By Way to go

December 10, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

My hat is off to Sheriff Jones!

By Brian J Londergan

December 10, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

If people can’t pay they should be evicted. What are the banks supposed to do? Loan money for free?

By britt

December 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Way to go. Why bail out banks if you cant help the borowers.

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Do people living in apartments who are behind in their rent get the same treatment? I don’t think that they do. I remember last year I came real close to being evicted from my rented apartment because my unemployment ran out before I could find a job. I just found out that I am losing my current job 31 Dec. I’m scared to death. Ohio won’t help you unless you are an illegal immigrant or have children under 18.

By Nyci

December 10, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

If you remember correctly - the taxpayers just bailed out the banking industry with a $319 BILLION bailout. As a bankruptcy paralegal I see the ridiculous amounts that banks charge for foreclosure that’s been deemed unconstitutional and end up being ordered by a judge to NOT be paid. Like charging $95 to read a web page that only costs 2 cents. Banks can be vultures and it’s nice that someone is doing the right thing until this economy recovers.

By gary

December 10, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

i am in complete agreement with the sheriff,its high time someone stood up for the people that cant help them selves or their children, my hat off to you sheriff.

By Nyci

December 10, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

If you remember correctly - the taxpayers just bailed out the banking industry with a $319 BILLION bailout. As a bankruptcy paralegal I see the ridiculous amounts that banks charge for foreclosure that’s been deemed unconstitutional and end up being ordered by a judge to NOT be paid. Like charging $95 to read a web page that only costs 2 cents. Banks can be vultures and it’s nice that someone is doing the right thing until this economy recovers.

By Rox

December 10, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

This article has touched my heart and filled my eyes with tears! What a wonderful and caring man Sheriff Richard K. Jones is…Butler County is indeed lucky to have him serve… Any way this kind man can make it to the Presidency one day?…And the answer is no, I am not one in danger of being foreclosed upon, nor even in Butler County (I’m in Montgomery County)… I hope Montgomery County Sheriff will join Butler County’s Sheriff’s example of human kindness.

By Barry

December 10, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

while some may disaggree with the sheriff, he is supposed to enforce the law and the will of the courts. you have to respect a man for doing what he thinks the right thing is in these times

By osuvegas

December 10, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Awesome! Sheriff Jones. Finally some one who cares. And Britt it should be won’t not can’t.

By concerned

December 10, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

My husband and I along with our 3 children had to leave our home of over a year last month because the owner needed to rent it out for more money since times were getting tough. My husband gets laid off every winter and my check barely covers childcare costs, so we were faced with a what now situation. We packed up and moved into a 1 bedroom house, the sad thing is that the owner of the previous house was my sister-in-law. But I understand both sides, It’s very hard for everyone right now, but I am glad to see Sheriff Jones trying to help the helpless out.

By concerned

December 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

My husband and I along with our 3 children had to leave our home of over a year last month because the owner needed to rent it out for more money since times were getting tough. My husband gets laid off every winter and my check barely covers childcare costs, so we were faced with a what now situation. We packed up and moved into a 1 bedroom house, the sad thing is that the owner of the previous house was my sister-in-law. But I understand both sides, It’s very hard for everyone right now, but I am glad to see Sheriff Jones trying to help the helpless out.

By Sassy

December 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Way to go Sheriff!!!

By concerned

December 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

My husband and I along with our 3 children had to leave our home of over a year last month because the owner needed to rent it out for more money since times were getting tough. My husband gets laid off every winter and my check barely covers childcare costs, so we were faced with a what now situation. We packed up and moved into a 1 bedroom house, the sad thing is that the owner of the previous house was my sister-in-law. But I understand both sides, It’s very hard for everyone right now, but I am glad to see Sheriff Jones trying to help the helpless out.

By Del

December 10, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

This is a great idea! And to the individual who says “what about me” you have a place to live don’t you? Ever hear of compassion? Maybe you should get some. Congrats to the sheriff. Hope Montgomery County does the same.

By Matt

December 10, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Sheriff Jones, Due to the recession that we are currently in I am asking you to please issue an order that your Deputies stop enforcing the law. I am fearful that the fines incurred by the offenders may cause them to be unable to make their mortgage/rent payments.

By Matt

December 10, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Sheriff Jones, Due to the recession that we are currently in I am asking you to please issue an order that your Deputies stop enforcing the law. I am fearful that the fines incurred by the offenders may cause them to be unable to make their mortgage/rent payments.

By null

December 10, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Bankers are not evil entities out to strip people from their money and property. This is just the way the system works, -f you agree to pay for a home and you don’t, you should lose it. Sheriffs cannot go around following only the court orders they agree with and disregarding those they don’t. Our way of life is in danger when we throw the rules of finances and civil laws out the window. That’s not to say we shouldn’t help people who’ve become victims of the poor economy/recession. We should! But keeping people in homes they can’t pay for perpetuates the cycle of putting the burden on our banks which now means the taxpayer has to foot an even bigger burden in the end. The bust in housing is directly related to people who aren’t paying their mortgages. If these homes are deemed worthless then housing values will continue to decline and even more stress is dumped on the responsible homeowners and taxpayers. We have to stop this vicious cycle before it spirals out of control. When our courts and law enforcement rules are void, we are doomed.

By ecp3886

December 10, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

If the sheriff can not do his job. Fire him. I care about people to. The law says they are evicted. Vamoose compadre. I live in and apartment. I get behind, the sheriff will be knocking on my door. That is why there is Red Cross,Churches, and the salvation army. The Sheriff should write to congress. Have the Feds, bailout all the people behind in their mortgage payments through the Winter months. The letter would have more backing coming from the Governor. That’s the ticket…

By Rox

December 10, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

My oh My…Brian J. Londergan…after reading your post It saddened me and I was reminded of the story A Christmas Carol… You know, the one with Scrooge saying in regards to less fortunate people…are there no deptor’s prisons, are there no jails… perhaps it would be better if they should die and end the surplus population… Haha, maybe three ghost should visit you! Put a little empathy and understanding in your heart!

By ecp3886

December 10, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

If the sheriff can not do his job. Fire him. I care about people to. The law says they are evicted. Vamoose compadre. I live in and apartment. I get behind, the sheriff will be knocking on my door. That is why there is Red Cross,Churches, and the salvation army. The Sheriff should write to congress. Have the Feds, bailout all the people behind in their mortgage payments through the Winter months. The letter would have more backing coming from the Governor. That’s the ticket…

By Way to Go Ohio

December 10, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

I agree with Sheriff Jones, I think it time that we need to step up for all.

By renee

December 10, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

matt you do not need to be a smart mouth.what this man is doing is a good thing its not a childs fault if mom and or dad is a drug user and dont pay their rent.right now things are bad and people are loosing jobs,and alot of jobs are paying less.maybe people that are not going threw bad times right now should try to help a neighbor who is.

By Angie

December 10, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Most people can not help losing thier jobs, I agree people need to pay thier bills but what are you to do when you cant due to no fault of your own? For those who think life and black and white, think again because it is NOT, not by a long shot.

By sentinel

December 10, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

I think some of you are missing the point. He’s not saying he will not evict people, he said he wants to suspend evictions temporarily. You can’t compare people who are out of money due to a recession to criminals. Besides, the banks are winning here. They’re getting money from the feds for these houses, their kicking people out of them and then selling them. Now they’re getting double the profit. Don’t feel bad for the banks on this one.

By Sad

December 10, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

What he is doing is a great idea! These familes have hit hard times, and believe me, it can happen it anyone. It’s nice to see a person with compassion towards the needed. And coming from someone who had hard times, it’s pointless going to the Salvation Army, Red Cross or United Way. They don’t help anyone with anything. When my husband lost his job for a couple months, I went to get them help for only my light bill and they said they couldn’t help me because we made to much money the year before.

By arniez

December 10, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

One of the problems encountered by Deputies in a lot of jurisdictions has to do with evictions on rentals where the landlord/owner has defaulted. These folks have been making payments, however, by virtue of the owner defaulting, they are being evicted. Now THAT is a problem…

By Libertarian

December 10, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

It is not the government’s responsibility to make sure you have a place to live. If you are behind on your mortgage or rent, and you continue to stay, you are stealing from the owner. Theft is wrong, hence you need to be evicted ASAP.

By painfultruth

December 10, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

What’s next, stop arresting people as they can’t pay the fine anyway? Too bad most of you thick-skulled morons don’t understand that 7% unemployment actually means 93% of the working people HAVE JOBS! If they can’t pay their house payment, throw them out. You can’t keep a car if you don’t make payments. You can’t buy groceries without money. Stop penalizing the banks for the irresponsible people that can’t manage their own lives. Oh, the POOOOOOR people. Whine, whine, whine. GET A JOB, YOU DUMMIES!

By Employer in the area

December 10, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

While I wholehearted agree with the Sheriff’s intentions of not putting someone out on the streets, the sheriff’s decision will actually create more problems. If people no longer have to face eviction, why worry about paying their mortgages at all? Eviction is the price to be paid when you don’t pay your mortgage. I currently have 2 jobs open in my company for $12/hour and no one is willing to take this pay. Have we priced ourselves out of jobs? I know if I was facing foreclosure, I’d work 3-4 jobs to make the payment. Am I missing something?

By Libertarian

December 10, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

One of the problems with so many people on this board is that they want to use the power of government to subsidize people who are irresponsible. You want to use the police power of government to force lenders and property owners to hand over some of their property to squatters. You guys are a bunch of pathetic babies and whiners. Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Whatever happened to rugged individualism? Whatever happened to holding people accountable for their decisions in life? If I cannot pay my mortgage or rent, I would never dream of forcing my landlord or mortgage company to pay my way. Why should they have to pay?? What did they do wrong? What right do I have to their property? If it happened to me, I would move out ASAP. It is not their problem - it is my problem, and it is up to me to find a solution to it.

By Libertarian

December 10, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Can someone find me ONE instance where a person froze or starved to death because they were evicted from their home? Even if that has occurred, it is not the fault of the lender or landlord. When a person is evicted - and MANY people deserve to be evicted - they can always go to a shelter, church, or community organization for assistance if family help is not available. This is exactly why socialism is so in vogue nowadays… people want to use the government to force people (in this case, landlords) to handover their property to others. This is institutionalized theft. If you are a socialist, why do you continue to live in this country? Why don’t you move to France or Sweden??

By Holly

December 10, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Being a previous manager of an apartment community and currently in the auto industry, I completely understand both sides and totally respect the decision of the sherriff. It would be nice if management companies had a process in place and guidelines for people who are struggling, where they could make payments rather than being evicted. I hope Governor Strickland takes this to heart and gives all a Merry Christmas that might be struggling.

By Jim Thickmann

December 10, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

What a joke. Why would anyone pay their mortgage? The free market has to correct itself.

By I shot the Sheriff

December 10, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

This sheriff needs to stop complaining and do his job.It is tough for everyone, whether you have a mortgage or you rent every must pay thier bills.To say that you will refuse to do your duty is a slap in the face of the taxpayors of that community and the sheriff should be removed immediately and replaced with someone who can and will fulfill their obligations.What the sheriff has just told the community is that if your behind on your payments just dont pay your rent or mortage as I wont do my job and you can reside their free of charge, at least for the next few years until the economy recovers.What about the mortgage lenders and landlords how are they to pay thier bills?

By evictemjones

December 10, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

This Sheriff is way out of line. His JOB is to enforce the law, not decide it. Its scary to think he has the authority to decide which laws to enforce and which ones not too. The Judge decides whether to issue an eviciton or not, not some cop who isnt qualified to make the decision. What next? He’ll decide not to arrest someone for shoplifting? He needs to do his job, which is enforce the law, not make it. He should be impeached.

By dave

December 10, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I applaud the Sherriff and hope his sympathetic voice is heard and acted upon by our governor. Granted, I understand the idea of “get-a-job,” but what do we do when there are no jobs out there? Force people into homelessness? I hope that our neighbors and citizens aren’t so far lost, that their compassion is wavering when so many people are in need. Here’s an idea: why don’t our corporations and business owners quit outsourcing and laying people off to save a few pennies and start taking responsibility for keeping people employed, instead of trying to increase profits by downsizing. You see, some people may be born on their “own” land and into money, while many others are born onto lands owned by others. If you own the land those less-fortunate live on, it’s your responsibility to help them make it, not hurt them because they aren’t as fortunate as you are.

By Andyman

December 10, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

This world is becoming so greedy and selfish. Tell me how it is my fault that I lost my job due to a spinal disorder, no longer allowing me to do my job of 5 years. Tell me how it is my fault that a year later doctors find a brain tumor after my wife had lost 3/4 of her vision. Now neither of us can continue our careers. It is so simple to just get a new job/career right? Oh yeah I know how to fix the economy too. We should give billions to the financial and automotive industries whom have numerous “executives” that get paid MILLIONS to run things into the ground. Rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It is simple to say “get a job” when you haven’t been through a trying time yourself.

