Looking Back at 2007

I thought I'd end the year with a look back at some of the calls I made a mere 12 months ago. Some were good, others didn't pan out quite as well as I'd hoped.

So, with no further ado:
Unemployment in Ohio will rise above 6%. Unemployment in October reached 5.9%, with November at 5.6%. We won't get December numbers until next month, but I'm going to call this one a qualified sort-of...

No border fence with Mexico. Nope, don't see one yet. *ding*

Hillary will wait before announcing her candidacy. *buzz* I admit, I missed this one. And look where it's gotten her - a big early boost, followed by falling numbers that may cost her in Iowa.

No ground will be broken on new arena. Missed this one by a couple of months - and was feeling quite secure with winter coming on.

Fees on garbage pickup. A big *ding* on this one. And to think, the "temporary" 3/4% income tax hasn't been repealed.

Erie Street Market to remain closed. In all fairness, has anyone realized it is open? Look for a possible resolution to this money pit from City Council on Jan. 2. (yeah, right)

Steam Plant shows not sign of progress. Can I get a "whoop whoop"? Well, the David and Jimmy Show sure did, with new tax credits!

Southwyck Mall remains on deadmalls.com. It is still listed as a "museum." *ding*

Blade labor dispute to last several months. The issue lasted into July - I do believe that qualifies. *ding*

Bringing out the crystal ball for 2007.

Welcome to the New Year. With everyone making their 2007 predictions, I thought it appropriate to add a few of my own:

• Unemployment in Ohio will rise above 6%, and quite possibly 7%. Between the new minimum wage, and the Dems running the state, this will be unavoidable.
• There will be no border fence with Mexico. Mistress Nancy has to curry favor with her base, and the illegal immigrant lobby still has sway in the party of the left.
• Hillary will wait as long as possible before announcing her candidacy for President. Not only to amass a war chest, but to keep the media focus on herself and away from darlings like Obama.
• No ground will be broken on a new arena, despite raising the hotel tax. Instead, expect another study. In the meantime, one wonders if Perrysburg will attempt another project, perhaps “Bass Pro Arena?”
• Carty and City Council will institute fees on garbage pickup, raise fees on police and fire responding to accidents, and not repeal the “temporary” 3/4% income tax designed to pay for those services.
• The Mayor will attempt to create at least one new bike path under the media’s radar, despite the deficit the city will be running under.
• The Erie Street Market will remain closed for “renovations,” unless by some miracle it is sold to a private developer.
• The Steam Plant project will show no visible signs of progress, and be steadfastly ignored by the Blade. Expect a dissolution of the David Ball/Jim Jackson development corporation, and the monies paid to have disappeared.
• Southwyck will remain a standard bearer on deadmalls.com.
• Word will begin to get out that the Toledo Public Schools’ building project is massively over budget. Blame will be assigned to thieves stealing copper pipes and wire, rather than the mismanagement. Paying for the cost overruns will be assigned to Toledo taxpayers.
• A bitter labor dispute at “One of America’s Great Newspapers” will drag on for several months. The workers will be reinstated to their jobs, but no resolution will be achieved. The resulting strike may finish the newspaper off. Good riddance.

As always, these predictions are not offers to sell, buy, or barter. If you base your future, financial plans, or life’s happiness on this column, you deserve what you get.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo