going to do? What other new ordinance are they going to have?"
He said some vendors have said they are considering not returning to the Faire if it's held next year.
"It's no sweat to the crafters," he added. "They'll just walk away, which, of course, is exactly what the trustees are hoping for."
Wow....I was reading the history of this vendetta.....what excessive corruption and what a waste of ones life energy. What a sad man. How is this possible? I must admit that I am totally naive about the political structure of your fair country.....States, Townships & Trustees....but this blatant abuse of public funds is mind-blowing.
I was thinking about this meeting all night tonight....will be watching and reading. I know that I only attend one weekend per year but that weekend from gas, to food & hotel, to the Faire itself runs me about 400.00-500.00...and that is only one person. To even hint that the Faire does not benefit the economical and fiscal state of the township is remarkably shortsighted.
Nancy
(Arianwyn)
I wasn't able to make the meeting, but a big THANKS! to all who did. So; what was discussed?
The Plain Dealer article quotes Larry saying he is almost bankrupt and Ed Beardsly talking about "some vendors" possibly not returning. That all makes it seem more dire than it may actually be. "Vendors" come and go for any number of reasons, but where sales are good we "vendors" will weather a lot, including long commutes, poor accommodations, belligerent and distasteful fair owners, a high percentage of imports and buy-sell, exorbitant real estate prices, high show fees and even show managers that demand a percentage of our gross sales. The Great Lakes Medeival Faire, as these events go, while not completely free of annoyances, is quite reasonable and friendly compared to most, and compared to some is an absolute delight. The only "vendors" I've heard speak of quitting are those with poor sales, or who are, in fact thinking of retiring all together.
Besides; we have an affinity with many of the residents of Trumbull and the faire's other regulars. For myself, at least, I feel a sense of loyalty to the event and the folks who attend it. That loyalty is not affected by Mr. Tamburrinio and his antics. That just makes me mad on behalf of the people of Trumbull, and more determined, therefore, to persist.
I sent an email to the author of the story in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. I made two points.
- If Mr. Tamborino admits to spending $60,000 since July 2008, how much taxpayer money has he spent over the whole 10+ years that he's been litigating against the faire?
- If he doesn't see any benefit to the township, ask him to explain the past relationship with the fire department.
Hopefully this reporter will do a follow-up story.
Here is a link to the channel 3 Cleveland news story about Great Lakes Medieval Faire. Video is on the top right.
http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=119699&catid=3
Cheers!
Ratman & Bobin
Sorry everyone, with all going on I haven't had much time to post.....
I would think to keep abreast, just review:
http://tay666.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=bs
It will keep you up to date, show all the news articles, reference letters written, etc.
Thank you ALL for you help, support, and most importantly, friendship!
To everyone that was able to get to the trustee meeting last night, THANK YOU!!!!! ;)
I have been following your trials and tribulations and while I have never been to the GLMF and I know none of you, I have sat here and supported you in spirit and prayer. I have developed unkind thoughts about your trusties, but a great deal of respect for Larry Rickard. Larry sounds like the type of man any communities would love to have. He brings employment, entertainment and tourists, yet does not stop there. He helps a number of charities, he gives back to the community. Our local Volunteer Fire Dept. and Ambulance Corp would love this man.(For those of you who don't know, a class A pumper runs well over $250000, not counting the equipment.) Anywhere else he would be recognized and praised. In Trumbull he's harassed and hounded. He may have legal grounds to sue the Township, but he is not. I for one would not blame him, but I assume he isn't because he knows it would not hurt the ones responsible and put a bigger financial burden on the people. I feel this has gone beyond a personal vendetta, beyond just mear harassment. My suggestion is for all of you to contact your state's Attorney General and see about an investigation of the trusties. There is something not right here.
Now for a little happier news. The wife and I have reached a point, financially and time wise, where we can do things. This was our first year of going to a Ren Faire (Sterling.) We plan on going many times next year. We also were trying to figure out what other faire we could go to. I say was because when we heard about what you are suffering through we decided if GLMF is back next year, (And from the sounds of it you will be) We will be visiting for a weekend as a show of support. I know just one couple is not much, but I LAY DOWN A CHALLENGE TO ALL WHO READ THIS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN, Follow our lead and support our fellow Faire folks. Spend 1 weekend at GLMF. We won't change the weak of minds, but Larry and the rest should know they have our support.