By Tard to the Rescue

December 10, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

ONLY A TARD WOULD THINK OF THIS…what about someone like me who own properties in the area but reside someplace else. I earn a living from those rentals and that is how I pay my bills. When he refuses to evict those who refuse to pay thier rent then he is then causing myself to be out of work and not to pay my bills. Unfortunately for myself and my family, as we live in a community where the sheriff will do his job. When I cant pay by bills then I get evicted and my family will be out in the cold. Then to spit in my face I can not even move to one of my rental properties because a TARD for a sheriff wont evict those SOBs that wont pay their rent. So I have to go to a shelter or live on the streets…this would not even make sense to a person who is mentally challenged.

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

“I get behind, the sheriff will be knocking on my door. That is why there is Red Cross,Churches, and the salvation army.” — Um, I don’t know about you, but last year I was in a situation and I could not get help from any of these—you would think the churches would help, but they don’t.

By dave

December 10, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

It’s rather impressive to me that someone who uses the terminology “tard” to depict a man with a compassionate heart, can have an opinion on anything in the first place.

By God Does not Save Whiners

December 10, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Andyman stop whining…i have empathy for your situation but I dont owe you anything more than empathy. If you cant pay your bills then your right to live there is forfeited that is what the law says and that is why a judge issues a foreclosure order. The duties of the sheriff’s office to obey the laws set forth by the community and that includes orders issued by the courts of that community. If the sheriff refuses to enforce a court order would he be incontempt of court and therefore subject to arrest. Although I doubt he would enforce that law either. This sheriff is a dope.

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

God forbid one of you without compassion should lose your job, your money, your home, and find out what it is like. Then, maybe you would have some compassion. Maybe not. Didn’t Jesus say something like it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven…I think we all need to think on this a while.

By Sam

December 10, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

THAT A BOY! RUN THE LANDLORDS OUT OF BUTLER COUNTY TOO ALONG WITH THE ILLEGALS! I GUESS WE NO LONGER NEED JUDGES LET LAW ENFORCEMENT LEGISLATE FROM THEIR CRUISERS!

By Rox

December 10, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Good Peoples, isn’t it a lil bit scary to read such hard colded posts? A few of the opinion that since it’s the sheriff’s job, he should do this job without question…he should evict these unfortunates during the cold winter months, litterly put them out in the street…he should do this or or be fired for not doing his job… I’m very proud of this Sheriff…got me to wondering… if the nazi troups would have stood tall and not afraid to do the right thing, to have not followed Hitler’s commands because it was their job and their duty, how different the world would be now… ohhhh but nazi troups would not have been doing their job, right?

By nobankerhere

December 10, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Awesome! Sheriff Jones says it all. He is right of course, I hate the banks. Bankers have made all of us a victim of their greed.

By TARD TARD TARD

December 10, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Dave dont be a tard…lol…in my opinion the word TARD is the perfect word to describe this particular sheriff. Oh by the way…there is a big difference from having a “compassionate heart” and just down right not refusing to do your job and disobeying orders set by the courts. What happens to Mr Citizen who breaks a court order - JAIL or FINES…what happens to Mr Worker when he refuses to do his job - FIRED! Take your compasionate heart and shove it…if dont like TARD tell your compasionate hearted Tard for a sheriff maybe he will care.

By David

December 10, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

There is no question that the sheriff and some of the posters have compassion for people being evicted. It is a difficult situation. My suggestion for the posters who support the sheriff is to call his office and offer your home as a place where people evicted can stay without charge until the end of Winter. If enough of you make that offer, then the sheriff would have that option. If you are not willing to make that offer, then maybe its only a good idea if it doesn’t affect you.

By bad idea

December 10, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Although his hearts in the right place, he cannot expect the landlords to let people live there for free!! that is ridiculous. Thats like selling something and the sheriff telling you they dont have to pay. I bet the landlord has bills to pay also like property taxes, utilities and what if that’s the owners only income. I have seen plenty of evictions and yes some residents may be elderly or have some type of medical condition that may hamper them in some way but that is not the usual case. Law enforcement’s job is to enforce the law, not make judgements and enforce only the laws they feel like enforcing. Yes the job is not always pleasant but that’s the job, to enforce the law, especially when a court order is handed down by a judge. I commend his big heart but disobeying a court order is derelection of duty.

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Create some jobs or we’ll be having more examples of people losing their jobs, not able to find new jobs, and losing their homes, apts., etc. Get a job? I’m losing mine the end of this month, and I’m scared to death to think I might have to go through what I went through last year when my unemployment ran out and I still couldn’t find a freaking job. Oh yeah, I did find a job selling credit cards for $7.50/hr., but I could not pay my rent on that, let alone buy groceries or put gas in my car so I could even go to work. This is nuts! I would never have dreamed I would even accept a job for $7.50/hr, but there I was. BTW, that’s less than 1/2 of what I’m making right now, so here’s hoping YOU don’t have to go through this, and that I can find a job before it happens AGAIN to me!

By Modern Esquire

December 10, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Um, he’s not talking about people being foreclosed on, he’s talking about people being evicted for not paying the rent. All this talk about banks is nonsense. Does anyone honestly believe Jones will do this? No, he’ll get a letter from the Governor correctly saying the Governor has no authority to order county sheriffs not to evict people this winter, and Jones will blame the Democratic governor for “forcing” him to evict people. Jones isn’t above the law, and he’s not entitled to decide which court orders he’ll enforce and which ones he ignores. If he can’t accept the fact that he isn’t “the law” in this county, he should take his next trip to the political grandstand and announce his resignation. Jones is cruel for giving desparate people false hope just so he can have yet another political stunt.

By Responsible Homeowner

December 10, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me? Why do we want to bail out people who put THEMSELVES into this situation by signing thier name on a mortgage they couldn’t afford in the first place? Why not hold people responsible for thier actions? Let the houses be foreclosed. Force the people out. Let the banks suffer for the stupid loans to the stupid people who got them.

By Andyman

December 10, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Anybody that feels the banks are losing out by somebody not being evicted is more ignorant than I could have imagined. Explain to me, in an intellectual way, how the poor banks and mortgage lenders are suffering when they were the ones in the first place to lend the money to those that could not afford to repay the loan in the first place. The subprime lending fiasco was a scam from the beginning and it backfired on them. And now who suffers. Certainly not the lenders. And yes, it is far better to leave a house vacant than to allow a grace period(that’s sarcasm by the way). My comment doesn’t apply to rentals, that is a whole different story. And for the record, I haven’t asked for a damn thing from anyone as the poster above implied I felt am owed something????

By tax payer

December 10, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

the sheriff’s sworn to do his job, if he choses not to perform as he has sworn to do, fire him, get someone else to do the job. I pay big taxes, and also give thousands to needy, sick, charities and church. if you need help, find it. if you want to live here, pay the rent or get out. its simple, not simple minded, get with the program.

