March 2, 2024 • 63 mins
Patrick says:
A friend of mine asked me, “What happened? Why are you running for city council?” The answer is simple. I have lived here since 1999, and other than houses burning down or being torn down, there has not been any improvement in our district. In fact, it is steadily declining. Unfortunately, our district has taken a back seat to other districts and doesn’t get the attention it deserves. That’s because we don't have a voice. When you run a business, it’s a common habit for the people running it to put all their efforts into the areas that are easy to manage and ignore the problem areas. This is exactly what happens in city government as well. If given the opportunity, I will spend my time and energy collaborating with city officials to focus on fixing our issues in District 4. You are going to hear that these problems cannot be fixed. You are also going to hear that no one else can do better. You will hear excuses from elected leaders who sit on multiple different outside committees about why things aren’t getting better while being cheered on by people outside our district. This is my promise to you. I will actually be the voice of the people who actually live in our district. I will make noise, and District 4 will be heard! District 4 Deserves More! Restore District 4!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
(00:29):
Good evening everybody and welcome to Saturday night at 630 on the East Coast 330 on the West Coast which can only mean one thing is time for the podcast movie.
I'm your host Bob Mercer with me as always out in the middle of beautiful downtown Murphytown Circles. Rick Sawyer.
(00:53):
Man, the man that the and over in the north end of Parker broken little part of the world where we keep her.
So tonight everybody we got Patrick McCormick with us tonight Patrick's running for Parkersburg City Council, a lot of people running for partner for City Council, and Patrick running for district four which covers a little bit of Southside and a
(01:22):
lot of the East End.
So, what we're going to do is we're going to have him introduce himself tell us a little bit about himself. And then we're going to get into the show so good evening to you sir thank you for being on the Bob cast with us.
Thank you for having me and introduce myself I'm Patrick McCormick running for City Council district for.
(01:44):
I've lived in the district, about 24 years, and just, you know, want to be part of making a difference for our district and our city.
I've served I'm currently serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals for the city of Parkersburg, and I enjoy that a lot.
I'm not sure if I win the, if I win the election I'll have to give that up. But, yeah, I'm just running to make a difference in our district and for our city.
(02:15):
Well that's awesome because that's what that's why I got into it eight years ago.
Because like I tell her by mom always said you can do one or two things either you can sit and whine about it, or you can do something about it.
And I chose to do something about it so you know City Council is a big deal, you know it's, there's a lot to it. And, you know, it's a lot bigger than a lot of people think and, you know, I'm sure you've been to City Council meetings and know what
(02:43):
they're like sometimes they're like, yeah.
And then sometimes they take quite a long time it all depends on what's going on in any particular moment. So what's your.
What's your first what is your goal for district for what would you like to see happen in your district, which, and I don't mean this to put anybody down but which is kind of the really.
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Well, it's a lot of the house, old house, old house. It's an old part of town.
Yes. And there's a lot of, you know, we've tore a lot of houses down over there. And there's a lot more to it. So, what is your, what is your goal. And what if you would get on City Council.
What do you think that you could contribute that would help district for our.
(03:32):
Well, I think the number one goal is to get our, just continue, and we're continuing on the path of cleaning up these how homes that need either torn down or we refurbished, but we need to immediately we need to make the district safe.
We need to be able to walk our dogs out without fear of, you know, without having fear. And so I think immediately we can work on making the district safe, you know, safer than it is, and a cleaner environment.
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We've already got the laws and the codes in place to do it.
Right. Right. Got them on the books. And as I thought about the more I think about things and I've traveled a lot and I've traveled to many states in the country, and a job that I used to do.
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And there are certain areas you go to, and you don't see blight. You don't see trash laying around in yards you don't see.
And why is that. And, and even in our own backyard here if you go to Williamstown. You go to Marietta, Vienna, Vienna, you're not going to see this because they don't allow it.
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No, I don't understand it myself. I mean, we do have a homeless problem. And a lot of the problems not only brought on by our local people but people bringing people to Parkersburg.
And you can talk to most of the city councilman now and they'll tell you that Parkersburg is known throughout the homeless community is the place to be why, because we give free stuff, not we.
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But there's free stuff to be got. You know what I mean. Right. And so, people drop them off here.
City Council, City Council gets blamed for everything. As you probably know, we got blamed for what's that place out on route to that didn't go in that right that forensic rehab.
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No forensic. No, there's a big store. Menards. Oh Menards. Yes, yes, yes. We got like we got like we got blamed for that. It's city council, even though it's in the county is the city.
But yeah, I agree with you, you know, Parker repeating.
And, and I say this to everybody and I'll argue to argue my point to everybody. We have one of the finest police departments.
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Police officers, deputies, state troopers, NRP officers in the state bar nine, and these guys, I've been a dispatcher for 18 years. And these guys work their hearts out. And you can hear it.
So yeah, you know, I mean, they do their best try to keep people out of houses we have few today but they do their very best I mean they're meet they're all over it, you know, our homeless coordinator Don Lindsay.
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You know, he's a great guy. Yeah, he is a great guy. He's running for magistrate, and he's a great guy. And john Pelfrey.
You know, he's a great guy.
So, you know, I guess I guess you know, the, there has to be a master plan somewhere for every district I mean, my district, I don't have a lot of problem with, I mean my district, but there has to be a master plan for district for.
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I think that you know if we can get the right people in there. You know who has who have in their head. Hey, you know, we need to really do this and make it make it better because I back in the day, we live down on 18th Street 18th and William,
or we lived on William Street. Okay.
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It was a great place to live.
Great place to live.
So, now you're running against Wendy.
Right, Wendy. Yeah.
And, and I'm running against.
You asked me to say.
Yeah, I'm primarily and she hasn't even put anything out yet.
(08:00):
But
I just feel the problem.
You know, I was talking to a friend of mine that grew up on George Street.
And I would play on under the streetlights as a kid on Lynn Street.
And you wouldn't do that today.
Nikki law, Nicole Lawson is who I'm primarily. I knew it come to my mind in a minute. And I don't think I'm sorry. Yeah, that's okay. Don't worry about it. We got all day.
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But I've not met her yet.
I helped me out there. I told you she's my brain and right there.
So, but thank you for your help.
Siphon it.
I see what it was.
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I came up with it first.
She was, she was right there. She's got my back. Her and I lived in this district forever and we have grandchildren.
And we just want to make it a safe neighborhood for working people. There's a lot of hardworking people that live in this district.
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And it should be cleaned up the city. You know, we owe it to to those citizens that just as much as we owe it to people that live on Washington Avenue.
Exactly. And we have a clean, safe environment. We owe to our kids. Yeah.
You know, the whole purpose of the whole purpose of each generation is to leave it better than you then you have leave it better than what you got it. Okay. And that's where that's where I've always been with, you know, our kids.
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And I'll tell you a quick story. I was talking to a lady.
Been a couple years ago.
She said, you know, I don't even let my kids come home. I don't even let them outside.
And I, well, because of the needles and I just sit back and I was like, Oh, my God.
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But see, I've been trying to for a long time and I'm still I've given up yet to put a youth center in district for. Yeah, that'd be great. A place where and everybody keeps saying well Bob we got one.
The boys and girls club.
Well, I, they are you center but they're not what I'm talking about is a place where the kids can go into, they can get a snack they can sit there and do their homework, or they can go play, you know, basketball, you know, and I've been trying to do that for years, it's
(10:40):
just hard to get the.
It's hard to get people moving on stuff like that for some reason I don't understand why.
But, you know, that's a pretty big district I mean I know it goes over in the part of South Side where I used to live Myrtle Street.
Back right back this way. I was shocked myself really.
(11:03):
I don't know who draws me. I know it's based on the census.
I do know that, but you should see my district, I mean my districts cut up. When I first started walking my granddaughters walked the district with me when I first became a councilman campaign and stuff.
And I was like, I looked at the map and I'm like, forget it.
(11:24):
There's no way.
This part was in the county. This part was in the city I talked to one lady, I went this whole block. And I went down to this one lady and knocked on her door and I said hi I'm Bob Mercer running for party person.
Oh, I'd love to vote for you honey but I'm in the county.
One house.
One.
(11:45):
So, you know, the thing about it is is we, we run in our districts, but we represent everybody.
And that's a big responsibility.
You know when I first when I first became a counselor, I don't mean to be taking your time but because you got all the time you want.
But when I first when I first ran for city council.
(12:09):
My heart was on my sleeve.
I almost almost resigned.
Because people were caught people were saying all them city councilmen are crooks are there.
They're in their pockets with our money.
And I talked to the city clerk I said how do you how do you go about resigning.
(12:30):
And she said well, there's a paper you have to fill out and then she got real serious and she goes, and I hope that you don't know anybody who's thinking about leaving city council.
No, right, asking for a friend. And now, now it's like, you know what.
Go ahead if you want my, if you want my paycheck every two weeks from being a city councilman, you can have it.
(12:58):
Right, you know, and, but you know that's something that you have to get used to. We know if elected for councils you have to get used to that.
And, you know, JJ Henderson shots running from my in my district for my job.
And he, he and I were talking I said let me let me tell you some of the biggest advice I got the best advice I got Patrick.
(13:26):
Stop it.
Some of the best advice I got was from the, from the city clerk Connie.
And, and I'll tell you what she told me she said Bob out in the audience looking up is different from up there looking out.
What they may see as, oh my god that's so simple.
(13:48):
There's a backstory to everything.
And you know it used to really used to really bug me but now it doesn't anymore. So, so you were born and raised in Parkersburg or.
That's correct yeah I lived on Ellis Avenue.
And their dog house. Yeah, grew up there, East End. And when I got married I did buy a house out of it was still in Wood County but I lived on Royal Creek for about nine to 11 years somewhere in there.
(14:19):
That's correct. Yeah, then I came back and move back to town and bought a house I'm in now I live at Candom Place, which is not on Southside, oddly enough, it is off 13th.
And I love this neighborhood. Absolutely love it.
I do feel safe in my immediate neighborhood. But if I go one block one way or another.
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Yeah, there's a lot of stuff that goes on that around 13th and Avery and, you know, and there's things like that and I'm not sure what I'm not sure what we can do.
I mean, as far as we do everything we can and I'm sure if you're elected you'll do everything you can you can to try to bring some kind of continuity and and togetherness to the to the community.
(15:13):
And, but right. I just feel I just feel until until we make it safe and clean it, you know, clean.
We're not going to we're not going to get anywhere by just, we do need to tear down houses. So, and but we need to go after there's a lot of slumlords, let's just face it.
(15:34):
You know, I, I will just call them as I see them. I'm not talking about landlords that keep their properties up to code and and are out there making providing nice housing for affordable housing for people I'm talking about.
People that their houses won't pass for head because the rest leaking and they're renting them out anyway.
