Community Survey
Mariemont Town Meeting
Village Knowledge and Opinions March, 2018
Question #1 Answered: 103 Skipped: 0
I attend Mariemont’s annual Town Meeting:
Do not plan to attend
Not aware of what Town Meeting is or why it is held
Other (verbatim answers)
I used to but haven't recently 3/15/2018 12:57 PM
Attended once, when a candidate for Mayor I supported was running. 3/14/2018 10:40 PM
Once last year 3/14/2018 2:53 PM
I went once when I first moved to Mariemont five years ago. 3/14/2018 11:12 AM
First one attended this year 3/14/2018 11:08 AM
Have never attended because have never seen a notification 3/14/2018 9:48 AM
I cannot attend because we are out of state in the winter 3/14/2018 9:35 AM
Did first 3 years when moved into village in 2008. Found after 3rd it was more of a PR for mayor and not open to various ideas/ suggestions 3/2/2018 11:20 PM
JUST heard about town meeting this year. I would have gone but it was at nap time. Just gave my identity away!! 3/2/2018 8:34 PM
Never attend. Conflicts with kids sports
3/2/2018 2:03 PM
I have never attended, as I am a new resident 3/2/2018 9:42 AM
Live in Mariemont 3 years and attended 1st last year
Been once
One time in the 25 years that I have lived here
3/2/2018 8:03 AM
3/2/2018 5:24 AM
3/1/2018 9:34 PM
Went once 3/1/2018 8:37 PM
Watch on internet
3/1/2018 7:22 PM
Never have but always want to! Think it’s a special tradition that is part of what makes Mariemont unique. 3/1/2018 6:30 PM
Recently started attending regularly after never attending for decades 3/1/2018 5:50 PM
Never attended, would consider attending 3/1/2018 5:12 PM
I have no idea how it relates to mariemont city council. Also, the Town Crier is a cheesy and ridiculous role and should be abolished. 3/1/2018 5:06 PM
Never have attended but plan to in the future
3/1/2018 4:40 PM
I generally intend to go, but don't see the street signs til too late to get on my calendar 3/1/2018 4:32 PM
Attended years ago. No longer interested 3/1/2018 4:02 PM
Attended last year to check it out. I do not plan to go back
Never attended but I will this year
3/1/2018 1:26 PM
3/1/2018 10:02 AM
Never have attended-wanted to last year but it was on spring break, but plan to attend 3/1/2018 8:55 AM
Question #2 Answered: 103 Skipped: 0
I view Town Meeting as: (Click all that apply.)
Other (verbatim answers)
At present, I think it's a way to keep the system in a 'good ole boy' network. 3/14/2018 10:40 PM
A confusing, opaque ritual that from a legal perspective exists outside our Code and governmental structure, but by tradition has attached itself to our electoral process, our government (which lists fictional Town Meeting districts on the official website, and the current Mayor despite its utter lack of legal authority. 3/14/2018 11:12 AM
Useful to get divergent points of view on council 3/14/2018 9:48 AM
To be able to participate in the election process for our Village Council members 3/13/2018 5:35 PM
The convening of the Republican PAC in town which is open to the public 3/3/2018 2:36 PM
Wish it was the above examples
Pertinent to be a resident
3/2/2018 11:20 PM
3/2/2018 8:41 PM
Show support for a quaint Village tradition; support a candidate who'd like to run for council. 3/2/2018 4:50 PM
I'm not sure I understand its role completely
3/2/2018 1:37 PM
It is a way to learn about the community but it seems more of a ritual than a necessity. It seems to be an outdated way to get information out. 3/2/2018 8:18 AM
Outdated and run by old men. Not representative of the entire community 3/2/2018 8:03 AM
An opportunity to nominate and ask questions of potential Council Members. A valuable Village tradition that is struggling with poor leadership and is therefore on the verge of becoming irrelevant 3/1/2018 10:20 PM
A process that appears to be manipulated by a select few well places public officials 3/1/2018 5:50 PM
The Republican Party
3/1/2018 5:12 PM
Nice theory, but so poorly implemented that is a detriment, not a boon 3/1/2018 4:32 PM
A Mariemont tradition that has evolved into a political machine
An antiquated concept manipulated by political hacks
3/1/2018 4:22 PM
3/1/2018 4:22 PM
Purpose is not made clear. It could be so much more 3/1/2018 1:26 PM
Unsure because it's never been at a time I am able to attend 3/1/2018 10:55 AM
Question #3 Answered: 100 Skipped: 3
The program of topics, speakers and presenters at Town Meeting: (Click all that apply)
Is generally appropriate and relevant to me
Is generally about the right length and mix
Is too long
Is not relevant to me
Other (verbatim answers)
Too much time spent at this year’s Town Meeting trying to justify a terrible decision. 3/15/2018 12:20 AM
Generally there is not enough notice for me to be able to attend meetings that the village schedules to discuss issues I care about. The parking “problem” is ridiculous. If you buy or rent a home without a driveway or garage then you should understand that you might not always have a convenient spot to park. It is not my responsibility to fund private parking financially (Murray) or by deducting my own convenience
3/14/2018 1:32 PM
Inappropriate to imply "town meeting" and be a platform instead for divisive opinions 3/14/2018 11:08 AM
Unknown
Don't know
3/14/2018 9:48 AM
3/14/2018 9:35 AM
Seems to be somewhat of a Republican pep rally congruent with the fact that Town Meeting is a PAC. Their candidates end up on the pink slate; therefore I consider it a Republican PAC. And, last year during the Mayors lengthy presentation at it he presented a key to the city to Tom Brinkman. 3/3/2018 2:36 PM
Geared to mayor’s Agenda
3/2/2018 11:20 PM
No opinion 3/2/2018 8:41 PM
Generally relevant, microphone system MUST be improved
Not sure. Haven't attended
Don’t know!