By mystified

December 10, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Since Jones wants to be so charitable then he shouldn’t mind paying the mortgage out of his own pocket to keep some of these people in the home, or maybe he can open up one of his wings in that huge jail to house the homeless…at HIS cost and NOT the taxpayers’. That is exactly what he is demanding of the property owners when he refuses to serve an eviction. So not only does the landlord have the burden of paying the monthly mortgage with no income for that property but they also have taxes, court costs, attorney fees, and any damage to repair by the time the tenant does move. Not to mention by the time an eviction is served the tenant can be anywhere from 2 months to 6 months behind on rent. Is this fair to do to the landlords in Butler county? I’m sure many of them are just a payment away from being at foreclosure’s doorstep. Is it right that Jones should be allowed to risk their financial situation to save anothers’? This is just going to cause more foreclosures when all these landlords start defaulting on the loans - and why shouldn’t they at that point? They can just go rent a house in Butler county, not pay their rent and be safe from eviction. Charity should be voluntary NOT mandatory!

By Tamra

December 10, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Way to go Mr.Jones!!!!! That’s exactly why I voted for that man! I would vote for him 100 times over!

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Too bad the greedy churches don’t help people who are being evicted and instead build bigger and taller temples and flush the money on themselves. I don’t think this is what God had in mind. True believers will help others, and help pass laws that are kinder to the poor that truly need help. Our government only helps illegals and people with children under 18, so if you are a legal citizen over 18, our government won’t help you. Believe me, I checked into last year when I was in between jobs.

By Tamra

December 10, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Way to go Mr.Jones!!! That’s exactly why I voted for that man!!! I would vote for him 100 times over!

By nully

December 10, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

are you people all nuts? the ‘borrower” is the person who owns the building, not the person renting. The person who owns the building needs to pay his mortgage with the rent payments. So you think the owner should go to the bank and say “I’m sorry but I cannot pay my mortgage this month, is that okay?” what do you think the banks will do? Not only will it hurt the credit of the owner, it could cause him to go into bankruptsy and go on unemployment, get evicted from his home and die from the cold weather… If you aren’t paying rent, get on a bus and ride to a warmer climate where sleeping on the street won’t kill you.

By bad idea

December 10, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

It’s simple math. No rent = no income for landlord/owner. When the landlord gets forclosed on because he cant pay his mortgage since the renters arent paying him, will Jones let him stay there for free? Someone has to pay eventually.

By Rox

December 10, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I’d bet my hard earned money and no doubt would win that bet - that the people who posted here with no empathy for others are republicans… and the ones that posted here with praise for the Sheriff and empathy for the unfortunate are democrats… you can tell by the live and let die attitude vs the live and let live attitude…

By jj

December 10, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

YEAH!! My house is going in forclosure and I was saving for a rent deposit. Now I don’t have to and can get my kids a good Christmas.

By mystified

December 10, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

I’d bet my hard earned money that the people who agree with him are people who are renters and have no idea what it’s like being a landlord.

By preacher,franklin,ohio

December 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

god says we are to help the poor people if rich people worship god instead ofmoney andhelp the poor geter done for jesus god bless you all love inchirst preacher.p.s. we are in end times god can any time.

By middsteve

December 10, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

fire him n prosecute him for not doing the job he is sworn to do!now what do the landlords do for money.the next time you are hungry,go to krogers,fill your cart go to customer service,tell them you have no money,see what they tell you.this only the start of obama “everything for everybody society”

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I’m a Republican, and I’m a Christian. I know that our churches today don’t help people like they are supposed to, and our government is taking more and more of our money in taxes and not giving back to us who really need help. These organizations that are supposed to help us, don’t. So that’s why you see so many homeless out there in the cold. And of course, everyone wants to blame it on them, instead of realizing that the rain does fall on the just and the unjust (Jesus said that in the Bible, just in case you were wondering). So no, it is not always that person’s fault that they are homeless. The future scares me because there are too many people who don’t care to help anyone but themselves and their own families. Keep it up. The road to perdition is getting wider.

By Barb

December 10, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

I applaud the efforts of Mr Jones. I myself have been laid off of my job which I worked for 11 years. We trained our replacement workers in Costa Rica so I knew it was coming. I had time to plan but still would hate to be thrown out because I cannot pay my rent. I did what I was supposed to do everyday for 11 years. I don’t think my employer met it’s obligation to take care of the people they employ. They took us for granted and used us until they could find someone that they could pay $1.85 per hour for less than quality work. The greed of corporations is the evil in this country!!!

By Tima

December 10, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Maybe these greedy judges will get the right idea from this sherriff. Their the ones that order the forclosures for the banks. They should just stop ordering the forclosures as long as someone is unemployed. Then when someone gets a job they’ll start paying the mortgage again. This would work for renters too!!

By Red

December 10, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

GIVE ME A BREAK! Jones is only using people’s hard times to buy sympathy votes! SHAME ON HIM! Ask him how many doors he has removed in the dead of winter on families with children because they wouldn’t pay their rent to HIM! If he took a lie dector test there is no way he could say he never did it himself! WAKE UP PEOPLE. HE IS A POLITICIAN FIRST AND WILL USE ANYTHING TO GET ATTENTION IN THE PAPER!

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Every single person in this “country” makes decisions every day, sometimes by deciding to do nothing you have made a decision. Have you ever helped out one of those guys standing outside wearing a sign saying they needed food, a job, or something else?

By Rox

December 10, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Ha! You’d loose that bet Mystified! I fully own my resident home in Montgomery County - outright with no mortagee…I also have two rental properties… Just because I have a good heart for my fellow man doesn’t mean I’m without means myself… sooooo pay up buttercup… haha… ohhhh and if I was right on my first bet as well, please make a donation to your local shelter or go work in a food pantry or soup kitchen this holiday season, just for one day… will surely do your heart good! Merry Christas to those who have it and those who don’t.

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Here’s another thought—some people don’t have families or friends to depend on. Almost all of my family is dead, so if I’m evicted, I truly have no where to go but out on the street. I’ve never had to sleep on the street, and I don’t want to find out what it is like, either. Hope I don’t have to find out…if you are a Christian, please pray for me. Thanks.

By Greedy Banker #2

December 10, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Andyman…when you continually use the words “my..me..I” it typically signifies that the person feels they are owed something…sorry if I misconstrued the selfishness that I read in YOUR post. We can play the blame game all day if you wish, but the facts here is the sheriff has a duty and responsibility to obey the courts orders, failing to enforce the laws and court orders if failure to do his job and that means he should be fired. To the person who wishes to somehow compare this idiotic sheriff not doing the job he was elected to do with the Nazi’s who followed hitler’s orders is a bigger moron than this sheriff. To those who wish to complain about not able to find a job in the area then maybe you need to do one of 3 things…start your own business…re-educate yourself…or move. To remain in a community where you can not make a living good enough to pay your bills is ridiculus (at least to me it is). Moving is hard but it is better than being homeless, oh wait the idiot sheriff does not evict people so you dont have to worry about being homeless. I lost my job before, I lived in my car before, filed bankrupcty and lost everything and guess what Im not dead and honestly I am better off for having those experiences.

By CiaoBella

December 10, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

This is why we voted for you Sheriff Jones! Some of the posts here are indeed sad…if the shoe was on the other foot, oh and believe me it certainly can be, you would be thankful for someone with the cajones to stand up for what is right.

By Squirrellygirl

December 10, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

The gates of hell open wider to catch those of you who don’t love your fellow man and choose to be greedy and heap more and more money upon yourselves and your own families. So have a Merry Christmas, because judgement awaits you.

By Melissa

December 10, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

I agree that Sheriff Jones has a big heart and tries to do the best thing for his county, BUT, lets remember the property owners here who still have to pay the mortgages even when the renters don’t pay. We have 4 people unable to pay their rent this month, which is going to cause 4 more foreclosures on the books if they are allowed to live for free in our houses. Lets quit punishing those who provide a nice place for people to live. We are all struggling to pay our bills!

By mystified

December 10, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Rox - I too own my own home, and have several rental properties in Butler County. It’s taking everything I’ve got to keep all the mortgages paid. My work has slowed down just like many other people. I donate to several organizations every year and have NO problem doing it…WHEN I CAN! Not when I’m forced to. This is not a matter of whoever donates more is a better person. Not every landlord is in the position to let people live in their houses for free and even if they were in that position who is Jones to decide that for them?

By Greedy Banker #9

December 10, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Squirrellygirl…why dont you just start quoting the scripture and stop your holier than thou sayings…here try this saying out for size…”God is Dead, God is Dead, and you killed him!!!” Judge that.

By devin

December 10, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Employeer in the area. What Job opening do you have availible? What are the hours? And where would i go to apply? Thanks

By S

December 10, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Thank God for people who has a heart. For all of you other people, we know where you’ll be spending your eternity with the devil. Please start reading your bibles! (if you own one)We are here to help one another. Stop digging holes for others because you might be digging it for yourself. Keep up the good work Mr. Jones and everyone else who has a heart. Haters get no where in life, just remember that. It could be you and your family with no place to call home. Just thank God you do have a place to call home and maybe think about inviting all the people being forced out to come live with you…you wouldn’t or couldn’t do that hater…hater. I do know one thing about people like yourself you don’t like yourself!!!!!

By denny

December 10, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Sheriff!! Don’t you run a big building on Hanover Street? Doesn’t it have beds and a big kitchen? It would be so kind of you to house these people for free.

By lb

December 10, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I currently work for a property managment company and I can tell you that we work with people all year long, but mostly in the winter. However, if tenants just continue to refuse to pay,(and trust me some will take advantaged), owners can not pay mortgages and property taxes, etc. THose folks who are trying to help themselves we work with, those who don’t have to be evicted. This is stealing point blank. But we do understand times are hard and we do our best to work with our tenants. We also have ALOT of tenants get help from Churches and other agencies. You have to go out and hustle for it, but it’s there. You can stop at one agency or Church.

By Duh

December 10, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

As the owner of multiple properties who depends on the income from those properties to survive, I myself will be out in the cold with nowhere to go if the sheriff refused to do his job. Not paying rent is the same as stealing. Put them in the jail. Put them in a homeless shelter. There are places. Instead of playing to base instincts, our public officials should be doing their statutory jobs. Not evicting people would create more evictions for those who rely on the income. This creates what is called a “downward spiral.” Do the job, not grandstanding. And grow up.

By Greedy Banker #3

December 10, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I cant believe someone used the words God and haters in the same post…AWESOME…although God is a hater dont you think, as he only allows his peps to worship one god…what about all the other gods and religions in the world are they not worthy of some love as well…

By Patty

December 10, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

He just wants to suspend foreclosures. Rent and mortgage are 2 different things. Rent means you do not own so you do not get foreclosed you get evicted. He does not need to foreclose on illegals he can just deport them and he does and will. I believe the foreclosures he does not want to do are the ones where they have found themselves without a job due to the layoffs due to the economy.

By deb

December 10, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I can agree on one thing if you are illegal in this country you can get all the help you need. Housing, food,medical. Now that we are in a recession should we not start thinking of our AMERICAN citizens first? Come on were losing more and more jobs everyday. I say stop the madness illegals need to go.

By Andyman

December 10, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

greedy banker #2….”They” are sorry for using terminology to express “their” situation in an attempt to explain how some do not choose to lose “my” jobs. “You” guess “you” forgot “my, me, I” represented terms to express personal examples of what “they” have experienced. So based on what you(this time I am using the word correctly I would assume) have posted throughout this article, you dug yourself into an irresponsible financial hole and filed bankruptcy to make your debt “go away”. Personally, I am not that ignorant to assume such a thing.

By Nathan Miller

December 10, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Police-Sanctioned Thievery I am a landlord in Columbus, Ohio. I own three buildings with a total of eight units, one of which I occupy myself. I am not rich. I work a full-time day job and serve in the National Guard to support myself, and I rely on the rents I receive to service the debts on my properties and to operate clean, safe, comfortable housing for my tenants. Butler County Sheriff Rick Jones no doubt has his heart in the right place, but his head is up his you-know-what. Nobody wants to see families struggling and homeless, but it falls to family, to charities, and to established community shelters to pick up the slack for these folks, not to private enterprise. Would Sheriff Butler also refuse to arrest shoplifters at Kroger? Shall we place a moratorium on prosecuting unemployed bank robbers for the winter? It sounds ridiculous, but what he is doing now is in effect no different: he is sanctioning thievery. By acting outside the scope of his power and refusing to do the job he was elected by taxpayers to do, Sheriff Jones is giving anyone who might be struggling to pay his bills a license to steal. Failing to enforce evictions not only takes money out of landlord’s pocketbooks, it cheats tenants who do pay their bills by inhibiting the property owner’s ability to properly maintain housing. If Sheriff Jones clings to his naïve, narrow-minded approach and continues to refuse to do his job, he should be removed from office and replaced with someone with the fortitude to do what needs to be done. Nathan Miller Columbus, Ohio

By You don't need religion to care

December 10, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

You don’t need to be religious, a bible-thumper like Squirrelly-Girl or S. Scott, or even a politician to care about people. As sheriff, Jones has the standing to raise the concern as he and his people are closer to this than most. I for one don’t fault him for raising the issue, though I don’t support him his request to stop, especially since there’s usually more than enough warning and steps in the way before he’d have to act. Perhaps, something formally could be enacted – without too much cost, to ensure that people are pointed in the right direction/s so they don’t get put out in the cold.