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And, you know, that we need to tackle that issue with, we cannot expect a 75 year old widow to bring her house up to code that owns her house when she has a slum on either side over this owned by, you know, somebody doesn't even live there.
(16:18):
We need to really clean up and I feel that we need to tackle tackle it that way, go after the slumlords. Well, you know, there's the problem with that too there, and I'm sorry I'm just kind of talking back and forth with you.
I ran into that over here. And the problem is, is that a lot of these places that the people live out of state.
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And it or, or maybe they've lived mom and dad lived there all their lives and passed away the kids don't want anything to do with that.
Or they just, if Johnny wants to come in and rent a place then, you know, by all means, you know, they can come in and do it loans. And also to another thing to Patrick is the banks, like if the bank forecloses.
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Right.
I'll give you an example. They will sell it to bank B, who sells it to bank C, who sells it to bank D. And you talk about something hard to track down I know I tried.
And it's very difficult to do that. But I have a question.
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There's no, there's no neighborhood watching the 13th Street area.
Okay, you see that you can see that. Okay. Yeah. What do you think about that?
I think that's a fantastic idea. I've got a neighbor that just moved in next door.
And she wants to start a neighborhood watch back up.
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And she's running a house next door. And I think we need to get community involvement.
And when they see, you know, when the community starts reporting things and things start to happen, you know, I think it will be contagious.
And we do need a we do need a neighborhood watch that would be a very, very good thing.
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And Rick is one of the one of the officers in the very good. Yeah, I see that you can you can absolutely get a hold of Rick and he can set you up.
Him and Cindy and Debbie and a whole group of them, you know.
So, yeah, I agree with you. We need to, you know, I mean, I'm not saying become vigilantes. I'm just saying guys, we need eyes for the police department.
(18:46):
Right. We need people. I mean, everybody else does it. Why not 13th Street or one up District 4.
So I think that that, you know, that would be great to to talk to the people about and ask them, say, you know, we need help.
This is our neighborhood. And like Bob says, like Bob says, we do have really good police department, especially in Parkersburg.
(19:10):
They are great, but they are they can't be everywhere. That's why a neighborhood watch is important. Thank you, T. Exactly.
The fact exactly. So that might be something really good to try to really push for is something like that and have community meetings.
You know, I mean, I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm just kind of kind of rattling on with that because I'm just, you know, I agree with you.
(19:37):
I agree that we need community involvement. Everybody. This is our town.
And if we don't do it, nobody else is going to do it. So. Yeah, I agree with you on that.
I think revitalization becomes a contagious.
You know, I was sure was a way you could just say we're going to target this block and we're going to revitalize it.
(20:05):
And then and just keep moving through. I don't know. Yeah, you know, and because when people fix up their homes or outside or start talking to their neighbors, they start seeing what's going on.
And then people that are up to no good when they see that there's people actually outside visiting on their front porches, they take pride in their home.
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They're growing flowers or a little garden in the side yard. You know, it's not going to lend itself to the crime.
But when you see vacant lots, vacant houses, streetlights shot out, you know, that's going to that that that type of that type of environment just lends itself.
(20:53):
And to crime, do you think it's because people feel helpless or I mean, you know, I talked to a lot of people and I'm not sure why that some of these people want to be this way.
Do they feel helpless and that they're not being heard or what exactly do you think is going on with this?
(21:14):
Do you mean that? Do you mean the people perpetrate in the crime?
Well, well, Bob, I mean, I don't know. I'm not I'm not professing that I'm going to fix people that are I'm not really worried about fixing people.
People I'm worried about fixing the district and making it safe for the law abiding citizens that are here.
(21:35):
I think that's a lot of the problem is we try to be too much. We do need to have so we need to be, you know, think socially, but we need to we need to say what can we do now to mitigate the safety issue that we have on X street.
Right. What laws are in force and why aren't we enforcing them? You know, why? Why? Why? Why? Why isn't code actively? If I parked if I parked downtown.
(22:05):
And didn't put I didn't put a quarter in the meter. I guarantee you, I would get a parking ticket. Yeah, that's facts. So why can't I get it? Yeah.
Yeah. So I just wonder why we're not enforcing code to that.
Well, let me tell you what happened.
(22:27):
A month ago.
Code came before city council and said, Look, we need more power. Yeah, we want to be able to focus on a specific area at a time, not let everybody else go.
But say, for instance, your zone for or just for or just I got you.
(22:51):
District four. They they're going to focus on that.
They're going to take care of what they need to then they're going to move on to district three, two, one, whatever.
And we said, great idea. Great idea. It's a community. It's like a community focused thing to where they can come in and they could they hit the neighborhoods and they and that might be something for you to talk to code about as well.
(23:18):
They were going to go and find out what needs to be done. What what do we need to do?
So there you go. I'm sorry. That is perfect. I mean, we can target specific and then and then the people that you know, there are some people that live in the district that can't afford to bring their they don't have the resources.
(23:39):
Maybe maybe they're elderly. Maybe, you know, we need to figure out we need to make sure those people know all the resources that are available to them, whether it's federal programs or you know, we've got all kinds of programs.
I don't need to get into all of it because we've got it there.
(24:01):
We've got a generalization. We've got a sidewalk program. We got all kinds of things. Right. But but we could also go after we could get churches involved and communities, you know, get youth involved in and helping someone paint the outside of their home.
There's a lot of things that we can do as a community and target areas and clean them up, you know, and landscape them and federal money for I mean, 13th Street from 7th Street to the historic district.
(24:33):
That ought to be a a a focus because people come to visit the historic district.
And, you know, their Google Maps is going to take them right down 13th Street newsflash. Exactly. That's what that's the way they're going in to the historic district.
So, you know, we need to we need to make that look nice. And we have the we have the means to do it. I truly believe that.
(25:01):
And I'm not I don't think we should displace anybody as far as I think we should just help them. I'm not about displacing people that are in the district. That's that's wrong.
You know, would you consider would you John Reid wants to know if you would consider creating annual inspections on rental properties like other cities?
(25:26):
Well, the answer is yes. I mean, I'm more worried about from a code perspective and a neighborhood perspective of of seeing what's going on on the outside.
A lot of times, you know, a lot of times you don't need to go inside. I'd like to get the outside of these places cleaned up first.
But, yes, I mean, I think people that are running, they should be livable and there's there's already codes and enforced. There's already there's already laws enforced.
(25:58):
We don't need to write new laws. We need to enforce the ones we have. I don't believe that we need to and we need to hold landlords that are making money more, you know, to we need to hold them accountable first.
Right. Honestly, we have some comments. Tammy modest, it's saying I won't walk in our neighborhood because I don't feel safe. Hey, Tammy, she's my next door neighbor. Okay, cool. Yeah.
(26:28):
Yeah. So you pretty much John would like to hear your ideas on how to get district for cleaned up. I think you kind of went over a bunch of them. Is there anything else you'd like to add on that?
Well, it's you know, I think it's mostly about code enforcement as far as cleaning up and and we you can't you if you drove around district for taking a trash bag to it is not going to do it. Right. You know, getting five people together.
(26:55):
You know, that's nice. And yeah, we should do that. But that's not going to fix the deeper problem that the problem is the district looks like it looks because it's allowed to look like it looks.
That's a good point. That's a nice thing that not to oversimplify it. But that is that's the truth. Right. That's a good point. That's a good point.
(27:21):
And John said you're exactly right. He always says it festers if one person starts cleaning and fixing up your property, you can catch on fire.
Oh, absolutely. I mean, I've seen it in my neighborhood. I've and we've all seen that block, you know, we've all seen these blocks where that the neighbors only started to out doing each other, you know, it's come it becomes a little contest and that's that's fun.
(27:44):
You know, that would be something to to have as a contest. I mean, sure. That'd be cool. That's a that's a good idea. But I'm I'm full of ideas and I want to hear, you know, I don't have all the ideas. I mean, I want to hear it.
I want to hear what the our constituents have to say. Right. And because I'm sure that there's things out there that I've never even thought about.
(28:08):
I'm open and I'm not about, you know, I'm not about partisan politics. I am a conservative Republican, whatever difference that makes running it for city council.
You know, I just want to I just want to come together with everybody and and focus on the things we have in common and clean up the neighborhoods, make them safe and make it a place where people go, oh, I'm going to clean up the neighborhood.
(28:35):
I'm going to make it safe and make it a place where people go, oh, oh, well, that's over there. So it doesn't really matter. Let's keep all the problems there.
You know, let's let's just keep it as long as we keep it confined. You know, I you know, and I don't know that that's the attitude, but I but living here, that's how I feel.
I'm not alone feeling that way. I'm sure you're not. That's a that's a no. The whole the whole area there's I mean, an older neighborhood, older neighborhoods, old houses and stuff like that.
(29:06):
So that's amazing. So what do you think about council being nonpartisan, a nonpartisan race?
I I don't feel I feel it should be partisan. I think, you know, if someone, you know, it's really because things can creep in, you know, I don't I don't think we should we should just stick to what council actually legislates.
(29:39):
But I want to know who I'm voting for. Don't you? When I'm voting for a city, when I'm voting for a school board, I want to know who I'm voting for.
You know, I want to know because, you know, I don't want I don't want to see an extremist on either either way. You know, just get in there and do your job and right.
(30:03):
But I do. But I do. I do want to know what their root philosophy is. That's important to me.
OK, I can give you that one. But, you know, I mean, you know, my point of view, just real quick, is that I'm a Republican have been all my life, but we represent Democrats independence. And and I personally don't go on the Democratic or Republican platform.
(30:33):
That's state, state and federal can do that. We have to take care. We have to take care of us. And I think you're on the right track with a lot of this stuff. And, you know, you have anything coming up or you have anything that, you know, any events coming up that you're going to.
No, I don't have anything really schedule. I'm going to be getting out and hitting. I think it's going to be more of a grassroots campaign. OK, I have a Facebook page and but I want to get out and go door to door.
(31:07):
And of course, for the primary, I'll be talking to mostly Republicans because that's who can vote in the primary. You know, and but I'm I'm I'm very eager to get out there and start campaigning and talking to the district and get them my ideas and learning their ideas.
(31:29):
Because and I and I want to talk to everybody, you know, eventually, if I am fortunate enough to be the Republican candidate that runs in the general, then I'll be talking to everybody I can talk to anybody listen to me.
And that's important to people. That's important to everybody to be heard.
(31:50):
Yeah.
Yeah, I think that's something that is absolutely awesome that you can, you know, that you want to do that. And, you know, I mean, just get out there and talk to them and see what they got to say.
I mean, a lot of people have a lot of things to say, but a lot of people, a lot of people don't.
(32:15):
I'm trying to think, put my words here.
A lot of people don't really get involved.
You know, until there's something really going on that, that they really, you know, want to yell at counsel about or something like that.