Sorry for the long post, but I felt I needed to say what I have. Good Luck in your battle.
This a (rather large) comment I posted in response to the Plain Dealer article. (I didn't even mention the guy with the arrows, because it was previously mentioned in the article's comments..)
------------------------------
Some things to mention about the meeting..
There was a board outside for supporters to sign.. They ran out of room and had to get additional paper to get all 189 names, with occupations listed showing that we are real people...There were even people that came from as far as Pittsburgh to attend!
The meeting started about 8:00PM. I left at 11:00. It was still going on around 11:30. I don't know when it finally ended... When they say the meeting was heated, it's quite literal. 100 people in one room with no AC.. I spent most of the time at the doorway or the window in the back.
Trustee Chairman Ron Tamburino was trying to silence people by requiring anyone to states their full name and address before they speak, saying that Trumbull residents need to know where everyone present was from. Tamborino dodged the question a number of times when asked if it's legal to require addresses.
Later, when someone asked for Tamborino's address, he said "You can direct everything to me here at 'Trustee's Office'."
One person that was speaking in favor of the Faire made a number of good points, and Tamborino asked the deputy sheriff that he be removed because "He spoke enough already." The sheriff said "He's not out of hand" and didn't remove the speaker.
A question of how much money and time was wasted in having the Ashtabula sheriff's office issue citations to all the vendors.. The same speaker that was asked to be removed stated that all the citations that were given to the vendors will not be prosecuted. (The court date was earlier that day, but no transient vendors were ever on the docket.) The speaker has a letter from the Prosecutor stating that they will not be pursued. To which Tamborino said that the Prosecutor's letter will not stick. (Tamborino's a lawyer.. Disputing a letter from the Prosecutor's Office? Err?)
(I also understand that Tamburino is under a gag order concerning money from the beer sales at the Faire. I was not inside the the meeting at the time when he broke it, so I am not sure what all he said about it. -frown- )
(My opinion: Tamborino is a lawyer that should know better than to attempt such legally dubious tactics in order to silence peoples' voices.. or perhaps it's because he knows how to attempt to.. There's that little thing called "Freedom of Speech", and these people are there to exercise that right in the proper manner, and there are explicit attempts to silence them. I pray for his employer's sake that this man isn't as dubious with them as he is with the citizens he represents!..)
One of the GLMF vendors asked "Before I open my shop on Saturday, do I need a Transient Vendor's License for just myself, or one for every person that works for me?" Tamborino, co-author of the "Transient Vendor Resolution", said that is was not his prerogative to interpret the law and the person should direct questions to the Prosecutor's Office... Vendor: "I already called the Prosecutor, and he said I should ask the township, which is why I am here." Tamborino continually referred any questions about the Transient Vendor Licenses to the Prosecutor's Office, despite demonstrating that he knows what the resolution says.
He also dodges questions about where the authority for the Transient Vendor resolution came from, and said to ask the Prosecutor or legal counsel. He consistently said that the Trustee Board does not have the authority to interpret its own resolution.. (Despite being the ones who wrote it!)
Tamborino also claimed that the vendors and Larry (Faire owner) are using this is a PR marketing scheme. (Umm.. Doesn't make sense to me. If the trustees left it alone, it wouldn't be in the spotlight like it is and in no way shape or form could it be marketing.)
Channel 3 was there.. They broadcast the part about the potholes.. However, they didn't include the part where one of the Trustees (William Clay I believe.) was asked why he was arrested.. {trespassing and harassment, FYI} .. He said he was at the Faire site on township business.. And the Channel 3 reporter asked (I may get some words in reverse order, as it was hard to hear where I was) "For the third time, were you, while you were working representing the township, arrested for trespassing and harassment?"
A resident claimed the Board is not representing the community. William Clay said that he does not care, and will try to take on the Faire no matter what. When asked if he will continue to fight the Faire even if the township tells him not to, William Clay said Yes. It was suggested by an audience member that perhaps a referendum be taken to get the townships opinion.. A speaker asked "Will you stop if the residents vote you out of office?", followed by applause that made the response hard to hear. "Not even then."