By Greedy Banker #2

December 10, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Patty does it matter why someone is in foreclosure…It is tough all over! Does it matter whether the sheriff is speaking of foreclosures or evictions the bottomline is they failed to pay their responsibility and have no right to live there…PERIOD. Lets not start yapping about illegal aliens because the facts are they pay thier freakin bills.

By lb

December 10, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

If an owner has a 20 unit building and 10 units are not paying, eventually everyone will be put out becasue the owner cannot make his mortgage payments.How is that fair to the 10 untis that are paying. Not only that the owner has to have plumbers to keep the water ruuning, most apartment buildings owners pay water. Owners have to have heating and air guys, just basic maintenance.

By Red

December 10, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

If Sheriff Jones has such a big heart call him and ask for a place to live. He owns SEVERAL rental properties. Then you can all live there free of charge. He obviously isn’t thinking about the people that rent out there duplex to help pay their bills, only of himself! Call him and get free rent from his property and see how he likes it.

By Greedy Banker #2

December 10, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Andyman…my bankruptcy came from paying 2 mortgages that did not belong to me so that my parents-who both became disabled around the same time unexpectedly and both struggled to get disability-could remain in thier homes. During this time financially I could not pay my bills along with all my mothers and my fathers bills…so I made a decision to pay thiers knowing that I have plenty of time to rebuild my credit during my life. Irresponsible maybe (I struggled years contemplating and trying to make payments and work out other options to pay my creditors) but in the end just could not dig myself out of that hole and had to go the bankruptcy route…like I said everyone has a sad story but who cares bottomline is that if you have responsibilities your take care them or face the consequences. It may mean your fired…or it may mean your evicted…it may even mean your homeless and out in the cold…so you should respond by working even harder to make sure it does not happen again to you…because if you dont then your a sucker and deserve everything you get.

By bad idea

December 10, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Sheriff is a Republican, kinda discredits Rox’s theory.

By Smith

December 10, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I had written a few weeks ago about the bigotry of this man, and was called out-of-line due to the fact that the sheriff was “obeying the law”. This contradicts completely that claim. Law enforcement officials are to enforce the law; failure to do so should result in dismissal. Who is this man to look beyond the law? To write and request a moratorium on evictions is perfectly legal; to state that you, as an elected official, will not enforce the law is simply not acceptable. Again, I ask the question: what morons elected this idiot?

By Rox

December 10, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Season’s Greetings Bad Idea…yeah, I was kind of guessing on that one!

By tim

December 10, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

It’s about time!! If we can get more of our “public servants” to serve the public, they’ll do what’s right instead of following the stupid laws. The people need the houses more than the greedy banks need the money. So just let people have what they need and things will be so much better.

By Get Real

December 10, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

What about the people that managed money properly and pay their bills on time? WHAT DO THEY GET??? It is almost like we are punishing people for doing the right thing. TIMES ARE TOUGH AND THEY ARE SELF MADE. Whatever happened to personal accountability? Oh I forgot it is the irresponsible era we are in.

By Rental Owner

December 10, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

My husband and I own rental units and use our rents to pay the mortgages. We each work 50 to 60 hours a week in other jobs to take care of our family. If our renters do not have to pay their rent, we can not pay the mortgages. You are inviting people to steal from my family. What is Christian about that. My family is struggling in this economy like everyone else. This would put a nail in our financial coffin. People who are talking about religion in regards to this subject are being very judgemental … which is not christian. This is an outrage. Good luck getting re-elected.

By From Hoovervilles to Bushvilles

December 10, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

During the last Great Depression, America had Hoovervilles for the homeless now Sheriff Jones should start Bushvilles for the people he evicts and forecloses. If the Sheriff Jones is really sincere about these people’s welfare, why doesn’t he help them find shelter and food well in advance of the eviction. Who would have more contacts for welfare then the Sheriff? Looks like political grandstanding to me. Seriously, a camp of government trailers for the evicted people called Bushvilles is for real. Paid for by taxing the Iraq war profiteirs

By a little suprised

December 10, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

I’ve gone through and read all of these posts. I understand we all have our opinions. I see both sides of it. If I were the Sheriff I imagine it would be very difficult to continually rip people out of their homes. I also see the landlords points of view. I never thought of the landlord until now. I just, for some reason had a tendency to link bank to evictions. It is sad though, to see how people get so angry and assume they know people’s circumstances. I am a homeowner. I am and have been on time with my mortgage payments. When I purchased my home, my husband and I could afford the payment with no problem at all. This past April we both lost our jobs. He was able to find a job (we were blessed) that pays 1/2 of what he was making. I have not been able to locate a job. I have applied and applied and have received zero calls. So I am bringing in unemployment that amounts to almost 1/2 of what I use to bring home. It is getting more difficult for us to keep up with the bills. I constantly fear that we will go into foreclosure. I would just like people to stop assuming that this housing crisis is made up of a bunch of bumbling fools who shouldn’t have purchased a home in the first place.

By Concerned Taxpayer

December 10, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

I am a private landlord with 4 units. Those 4 units are my personal investments of sorts. In managing those units, I do so with as much fairness and integrity as I possibly can. However, this does not mean I would allow someone to live there rent free just because they can’t make the rent payments. By the sheriff refusing to evict somone as ordered by the court, he would essentially be permitting the tenants to commit theft against the owner. I know there is a compassion element at play here and I don’t want to see anyone thrown out on the street to freeze or starve, but by not carrying out an eviction and allowing the owner to re-rent is depriving owners of a source of income. What would you think if your employer just decided he wasn’t going to pay you one week for time you already put in? You wouldn’t be happy right? But the sheriff is a hero for allowing income to be stolen by bad tenants? Makes no sense to me! I’m glad montgomery county sheriff isn’t doing this! If a sheriff refused to carry out a court ordered eviction on my units, I promise that I would slap a lawsuit against him within 24hrs.

By Concerned Taxpayer

December 10, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Reading more and more of these posts just astounds me that people support the sheriff without giving a second thought to landlords. I would agree to suspend an eviction if the tenants has been paying, but the house is/was foreclosed on — at least to give them 30 days notice to get out. But to stop all evictions? Real world scenario: The tenant in my most expensive rental unit (800) loses his job on dec 31, 2008, can’t make rent, and won’t leave willingly. He doesn’t pay rent by Jan 4, I give 3 day notice on Jan 5, and file for eviction on jan 9. I have to wait ~4 weeks for an eviction hearing, we are now at ~Feb 10. I get a writ of restitution ordering the eviction. Eviction is scheduled for 2 weeks later, feb 24. I lost 1600 in rent, had to pay for court costs, will probably never get any of the money from them, and on top of it had to continue to pay the mortgage on the property. (500/month). This is for a normal eviction. Say the sheriff decided to stay evictions until April 1, 2008, when it warms up enough people won’t freeze. I would have had $3200 stolen from me by the tenant and the sheriff and could quite possible fall behind in my rental mortgage payments. The house goes into foreclosure and the whole housing crisis gets even worse.