And John knows and I know, you know, that there's there's some things that are that come up.
(32:37):
So I want to ask you a hot button question here.
Okay, I know what it is. I bet. Go ahead. What do you think about the provision in the city park.
I know he's going to ask that mom. Well, honestly, I can see the concern of having it in the park.
(32:59):
I think I think the I think it's a good idea. I'm not sure it's the right place for it. I always thought that that's what would go in like it for Bormann.
And I understand, you know, there's a there's a huge area up there and it would increase wouldn't create traffic problems for the city park.
(33:22):
But I would like to learn a lot more about it before I would, you know, I'm not saying I'm against it 100 percent because I'm not.
But I'm not necessarily for that location.
I just feel that there may be some better locations that we need to take a second look at.
And I think the location is what people are really upset about.
(33:47):
There was a study done. There was there was, you know, the council. I mean, they did a study with the mayor did and another agency.
John will probably pop up, tell me who it was here in a minute.
But they looked at several different places and what it would be, what it would be, you know, caught.
You'd have to buy the property. You'd have to do this, whereas the city already owns this property.
(34:13):
You know, I mean, and I get it. People people are.
Nostalgic. We hear a lot of times mom and dad had their first kiss there and went to the you know, went to the dance there and I get it, you know, but we have to move ahead.
And let's see what John has to say here.
(34:36):
I can't see it pickering. Thank you, John. I knew he would. They check some.
They went to check different places, you know, that people thought would be a good idea.
And it just wasn't feasible. So, you know, the the pavilion is in there now, in my opinion, just my opinion.
(34:58):
Everybody else has their own. It served his generation as well.
And now it's time to let them move on and let the new building serve its generations to come.
That's just my opinion on it. And I'm on the committee to help design it, believe it or not.
(35:20):
And any other right, John, any other location would require adding additional taxes or additional debt.
City Park would not. Right. Yeah. And that's the whole point is, is you don't want taxes.
T, do you have anything to give me questions? I'm sorry. Well, going back to cleaning up the neighborhood and things like that.
(35:46):
My question is, where do you think the problem is stemming from?
Do you think it's from like the homeless, the drug population, the people that's coming in here from the to our area that's not from our area?
Where do you think that the problem stems from?
Because I'm I personally believe if you can put your finger on where the problem stems from,
(36:12):
then you can get closer to solving the problem.
Well, right across the road from where I live, he crossed 13th Street and go on the other hill.
There's a big homeless encampment up there. There's two houses up there full of the whole hillside.
If you turn up 14th Street off of St. Mary's, I took pictures of that and posted it.
(36:35):
And the city is now going to be cleaning that up because they put out a notice.
So code got a hold of that and they're going to they're going to fix it.
But that cost, you know, it's not like it's not like you just go in there with trash bags and clean it up.
This is like cleaning up a dump. Yeah, you know, this is like cleaning up.
This takes thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars.
(36:58):
So there's that and its adjacency to other.
You know, I feel like other people just kind of give up that live here and they don't they don't.
You know, I think there would be more of a pride factor in their taking pride in ownership or of their of their own property.
(37:19):
If they saw the city was and the community was acting on their behalf to mitigate these problems.
And and I mean, why can't we have people why can't we give code more resources to go around and just you know, these people are tired of turning things in.
(37:46):
If you're waiting if you're waiting on everybody just to turn people in, that's probably not going to happen.
Maybe they're scared of their neighbor. Maybe they don't you know, maybe they don't want to take a picture on the PKB app, which is wonderful.
I mean, that's a great that's a great app. Maybe they don't want to do that. Maybe they can't do that. Maybe they don't know how to do it.
(38:07):
But, you know, we should take a more we need to take a more proactive approach as as a code and just get on it.
And it sounds like they're you know, they're kind of thinking along the same lines. Right.
Right. And so that that's that's very exciting. And I just don't think I just I just don't think you see this anywhere at a lot of places that don't have the same issues.
(38:39):
They just don't allow it. Their code department will not allow it. I have a friend that lives in Belpris.
And I remember when they passed that ordinance that your grass couldn't be more than six inches tall.
He was scared to death that it was going to move that it was going to rain for two weeks. He couldn't mow his yard.
And because they go around measuring the yard, you know, really?
Yeah, I don't know if they do now. But that's scary. And, you know, the scissors out.
(39:06):
That's right. But but I'm my yard at four inches in the in the in the summer when it's real hot because I don't want it dying down.
So I think six inches is a little weird. That's a that's a strength. But we are our ordinance is like 10 inches, I believe, 10 or 12.
And so I don't know. There's a lot of lots in our in this district that are just full of trash or empty lots.
(39:31):
They're full of weeds. They're grown over with brush. That lends itself to homeless encampments right there.
And I don't know. I don't think they're particularly you are a properties that are that are in that that are not being made or anything like that.
I don't I don't I don't believe that to be the case.
So we need to hold these absentee landowners accountable, whoever they are.
(39:59):
And you know what? If it's a bank that owns a property, the city used to mow them and bill them 100 bucks.
They try to build them two hundred dollars with the price of gasoline now, but whatever.
So so let's let's get the let's get some funding, you know, and get this cleaned up and stay on top of it.
(40:22):
You keep billing someone one hundred dollars for mowing their grass every month.
Pretty sooner sooner or later, they'll get tired of paying that.
You know, they're going to figure out why and get it done cheaper than that.
You know, you need to know, you know, you need to make it with those with that type of situation.
It's just there's no consequences.
So there's no accountability.
(40:45):
And I'm speaking from I mean, I I see it. I live here.
I mean, all we've got to do is open our eyes and drive around it. No doubt.
Yeah, sounds to me like the Patrick, you're on the right track.
I mean, you've got a lot of good ideas and you need to make those ideas heard if you get.
Well, even if you don't get elected to city council, you need to make your ideas heard because you have a lot of great ideas.
(41:11):
And you can tell you have a lot of passion about your neighborhood.
One person can start a revolution.
And, you know, if you get if you get on, can we get more cleaned up by inspiring people rather than regulating people?
I agree with that, John, but that we got a we got to crack down on these people that don't even live here and have property here and they're letting it run down.
(41:39):
And I I agree with John that that that we need to we need to inspire people.
And if they see the city passionately going after this and cleaning it up, I believe it will inspire a lot of people.
(42:01):
And I think that's the only thing that's going to be a big part of the city council.
And I think that's the only thing that's going to be a big part of the city council.
There's hope. You know, I don't, you know, right. I agree.
I can I can put something on my front porch and not worry about it being stolen.
(42:23):
I'm I'm selfishly running for District four. I mean, I know that I'm going to have other responsibilities for the entire city.
Right. But my passion is with my district and in District four will be heard if I'm elected.
That's amazing. And that's awesome. And I'm glad to hear that because it's been a long time coming.
And I think, like I said, you're on the right track. And I think that I think that people will listen to you, you know, and that you can write everything you want to say real quick.
(42:52):
No, I'm I'm I'm just taking it all in.
How about you? You know, I'm just a good one. Rick, when we heard that from anyway.
No, I think you have some really good ideas going for you, Patrick.
I hope that grassroots campaign works well for you.
I think that's a good idea. Going door to door in your district.
(43:14):
Let people, you know, get the word, know who you are and realize that you are in this, that you are one of the people that you're representing.
I think that's important to people that they feel like they're being heard.
Yeah. Well, I'm running to win. Exactly. I'm not running to I don't like the spotlight.
(43:36):
I mean, I was nervous doing this really, but I'm just running to make our district better. And that's that's the only reason I'm doing it.
And I when I decided to do it, I just said, you know, there was a key moment that I just said, that is it. I'm running.
And that's sometimes what it takes, Patrick. Yeah. One one one thing to say, hey, enough is enough is enough.
(44:06):
And that's that that goes for the whole city as well. I mean, you know, we've got to we've got to get a grasp on some of this stuff that's going on.
And like we said, our PD is trying, you know, and code code came to the URA, not the city council.
John had to remind me of that. And so John is on it. That's for sure. Well, because he knows what he's talking about. That's right.
(44:31):
He's a smart aleck. You know what? Him and I go to lunch every once a month.
OK, and he he sits there and he loves to get me fired up.
Then we get up and say, well, where are we going to lunch next month? And because John's been there, done that.
John, John's been in that for a long time as far as with solid waste city council.
(45:00):
And so, John, you know, I pretty much, you know, talk to John about stuff and he has his opinions. I have mine, but we disagree.
But, you know, I really hope that, you know, I really hope that, you know, this message catches on and people people start looking at what you're up, who you are and what you want and your passion in it.
(45:26):
And I think that, you know, the big thing, the big thing that people want to know is who their councilman is.
That's exactly who is my councilman who and how the people reach you if they need to.
Oh, they can they can call myself. I mean, three zero four four eight two nine three six one.
It's right in my brochure. I'm going to be in it.
(45:50):
They can if they get on if they get on Facebook, it's I always have to look at this because I can't.
Yeah, part Patrick McCormick for PKB city council district four. That's my page.
Okay. I believe I sent a copy of this to you all. Yeah, we sent it to my brochure. I've got a hundred signs. I've got a thousand brochures. I'm serious. I'm ready to roll.
(46:18):
I'm ready to roll. You know, I want to get out. I want to get I want to start talking to people, you know, I want to get out and hear ideas.
I want to and I don't want to hear that. We can't do it. I'm not going to take that. I'm going to be related.
People don't think I'm related to Jan deals. She doesn't take no for an answer.
You know, I went to school with her. There you go, but, you know, when it comes to my district, I'm just not going to listen to we can't do this.
(46:53):
Let's find a way to do it. It's just it's time to do it. That's difficult to hear.
You know, you don't want to hear that, especially especially when it comes to making Parkersburg better. Well, okay. We appreciate you being on.
We have we have some homework to do before we go. So we're going to let you go.
(47:16):
Everybody listen, get behind this man, help him, help him make district for better for everybody not because it's better for district for it's definitely going to be better for the city of Parkersburg.
Help him out. Get behind him. Call him if you have questions. Everything will be on our web page on Bobcast dot net and the Bobcat Bobcast web pages, everything that we say tonight and we are live on Facebook and YouTube.
(47:48):
And right after we're done, the audio version will be on every every podcast site that you can that there is. Let me see what go pass.
That's my sister-in-law full disclosure.
All right. Well, go Kelly Summers. Sometimes you sometimes you got to recruit fans when you can't get them.
(48:14):
That's what I say. You know, I pay I pay people to like me. That's just because that's the way it is. Yeah.
Listen, Patrick. Good luck, man. Thank you. Thank you. And and just just do your very best.
And I know you will because I could just tell by talking to you, but you you're going to go far. And even if you don't win, be a voice.
(48:37):
You're going to win. I know you are. I know you are. Always be the voice. I will be the voice and always good to see if you want to come on again after the general or the primary.