Tamborino and Clay are both up for re-election in November....
Trustees trying to silence opinions.. Dodging questions of legality... Refusing to answer questions regarding a resolution that they themselves wrote.. Giving people the run-around and very few straight answers.. Trespassing and directly harrassing people at the Faire.. Admitting that they will fight the Faire even if the residents of the township tell them not to...
Tell me.. Is it not apparent that this is a rather personal battle for these trustees? And one that they are admittedly waging with taxpayer dollars footing the bill while the township can't get potholes filled.....
$60,000 just since June 2008.. Not to mention the previous 13 years of lawsuits that the trustees have never won. Curious how many tax dollars were spent on that. And curious what could have been done with that money.
--------------------------
I am hoping to see many, many faces at GLMF this weekend, and when we sing our song at the end of the day, we are able to sing it with the hope that "we WILL all see each other again". I hope that all of this has raised awareness of the faire, and how much it means to so many people, and will have a positive impact in the days to come! See you all soon!
Amen, Bonnie! I can't wait to go tomorrow, have fun and support the faire. Long live Avaloch!
The song I proised, "Long Live Avaloch" is now up on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/user/TerryGriffith1 (http://www.youtube.com/user/TerryGriffith1)
Here's the lyrics:
Long Live Avaloch
By Terry Griffith
While traveling through Ohio one morning last July
I was looking for diversion to help the time pass by.
Along the road I saw a sign for the Medieval Faire.
It sounded so appealing that I took the family there.
There was jousting and music and smiles on every face.
Games for all the kiddies and merriment filled the place.
The food, the beer, the revelry made us all feel fine.
I felt like we had traveled back to another place in time.
Long live Avaloch and the family I found there.
Long live the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
When the day was over it was time to go away.
We had to spend the night there to come back another day.
The money spent was worth the cost and any one could see
The faire was just a benefit to the whole community.
Long live Avaloch and the family I found there.
Long live the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
Now nearby Trumbull Township was ruled by politics.
The greedy and the jealous were starting to have fits.
They couldn't get their hands on the money being made
So they passed a legislation that would cause the faire to fade.
Long live Avaloch and the family I found there.
Long live the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
"We don't know who these folks are" they cried with feigned concern.
"We must protect our citizens in case they might get burned.
The price of all the lawsuits is worth the cost to bear
There's money to made here and we must have our share".
Long live Avaloch and the family I found there.
Long live the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
The years of frivolous lawsuits have cost the Township much.
The mounting bills for lawyers and court costs and such.
It's time for all the people who put these men in charge
To see their taxes wasted on egos that are large.
Long live Avaloch and the family I found there.
Long live the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
Behind closed doors they gathered to plan their evil plot.
They thought no one would notice but there's one thing they forgot.
When citizens have had enough of bullying by the trolls
They only have to stand up by voting at the polls.
Long live Avaloch and the family I found there.
Long live the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
So they had a meeting to discuss the future of the faire
People came from miles around and the media was there.
They watched as Tamberrino hid behind his wool.
Now we know in Trumbull wherein resides the bull.
Long live Avaloch and the family I found there.
Long live the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
Terry-that song is awesome!!!!! Any chance we are going to get to hear it sung at pub sing to close out the season? Hope to see you there!
"Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind"
(combines the chorus from the Carolina Chocolate Drops "Don't get Trouble on your mind" and the tune from the Chocolate Drops "Sourwood Mountain") http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2Eu8Jrv7ZY&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGEMovVWmT4
By the way; the Carolina Chocolate Drops will be performing at several venues in Ohio this Fall.
Here come all the folks dressed up so fine
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind, don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
Goin t'the faire t'have a real good time
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
Hang on to your purse, hang on to your pastle
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind, don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
Township there gonna make some hassle
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
Town trustees want to line their pockets
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind, don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
Fined the artists, put 'em on the docket
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
Thought they had us licked but it was fleeting
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind, don't get TRUMBLE on your mind
Faire folks packed that township meeting
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
T.V., Newspapers all took notice
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind, don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
Maybe it'll reach the Trumbull voters
Don't get TRUMBULL on your mind
We made statewide radio news (Ohio Public Radio), thanks to the Plain Dealer article.
Hey, Jim Trafficant is due to be released from Federal prison soon. Maybe he could run for Trumbull TWP Trustee! The people of Trumbull County elected him to Congress before he was convicted on charges of corruption and bribery. For Trumbull TWP it would be a step up!
A better version of the song "Long Live Avaloch" has been published to YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YSfPamQn8o (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YSfPamQn8o)
If you have viewed the first one, please visit this one so we won't lose the hits. If you left a comment on the old one, please put it on the new version. If you haven't viewed it yet, please check it out. The more hits it receives, the greater the impact when the Trustees see it is being spread around. Please feel free to leave a comment.
In today's Plain Dealer:
In today's Plain Dealer::
Fie on the foes of the Great Lakes Medieval Faire -- an editorial
by The editors
Thursday August 20, 2009, 4:19 AM
A pox on politicians who make sport of the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
Wherefore art they so knuckle-headed?
The Trumbull Township trustees have spent 13 years wasting taxpayer money and losing court cases in an effort to bludgeon the Medieval Faire into oblivion.
The six-weekend-long event -- which just concluded its 17th year of jousters, jesters and jugglers -- is a moneymaker. The director of the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau describes it as a key portion of the county's $346 million annual tourism take.
Trustees Chairman Ron Tamburrino cites health and safety concerns, but Lt. Greg Leonhard says the Sheriff's Department gets more complaints about the county fair.
Embattled owner Larry Rickard hosts the Medieval Faire on his property -- nearly 180 acres transformed into the 13th-century Village of Avaloch. But the cost of fighting frivolous court actions has topped $1 million and is taking a toll on the faire's future.
It is the largest employer in the township and one of the largest in the county, hiring more than 500 people.
Hundreds of supporters showed up at a recent meeting to protest the three township trustees' logic-defying -- and costly -- feud with the faire. Just in the past year, Tamburrino told residents the township had spent about $60,000 on litigation.
The trustees would better serve their constituents by filling potholes rather than enriching lawyers -- especially now that Rickard has run afoul of a higher power: The state attorney general has accused him of misappropriating funds meant for charities. If something's rotten in Avaloch, the faire will be on shaky ground.
Did I read that correctly? The States Attorney General is accusing Larry of misappropriating funds meant for charity?! WTH???
All the charities contacted said they received the monies. I think it was more an attempt by the trustee's to misdirect attention away from them and their shady doings.
As it stands, there are now 4 people running for trustee's in the township...the 2 narrow minded , crooked gits who started this mess, Clay & Tamburrino
...and two of our own, Russ Griffith (brother of Hoss and a volunteer Fire/EMT guy who works the First Aid Tent at GLMF) and Kovach, whom I'm not familiar with but he gets a thumbs up from Russ and Chris and that's good enough for me! ;)
Quote from: Capt. Morgan on August 21, 2009, 09:54:18 AM
All the charities contacted said they received the monies. I think it was more an attempt by the trustee's to misdirect attention away from them and their shady doings.
As it stands, there are now 4 people running for trustee's in the township...the 2 narrow minded , crooked gits who started this mess, Clay & Tamburrino
...and two of our own, Russ Griffith (brother of Hoss and a volunteer Fire/EMT guy who works the First Aid Tent at GLMF) and Kovach, whom I'm not familiar with but he gets a thumbs up from Russ and Chris and that's good enough for me! ;)
If either of these guys want to hold a campaign fundraiser (are they even done at that level?) give me a shout. I'll do whatever I can.
Yup.
They have all kinds of support if they ned it.
Actually have had to tell people on my board to wait and see what they need/want before doing anything. Several people were all set to start plastering flyiers all over the county :D
OK - here's my 2 cents on all of this......................
