Meet the Candidate Night brought to you by The Utica Merchant Association.

First of all I would like to thank the Utica Merchant Association for giving me a chance to address some of the Village of Utica Citizens last night at their annual “Meet the Candidate” night.

This was my 1st ever speech in front of a crowd, and you could say I was nervous.  I’m not sure how many people attended last nights event, I had my eyes close, but everyone said it was a great turn out.  This being my 1st time to attend, I would like to thank the Village of Utica Citizens for coming to this event and showing your concern for this election.

I was speaking with another Candidate last night, and we were talking about when we were younger not really putting much time into thinking about politics and the issues.  I’m not going to spend the next few paragraphs outlining how my opinions and thought process has changed as I’ve gotten older, I can just tell you that I am willing to put my time into thinking about politics and the issues if the Village of Utica Citizens will give me a chance.

As I was nervous and there might have been a minor problem with the microphone, so below is my speech from last night:

“Hello my name is James Quinif and I was born in Newark, but it might as well been Utica.  Let’s just say I’ve lived in Utica my entire life.  I am the current Utica Area Shrine Club President.  I attend the Utica Methodist Church.  I am married to my lovely wife Jessica and we have three wonderful children; Hailey (9), Hayden (4), and Holden (2).  They could not attend this evening, it could get a little crazy with them here.  I have no plans of leaving Utica, I love Utica, I live in Utica, and I would be proud to serve as a Utica Village Council member.

As with many families our village is faced with hard times, and it is time to face them.  How can I stand here and tell you I can fix everything, if I don’t even know all the problems.  But I can offer my help.

Eight of the last ten years I was in the commercial construction industry, four in management.  My largest job as an on site Field Superintendent was the 20 story North Bank Condos.  At its height our I was overseeing a 100 man crew.  During my time on this job I attended weekly job meetings to discuss and solve any issues including, scheduling, manpower, budgets, etc.

After North Bank Condos I was promoted to Project Manager and quickly found myself overseeing 3 large commercial construction jobs, Otterbein College and 2 larger jobs in Norfolk, Virginia.  In total close to 5 million dollars worth of work.  7 months in I took another job with another smaller contractor with big plans, but with commercial construction on the decline and my lack of seniority with this new company I found myself unemployed.

Unemployed and unsure, I decided to chase my dreams of opening my own business.  So, I learned everything I could day and night about website design, website hosting, and the internet in general.  I also enrolled at TechSkills of Columbus where I was A+ Certified and Network + Certified.

In June I opened my company Exact Marketing Formula, LLC on main street next the the Utica Historical Society building.  I believe my experiences make me a good candidate for Utica Village Council.  My work ethic, budgeting experience, attending weekly meetings, I work well with others to reach a common goal, and my problem solving.

My love for Utica and my commitment to doing what is best for the Village of Utica.  All I can promise if elected is that I will do my best, attend council meetings, and work towards a stronger Utica.  Thank you for your support.”

That is what I have wrote down, if it came out that way I’m not 100% sure.  So, if you attended and I’m off a little, sorry.

Once again thank you in advance all of you who may vote for me this upcoming Tuesday November 8th, 2011 election.  And for those of you who don’t vote for me, thank you for getting out to vote and voicing your opinion.  Good luck to all the Candidates.

November 3rd 2011

Utica, Ohio Village Council Candidates will speak this coming November 3rd, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This means, that I James Quinif will be speaking for the 1st time as…I guess a politician.  I never really thought of myself as a politician while I was growing up I can tell you.  But now…things seem a little different to me.

The Utica Merchants Association is holding this “Meet the Candidate and Hear the Issues Night” and I have responded that I will attend.  I’m looking forward to this evening and getting out to meet some of my fellow Utica Ohio Village citizens.   This will be my 1st time attending a “Meet the candidate” event.

I have to admit that I’m not even sure if the word nervous will cover how I am feeling.  I have spoken in front of a few small groups before, but nothing like this!  Also when ever I have spoken before, I knew exactly what I wanted to say and had a good idea of what types of questions I would be answering.

This is a little different.  I don’t know exactly how to fix all of our problems, but I do know that I am willing to sit down and work on the issues.  What I do bring to the table is my problem solving skills and experience working with others to reach a common goal.

What are Ohio common goals  for the citizens of Utica? That is the real question.  What are the real problems?  And when the problems are all out on the table, only then can we ever begin to move forward.  Every year since I can remember, I’ve heard about “change”.  Everyone is going to change how politics operate.  Does anything ever change?  And if it does, is it for the greater good or is there other motives behind the change?

What are the biggest problems our Village faces today?  Money or better yet, lack of money.  I’ve attended a few council meetings, and have heard on the street, that we need more funding; or the government has cut our funding.  Maybe I’m missing something, I was under the understanding that our fine Federal Government had no money.  And our country might just be in the middle of one of the largest deficits in our nations history.

If that is the case, should we be focused on ways to get more money from our government?  Do I have the answers today, no, but doesn’t it at least make sense to work towards financial independence?  It is time for change, it’s time to stop following a broken system.