Sure. Let me know. We'd love to have you back on. We're pretty packed up until what?
Rick April. Yeah. Yeah. We've we've we got a lot going on. So again, this has been Patrick McCormick, Parkersburg City Council candidate for District 4, which is a rather large area down down, you know, east side of Parkersburg.
(49:15):
So just a little touch of south side where we're at, where I'm at. So again, reach out to him, tell him your concerns, help him be the change that's needed in the city of Parkersburg.
And, you know, once we get something started, like John said, it'll catch fire. Absolutely. You know, and so Patrick's been a pleasure, sir.
(49:41):
Thank you, guys. Anything we can do for you. Just let us know. Okay. All right. Thank you. All right. Bye. Take care. All right. Talk to you later.
All right, Rick T. Yes, sir. I got a couple things I want to do here real quick. Rick. These are kind of real quick. New things. Hey, John, thanks for being there, pal.
(50:06):
Yo, yo, elite baton twirlers are doing a beginner's class ages four to 17. For more details, contact Riley Mercer on Facebook and let them know. Riley is now coach. Riley's been in baton for a long time.
So, Riley's also selling fried pies and cinnamon rolls for her trip to Dollywood with the yo-yo elite for competition. Fried pies are $4. Cinnamon rolls are $8.
(50:39):
Also, as soon as we leave, as soon as we get done here, we're headed up to the Lost Anchor in Vienna. Evie Schaefer, local girl, who is a singer songwriter, writes her own songs, but sings also covers. She will be there from 7 to 9 p.m.
And then we'll put more of her schedule out as we go along.
(51:06):
We also have something, Rick, from Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley, right?
Yeah, we got a couple of things here. Thanks, John. John says great show, guys. Oh, cool. Thanks, John. Thanks, John. Yeah.
All right. This is something that I think is just amazing. The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley will be having, they have a Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is offering a scholarship for local students who are or will be within the calendar of your full time students that are in the credit college or university.
(51:39):
This will be on our website application deadlines will be June, June 1. There's a name, Michelle.Curtis at the ArcMOV.org. And you could probably call them at 304-422-3151.
That's great that they're doing this. And this recipients must have graduated from a high school located in Woodward Jackson Pleasance or Ritchie County in West Virginia or Washington County, Ohio. Scholarships will be available up to two thousand dollars, which would be amazing for a college student because that would help with books.
(52:12):
The application again deadlines is June 1. Reach out to them. And I'm sure they'll be posting it everywhere. And that's just awesome that they're doing that. And I thank the Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley for doing that for the kids. What else we got there, Ricker?
Also, they're come they have a camp coming up. They're looking for you join our team today. Be part of the 2024 Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley Inclusive Summer Day. It's a camp is June 12 through July 5. For more information, www.thearcmov.org.
(52:49):
Go on there and be a part of something great and help this organization to help those who need it and let these kids help these kids have fun. I think you'll enjoy it yourself. Just a mere fact that you you're doing something great.
So again, www.thearcmov.org for that for if you want to be a volunteer for their for their camp. What else we got Mr. Ricker?
(53:16):
Well, let's see here. We've got Oh, Don Lindsay committee invites you to his open house.
Ah, Don Lindsay running for the fifth district magistrate. Don been around for a long time. Most everybody knows him. This will be Thursday, March 7 for 30 to 8 at Columbus 1236 7th Street.
(53:38):
Again, all this will be on our web page. Go and look at it or just write it down. Put it in your calendar. Of course, Columbus always has good food. So you can go there and just enjoy the food too.
And Roger. Yeah, Roger's also got his.
Oh, yeah. On the seventh at Mineral Wells at the community building. Six, eight, 30.
(54:03):
Right. And also Rogers Rogers opening his campaign headquarters.
I mean, what was today actually sorry about that. Yeah. And so it was today. Go pick up some Bob Mercer for Board of Education Science.
Yeah. But anyway, Rogers Roger Conley's running for county commissioner.
(54:25):
It's going to be his monthly town hall and come share your thoughts on how we can make Wood County better. Roger always posted on Facebook and his campaign pages.
And so just go go be a part of that and let Roger know what's on your mind for the county and go from there. What do you got, Rick?
Let's see here. Oh, Waverly Volunteer Fire Department is having their bingo on March the 14th. Doors open at 430. Bingo starts at six o'clock.
(54:56):
20 games for 20 bucks. Oh, you know, my daughter, Jessica, she she is so lucky at that game.
She plays she plays bingo every week. And I kid you not. She walks away with.
Dollars careful, you know, the taxman might come after. That's what you know, that's what I was thinking.
What I meant to say was she gets a lot of stuff. Yeah, there you go.
(55:22):
But anyway, veterans table on the 20th, the 10th, 18th, 19th, 19th is veterans table feeding program.
Wood County Veterans Table will occur on the third Tuesday of each month, which again is supposed to be the 19th, 715 16th Street, Parkersburg come out.
You got stuff you'd like to donate to them for the veterans. We owe our veterans a lot.
(55:46):
We say that every time we show this, we owe our veterans a lot. And what else, Rick? Also, well, let's see.
BPD has testing coming up for police officer on March 7th. That's going to be Thursday.
Yeah. Municipal building second floor. Let's see. Again, go on our site.
(56:09):
It tells you 23, 47 per hour base base pay 40,000, eight, 17 per year.
Come and be a part of the very best. And I am very best.
And Sheriff's Department is also hiring our boys from the Sheriff's Department. They are.
They haven't said anything about a testing date, so either.
(56:31):
But you can put in an application and when the testing rolls around, they'll let you know.
Tell Bob, no, don't you go to jail.
Don't do that. Don't do that. Never mind.
No, no, no, don't do that. There is.
Well, yeah, Bob, I have a couple of things I sent Rick.
(56:53):
They're having a poker run for the Wood Festival.
What's the date on that? Rick, is it May 10th? It's on the wayside.
It's on our website on the calendar page. I put that on there already.
I didn't get a slide for it. It's in May sometime. May 10th, I believe it is.
That sounds about right, but it's on the website. Check it out. Yeah.
Check it out. It's for the Wood Festival. It goes toward the entertainment this year,
(57:17):
which they're trying to get the Davison Brothers, if anybody has heard of them,
come on down to Calhoun County and see the Davison Brothers.
And that, of course, Wood Festival is in the first week of June.
But come on out to the poker run and have a good time.
Looks like so far there's about 419 people interested.
(57:39):
So it would be great if 419 people would show up. That would be really great.
That would be great. Also, not a lot of people know this, Rick,
but I was going to go sing at the Wood Festival.
And they reminded me of the noise ordinance. So I'm not lying.
There you go. This is true. Yes.
Mark your calendars. We've got two weekends of really great stuff coming up.
(58:03):
Rick Monaset sent me a bunch of these posters, whatever this picture is,
a bunch of them on their website, a whole lineup of entertainment,
just really fantastic entertainment. Don McLean's coming this year.
And there's going to be a drone. A drone display. All kinds of stuff.
(58:25):
Check our website on the calendar page. There's a whole list of stuff that's
going to be outstanding. And we have big name entertainers coming.
Lots of good stuff going on. That's for the weekend before Fourth of July
and Fourth of July weekend. Dates are on there too.
And I want to say something real quick, Rick, if I could.
(58:48):
Go for it. Yeah, I'll let you.
AT? Yes, sir.
We apologize for not getting with you this week. I don't know where my brain...
We're working on the soapbox derby where our brain's at.
And when you asked me who were you interviewing tonight, I went,
Oh my God. She will fire Rick and I for sure.
(59:09):
That's it. You're out.
You're out of the shrine.
Bye, Bobby.
Hey, listen, everybody, thanks for joining us.
Oh, Bob, we got one more thing. One more thing.
It's important. It's important. It's very important.
People, if you're going to or ever wanted to adopt an animal, please, please,
(59:31):
please go to the Humane Society.
They are in desperate need of larger dog adoptions.
If you can foster adopt whatever you can do for these animals, please do it.
Please help the Humane Society out.
Yeah. My cousin, my cousin has fostered for a lot of dogs over the years.
(59:53):
And it's a really, really great program.
You might find that you foster a dog for a little while,
and you might find that a little guy becomes part of your family
and you go give him his permanent forever home.
So, yeah, don't...
What's sad about it is if they're in such dire straits,
I'll have to start making some very uncomfortable decisions very soon.
(01:00:16):
Yeah, we don't want to do that.
Yeah, nobody wants to hear about that.
So, but like Tee said, become a foster or go adopt or donate to the Humane Society.
They need food. They need blankets.
They need towels. They need...
Cleaning supplies, cat litter, everything.
(01:00:37):
Anything you can think of, they need it.
Help them out. Help them out. They need your help.
Ritchie County is the same way.
My daughter goes out there and volunteers as well.
They need all the help.
These fur babies are not doing this on purpose.
You know, they're...
(01:00:58):
Anyway.
So, anybody have anything else to say?
Thank you guys for the interaction here, Rick.
Good to hear you talking so much, man.
I think we're going to start giving you some of that stuff to do.
Oh, no, no.
Oh, yeah.
We're going to have to do something.
(01:01:19):
That's what we're going to do.
There'll be a little something extra in your paycheck.
Makes me call it pink slip, mister.
You don't start showing up for work.
All right, guys. It's been real great.
Again, thank you, Patrick McCormick, for coming on.
Great guy. Great ideas.
I think he would do a great job on City Council.
(01:01:40):
I don't endorse anybody, but I'm just saying, just talking to the guy.
He's got a lot of ideas and he's real passionate because he lives it.
He lives there.
All of his contact information is on our episodes page for this month.
So you can get all his contact information there.
All right. Well, listen, it's been real great.
We'll see you again.
(01:02:02):
Well, no, next week we have the pre-recorded, don't we?
Right, yeah.
All right, next week we're going to have a pre-recorded interview
with some guys from the United Kingdom, Del and Dion, the karaoke kings.
Be sure to watch it at 630 next Saturday.
Week after that, we're going to have the gentleman on from the Freedom Festival.
(01:02:27):
He's making sure that it's okay that he doesn't have any other,
but he's pretty sure it should be all right.
So we'll announce it pretty soon.
It's been real fun.
We've got to get out of here because we've got to go up and watch Evie at the lost anchor.
And so you'll have a very good night, T. Have a good night, Rick.
Yes, sir.
(01:02:48):
I'll get with you tomorrow.
Okay.
And listen, family and friends, we love you guys very much.
It's always a pleasure doing the Bobcast.
Thanks for the interaction on our chat line here.
So we shall see you again next time on the Bobcast MOV with T, Rick and Bob.
That's but her name first or she'll fires.
(01:03:09):
It's suddenly got ladies first.
I'm sure.
Is that what it is?
That what happened?
I wasn't sure how that happened.