Some speakers are just right, others are too long
I have no idea
3/2/2018 8:41 PM
3/2/2018 8:34 PM
3/2/2018 8:22 PM
3/2/2018 4:50 PM
3/2/2018 3:59 PM
I have not attended the meeting because it is always scheduled at a very busy time in March 3/2/2018 1:37 PM
You get the same information from the school and mayor in news releases 3/2/2018 9:57 AM
Have not attended a meeting yet 3/2/2018 9:42 AM
I have not been 3/2/2018 8:18 AM
One sided and very political
3/2/2018 8:03 AM
Never been - relevance unknown 3/1/2018 11:25 PM
Is lacking multiple candidates for the positions and robust debate 3/1/2018 10:20 PM
The one time I attended it was a platform for each community group to speak and drug on for a long time. The Mayor gave a speech, which also seemed irrelevant 3/1/2018 9:34 PM
I’ve actually never been so I don’t know the topics, speakers etc. are offered 3/1/2018 9:32 PM
Probably a way to be informed if your not already 3/1/2018 8:22 PM
I don’t know since I have never attended 3/1/2018 6:30 PM
Not been so can’t comment 3/1/2018 5:12 PM
I do not know what the programs are 3/1/2018 5:05 PM
I cannot say since I have not attended many 3/1/2018 4:35 PM
Unknown, other than a lot of reported self congratulations by speakers 3/1/2018 4:32 PM
Is based on the mayor’s agenda for the bills, and serves to showcase and promote only his point of view 3/1/2018 4:22 PM
Refuse to listen to this Mayor speak 3/1/2018 4:04 PM
Seems slanted in views expressed 3/1/2018 4:00 PM
Unsure
Don’t know enough about it
3/1/2018 10:55 AM
3/1/2018 10:44 AM
Unsure 3/1/2018 10:02 AM
Never been and have no idea what the agenda would be. Always struck me as fluff and no content 3/1/2018 9:26 AM
A lesson in futility as most of the time residence opinions are not listened to 3/1/2018 8:40 AM
Question #4 Answered: 103 Skipped: 0
The time of year and time of day that Town Meeting is held:
Other (verbatim answers)
It's time to end Town Meeting. 3/14/2018 10:40 PM
Has historically been rather conveniently inconvenient for the cross section of the population with school aged children that go away for Springs Break 3/3/2018 2:36 PM
Not much notice 3/2/2018 11:20 PM
Don’t know 3/2/2018 8:22 PM
Needs to be closer to election time
3/2/2018 8:18 AM
Shouldn't exist 3/2/2018 8:03 AM
Should take into account the school calendar and major events that might decrease attendance 3/2/2018 5:24 AM
Are ok. In these busy times, multiple meetings might catch more people 3/1/2018 10:20 PM
It is sometimes during spring break and in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday 3/1/2018 9:34 PM
It never works for my family
3/1/2018 8:22 PM
Usually ends up being bad time for me. If I recall it's in the middle of the afternoon on Sunday's. Also not well advertised. 3/1/2018 8:02 PM
Needs to be a set date every year. I.e. 3rd Sunday in March
3/1/2018 5:11 PM
A weeknight would be best 3/1/2018 4:50 PM
Since such a small percentage of residents attend TM perhaps in its current format it is no longer relevant 3/1/2018 4:22 PM
TM should go away
3/1/2018 4:22 PM
Shouldn’t be on spring break 3/1/2018 8:55 AM
Question #5 Answered: 98 Skipped: 5
Town Meeting format and/or attendance could be improved by: (Click all that apply)
Other (verbatim answers)
Need new Town Meeting officials. Current officials are clueless on how increase active participation by more residents. Lengthy lecture with an overall condescending tone was a big mistake. 3/15/2018 12:20 AM
Recognizing it's no longer relevant, and actually counterproductive 3/14/2018 10:40 PM
It seems to be all superfluous. I attended 1 year and thought it was a bit of a waste of time 3/14/2018 9:22 PM
Making it clear that it is not an official Village of Mariemont government gathering and that it is a PAC 3/14/2018 2:53 PM