We must find a way to live within our means.  My wife and I were unfortunate enough to both lose our jobs at the same time. My wife worked at Holophane, and I worked in the commercial construction industry that once was booming, but  has now slowed down to say the least.

The point is we had to learn to live within our means, and it was one of the best things that has ever happened to us.  At the time it didn’t seem like a good thing,  but now we budget more and are able to survive as well if not better than when we had regular weekly paychecks.  It made our family stronger because we had to work together to overcome adversity.

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s going to get worse, before it gets better”?  One thing I’ve learned from the construction industry is that when faced with a complete remodel, it might seem harder in the beginning and even sometimes feel like you are going backwards, removing all the plaster and old doors, wiring, and all the demolition; but putting it back together goes a lot smoother then just trying to patch up the old.  We all know those old   cracks will appear again once the “Band aid” becomes weakened.

Moving forward there will be rough days ahead, but it is really time to stop kidding ourselves and look at the present and to the future; finding common ground to work together so we can create this change. In my opinion working together is the best strategy to get these goals accomplished.   I believe this country was built on hard work and working together.  Things have gotten harder with all the kids activities, overtime, home projects, and more; so much that people have forgotten  about their community and keeping it strong.

Imagine the days when cars were not so  abundant; we would go to the local grocery store to shop.  More people shopping for things at the local grocery will keep more tax money for our village to operate.  Supporting our local community at the end of the day will make for a stronger community by keeping more of our tax money for the Village of Utica.

More people attending the monthly council meetings will help begin the process of building a stronger Village by getting the issues out.  I’ve been to meetings where citizens will bring up concerns of pot holes, their neighbors making to much noise, or maybe a vacant house near them needs its yard mowed, but most of the time they are not there to help work these issues out, they just want them fixed and they don’t care how.

After I attended my 1st few Village council meetings I had plenty of things to complain about, but then I thought to myself and said;  Self I have 2 choices: #1-I could go to the next meeting and let the village council really have a piece of my mind and I could let them know exactly how I would run things.  Or #2-I could run for village council where I might have a chance to serve the citizens of Utica, go to the monthly meetings, learn the budget, take notes and really learn about our Village and what it takes to operate it. You know, find out what’s really going on behind closed doors.

The 1st option would be the much easier route, I could go and point fingers and place blame. And the 2nd  option I risk being one of the people others blame and point fingers at when something doesn’t go exactly right in their neighborhood.

I decided to go with option #2, and nervous or not; I will attend the Utica Merchants Association “Meet the Candidates and Hear the Issues Night”.

So please come out and meet all of our Village of Utica Candidates.

Thank You,

James Quinif

James Quinif of Utica Ohio

Utica, Ohio is my home.  Utica, Ohio is the home of my Wife (Jessica) & 3 Children (Hailey9, Hayden4, Holden 2).  Utica, Ohio is the only home I’ve ever known.  Sure I moved away for a short time, but it was no accident that I came back home to Utica, Ohio.

I love this Village and I would feel honored to represent the Citizen’s of Utica, Ohio as a City Council member.  The Village has 2 open city council seats available.  Also, this is the year that our new Utica, Ohio Mayor will be selected.   During this November’s election we need everyone’s voice.  There was a time when I didn’t think Elections mattered, but that time is over.  In my opinion it’s time to hear everyone’s voice.

Now, why would you ever vote for James Quinif.  For one; I care!  I want to bring common sense back to Politics.  Now what I WILL NOT DO, is get into a finger pointing contest!  Let me explain what I mean real quick; what happened Yesterday is NOT going to fix tomorrow.

When I say I’ve lived in Utica, Ohio my entire life, that is exactly what I mean.  I personally know and have different personal experiences with most of the current City Council members.  Like most of us that went to Utica, Ohio Schools; current Mayor Larry Friesel was my Industrial Arts teacher. I realize he has been retired for some time  now, but this is how I met him before he was Mayor. I can’t hide who I am to him or Many of the Citizen’s of Utica, Ohio and I would never would.

I’m not going to go into each of my relationships with each of the current city council members, all I’m going to say is; “I Have Nothing But Respect For Any one Citizen That Is Willing To Give Up Their Time To Try Their Best To Make A Difference In Their Community. -jq”.  They know me; and I know them, enough said.

All I can promise is that I will try and make the best decisions I can make, based on all the facts that I have.  Before my current business, and before TechSkills of Columbus, I was a Commercial Construction Superintendent.  I also had 8 months of Project Management Experience.  For most of my career in the commercial construction industry I worked for One of the Largest Commercial Construction Companies in the United States:  Cleveland Construction.

During my time as a Superintendent I managed on site crews as big as 100 Carpenters & Drywall Finishers.  When you manage jobs of this size a large majority of your time is in meetings.  During these meetings is where the Buildings truly get built.  Decisions are made on a daily basis that may swing the placement of 25-50 or more men at one time, the movement of walls, quality control issues, and budget concerns.

After my days in the field I was promoted to Project Manager and very quickly found myself managing 3 large commercial construction projects, Otterbein College (Ohio), & 2 Jobs on the Norfolk Naval Base.  Combined I was managing just short of $5 million dollars worth of Commercial Construction projects.