I mean, because now people go, who's Rick and Bob?
Yeah, that's right.
You know, so have a great night, everybody.
I got to get out of here.
Love you guys all.
Take care.
It's been fun.
(01:03:30):
We'll do it again.
Good night.
Get us out of here, Rick.
This has been a production of the Bobcast MOV productions.
Thank you for watching.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
(00:29):
Good evening everybody and welcome to Saturday night at 630 on the East Coast 330 on the West Coast which can only mean one thing is time for the podcast movie.
I'm your host Bob Mercer with me as always out in the middle of beautiful downtown Murphytown Circles. Rick Sawyer.
(00:53):
Man, the man that the and over in the north end of Parker broken little part of the world where we keep her.
So tonight everybody we got Patrick McCormick with us tonight Patrick's running for Parkersburg City Council, a lot of people running for partner for City Council, and Patrick running for district four which covers a little bit of Southside and a
(01:22):
lot of the East End.
So, what we're going to do is we're going to have him introduce himself tell us a little bit about himself. And then we're going to get into the show so good evening to you sir thank you for being on the Bob cast with us.
Thank you for having me and introduce myself I'm Patrick McCormick running for City Council district for.
(01:44):
I've lived in the district, about 24 years, and just, you know, want to be part of making a difference for our district and our city.
I've served I'm currently serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals for the city of Parkersburg, and I enjoy that a lot.
I'm not sure if I win the, if I win the election I'll have to give that up. But, yeah, I'm just running to make a difference in our district and for our city.
(02:15):
Well that's awesome because that's what that's why I got into it eight years ago.
Because like I tell her by mom always said you can do one or two things either you can sit and whine about it, or you can do something about it.
And I chose to do something about it so you know City Council is a big deal, you know it's, there's a lot to it. And, you know, it's a lot bigger than a lot of people think and, you know, I'm sure you've been to City Council meetings and know what
(02:43):
they're like sometimes they're like, yeah.
And then sometimes they take quite a long time it all depends on what's going on in any particular moment. So what's your.
What's your first what is your goal for district for what would you like to see happen in your district, which, and I don't mean this to put anybody down but which is kind of the really.
(03:10):
Well, it's a lot of the house, old house, old house. It's an old part of town.
Yes. And there's a lot of, you know, we've tore a lot of houses down over there. And there's a lot more to it. So, what is your, what is your goal. And what if you would get on City Council.
What do you think that you could contribute that would help district for our.
(03:32):
Well, I think the number one goal is to get our, just continue, and we're continuing on the path of cleaning up these how homes that need either torn down or we refurbished, but we need to immediately we need to make the district safe.
We need to be able to walk our dogs out without fear of, you know, without having fear. And so I think immediately we can work on making the district safe, you know, safer than it is, and a cleaner environment.
(04:09):
We've already got the laws and the codes in place to do it.
Right. Right. Got them on the books. And as I thought about the more I think about things and I've traveled a lot and I've traveled to many states in the country, and a job that I used to do.
(04:29):
And there are certain areas you go to, and you don't see blight. You don't see trash laying around in yards you don't see.
And why is that. And, and even in our own backyard here if you go to Williamstown. You go to Marietta, Vienna, Vienna, you're not going to see this because they don't allow it.
(04:53):
No, I don't understand it myself. I mean, we do have a homeless problem. And a lot of the problems not only brought on by our local people but people bringing people to Parkersburg.
And you can talk to most of the city councilman now and they'll tell you that Parkersburg is known throughout the homeless community is the place to be why, because we give free stuff, not we.
(05:25):
But there's free stuff to be got. You know what I mean. Right. And so, people drop them off here.
City Council, City Council gets blamed for everything. As you probably know, we got blamed for what's that place out on route to that didn't go in that right that forensic rehab.
(05:47):
No forensic. No, there's a big store. Menards. Oh Menards. Yes, yes, yes. We got like we got like we got blamed for that. It's city council, even though it's in the county is the city.
But yeah, I agree with you, you know, Parker repeating.
And, and I say this to everybody and I'll argue to argue my point to everybody. We have one of the finest police departments.
(06:13):
Police officers, deputies, state troopers, NRP officers in the state bar nine, and these guys, I've been a dispatcher for 18 years. And these guys work their hearts out. And you can hear it.
So yeah, you know, I mean, they do their best try to keep people out of houses we have few today but they do their very best I mean they're meet they're all over it, you know, our homeless coordinator Don Lindsay.
(06:43):
You know, he's a great guy. Yeah, he is a great guy. He's running for magistrate, and he's a great guy. And john Pelfrey.
You know, he's a great guy.
So, you know, I guess I guess you know, the, there has to be a master plan somewhere for every district I mean, my district, I don't have a lot of problem with, I mean my district, but there has to be a master plan for district for.
(07:16):
I think that you know if we can get the right people in there. You know who has who have in their head. Hey, you know, we need to really do this and make it make it better because I back in the day, we live down on 18th Street 18th and William,
or we lived on William Street. Okay.
(07:38):
It was a great place to live.
Great place to live.
So, now you're running against Wendy.
Right, Wendy. Yeah.
And, and I'm running against.
You asked me to say.
Yeah, I'm primarily and she hasn't even put anything out yet.
(08:00):
But
I just feel the problem.
You know, I was talking to a friend of mine that grew up on George Street.
And I would play on under the streetlights as a kid on Lynn Street.
And you wouldn't do that today.
Nikki law, Nicole Lawson is who I'm primarily. I knew it come to my mind in a minute. And I don't think I'm sorry. Yeah, that's okay. Don't worry about it. We got all day.
(08:31):
But I've not met her yet.
I helped me out there. I told you she's my brain and right there.
So, but thank you for your help.
Siphon it.
I see what it was.
(08:52):
I came up with it first.
She was, she was right there. She's got my back. Her and I lived in this district forever and we have grandchildren.
And we just want to make it a safe neighborhood for working people. There's a lot of hardworking people that live in this district.
(09:15):
And it should be cleaned up the city. You know, we owe it to to those citizens that just as much as we owe it to people that live on Washington Avenue.
Exactly. And we have a clean, safe environment. We owe to our kids. Yeah.
You know, the whole purpose of the whole purpose of each generation is to leave it better than you then you have leave it better than what you got it. Okay. And that's where that's where I've always been with, you know, our kids.
(09:49):
And I'll tell you a quick story. I was talking to a lady.
Been a couple years ago.
She said, you know, I don't even let my kids come home. I don't even let them outside.
And I, well, because of the needles and I just sit back and I was like, Oh, my God.
(10:10):
But see, I've been trying to for a long time and I'm still I've given up yet to put a youth center in district for. Yeah, that'd be great. A place where and everybody keeps saying well Bob we got one.
The boys and girls club.
Well, I, they are you center but they're not what I'm talking about is a place where the kids can go into, they can get a snack they can sit there and do their homework, or they can go play, you know, basketball, you know, and I've been trying to do that for years, it's
(10:40):
just hard to get the.
It's hard to get people moving on stuff like that for some reason I don't understand why.
But, you know, that's a pretty big district I mean I know it goes over in the part of South Side where I used to live Myrtle Street.
Back right back this way. I was shocked myself really.
(11:03):
I don't know who draws me. I know it's based on the census.
I do know that, but you should see my district, I mean my districts cut up. When I first started walking my granddaughters walked the district with me when I first became a councilman campaign and stuff.
And I was like, I looked at the map and I'm like, forget it.
(11:24):
There's no way.
This part was in the county. This part was in the city I talked to one lady, I went this whole block. And I went down to this one lady and knocked on her door and I said hi I'm Bob Mercer running for party person.
Oh, I'd love to vote for you honey but I'm in the county.
One house.
One.
(11:45):
So, you know, the thing about it is is we, we run in our districts, but we represent everybody.
And that's a big responsibility.
You know when I first when I first became a counselor, I don't mean to be taking your time but because you got all the time you want.
But when I first when I first ran for city council.
(12:09):
My heart was on my sleeve.
I almost almost resigned.
Because people were caught people were saying all them city councilmen are crooks are there.
They're in their pockets with our money.
And I talked to the city clerk I said how do you how do you go about resigning.
(12:30):
And she said well, there's a paper you have to fill out and then she got real serious and she goes, and I hope that you don't know anybody who's thinking about leaving city council.
No, right, asking for a friend. And now, now it's like, you know what.
Go ahead if you want my, if you want my paycheck every two weeks from being a city councilman, you can have it.
(12:58):
Right, you know, and, but you know that's something that you have to get used to. We know if elected for councils you have to get used to that.
And, you know, JJ Henderson shots running from my in my district for my job.
And he, he and I were talking I said let me let me tell you some of the biggest advice I got the best advice I got Patrick.
(13:26):
Stop it.
Some of the best advice I got was from the, from the city clerk Connie.
And, and I'll tell you what she told me she said Bob out in the audience looking up is different from up there looking out.
What they may see as, oh my god that's so simple.
(13:48):
There's a backstory to everything.
And you know it used to really used to really bug me but now it doesn't anymore. So, so you were born and raised in Parkersburg or.
That's correct yeah I lived on Ellis Avenue.
And their dog house. Yeah, grew up there, East End. And when I got married I did buy a house out of it was still in Wood County but I lived on Royal Creek for about nine to 11 years somewhere in there.
(14:19):
That's correct. Yeah, then I came back and move back to town and bought a house I'm in now I live at Candom Place, which is not on Southside, oddly enough, it is off 13th.
And I love this neighborhood. Absolutely love it.
I do feel safe in my immediate neighborhood. But if I go one block one way or another.
(14:47):
Yeah, there's a lot of stuff that goes on that around 13th and Avery and, you know, and there's things like that and I'm not sure what I'm not sure what we can do.
I mean, as far as we do everything we can and I'm sure if you're elected you'll do everything you can you can to try to bring some kind of continuity and and togetherness to the to the community.
(15:13):
And, but right. I just feel I just feel until until we make it safe and clean it, you know, clean.
We're not going to we're not going to get anywhere by just, we do need to tear down houses. So, and but we need to go after there's a lot of slumlords, let's just face it.
(15:34):
You know, I, I will just call them as I see them. I'm not talking about landlords that keep their properties up to code and and are out there making providing nice housing for affordable housing for people I'm talking about.
People that their houses won't pass for head because the rest leaking and they're renting them out anyway.
(15:55):
And, you know, that we need to tackle that issue with, we cannot expect a 75 year old widow to bring her house up to code that owns her house when she has a slum on either side over this owned by, you know, somebody doesn't even live there.
(16:18):
We need to really clean up and I feel that we need to tackle tackle it that way, go after the slumlords. Well, you know, there's the problem with that too there, and I'm sorry I'm just kind of talking back and forth with you.
I ran into that over here. And the problem is, is that a lot of these places that the people live out of state.
