SunCoke vote pits vice mayor against city, family

Councilman supports the facility, while the mother of his grandchildren leads a group that opposes it.

Middletown Vice Mayor Jim Armbruster delivers a proclamation April 24, 2009, during an Arbor Day observance at Sunset Park in Middletown.

Contributed photo by Jessica Uttinger Middletown Vice Mayor Jim Armbruster delivers a proclamation April 24, 2009, during an Arbor Day observance at Sunset Park in Middletown.

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Lisa Frye of Monroe reaches for a stack of signed petitions in opposition to the proposed SunCoke Energy coke plant as she voices her concerns about it at the Middletown City Council meeting Aug. 19, 2008, in Middletown.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Lisa Frye of Monroe reaches for a stack of signed petitions in opposition to the proposed SunCoke Energy coke plant as she voices her concerns about it at the Middletown City Council meeting Aug. 19, 2008, in Middletown.

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By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer 11:10 PM Saturday, May 2, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — Jim Armbruster the grandfather and Jim Armbruster the Middletown City Councilman had to settle an inner-self battle.

When it came time for City Council to vote on the proposed $340 million coke oven facility off Yankee Road, he received a letter from Lisa Frye, his ex-daughter-in-law, the mother of three of his grandchildren and the president of the SunCoke Watch Inc. opposition group, urging him to abstain from voting.

She said Armbruster should be more “concerned” about his grandchildren and “their health and their future, every aspect of their lives.”

If Armbruster supported the SunCoke project, which she says would harm her family and reduce the value of her property, “What message is that sending to his grandchildren?”

But Armbruster had a job to do, he said. Since he believes SunCoke will follow strict federal pollution guidelines — thus creating no health risks to his grandchildren who live on Niederlander Lane near the proposed site — Armbruster threw his support behind the project.

“This has to be done; it has to be built,” he said. “We have to hold onto AK (which signed a 20-year deal to buy all the coke and electricity produced by the plant). Without AK in this city, it would be devastating.”

Armbruster, owner of Armbruster Florist on Grand Avenue, insists he’s “not a bad person.”

The project is on hold because of a Clean Air Act lawsuit filed by Monroe and a new application for a permit submitted to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

But Armbruster’s decision dug a wedge between him and his grandchildren, he said.

Frye, divorced from Jimmy Armbruster, admitted the SunCoke controversy created a “strain” in her relationship with the Armbrusters. But, she said, that relationship is improving.

“It’s back on track,” she said. “I just want what’s best for my kids. I want to live in peace.”

Armbruster added: “I hope one day things are back where they used to be.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.

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Dont think I read that SHE turned her kids against the vice mayor. If anything he done that on his own. This wouldnt have even hit the AK JOURNAL if it wasnt election year.

Keith
7:40 AM, 5/4/2009

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Can't give this woman any credit for turning her childern against their grandfather over something like this or anything else. He was elected to do a job, as was the same for the Monroe council. She has no business being this way towards him, the only reason she is, is because her X is an Armbruster. I was against the coke plant but will now sigh the savebutlercounty.org petition because of this article.

Niederlander Lane also
12:11 AM, 5/4/2009

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Why doesn't the Journal do a story on the council member who worked at the coke plant for years and crossed the picket line of his constituents while they were locked out. That person did not seem to be to worried about health issues when it came down to "DIRTY MONEY", or sticking by his locked out constituents. He took the money!

Hornet
8:34 PM, 5/3/2009

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Poor Jim!! What a guy!!! Fighting such inner battles, yet choosing the good of our city over even his very own grandchildren!

It’s hard to imagine such dedication to public service. If this were an election year, I’d say that this was just campaign B. S.

Groucho
6:54 PM, 5/3/2009

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Isn't The Clean Air Act for every City to comply with? It's a Federal Law and people's right to cleaner air. I appreciate Monroe's stance for EVERYONE in the area. Quit fighting and follow the rules. I do not feel sorry for AK or the BIG OIL Company.

Voice
6:51 PM, 5/3/2009

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