By Rob

December 10, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Although I apprecaite anyone standing up for the rights of others, this is not a case where the sheirff is standing up for the rights of others. Quite the opposite, as he is in fact trampling the rights of others. Not only is he trampling the rights of the landlords and banks, he is trampling the very constitution itself. He took an oath to uphold the law, and his wilfull refusal to uphold the law—even if it’s “mean”—while wearing a badge is a violation of Section 1983, and can subject both he and the state to civil liabilities. If he wants to protest what he feels is unjust, then resign. It shows what a coward he is if he’s not man enough to put his money where his mouth is. How can he in good conscience arrest anyone for disobeying the law when he himself is disobeying the law? Sure he might not agree with the law, but I bet I can find a bunch of drug pushers who don’t agree with the laws that restrict their trade, as well. Should we not hold them accountable because they don’t agree with the law? This guy is fraud; he took an oath to uphold the law, but that doesn’t seem to be too important. What a fraud.

By Vicki

December 11, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this

I hope that the sheriff is able to follow through. My daughter is facing eviction tomorrow. She fell on hard times but now has a job, the landlord isn’t willing to work with her to catch up on the rent. Every place she has gone to for help has turned her down because she doesn’t have a child.

By Not Above the Law

December 11, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

If the Sheriff does not fulfull his all his duties, not the ones he feels is needed he is not the Sheriff for Butler Co. and should lose is rank. Some landlords depend on this rental money as a supplement to their income, they have earned it, unless maybe he wants to pay it. By the way, he also gives supporters of his campaign appraisal for re-po property at a rate much higher than going rate as local bank charge borrowers. Landlords should sue the Sheriff and County is deeds are not met, and see how they like it. Maybr the Sheriff Dept can also forgom tickets this Holiday Season, bet not!

By Not Above the Law

December 11, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Also, he charges inmates for a stay in his new County facility, bet that is not going uncharged, as should be. These people, some homeless has to pay. He is not God and has been praised way to long. He is looking for public acceptance any way he can. Just do the Job he were hired to do and forgo the showboating.

By Sam

December 11, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

CLASSIFIEDS Butler County- Free rent to everyone this winter. Don’t worry about paying your rent; the Sheriff will take care of you. Cost-Sorry landlords you have to pay for this one. Call 513-785-1000 for more info. Sheriff Jones, please stop your political grandstanding. You were doing fine until you started being a media queen. You’re just loosing support, not gaining it!

By Brian Markley

December 11, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Sheriff Jones has continually amazed me. He does try to serve the people of Butler County in the truest sense. While most elected officials seem to just show up to their jobs without regard to how it effects anyone else Sheriff Jones actually has taken a proactive stance and even uses common sense which is really the most amazing aspect. He could use the same old boring excuse “well i’m just doing my job” as he serves the evictions but he goes above and beyond. I would continue to vote for him and even hope he seeks other offices such as Governor or President.

By Tamra

December 11, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Let Mr.Jones politic all he wants! At least he is doing it the right way! For those of you who don’t like him believe me he doesn’t need your vote! He will remain sheriff of Butler county for years to come! Good thing the newspaper lets us speak our minds…This is the only place it will be heard.

By Mary Chitwood

December 11, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

I am proud of Rick Jones. Yes banks and landlords need paid. But, children also deserve to stay warm and a place to live. These are hard times for everyone. I think everyone needs to think more like Rick Jones and stick together to make it through these tough times.

By j

December 11, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

I LIKE THE IDEA BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LANDLOARDS, RENTS HIS HOUSE TO SOMEONE THAT DOES NOT PAY HE WILL LOSE HIS HOUSE

By Never ceases to amaze

December 11, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

The good sheriff is always a politician. He always seems to address what is most popular in the news, for one reason only….to get votes. If the family that was set to be evicted was illegal, what would he do?

By mommyof2

December 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

i agree with sherrif because i am in that situation right now cause my hubby just found a job now we are playing catch up but will the bank work with you

By Oh my

December 11, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Absolutely not! As a landlord my family depends on that rent money to feed our family and pay the mortgage. If someone is not paying rent they must go so we can get someone in who will! That is how life is deal with it!

By j

December 11, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

MY BROYHER RENTS TO SOMEONE THAT HAS NOT PAID ANY RENT FOR TEN MONTHS HE IS ABOUT TO LOSE HIS HOUSE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE HEART TO KICK THEM OUT

By j

December 11, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

MY BROYHER RENTS TO SOMEONE THAT HAS NOT PAID ANY RENT FOR TEN MONTHS HE IS ABOUT TO LOSE HIS HOUSE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE HEART TO KICK THEM OUT

By Michelle

December 11, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I agree with Sheriff Jones.. He’s doing a good Job, Thank you for having a caring HEART…

By Hardburly

December 11, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

I commend Sheriff Jones for his compassion towards the homeless,less fortunate, and the helpless. Some people are unable to provide for themselves, they do not know how. Our local leaders should provide shelters and help for needy, but they don’t.

By jackbo

December 11, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

if people are being foreclosed upon they have not paid their mortgage payment, water bill, and electric bill for many months - they have been able to save those monies to buy ipods, flat screen TVs, and the such; if a person renting an apartment is being evicted, they have also failed to pay rent, and utilities - butler county water will not turn off the water as the landlord is ultimately responsbile for it, and the electric comapny will not shut off the heat in the winter so they won’t freeze - my solution is for sheriff jones to invst his hard earned money into rental properties and then he can let all those who have failed to meet their obligations live off his “dime” - there is work out there for those who want to work and if they can’t work social security takes care of them - give me a break and enforce the law; if someone is speeding will he not give them a ticket if they cannopt afford to pay it - no way, those funds help keep his deputies on the roads and helps pay his salary

By AMERICAN

December 11, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

GREAT JOB BY A GREAT SHERIFF WITH COMMON SENCE AND PASSION FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. MEDIA IS GETTING WAY OUT OF CONTROL, WHEN THIS IS ALL THEY CAN TALK ABOUT. WHAT WOULD THE HEADLINES HAVE READ HAD HE THROWN SOMEONE OUT CHRISTMAS EVE. “MEAN BUTLER SHERIFF EVICTS XMAS EVE”!!!!! WAKE UP AMMERICA!!!!

By AMERICAN

December 11, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

GREAT JOB BY A GREAT SHERIFF WITH COMMON SENCE AND PASSION FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. MEDIA IS GETTING WAY OUT OF CONTROL, WHEN THIS IS ALL THEY CAN TALK ABOUT. WHAT WOULD THE HEADLINES HAVE READ HAD HE THROWN SOMEONE OUT CHRISTMAS EVE. “MEAN BUTLER SHERIFF EVICTS XMAS EVE”!!!!! WAKE UP AMMERICA!!!!

By Vicki

December 11, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

So, if you own rental property and someone doesn’t want to pay their rent, that means that they can live there for months without paying, and the owner of the home has to foot the bill? That is crazy! This will allow more and more people to “work” the system, just like they already do. The people who REALLY DO need help usually have to much pride to ask for it. People need to start being accountable for their lives, kids, actions, etc. instead of living off of others.

By in agreement

December 11, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Not all people who are being evicted are deadbeats who don’t want to pay. Our ecomony if forcing otherwise stable upstanding citizens to total poverty. I have seen it in my our family! Those who are casting boulders need to realize that. I might be wrong, but I think you have up to 30days after an eviction to be completely out of a residence. Good luck to all of those in need.

By Supportive

December 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I support Jones efforts but I do not think he means ALL forced evictions. Maybe he should have been narrower in scope. Failure to pay rent on an apartment is one thing. Foreclosure on ones own home is another. What about renters whose landlords are in default? Just some thoughts. I own a home (not in Middletown) and my tenant is having a very difficult time. He has always paid his rent on time and is now unemployed and desperate. Ill eat the rent myself until spring to give him time to get back on his feet. He always keeps the house in top-notch condition. Renters like him are hard to find and I think he’s a keeper.

By Concernded Taxpayer

December 11, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Welcome to America – the land without any personal responsibility. Where providing for and being responsible for yourself is a thing of the past! Where everyone is entitled to everything, for free! Free education, free tuition, free healthcare, free income (welfare) free utilities, and now in Butler County, FREE housing! (Free cars and gas coming soon!) Forget Generation X, Y, & Z, welcome to the “Entitlement Generation”, where everyone owes you everything for free! It saddens me that so many people support the sheriff in his efforts to permit theft from landlords. Having to kick someone out is nothing less than a tragedy, however, every day a tenant occupies a house without paying rent, no matter how you look at it is still theft. As a landlord myself, having to evict someone is an extreme last resort – because it takes time, is expensive, and ultimately results in kicking someone out. However, being a landlord is also about running a business. How many businesses do you know that would give away their products for free? NONE! Yet the sheriff expects landlords [heartless landlords according to most on this board] to give away their product for free? We are truly a lost nation… and well deserving of the title “the Entitlement Generation”

By #1GoodNurse

December 11, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Sheriff Jones I am so proud that you are our sheriff… I am appalled at the bailouts for banks and Car makers BUT not for the citizens who have lost or are losing their homes. THANK YOU

By michael

December 11, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I am with the Sheriff, but there must be limitations, and that will be hard to enforce.

By Lynn

December 11, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Some of you forget that the Salvation Army and other Helpful groups are already stretched to the max. Go by Hope House and see how many. I Applaud the Sheriff at least someone in power has a heart!!!

By Red

December 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Jones should act like a Sheriff and not God. He tries to own this county with all his ridiculous comments that he knows he CANNOT ENFORCE but gains points. Even the Gov. knows stopping evictions is UNLAWFUL but since the mighty Sheriff has never even written a parking ticket, how much does he really know about the law. I help out with the homeless shelters and do all I can and so does the churches in Butler County and Bobby Groves bldg. at old Roosevelt etc. All of Jones’ renters should stop paying their rent for the next year and see how he likes it. Oh, I think he has them hid in a reality corporation though!! The public is getting wise to your games Jones! Quit trying to be a camera hog. I won’t even vote for you as Sheriff again. You think you are above the law and YOU ARE NOT! At least our Governor can admit that, why can’t you instead of praying on people hurting. I have family that has lost their homes and I almost lost mine but I have been working THREE JOBS TO KEEP IT. QUIT PRAYING ON HURTING PEOPLE FOR YOUR GLORY SHOWMANSHIP!

By No Sympathy

December 12, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

It is obvious to me that most of the people that have posted on here are not landlords. As a landlord, I am lucky to have great tenants. However, I would not hesitate to evict if they fell behind in rent payments. If I was to fall behind in my mortgage payments I would face foreclosure. If my tenants could not pay, I would be forced to also foreclose on that home. The economy is hard on everyone. Not all landlords are rich. Most of the people that are on Section 8 live for practically free. What really amazes me, in this town full of Section 8 housing, is a lot of people on the program think paying less than a $ 100.00 for rent is too much. Plus, they get food stamps, and help with utilities. I for SURE have no sympathy for them if they face eviction. Not only that, I have seen several cases of eviction where the tenants trashed and have stolen from the homes. Thus, putting more burden and expensive on the landlords. Who would give me sympathy if I couldn’t pay my mortgages. I am self employed and what about the credit card companys reducing peoples credit lines and increasing interest rates with people with excellent credit. Who is going to bail me out? I have to take responsibility for myself. What about the escrow shortages I had to pay that amounted to about $1,500 on both homes? The tenants don’t have to worry about that. When things need fixed on the rental property the landlords fulfil their responsiblity and fix repairs. Why shouldn’t the tenants be evicted if they don’t pay their rent? Not all, but most of the people on Section 8 in this town are so spoiled by getting everything practically for free, I feel they don’t feel responsible for paying rent. Why should they? I wish I could get free handouts. My tenants think they should get new carpet that is only two years old. I wish I could afford to get new wood floors and other work I would love to do to the home I live in. Too many handouts in this town. Too many bailouts. Be responsible for your obligations people. The Sheriff has to uphold the law. All of you that feel so sorry for everyone, as others mentioned, open up your home to those that are evicted. If you are not a homeowner posting on here, you really have no right to even say anything.

By jj

December 13, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

I love seeing that we are winning Americans over every day to Socialism!!! This recession has done more than any thing else to show how evil Capitleism is and how it harms lower and middle class.

By jj

December 13, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

No sympathy - What don’t you understand about SHARE THE WEALTH??? If you have it, you should be required to share it. Finelly a local public official gets it. YEAH!!

By No Sympathy

December 14, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

jj, I know I made a statement I am not rich. The economy is affecting me, as every one else. I agree if you have it to share, than you should. I certainly do not. I am considered middle class. I worry about keeping my business afloat with all the changes taking place.