(16:46):
And it or, or maybe they've lived mom and dad lived there all their lives and passed away the kids don't want anything to do with that.
Or they just, if Johnny wants to come in and rent a place then, you know, by all means, you know, they can come in and do it loans. And also to another thing to Patrick is the banks, like if the bank forecloses.
(17:11):
Right.
I'll give you an example. They will sell it to bank B, who sells it to bank C, who sells it to bank D. And you talk about something hard to track down I know I tried.
And it's very difficult to do that. But I have a question.
(17:34):
There's no, there's no neighborhood watching the 13th Street area.
Okay, you see that you can see that. Okay. Yeah. What do you think about that?
I think that's a fantastic idea. I've got a neighbor that just moved in next door.
And she wants to start a neighborhood watch back up.
(17:56):
And she's running a house next door. And I think we need to get community involvement.
And when they see, you know, when the community starts reporting things and things start to happen, you know, I think it will be contagious.
And we do need a we do need a neighborhood watch that would be a very, very good thing.
(18:22):
And Rick is one of the one of the officers in the very good. Yeah, I see that you can you can absolutely get a hold of Rick and he can set you up.
Him and Cindy and Debbie and a whole group of them, you know.
So, yeah, I agree with you. We need to, you know, I mean, I'm not saying become vigilantes. I'm just saying guys, we need eyes for the police department.
(18:46):
Right. We need people. I mean, everybody else does it. Why not 13th Street or one up District 4.
So I think that that, you know, that would be great to to talk to the people about and ask them, say, you know, we need help.
This is our neighborhood. And like Bob says, like Bob says, we do have really good police department, especially in Parkersburg.
(19:10):
They are great, but they are they can't be everywhere. That's why a neighborhood watch is important. Thank you, T. Exactly.
The fact exactly. So that might be something really good to try to really push for is something like that and have community meetings.
You know, I mean, I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm just kind of kind of rattling on with that because I'm just, you know, I agree with you.
(19:37):
I agree that we need community involvement. Everybody. This is our town.
And if we don't do it, nobody else is going to do it. So. Yeah, I agree with you on that.
I think revitalization becomes a contagious.
You know, I was sure was a way you could just say we're going to target this block and we're going to revitalize it.
(20:05):
And then and just keep moving through. I don't know. Yeah, you know, and because when people fix up their homes or outside or start talking to their neighbors, they start seeing what's going on.
And then people that are up to no good when they see that there's people actually outside visiting on their front porches, they take pride in their home.
(20:29):
They're growing flowers or a little garden in the side yard. You know, it's not going to lend itself to the crime.
But when you see vacant lots, vacant houses, streetlights shot out, you know, that's going to that that that type of that type of environment just lends itself.
(20:53):
And to crime, do you think it's because people feel helpless or I mean, you know, I talked to a lot of people and I'm not sure why that some of these people want to be this way.
Do they feel helpless and that they're not being heard or what exactly do you think is going on with this?
(21:14):
Do you mean that? Do you mean the people perpetrate in the crime?
Well, well, Bob, I mean, I don't know. I'm not I'm not professing that I'm going to fix people that are I'm not really worried about fixing people.
People I'm worried about fixing the district and making it safe for the law abiding citizens that are here.
(21:35):
I think that's a lot of the problem is we try to be too much. We do need to have so we need to be, you know, think socially, but we need to we need to say what can we do now to mitigate the safety issue that we have on X street.
Right. What laws are in force and why aren't we enforcing them? You know, why? Why? Why? Why? Why isn't code actively? If I parked if I parked downtown.
(22:05):
And didn't put I didn't put a quarter in the meter. I guarantee you, I would get a parking ticket. Yeah, that's facts. So why can't I get it? Yeah.
Yeah. So I just wonder why we're not enforcing code to that.
Well, let me tell you what happened.
(22:27):
A month ago.
Code came before city council and said, Look, we need more power. Yeah, we want to be able to focus on a specific area at a time, not let everybody else go.
But say, for instance, your zone for or just for or just I got you.
(22:51):
District four. They they're going to focus on that.
They're going to take care of what they need to then they're going to move on to district three, two, one, whatever.
And we said, great idea. Great idea. It's a community. It's like a community focused thing to where they can come in and they could they hit the neighborhoods and they and that might be something for you to talk to code about as well.
(23:18):
They were going to go and find out what needs to be done. What what do we need to do?
So there you go. I'm sorry. That is perfect. I mean, we can target specific and then and then the people that you know, there are some people that live in the district that can't afford to bring their they don't have the resources.
(23:39):
Maybe maybe they're elderly. Maybe, you know, we need to figure out we need to make sure those people know all the resources that are available to them, whether it's federal programs or you know, we've got all kinds of programs.
I don't need to get into all of it because we've got it there.
(24:01):
We've got a generalization. We've got a sidewalk program. We got all kinds of things. Right. But but we could also go after we could get churches involved and communities, you know, get youth involved in and helping someone paint the outside of their home.
There's a lot of things that we can do as a community and target areas and clean them up, you know, and landscape them and federal money for I mean, 13th Street from 7th Street to the historic district.
(24:33):
That ought to be a a a focus because people come to visit the historic district.
And, you know, their Google Maps is going to take them right down 13th Street newsflash. Exactly. That's what that's the way they're going in to the historic district.
So, you know, we need to we need to make that look nice. And we have the we have the means to do it. I truly believe that.
(25:01):
And I'm not I don't think we should displace anybody as far as I think we should just help them. I'm not about displacing people that are in the district. That's that's wrong.
You know, would you consider would you John Reid wants to know if you would consider creating annual inspections on rental properties like other cities?
(25:26):
Well, the answer is yes. I mean, I'm more worried about from a code perspective and a neighborhood perspective of of seeing what's going on on the outside.
A lot of times, you know, a lot of times you don't need to go inside. I'd like to get the outside of these places cleaned up first.
But, yes, I mean, I think people that are running, they should be livable and there's there's already codes and enforced. There's already there's already laws enforced.
(25:58):
We don't need to write new laws. We need to enforce the ones we have. I don't believe that we need to and we need to hold landlords that are making money more, you know, to we need to hold them accountable first.
Right. Honestly, we have some comments. Tammy modest, it's saying I won't walk in our neighborhood because I don't feel safe. Hey, Tammy, she's my next door neighbor. Okay, cool. Yeah.
(26:28):
Yeah. So you pretty much John would like to hear your ideas on how to get district for cleaned up. I think you kind of went over a bunch of them. Is there anything else you'd like to add on that?
Well, it's you know, I think it's mostly about code enforcement as far as cleaning up and and we you can't you if you drove around district for taking a trash bag to it is not going to do it. Right. You know, getting five people together.
(26:55):
You know, that's nice. And yeah, we should do that. But that's not going to fix the deeper problem that the problem is the district looks like it looks because it's allowed to look like it looks.
That's a good point. That's a nice thing that not to oversimplify it. But that is that's the truth. Right. That's a good point. That's a good point.
(27:21):
And John said you're exactly right. He always says it festers if one person starts cleaning and fixing up your property, you can catch on fire.
Oh, absolutely. I mean, I've seen it in my neighborhood. I've and we've all seen that block, you know, we've all seen these blocks where that the neighbors only started to out doing each other, you know, it's come it becomes a little contest and that's that's fun.
(27:44):
You know, that would be something to to have as a contest. I mean, sure. That'd be cool. That's a that's a good idea. But I'm I'm full of ideas and I want to hear, you know, I don't have all the ideas. I mean, I want to hear it.
I want to hear what the our constituents have to say. Right. And because I'm sure that there's things out there that I've never even thought about.
(28:08):
I'm open and I'm not about, you know, I'm not about partisan politics. I am a conservative Republican, whatever difference that makes running it for city council.
You know, I just want to I just want to come together with everybody and and focus on the things we have in common and clean up the neighborhoods, make them safe and make it a place where people go, oh, I'm going to clean up the neighborhood.
(28:35):
I'm going to make it safe and make it a place where people go, oh, oh, well, that's over there. So it doesn't really matter. Let's keep all the problems there.
You know, let's let's just keep it as long as we keep it confined. You know, I you know, and I don't know that that's the attitude, but I but living here, that's how I feel.
I'm not alone feeling that way. I'm sure you're not. That's a that's a no. The whole the whole area there's I mean, an older neighborhood, older neighborhoods, old houses and stuff like that.
(29:06):
So that's amazing. So what do you think about council being nonpartisan, a nonpartisan race?
I I don't feel I feel it should be partisan. I think, you know, if someone, you know, it's really because things can creep in, you know, I don't I don't think we should we should just stick to what council actually legislates.
(29:39):
But I want to know who I'm voting for. Don't you? When I'm voting for a city, when I'm voting for a school board, I want to know who I'm voting for.
You know, I want to know because, you know, I don't want I don't want to see an extremist on either either way. You know, just get in there and do your job and right.
(30:03):
But I do. But I do. I do want to know what their root philosophy is. That's important to me.
OK, I can give you that one. But, you know, I mean, you know, my point of view, just real quick, is that I'm a Republican have been all my life, but we represent Democrats independence. And and I personally don't go on the Democratic or Republican platform.
(30:33):
That's state, state and federal can do that. We have to take care. We have to take care of us. And I think you're on the right track with a lot of this stuff. And, you know, you have anything coming up or you have anything that, you know, any events coming up that you're going to.
No, I don't have anything really schedule. I'm going to be getting out and hitting. I think it's going to be more of a grassroots campaign. OK, I have a Facebook page and but I want to get out and go door to door.
(31:07):
And of course, for the primary, I'll be talking to mostly Republicans because that's who can vote in the primary. You know, and but I'm I'm I'm very eager to get out there and start campaigning and talking to the district and get them my ideas and learning their ideas.
(31:29):
Because and I and I want to talk to everybody, you know, eventually, if I am fortunate enough to be the Republican candidate that runs in the general, then I'll be talking to everybody I can talk to anybody listen to me.
And that's important to people. That's important to everybody to be heard.
(31:50):
Yeah.
Yeah, I think that's something that is absolutely awesome that you can, you know, that you want to do that. And, you know, I mean, just get out there and talk to them and see what they got to say.
I mean, a lot of people have a lot of things to say, but a lot of people, a lot of people don't.
(32:15):
I'm trying to think, put my words here.
A lot of people don't really get involved.
You know, until there's something really going on that, that they really, you know, want to yell at counsel about or something like that.
And John knows and I know, you know, that there's there's some things that are that come up.
(32:37):
So I want to ask you a hot button question here.
Okay, I know what it is. I bet. Go ahead. What do you think about the provision in the city park.
I know he's going to ask that mom. Well, honestly, I can see the concern of having it in the park.
(32:59):
I think I think the I think it's a good idea. I'm not sure it's the right place for it. I always thought that that's what would go in like it for Bormann.
