Comments, I get Comments
By Mike Stegall 

Over a month ago I put forth the idea of Darke County looking into the possibility of doing a joint Fire District, or EMA District, or both.  I stated that I thought that because of rising costs it might be the time to check into the possibilities.  I then asked for people’s comments, good or bad, and to let me know what they thought.  Boy, did I get comments! I knew that this was a hot button issue, and that some of the comments would be, shall we say “colorful!” 

It is funny to me though how some people think.  I want to thank everyone at this time for the comments, good and bad, but I also would like to inform some of you on how to get your point across.  What I noticed was this:  those that actually had a comment about the subject would tell me what they thought, good or bad, and then sign their name.  Those that only wanted to take a shot at me, and tell me how stupid I was to even mention this, never signed their real name!  Now, I think I am pretty easy to get along with, and with all the ways I put myself out to the public, I would have thought that I was approachable to everyone.  I mean, really, I do the Coffee’s, write columns, put my phone number out, and write Commissioners Corner every month.

However, because I sign all columns, except Commissioners Corner, with my own name, I expected people to do the same.  I think signing your real name to something shows how much you believe what you are saying.  If you have to use an alias, you are not sure of your position, or are afraid of ridicule.  Trust me, ridicule isn’t that bad.  I try not to ridicule people with ideas because that is how you learn.  Everyone should be able to speak their mind without reprisal or feeling stupid.  I don’t do that to people, that is how I know what the people who elected me want.  

Oh, I may kid or needle you a little, but it is all in good fun, and I expect it back from others, that’s what makes life fun!  Anyway, if you want me to take your comments seriously, and I do want your opinions, please have the courage to sign your name.  Otherwise, I just discount your ideas because It tells me that you really don’t believe what you are saying.  Sorry, but I like dealing with positive people, and most unsigned or faked named comments are mostly negative anyway, and almost always not on subject, just a chance to yell at me.  If anyone wants to just yell at me, feel free to do so, I can take it, and I won’t get mad.  When I was officiating, I was called everything but a milk cow, so it doesn’t bother me.  It would help though if I knew what you were upset about, and who you are. So before you start, tell me what you are yelling about, and who you are. It lets me know you really mean it, and not just a chance to yell at someone because you are having a bad hair day or something! 

I have had a lot of comments from all over southwest Ohio, and Darke County.  Most of the comments were positive towards the idea, at least the ones that were signed with a real name or e-mail address.  The ones from other Counties were from firefighters who were familiar with the situation and thought it was a good idea to look into.  So, I am going to give you people who had all the negatives to say, (mostly about me personally), another chance.  If you think this is a stupid idea, SAY SO, THEN TELL ME WHY.  

I want good debate on subjects from people who put thought into their positions.  That is how I know what you want me to do.  I will not show your comments to others, or e-mail or call you back and tell you that you are being stupid.  I promise.  I want to know what YOU think, not what you feel.   Put some thought into it because your opinion is as important as anyone else’s, so be proud of it.  By the way, the positive comments are way outnumbering the negative at this point, so if you can think of why we shouldn’t at least look into this, let me know, and “Thank you” in advance. 

Mike Stegall, Official Negative comment receiver and Darke County Commissioner!