Scott:

     The street affair was a good day for us at G.P.S., we had a lot of walk in traffic, and got to talk to a lot of village residents. The surprise was how many locals who are not riders of any kind came looking for us to say hello and talk about the issues that have been covered in the blog and the local papers. We heard a few things overwhelmingly repeated. One was the simple agreement that the village should have trimmed trees for visibility, and they should be more supportive of local merchants. Another thing we kept hearing was that how glad they were that someone was willing to speak their mind to town council, and not just bite their tongue.

     The most common thing I heard, even from folks who recognized me but I had never met before, folks were even stopping me on the far side of the square, was that Gerry Rouge has no business telling any business they should move out of town.  Even I was shocked at how many people are absolutely PISSED OFF over his comments, and the foul words everyone had about him.  Anyone who knows me knows I am not the most "PC" clean spoken person, so if the language surprises me it must be bad!

     I even heard from one person who helped plant these trees, and he talked about how they were selected because if they were properly trimmed they would provide excellent visibility for our merchants. Just when I thought this was a forgotten issue there has been a huge outpouring of support from the people of our great town, it was so surprising and encouraging. I just can't express how surprised I am at the number of non riding locals who sought me out just to voice support! Comments of "Get the saw out" ruled the day, and the suggestion was made to replant the branches in Gerry's yard.

-- Matt Mesarchik, Geauga Power Sports

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Matt:   Yes, I have been hearing the same thing about Councilman Rouge as well down here on the street (a place I seldom see him by the way!).   I wouldn't pay a ounce of attention to him.  People ask me how he ever got elected in the first place and it went something like this:  1.  He attended lots of the council meetings and voiced his opinion on key issues.  Somehow people confused this with him having knowledge of anything...  2.  In a short period before the vote, he wrote several Letters To The Editor in the area rags about Burton doings that basically was on the side of the taxpaying reasonable person.   3.  Only a few people ran against him - long time losers like Mike Lovas and others who had no chance.  That's how he got on council and it's been an embarrassment ever since.  For him to tell you to relocate your business to a "strip mall" or give you "business advice" is laughable at best coming from him.  He should reserve his "advice" for his own family and leave good businessmen out of the equation.  I have told you before and I will say it again:  The Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, the village council and other "officials" in the area have absolutely NO INTEREST in helping you or your business, so soldier on using your own resources!  Remember Mr. Hill and President Washingtons' takes on pesky trees:  UTILIZE A SHARP SAW AND FELL THEM IMMEDIATELY!  Son, aren't you also in the WOOD BUSINESS?  Do you not possess a saw or axe?  Have at it!