Meeting with residents a good move

BOUQUET >> To North Ridgeville Mayor G. David Gillock who presided over his first Coffee and Conversation session of the year Jan. 16 at City Hall. Gillock met with 11 citizens over fresh brewed coffee and discussed traffic, traffic lights, road repairs a

Circled around the conference room table, residents asked questions regarding the city, and Gillock answered them.

In the past, sessions were held once a month at different times and various locations.

This year, all sessions will take place in the city’s conference room.

Gillock said he was happy with the first session because a good number of people attended and had very few issues.

Since he began having these sessions about four years ago, attendance has increased.

It’s a good idea for Gillock and officials in other municipalities to meet with residents.

Taxpayers deserve to know what their officials are doing.

We applaud Gillock for his efforts.

BOUQUETS » To Thomas D. Stuber, president of The LCADA Way, who recently was elected president of the board of directors for the Ohio Alliance of Recovery Providers, also known as OARP.

On his election, Stuber said, “I am so delighted and honored to be elected board president. OARP is a wonderful and necessary association, serving addiction and recovery clients throughout Ohio.

“Working together with our sister organizations will provide a tremendous sharing of best practices and even greater services helping all of our clients in recovery.”

Larry Moliterno, past president of OARP, said, “Over the years, Tom has proven to be a great leader and team builder for the organization. We look forward to his leadership and vision, as we all work together in tackling the impacts of alcohol and other drug abuse and addictions statewide.”

Founded in 2009, OARP ensures access to a full consortium of care of clinically appropriate alcohol and drug addiction and prevention services for all Ohio citizens.

The LCADA Way, founded in 1981, is a private, nonprofit organization recognized as a leader in addiction treatment and recovery, delivering innovative, outcome-driven programs, with an individualized approach to addiction, problem gambling and mental health treatment, education, prevention and support.

We’re confident Stuber will do an outstanding job for OARP, just as he has leading The LCADA Way.

BRICKBATS » To John Mitchell Jr., the 55-year-old Elyria man who was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years for raping a 9-year-old boy.

Mitchell pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to one count of kidnapping and four counts of rape along with sexually violent predator specifications.

He was scheduled to go on trial for the crimes Jan. 10 before Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge James L. Miraldi, but instead pleaded guilty and was sentenced.

Elyria police became aware of the incident July 9 after the victim’s mother reported the boy was sexually assaulted by a man staying in her home to help take care of the children.

The family trusted Mitchell, and he betrayed them.

He is perverted. The only decent thing he did was to enter his plea so that the victim wouldn’t have to testify in open court to what the monster did to him.

Mitchell is a predator and he deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.

BRICKBATS » To Nicolas A. Hall, the 35-year-old North Ridgeville man who will serve two years of community control because his 7-year-old daughter ate a THC-laced gummy bear March 7 and was found unconscious at their Rosabelle Avenue home.

Hall pleaded guilty in November before Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Rothgery to misdemeanor counts of endangering children, possession of marijuana and illegal use of marijuana.

North Ridgeville police Capt. Marti Garrow said at the time, Hall procured the gummy bears from Colorado and the girl found them in a dresser drawer inside the home. Paramedics transported to girl to a hospital.

Garrow said the child recovered quickly, which was a blessing for Hall.

Hall likely won’t receive a father-of-the-year recognition for his crimes.

What he needs to be concerned about is staying out of trouble for two years.

If Hall doesn’t, jail could be in his future.