Dispense with the reading of last years minutes. Reduce the time for the State of the Schools and State of the Village. Much of this is a regurgitation of what most people already know. Have more time for discussion about issues facing the village and suggestions from the residents. 3/14/2018 11:01 AM
Allowing time for small group by district for Q & A
3/14/2018 10:10 AM
Stream the event online and give opportunity to respond or even vote online 3/14/2018 9:52 AM
Continue the informal meet and greet with refreshments
3/13/2018 5:35 PM
More attendance may occur if issues that are brought up are dealt with and addressed. Isn’t that the purpose of town meeting is that when a resident brings up issue our “leaders” have the next year to work on/respond to the issues that were brought up?
Should never be held during school Spring Break.
3/10/2018 7:40 AM
3/6/2018 9:06 AM
Being more transparent about the fact that it is not official Village Business or a Town Hall but a meeting of a PAC and keeping the program consistent with that such that residents are clear about what it is and not mislead to think it is either of the former.
Consider hosting 2 shorter meetings a year
3/3/2018 2:36 PM
3/3/2018 1:35 AM
Be an open and accepting format to discuss various ideas for the future of Mariemont 3/2/2018 11:20 PM
Turtle races
More presenters on pertinent town happenings
3/2/2018 9:24 PM
3/2/2018 8:41 PM
Spring Break is a stupid time, also during the last few weeks of March Madness. Otherwise Sunday afternoon is as good a time as any for me. 3/2/2018 4:50 PM
By not having it
I just don't feel like it is relevant anymore
It could be a meeting but shouldn't include picking candidates
3/2/2018 9:57 AM
3/2/2018 8:18 AM
3/2/2018 8:03 AM
The legitimacy of Town Meeting depends entirely on high attendance. A poorly attended Town Meeting should hold little weight in elections 3/1/2018 10:20 PM
I just do not feel it should be anything more then a forum, no different than the monthly meeting held by council 3/1/2018 8:22 PM
More open process for nominating and voting on who is on the Town Meeting Committee
3/1/2018 5:50 PM
Either not exist or have another PAC compete as a true two party system 3/1/2018 5:12 PM
Talk about business development in the business district. Who talks about this? I mean prime space was leased to someone who opened up for six weeks per year for a holiday exhibit. Who is paying attention to this? We have empty spaces (bank, restaurant at the theater) that should be of the utmost concern to the community. We're stuck with a Mayor who lacks vision and has been brainwashed by Ken Tankersely to limit recreational access in our parks. We could have been part of a joint economic district that will be happening in Columbia Township but he passed on the opportunity.
3/1/2018 5:06 PM
Not sure
Educate Village on why they should attend
Not easily accessed by the handicapped so I can't go
3/1/2018 5:05 PM
3/1/2018 4:50 PM
3/1/2018 4:38 PM
It would be interesting to hold small group meetings instead of having everyone present in the main room you could have the presenters present a couple of times so people could go 2 more than one. The programs could be videotaped so other people in the village could see them or even do them live stream Town Meeting could revamp itself and still add to village character by showcasing traditions. Honestly, I believe the time has come for Town Meeting to distance itself entirely from village politics.
Making it disappear
3/1/2018 4:22 PM
3/1/2018 4:22 PM
Include a basic overview of the topics in the mayor’s newsletter before (or on Nextdoor) so everyone is aware of the issues.