And I understand, you know, there's a there's a huge area up there and it would increase wouldn't create traffic problems for the city park.
(33:22):
But I would like to learn a lot more about it before I would, you know, I'm not saying I'm against it 100 percent because I'm not.
But I'm not necessarily for that location.
I just feel that there may be some better locations that we need to take a second look at.
And I think the location is what people are really upset about.
(33:47):
There was a study done. There was there was, you know, the council. I mean, they did a study with the mayor did and another agency.
John will probably pop up, tell me who it was here in a minute.
But they looked at several different places and what it would be, what it would be, you know, caught.
You'd have to buy the property. You'd have to do this, whereas the city already owns this property.
(34:13):
You know, I mean, and I get it. People people are.
Nostalgic. We hear a lot of times mom and dad had their first kiss there and went to the you know, went to the dance there and I get it, you know, but we have to move ahead.
And let's see what John has to say here.
(34:36):
I can't see it pickering. Thank you, John. I knew he would. They check some.
They went to check different places, you know, that people thought would be a good idea.
And it just wasn't feasible. So, you know, the the pavilion is in there now, in my opinion, just my opinion.
(34:58):
Everybody else has their own. It served his generation as well.
And now it's time to let them move on and let the new building serve its generations to come.
That's just my opinion on it. And I'm on the committee to help design it, believe it or not.
(35:20):
And any other right, John, any other location would require adding additional taxes or additional debt.
City Park would not. Right. Yeah. And that's the whole point is, is you don't want taxes.
T, do you have anything to give me questions? I'm sorry. Well, going back to cleaning up the neighborhood and things like that.
(35:46):
My question is, where do you think the problem is stemming from?
Do you think it's from like the homeless, the drug population, the people that's coming in here from the to our area that's not from our area?
Where do you think that the problem stems from?
Because I'm I personally believe if you can put your finger on where the problem stems from,
(36:12):
then you can get closer to solving the problem.
Well, right across the road from where I live, he crossed 13th Street and go on the other hill.
There's a big homeless encampment up there. There's two houses up there full of the whole hillside.
If you turn up 14th Street off of St. Mary's, I took pictures of that and posted it.
(36:35):
And the city is now going to be cleaning that up because they put out a notice.
So code got a hold of that and they're going to they're going to fix it.
But that cost, you know, it's not like it's not like you just go in there with trash bags and clean it up.
This is like cleaning up a dump. Yeah, you know, this is like cleaning up.
This takes thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars.
(36:58):
So there's that and its adjacency to other.
You know, I feel like other people just kind of give up that live here and they don't they don't.
You know, I think there would be more of a pride factor in their taking pride in ownership or of their of their own property.
(37:19):
If they saw the city was and the community was acting on their behalf to mitigate these problems.
And and I mean, why can't we have people why can't we give code more resources to go around and just you know, these people are tired of turning things in.
(37:46):
If you're waiting if you're waiting on everybody just to turn people in, that's probably not going to happen.
Maybe they're scared of their neighbor. Maybe they don't you know, maybe they don't want to take a picture on the PKB app, which is wonderful.
I mean, that's a great that's a great app. Maybe they don't want to do that. Maybe they can't do that. Maybe they don't know how to do it.
(38:07):
But, you know, we should take a more we need to take a more proactive approach as as a code and just get on it.
And it sounds like they're you know, they're kind of thinking along the same lines. Right.
Right. And so that that's that's very exciting. And I just don't think I just I just don't think you see this anywhere at a lot of places that don't have the same issues.
(38:39):
They just don't allow it. Their code department will not allow it. I have a friend that lives in Belpris.
And I remember when they passed that ordinance that your grass couldn't be more than six inches tall.
He was scared to death that it was going to move that it was going to rain for two weeks. He couldn't mow his yard.
And because they go around measuring the yard, you know, really?
Yeah, I don't know if they do now. But that's scary. And, you know, the scissors out.
(39:06):
That's right. But but I'm my yard at four inches in the in the in the summer when it's real hot because I don't want it dying down.
So I think six inches is a little weird. That's a that's a strength. But we are our ordinance is like 10 inches, I believe, 10 or 12.
And so I don't know. There's a lot of lots in our in this district that are just full of trash or empty lots.
(39:31):
They're full of weeds. They're grown over with brush. That lends itself to homeless encampments right there.
And I don't know. I don't think they're particularly you are a properties that are that are in that that are not being made or anything like that.
I don't I don't I don't believe that to be the case.
So we need to hold these absentee landowners accountable, whoever they are.
(39:59):
And you know what? If it's a bank that owns a property, the city used to mow them and bill them 100 bucks.
They try to build them two hundred dollars with the price of gasoline now, but whatever.
So so let's let's get the let's get some funding, you know, and get this cleaned up and stay on top of it.
(40:22):
You keep billing someone one hundred dollars for mowing their grass every month.
Pretty sooner sooner or later, they'll get tired of paying that.
You know, they're going to figure out why and get it done cheaper than that.
You know, you need to know, you know, you need to make it with those with that type of situation.
It's just there's no consequences.
So there's no accountability.
(40:45):
And I'm speaking from I mean, I I see it. I live here.
I mean, all we've got to do is open our eyes and drive around it. No doubt.
Yeah, sounds to me like the Patrick, you're on the right track.
I mean, you've got a lot of good ideas and you need to make those ideas heard if you get.
Well, even if you don't get elected to city council, you need to make your ideas heard because you have a lot of great ideas.
(41:11):
And you can tell you have a lot of passion about your neighborhood.
One person can start a revolution.
And, you know, if you get if you get on, can we get more cleaned up by inspiring people rather than regulating people?
I agree with that, John, but that we got a we got to crack down on these people that don't even live here and have property here and they're letting it run down.
(41:39):
And I I agree with John that that that we need to we need to inspire people.
And if they see the city passionately going after this and cleaning it up, I believe it will inspire a lot of people.
(42:01):
And I think that's the only thing that's going to be a big part of the city council.
And I think that's the only thing that's going to be a big part of the city council.
There's hope. You know, I don't, you know, right. I agree.
I can I can put something on my front porch and not worry about it being stolen.
(42:23):
I'm I'm selfishly running for District four. I mean, I know that I'm going to have other responsibilities for the entire city.
Right. But my passion is with my district and in District four will be heard if I'm elected.
That's amazing. And that's awesome. And I'm glad to hear that because it's been a long time coming.
And I think, like I said, you're on the right track. And I think that I think that people will listen to you, you know, and that you can write everything you want to say real quick.
(42:52):
No, I'm I'm I'm just taking it all in.
How about you? You know, I'm just a good one. Rick, when we heard that from anyway.
No, I think you have some really good ideas going for you, Patrick.
I hope that grassroots campaign works well for you.
I think that's a good idea. Going door to door in your district.
(43:14):
Let people, you know, get the word, know who you are and realize that you are in this, that you are one of the people that you're representing.
I think that's important to people that they feel like they're being heard.
Yeah. Well, I'm running to win. Exactly. I'm not running to I don't like the spotlight.
(43:36):
I mean, I was nervous doing this really, but I'm just running to make our district better. And that's that's the only reason I'm doing it.
And I when I decided to do it, I just said, you know, there was a key moment that I just said, that is it. I'm running.
And that's sometimes what it takes, Patrick. Yeah. One one one thing to say, hey, enough is enough is enough.
(44:06):
And that's that that goes for the whole city as well. I mean, you know, we've got to we've got to get a grasp on some of this stuff that's going on.
And like we said, our PD is trying, you know, and code code came to the URA, not the city council.
John had to remind me of that. And so John is on it. That's for sure. Well, because he knows what he's talking about. That's right.
(44:31):
He's a smart aleck. You know what? Him and I go to lunch every once a month.
OK, and he he sits there and he loves to get me fired up.
Then we get up and say, well, where are we going to lunch next month? And because John's been there, done that.
John, John's been in that for a long time as far as with solid waste city council.
(45:00):
And so, John, you know, I pretty much, you know, talk to John about stuff and he has his opinions. I have mine, but we disagree.
But, you know, I really hope that, you know, I really hope that, you know, this message catches on and people people start looking at what you're up, who you are and what you want and your passion in it.
(45:26):
And I think that, you know, the big thing, the big thing that people want to know is who their councilman is.
That's exactly who is my councilman who and how the people reach you if they need to.
Oh, they can they can call myself. I mean, three zero four four eight two nine three six one.
It's right in my brochure. I'm going to be in it.
(45:50):
They can if they get on if they get on Facebook, it's I always have to look at this because I can't.
Yeah, part Patrick McCormick for PKB city council district four. That's my page.
Okay. I believe I sent a copy of this to you all. Yeah, we sent it to my brochure. I've got a hundred signs. I've got a thousand brochures. I'm serious. I'm ready to roll.
(46:18):
I'm ready to roll. You know, I want to get out. I want to get I want to start talking to people, you know, I want to get out and hear ideas.
I want to and I don't want to hear that. We can't do it. I'm not going to take that. I'm going to be related.
People don't think I'm related to Jan deals. She doesn't take no for an answer.
You know, I went to school with her. There you go, but, you know, when it comes to my district, I'm just not going to listen to we can't do this.
(46:53):
Let's find a way to do it. It's just it's time to do it. That's difficult to hear.
You know, you don't want to hear that, especially especially when it comes to making Parkersburg better. Well, okay. We appreciate you being on.
We have we have some homework to do before we go. So we're going to let you go.
(47:16):
Everybody listen, get behind this man, help him, help him make district for better for everybody not because it's better for district for it's definitely going to be better for the city of Parkersburg.
Help him out. Get behind him. Call him if you have questions. Everything will be on our web page on Bobcast dot net and the Bobcat Bobcast web pages, everything that we say tonight and we are live on Facebook and YouTube.
(47:48):
And right after we're done, the audio version will be on every every podcast site that you can that there is. Let me see what go pass.
That's my sister-in-law full disclosure.
All right. Well, go Kelly Summers. Sometimes you sometimes you got to recruit fans when you can't get them.
(48:14):
That's what I say. You know, I pay I pay people to like me. That's just because that's the way it is. Yeah.
Listen, Patrick. Good luck, man. Thank you. Thank you. And and just just do your very best.
And I know you will because I could just tell by talking to you, but you you're going to go far. And even if you don't win, be a voice.
(48:37):
You're going to win. I know you are. I know you are. Always be the voice. I will be the voice and always good to see if you want to come on again after the general or the primary.
Sure. Let me know. We'd love to have you back on. We're pretty packed up until what?
Rick April. Yeah. Yeah. We've we've we got a lot going on. So again, this has been Patrick McCormick, Parkersburg City Council candidate for District 4, which is a rather large area down down, you know, east side of Parkersburg.