Quote from: Xantrawler on August 14, 2009, 12:14:52 PM
I have been following your trials and tribulations and while I have never been to the GLMF and I know none of you, I have sat here and supported you in spirit and prayer. I have developed unkind thoughts about your trusties, but a great deal of respect for Larry Rickard. Larry sounds like the type of man any communities would love to have. He brings employment, entertainment and tourists, yet does not stop there. He helps a number of charities, he gives back to the community. Our local Volunteer Fire Dept. and Ambulance Corp would love this man.(For those of you who don't know, a class A pumper runs well over $250000, not counting the equipment.) Anywhere else he would be recognized and praised. In Trumbull he's harassed and hounded. He may have legal grounds to sue the Township, but he is not. I for one would not blame him, but I assume he isn't because he knows it would not hurt the ones responsible and put a bigger financial burden on the people. I feel this has gone beyond a personal vendetta, beyond just mear harassment. My suggestion is for all of you to contact your state's Attorney General and see about an investigation of the trusties. There is something not right here.
Now for a little happier news. The wife and I have reached a point, financially and time wise, where we can do things. This was our first year of going to a Ren Faire (Sterling.) We plan on going many times next year. We also were trying to figure out what other faire we could go to. I say was because when we heard about what you are suffering through we decided if GLMF is back next year, (And from the sounds of it you will be) We will be visiting for a weekend as a show of support. I know just one couple is not much, but I LAY DOWN A CHALLENGE TO ALL WHO READ THIS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN, Follow our lead and support our fellow Faire folks. Spend 1 weekend at GLMF. We won't change the weak of minds, but Larry and the rest should know they have our support.
Sorry for the long post, but I felt I needed to say what I have. Good Luck in your battle.
Well, I HAVE been to GLMF many many times. In fact it was originally my home faire and I was a frequent visitor until I moved away - and Xantrawler, I couldn't have said it better myself. Anywhere else Larry would be welcomed with open arms - as a hero even. You know, in a place that is so terribly depressed that jobs are practically nonexistent and people are begging for the smallest amount of work for the minutest amount of pay and are suffering because of it you would think that the so called public "servants" would be GLAD that someone is providing jobs for people. Something is rotten in Denmark and it's name is (are?) Tamborino and Clay. I do think Larry has legal grounds to sue someone - whether it be the township or the 2 parties personally - for harassment if nothing else - but I'm sure if a good lawyer looked at this mess he could come up with some great grounds for a lawsuit. I cannot believe that personal vendetta is playing out publicly like this and no one is doing anything to stop it - as in where are all the lawyers who could fight fire with fire here? Larry could use your help and I KNOW there are lawyers who enjoy and even frequent faires. So.....HELLO???? But....I digress on that point.
Quote from: evan on August 15, 2009, 04:14:51 AM
We made statewide radio news (Ohio Public Radio), thanks to the Plain Dealer article.
Hey, Jim Trafficant is due to be released from Federal prison soon. Maybe he could run for Trumbull TWP Trustee! The people of Trumbull County elected him to Congress before he was convicted on charges of corruption and bribery. For Trumbull TWP it would be a step up!
Now the subject of Jim Trafficant opens up a whole 'nother can of worms and is a bit of a sore spot with me. I agree evan - you could do FAR worse than Jim Trafficant. I know this sounds cliche but.......Jim was railroaded. He did a WONDERFUL job for Trumbull County - I was a resident of Trumbull County when all the crap went down that put him in prison - and long before that too. I voted for him many times. I saw what was going on and know what is right and what is not as far as all the rumors and talk that went around. Bottom line is this......think about it, if he hadn't been doing his job by bringing in jobs and money for the county he wouldn't have been re-elected over and over and OVER again. He worked very hard for the people of Trumbull County and the only reason he went to prison is because he stepped on the wrong person's toes. Who that was I haven't a clue but Jim wasn't doing anything all the rest of them weren't doing - and I'm willing to bet the person whose toes he stepped on was guiltier than he was of the same shenanigans.
So yes - I think having him as a Trustee is a wonderful idea. I'd like to see Tamborino and Clay stand up to HIM. Well, I'd like to see them try because they would soon find they had bit off WAY more than they could chew as I KNOW he would prove to be a most worthy and troublesome adversary.
OK - I guess that's a bit more than 2 cents but there it is. I wish I lived closer so I could attend these meetings and be more active in helping to put a stop to this nonsense, but it's very difficult to do anything from Maryland. And like I have read several times - the trustees don't care what ANYBODY thinks - even their own residents (who elected them by the way) - so they surely don't care what someone from the Washington, DC area thinks.
OK - rant done. Off the soapbox. Thanks for listening.
HUZZAH..JUST TO MOVE IT TO THE TOP!
Jim Trafficant got out of prison today and hasn't decided whether to retire or return to public life.
I'll bet he could be persuaded to return to public life............
Don't need him.
There are already 2 candidates that are running against the 2 incumbents that are up for re-election this fall.
This is the best case scenario. 4 candidates for 2 positions.
Unlike last time they were up, there aren't a bunch of prospects to split the votes against them.
One of the candidates is even part of the faire family.
Russ. He is one of the 1st Aid guys at faire every year.
(http://www.tylisaari.com/medieval/glmf09/rc0911071.JPG)
I agree Trevor - don't want too many candidates splitting the vote.
Well good. Having a fellow rennie in there would be awesome. I wish him and the other candidate the best of luck. Really need to kick those other bums out of there.
Well...this just sucks major bilge water...despite valiant efforts by Russ and his friend Robert, the same crooked ol' cronies have been re-elected. I wonder how bold this win will make them in their vendetta against Larry and the Faire....
Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night! >:(
Trumbull Twp - Trustee TOWNSHIP OF TRUMBULL
(Vote For Not More Than ) 2
WILLIS CLAY. . . . . . . . . . 282 28.78
RUSSELL GRIFFITH . . . . . . . . 162 16.53
ROBERT KOVACH . . . . . . . . . 180 18.37
RON TAMBURRINO. . . . . . . . . 356 36.33
Total . . . . . . . . . 980
Yep, it's gonna be really bumpy, but I'm not about to get off of that rollercoaster.
If the people of Trumbull Township want a Boss Hogg style government, then more power to 'em. Doesn't mean the rest of us have to sit back and keep our mouths shut. We'll have to keep an eye on them and make our voices heard when they start up their shenanigans again. It was great seeing them sweat when people came out in droves to the meetings the media took notice, and no doubt we can do that again. Not sure how much of a difference, if any it'll make, but those trustees have been a thorn in the side of Larry and GLMF for years and they need the favor returned.
Greetings all,
Larry gave us all an early Christmas present, the Great Lakes Medieval Faire posted the 2010 dates on it's web today. Pre-sale tickets for 2010 are also on sale. Looks like the Faire is a go for 2010.
Sir Michael of Mentor
Yay, I just ordered my season passes and extra tickets for friends that we drag along every year. Can't wait.
I am planning on attending at least one weekend in 2010. I cannot wait!
I have read this whole forum, and understood all the trials & tribulations within. Any detailed opinion aside, I, too, will be attending GLMF this year. It's just up the road, too, for convenience, and of course it's never a problem when it comes to having fun with family and friends.
We will be back again and bringing more Mirf'ers
( returns Lord Higgins wave and raises a tankard of ale)
Hello GLMF'ers
Sorry to hear about all the trouble you all are having there. Very glad GLMF is still on for 2010. I have a group from MDRF (Maryland) interested in coming up for a visit and to show our support. We were trying to find out the dates for Pyrate Weekend for invasion. Any idea when that might be? The web page has not been updated recently.
We would also need info on nearby accommodations too? We have a few folks who enjoy camping and a few who don't.
Thanks for any info you can offer.
Kathi with an AYE! (MDRF)
Master Rayvne,
Thanks for the info! Motel 6 sounds good and so does the food! Yum.
When it rains at MDRF we have fun huddling at the pub singing along with The Pyrates Royale and The O'Danny Girls, and maybe a game of Liar's Dice.
As soon as you all find out the dates for Pirate Weekend, please let me know so we can start planning.
Hello Lady Kathi,
I ordered my season pass yesterday and they told me the theme weekends should be posted in the next few weeks.
Have a great day...
Sir Michael of Mentor
Sir Michael,
Thank you for the info. We are getting impatient LOL.
Any further post from me on this subject will go to the GLMF 2010 Visit trail.
Thank you All. Looking forward to meeting you all.
Kathi with an AYE!