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Concerns raised during United Way meeting

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By Rich Gillette, Staff Writer 11:16 PM Thursday, January 28, 2010

LEBANON — Members of the Warren County United Way questioned and voiced concerns Thursday night, Jan. 28 about the proposed merger with Butler County United Way.

The chief concerns from the estimated 50 people who attended the informational meeting led by the organization’s board of directors was why no business plan was created for the proposed merger and the appearance of “secrecy.”

“Just because we don’t have a piece of paper that says, ‘business plan,’ does not mean we have not discussed plans. It’s a ongoing process,” said Steve Hathaway, a board director.

The appearance of no business plan concerns Jim Lukas, city manager for Franklin.

Lukas was among many who said he felt a vote on a proposed merger should be delayed 90 days so a business plan could be created and a more open discussion could occur among on all Warren County United Way members.

“It’s too much, too fast,” said member Art Johnson.

Alan Schussheim, a board of director, said he wanted to make it clear the board was not trying to create “secrecy” in the merger talks.

“What would we have to gain? We have not shown bias in our decisions. We want Warren County to be successful and believe in this organization. We don’t want any of this to fail,” Schussheim said.

The meeting was led by board director Tom Breitenbach, who outlined the proposal for the creation of the new organization that would be called the United Way of Warren and Butler Counties.

A special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at the meeting room for the Warren County Commission at 406 Justice Drive, Lebanon, where a vote will take place on the merger.

More than 200 members will be allowed to vote on the proposed merger. A majority vote will decide the merger. The Butler County United Way Board of Directors has already agreed to the merger.

The low turnout at the informational meeting was a concern for those in attendance, but board members said questions will be allowed before the final vote.

A “yes” vote for the merger also will mean the organization’s new board will be split up among seven members from each county and the interim president/CEO would be Maureen Noe, Butler County’s United Way’s CEO.

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how can a truth you dont want to here or see become ignorance and predjudice.how can a fact be called these things.uncle andy and my brothers and my wife and children find you to be what you called us.you dont live where i live.why dont you do a little experament and move here for one month.and ill let your eyes see what we see everyday.just park over here and watch the school busses.you are realy blind for some reason.probably financial gain from mexicans.am i right.if you dont see itzzzzzzzzz.

BILLY LONGBOW AMERICAN
9:13 AM, 1/30/2010

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Oh boy-here we go...Uncle Andy and Billy Longbow spewing their ignorance and prejudice as usual. These two need a life and to get their information someplace other than at the general store and local bar.
I agree with Rick-the United Way should not be split into seperate organizations. UW isn't great on the little ways of helping but are with organizations. I work for a huge company and giving to United Way is at each person's discretion. No threats. Huge tax credits for the company though.

Peace Out
7:09 PM, 1/29/2010

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I GAVE TO THE UNITED WAY WHEN I WAS WORKING,BUT WHEN CO-WORKERS TOLD ME ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THAT WHEN THEY NEEDED HELP THEY WERE TURNED AWAY AGAIN AND AGAIN.I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY.ARE THEY ONLY PREPARED FOR DISASTER.WHICH MOST HAPPEN OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.I AM ALL FOR HELPING THY NEIGHBOR,BUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULD TAKE OF YOURSELF FIRST.

jojo
2:37 PM, 1/29/2010

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A comment was made last night about a possible future merger into a larger united way agency. Apparently if this merger occurs any future merger will not have to go through this public process again because the new board will be able to make that decision alone. Is another merger coming?

merger
2:24 PM, 1/29/2010

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I attended last night and what is concerning is the lack of answers to many questions. I can support a merger discussion as there MAY be positives but the public comment period came AFTER much was already decided - why is that? As someone said yesterday, who not postpone this vote until a true discussion can occur on the merits of this proposal? If that doesn't happen, this should be voted down.

big issue
1:12 PM, 1/29/2010

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