(49:15):
So just a little touch of south side where we're at, where I'm at. So again, reach out to him, tell him your concerns, help him be the change that's needed in the city of Parkersburg.
And, you know, once we get something started, like John said, it'll catch fire. Absolutely. You know, and so Patrick's been a pleasure, sir.
(49:41):
Thank you, guys. Anything we can do for you. Just let us know. Okay. All right. Thank you. All right. Bye. Take care. All right. Talk to you later.
All right, Rick T. Yes, sir. I got a couple things I want to do here real quick. Rick. These are kind of real quick. New things. Hey, John, thanks for being there, pal.
(50:06):
Yo, yo, elite baton twirlers are doing a beginner's class ages four to 17. For more details, contact Riley Mercer on Facebook and let them know. Riley is now coach. Riley's been in baton for a long time.
So, Riley's also selling fried pies and cinnamon rolls for her trip to Dollywood with the yo-yo elite for competition. Fried pies are $4. Cinnamon rolls are $8.
(50:39):
Also, as soon as we leave, as soon as we get done here, we're headed up to the Lost Anchor in Vienna. Evie Schaefer, local girl, who is a singer songwriter, writes her own songs, but sings also covers. She will be there from 7 to 9 p.m.
And then we'll put more of her schedule out as we go along.
(51:06):
We also have something, Rick, from Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley, right?
Yeah, we got a couple of things here. Thanks, John. John says great show, guys. Oh, cool. Thanks, John. Thanks, John. Yeah.
All right. This is something that I think is just amazing. The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley will be having, they have a Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is offering a scholarship for local students who are or will be within the calendar of your full time students that are in the credit college or university.
(51:39):
This will be on our website application deadlines will be June, June 1. There's a name, Michelle.Curtis at the ArcMOV.org. And you could probably call them at 304-422-3151.
That's great that they're doing this. And this recipients must have graduated from a high school located in Woodward Jackson Pleasance or Ritchie County in West Virginia or Washington County, Ohio. Scholarships will be available up to two thousand dollars, which would be amazing for a college student because that would help with books.
(52:12):
The application again deadlines is June 1. Reach out to them. And I'm sure they'll be posting it everywhere. And that's just awesome that they're doing that. And I thank the Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley for doing that for the kids. What else we got there, Ricker?
Also, they're come they have a camp coming up. They're looking for you join our team today. Be part of the 2024 Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley Inclusive Summer Day. It's a camp is June 12 through July 5. For more information, www.thearcmov.org.
(52:49):
Go on there and be a part of something great and help this organization to help those who need it and let these kids help these kids have fun. I think you'll enjoy it yourself. Just a mere fact that you you're doing something great.
So again, www.thearcmov.org for that for if you want to be a volunteer for their for their camp. What else we got Mr. Ricker?
(53:16):
Well, let's see here. We've got Oh, Don Lindsay committee invites you to his open house.
Ah, Don Lindsay running for the fifth district magistrate. Don been around for a long time. Most everybody knows him. This will be Thursday, March 7 for 30 to 8 at Columbus 1236 7th Street.
(53:38):
Again, all this will be on our web page. Go and look at it or just write it down. Put it in your calendar. Of course, Columbus always has good food. So you can go there and just enjoy the food too.
And Roger. Yeah, Roger's also got his.
Oh, yeah. On the seventh at Mineral Wells at the community building. Six, eight, 30.
(54:03):
Right. And also Rogers Rogers opening his campaign headquarters.
I mean, what was today actually sorry about that. Yeah. And so it was today. Go pick up some Bob Mercer for Board of Education Science.
Yeah. But anyway, Rogers Roger Conley's running for county commissioner.
(54:25):
It's going to be his monthly town hall and come share your thoughts on how we can make Wood County better. Roger always posted on Facebook and his campaign pages.
And so just go go be a part of that and let Roger know what's on your mind for the county and go from there. What do you got, Rick?
Let's see here. Oh, Waverly Volunteer Fire Department is having their bingo on March the 14th. Doors open at 430. Bingo starts at six o'clock.
(54:56):
20 games for 20 bucks. Oh, you know, my daughter, Jessica, she she is so lucky at that game.
She plays she plays bingo every week. And I kid you not. She walks away with.
Dollars careful, you know, the taxman might come after. That's what you know, that's what I was thinking.
What I meant to say was she gets a lot of stuff. Yeah, there you go.
(55:22):
But anyway, veterans table on the 20th, the 10th, 18th, 19th, 19th is veterans table feeding program.
Wood County Veterans Table will occur on the third Tuesday of each month, which again is supposed to be the 19th, 715 16th Street, Parkersburg come out.
You got stuff you'd like to donate to them for the veterans. We owe our veterans a lot.
(55:46):
We say that every time we show this, we owe our veterans a lot. And what else, Rick? Also, well, let's see.
BPD has testing coming up for police officer on March 7th. That's going to be Thursday.
Yeah. Municipal building second floor. Let's see. Again, go on our site.
(56:09):
It tells you 23, 47 per hour base base pay 40,000, eight, 17 per year.
Come and be a part of the very best. And I am very best.
And Sheriff's Department is also hiring our boys from the Sheriff's Department. They are.
They haven't said anything about a testing date, so either.
(56:31):
But you can put in an application and when the testing rolls around, they'll let you know.
Tell Bob, no, don't you go to jail.
Don't do that. Don't do that. Never mind.
No, no, no, don't do that. There is.
Well, yeah, Bob, I have a couple of things I sent Rick.
(56:53):
They're having a poker run for the Wood Festival.
What's the date on that? Rick, is it May 10th? It's on the wayside.
It's on our website on the calendar page. I put that on there already.
I didn't get a slide for it. It's in May sometime. May 10th, I believe it is.
That sounds about right, but it's on the website. Check it out. Yeah.
Check it out. It's for the Wood Festival. It goes toward the entertainment this year,
(57:17):
which they're trying to get the Davison Brothers, if anybody has heard of them,
come on down to Calhoun County and see the Davison Brothers.
And that, of course, Wood Festival is in the first week of June.
But come on out to the poker run and have a good time.
Looks like so far there's about 419 people interested.
(57:39):
So it would be great if 419 people would show up. That would be really great.
That would be great. Also, not a lot of people know this, Rick,
but I was going to go sing at the Wood Festival.
And they reminded me of the noise ordinance. So I'm not lying.
There you go. This is true. Yes.
Mark your calendars. We've got two weekends of really great stuff coming up.
(58:03):
Rick Monaset sent me a bunch of these posters, whatever this picture is,
a bunch of them on their website, a whole lineup of entertainment,
just really fantastic entertainment. Don McLean's coming this year.
And there's going to be a drone. A drone display. All kinds of stuff.
(58:25):
Check our website on the calendar page. There's a whole list of stuff that's
going to be outstanding. And we have big name entertainers coming.
Lots of good stuff going on. That's for the weekend before Fourth of July
and Fourth of July weekend. Dates are on there too.
And I want to say something real quick, Rick, if I could.
(58:48):
Go for it. Yeah, I'll let you.
AT? Yes, sir.
We apologize for not getting with you this week. I don't know where my brain...
We're working on the soapbox derby where our brain's at.
And when you asked me who were you interviewing tonight, I went,
Oh my God. She will fire Rick and I for sure.
(59:09):
That's it. You're out.
You're out of the shrine.
Bye, Bobby.
Hey, listen, everybody, thanks for joining us.
Oh, Bob, we got one more thing. One more thing.
It's important. It's important. It's very important.
People, if you're going to or ever wanted to adopt an animal, please, please,
(59:31):
please go to the Humane Society.
They are in desperate need of larger dog adoptions.
If you can foster adopt whatever you can do for these animals, please do it.
Please help the Humane Society out.
Yeah. My cousin, my cousin has fostered for a lot of dogs over the years.
(59:53):
And it's a really, really great program.
You might find that you foster a dog for a little while,
and you might find that a little guy becomes part of your family
and you go give him his permanent forever home.
So, yeah, don't...
What's sad about it is if they're in such dire straits,
I'll have to start making some very uncomfortable decisions very soon.
(01:00:16):
Yeah, we don't want to do that.
Yeah, nobody wants to hear about that.
So, but like Tee said, become a foster or go adopt or donate to the Humane Society.
They need food. They need blankets.
They need towels. They need...
Cleaning supplies, cat litter, everything.
(01:00:37):
Anything you can think of, they need it.
Help them out. Help them out. They need your help.
Ritchie County is the same way.
My daughter goes out there and volunteers as well.
They need all the help.
These fur babies are not doing this on purpose.
You know, they're...
(01:00:58):
Anyway.
So, anybody have anything else to say?
Thank you guys for the interaction here, Rick.
Good to hear you talking so much, man.
I think we're going to start giving you some of that stuff to do.
Oh, no, no.
Oh, yeah.
We're going to have to do something.
(01:01:19):
That's what we're going to do.
There'll be a little something extra in your paycheck.
Makes me call it pink slip, mister.
You don't start showing up for work.
All right, guys. It's been real great.
Again, thank you, Patrick McCormick, for coming on.
Great guy. Great ideas.
I think he would do a great job on City Council.
(01:01:40):
I don't endorse anybody, but I'm just saying, just talking to the guy.
He's got a lot of ideas and he's real passionate because he lives it.
He lives there.
All of his contact information is on our episodes page for this month.
So you can get all his contact information there.
All right. Well, listen, it's been real great.
We'll see you again.
(01:02:02):
Well, no, next week we have the pre-recorded, don't we?
Right, yeah.
All right, next week we're going to have a pre-recorded interview
with some guys from the United Kingdom, Del and Dion, the karaoke kings.
Be sure to watch it at 630 next Saturday.
Week after that, we're going to have the gentleman on from the Freedom Festival.
(01:02:27):
He's making sure that it's okay that he doesn't have any other,
but he's pretty sure it should be all right.
So we'll announce it pretty soon.
It's been real fun.
We've got to get out of here because we've got to go up and watch Evie at the lost anchor.
And so you'll have a very good night, T. Have a good night, Rick.
Yes, sir.
(01:02:48):
I'll get with you tomorrow.
Okay.
And listen, family and friends, we love you guys very much.
It's always a pleasure doing the Bobcast.
Thanks for the interaction on our chat line here.
So we shall see you again next time on the Bobcast MOV with T, Rick and Bob.
That's but her name first or she'll fires.
(01:03:09):
It's suddenly got ladies first.
I'm sure.
Is that what it is?
That what happened?
I wasn't sure how that happened.
I mean, because now people go, who's Rick and Bob?
Yeah, that's right.
You know, so have a great night, everybody.
I got to get out of here.
Love you guys all.
Take care.
It's been fun.
(01:03:30):
We'll do it again.
Good night.
Get us out of here, Rick.
This has been a production of the Bobcast MOV productions.
Thank you for watching.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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