Mansfield resident Samantha Peko spoke to the Shelby City Council on Monday evening about the House Bill 203 regarding the “Stand Your Ground” law. And Mayor Marilyn John gave her report on the state on the city.
Peko addressed the current bill that is known as “Stand Your Ground” law. She asked that the city consider passing a resolution that opposes the law.
“I believe it will encourage unnecessary violence. I argue that stand your ground is not about self defense but will go beyond reasonable limitations and allow for the use of deadly force to be used in situations where it could have been avoided. If you can avoid the use of deadly force without causing harm to yourself or those around you, I believe that you should exercise that,” said Peko.
Councilwoman Pat Carlisle explained to council members that she invited Peko to speak. Carlisle shared that Peko has spoken at other meetings, including the Mansfield City Council. “This is a complicated piece of legislation. It is something worth reading and knowing what the current laws are,” said Carlisle.
Carlisle stated that Peko is not affiliated with any organization of any specific kind. “She is doing this as an independent who has the courage to stand up and say this something I don’t particularly like and I applaud her for doing that,” said Carlisle.
The state of the city was discussed by Mayor John and she highlighted the accomplishments and challenges that 2013 brought. John highlighted the disclosure of The Castamba Theatre that occurred this past summer.
“Another building from days gone by, made a reappearance in the summer bringing back fond memories when the siding was removed from the Shelby Thrift Store to reveal the façade of The Castamba Theatre,” said John.
John also explained the success the Farmers Market and the newest program, Farm to Plate brought to Shelby. “Chefs from around the area were invited to give cooking demonstrations for the public by using produce purchased at the Farmers Market. Farm Bureaus around state are hoping to replicate the program in other communities,” said John.
John then described the experience of” A Night of Christmas Magic.” “The wonder of Christmas was experienced by our business community,” said John.
She also highlighted the success of the projects regarding the Utility Department and highlighted the street levy that were passed in 2013. John explained that LeaderRichland will continue to grow this year.
“With the addition of two more schools, we went from 160 students the first year to over 500 students this past year. This spring, nine schools will be participating with close to 1,000 students,” said John. John thanked the Richland Community Development Group for their assistance with making it a region wide program.
John discussed the challenges the city faced in 2013, including the 142 year old fire house. “Finding a new home for all of our safety forces remains a top priority for this administration,” said John.
She further noted the flood challenges the city faced during the summer. “A flood in July reminded us of the importance of continuing our search for funding opportunities for a new firehouse, as well as our work with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. The HEC-RAS will be completed in the first quarter of 2014, allowing an engineering firm to offer potential solution to the flooding problems we have experienced for a century,” said John.
Success in the community and economic development in Shelby included the addition of Taco Bell opening in the spring of 2014. Another business, The Vault, will serve as a wine bar, will be opening in the original Citizens Bank building.
Finally John said that Shelby Bicycle Days will be “Bringing Back the Bike”. “There are many great events scheduled over our three day festival so put it on your calendar and join us for a time when Shelby shines,” said John.
“With the addition of two more schools, we went from 160 students the first year to over 500 students this past year. This spring, nine schools will be participating with close to 1,000 students,” said Mayor John.