Cancel it. It is irrelevant
3/1/2018 4:13 PM
3/1/2018 4:04 PM
Clarifying the relationship between TM and actual legal and electoral processes 3/1/2018 4:00 PM
Being clear of goals and intentions
3/1/2018 1:26 PM
Might be nice if there was more than one. I know we've had conflicts that couldn't be rescheduled every year. 3/1/2018 10:55 AM
Question #6 Answered: 87 Skipped: 16
Town Meeting format and/or attendance could be improved by providing more information about (check all that apply)
Other (verbatim answers)
Time to recognize it's outgrown its usefulness 3/14/2018 10:40 PM
Have sign ups available for annual events like Taste of Mariemont, Police Night Out, etc. 3/14/2018 9:52 AM
Have never attended so can't say 3/14/2018 9:48 AM
Don't know 3/14/2018 9:35 AM
Prospective candidates' talks plus discussion from council members what the time commitment is for being on Village Council 3/13/2018 5:35 PM
None of the above would consistent with what it is legally defined as - a political action committee. 3/3/2018 2:36 PM
More financial details beyond what's in the bank
3/3/2018 1:35 AM
Less mayor and about individuals and organizations making a difference in the village 3/2/2018 11:20 PM
Organizations, services, development, planning 3/2/2018 8:41 PM
Not sure. Haven't attended 3/2/2018 8:34 PM
They used to have tables set up in the school lobby where various organizations shared their info without extending the program. 3/2/2018 4:50 PM
They already cover these topics
3/2/2018 10:30 AM
This is an irrelevant question - Town Meeting is a PAC not a community organizer 3/2/2018 10:12 AM
All of the above and removal of picking candidates
Making the meeting longer would decrease attendance
3/2/2018 8:03 AM
3/2/2018 5:24 AM
Better time and better advertising 3/1/2018 9:34 PM
Social media, regularly monitored would work for all of the above better 3/1/2018 8:22 PM
Can’t comment never attended
Advertising and education
3/1/2018 5:12 PM
3/1/2018 5:11 PM
See above 3/1/2018 5:06 PM
Not sure
3/1/2018 5:05 PM
Strong council weak mayor system Perhaps more information from council members (who are actually charged with running the village) and less (like a welcome and a closing) from the mayor 3/1/2018 4:22 PM
TM is not necessary
3/1/2018 4:22 PM
None apply 3/1/2018 4:06 PM
Again meeting is irrelevant 3/1/2018 4:04 PM
Unsure 3/1/2018 10:55 AM
Town meeting is an outdated theory 3/1/2018 8:17 AM
Read aloud or have a handout w website address that lists the orgs actively seeking volunteers, as requested by the various org leaders. 2/26/2018 5:58 PM
Question #7 Answered: 102 Skipped: 1
Town Meeting's role in putting forth candidates for village council is:
Other (verbatim answers)
No opinion 3/14/2018 1:32 PM
Tradition
I don't think the idea is completely irrelevant, but perhaps we should reconsider the outline of the districts? 3/3/2018 2:46 PM
Free ice cream
3/2/2018 9:24 PM
Present candidates with credentials, duties, and how it interfaces with village council 3/2/2018 8:41 PM
So I lean toward "outdated & should be revised" but I do understand the idea of preserving tradition. So perhaps a balance between the two. More flex, less panic about running "outside" of town meeting. Ya know? 3/2/2018 8:34 PM
Tradition and unique, which I like, but maybe should be revised. I like the goal of having "district" representation but we should all realize that won't happen every year and that's ok too. It seems some of TM's and Village's rules surrounding the district issue should be revisited. 3/2/2018 4:50 PM
I'm not 100% sure it's necessary in a small community, though I understand its intentions. Its lack of advertising, and choice of a meeting date when 90% of the community is on spring break or watching March Madness is poorly planned. Theoretically, it's a great idea. But, it needs major work to be considered a "crucial" element of Mariemont. 3/2/2018 1:37 PM
Because candidates are put forward so early many times quality candidates come forth after Town meeting slate is put forward. I feel like the election process is good enough 3/2/2018 8:18 AM
Village Council should adopt a Charter calling for four (4) district representatives and two (2) at - large candidates. 3/1/2018 8:07 PM
Should stop pretending to be part of town government and acknowledge it is a political party. 3/1/2018 5:12 PM
Hamststrung. Amber KY has official districts and at large spots on council. Maybe a model to follow 3/1/2018 5:11 PM
Totally outdated. Mariemont should have a city council and term limit on the Mayor. A community this small does not need geographic representation. Not a soul knows anything about districts in Mariemont. 3/1/2018 5:06 PM
Unnecessary and outdated! 3/1/2018 4:22 PM
Unnecessary and irrelevant due to OHIO law 3/1/2018 4:00 PM
Only if enough people in the village participate. 3/1/2018 8:55 AM
Question #8
Answered: 42 Skipped: 61