After Cleveland Construction I moved to a smaller company based out of Lancaster and when Commercial Construction really declined, that smaller company had to really cut back and I found myself laid off.

So, I enrolled at TechSkills of Columbus and became A+ & Network + Certified and have just recently opened up my local office at 37 N. Main St. Utica, Ohio, between the Utica Ohio Library and The Utica Ohio Historical Society Building.

At my local office we specialize in Website Marketing, but we also Offer Domain Names Registration, Local Website Hosting, Website Design and more.  We also will have a Tech Center if you have any computer questions.  You could call us the One Stop Shop when it comes to computer related issues.

My office is open during regular business hours, 9-5 Monday – Friday, but you can make an appointment to meet with me outside of business hours.  You don’t have to wonder what kind of  Utica, Ohio City Council Member I would be, stop in and find out for yourself.

I’ve opened up a local office and I’m here to stay.  I would feel Honored to Serve the Citizen’s of Utica, Ohio as a City Council Member.

If You Ever Have A Question, Let Me Know And I Will Reply With An Honest Answer.  Thank You For Your Support. –James Quinif

Email Question to James@JamesQuinif.ws

Below is an example of an Article that Ezine Article’s wouldn’t post on their website.  This is not a quote from the “rejection email”, just my personal take on it, but I got out of the “rejection email” was that my article was to “salesy”.  It’s “salesy” a word?  I thought is was based on facts on my life, but they said to “salesy” & not informative to the reader.

I don’t know; you be the judge.  Read the below article, and give me your opinion; to “salesy” (Ezine’s take); or okay, and just an article in the series of life.  Should all article’s have no personality?  Either way, I hope you enjoy a different take on Home Based Jobs.

<!—Begin Article

Home Based Jobs: what a phrase. This is something I am familiar with. Every since I was little; my family has been involved in Home Based Jobs.

My Grandparents Ellen & Jack were the first that I remember. They had a real-estate company in Utica, Ohio; Quinif Reality.

My Mother; had her own Flower shop in Utica, Ohio; “Flowers by Pamela”. My step-Father (Robert) had his own Good Ole Fashion Gas Station; and fuel delivery service.

You could say that’s it’s in my blood; so to speak.

All of the above were also in the Rental Business; yeah. Now, that’s fun! Some of my favorite memories came from cleaning out a rental property. Let’s just say some people live different that I prefer to live. I like seeing my counter tops in my kitchen; so I will clean off the grease from cooking; like when I’m done cooking; okay, I be the first to admit; sometimes I don’t feel like cleaning up right away; but it has to be done, it’s just part of life.

To make a long story; short, my family has been in the rental business for years, from top to bottom. Most people don’t realize the rental business is work. Work and more work. It is a constant and daily chore to keep up with rental properties.

The reason I bring this up this morning is; to give you an example of a real work at home business; and too let you know things don’t always go right; no matter what the home based job is.

Okay, back in the fall; this lady and her two daughters approached my mother about renting one of their properties. The lady and her two girls were in a bad spot; had no heat where they were staying; and my father didn’t want her to rent to this lady and her two girls, but her being a “softy” and thinking with her heart and not her Business mind; she rented to this family.

Fast forward to today; and this lady, live in boyfriend and two teenage daughters; won’t pay rent and won’t move out. And the best part is; because of today’s society (attorneys & courts); the renters have more rights. So: my parents; that depend on this money to survive; can’t do anything but wait for these squatters to move out.

Sorry of my tone, but I just don’t understand. We are building a society where it cost people money; when they try and help someone. Deep down I know my mother did the right thing; renting to this family in need; but with my Business Mind; it was a dumb choice.

If she went before Donald, she would be “FIRED”!

I guess my question to you is; if my goal is to better myself; and always continue to learn; then what should I take from this experience?

What should I do, if I find myself in the same situation? Should I help the family and risk losing money; that I depend on to support my family; or help the family in need?

All the details for this story aren’t included, so it’s really hard to judge; but my point is; sometimes the ones that are being helped; need to be held responsible for their actions; and the people doing the helping; should have help on their side; so they can continue to help without fear.

—!>  End Rejected Article

As I sit here this morning; I can’t help but think to myself, where did it all go wrong?

Take a moment and put yourself in the shoes of one of our founding fathers.

What do you think you would think of today’s world?

Did it turn out exactly like you had planned?

Is this why you risk EVERYTHING you had in life; including your life!

When is enough….enough?

With all of the college educated people in charge, why is it they don’t know what out of money means?

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to have my wife and I laid-off from two struggling markets:  manufacturing and construction.

How could someone ever say they were blessed to be laid-off, when they have a family to support?

I wouldn’t change one thing from yesterday; because I wouldn’t be here today!

So, as I sit here this morning; I don’t know where to begin.

Have are parents learned anything?  Where do we begin?

We simply take one day at a time; but we decide today, that enough is enough!

The only way we can all move forward is to change at home.

Are you doing what you can today to step forward?

We all have come from different backgrounds; but we are all in this together, right?

It’s time to help your neighbor; it’s time to help your community.

How much do you really save when you go into those Super, Giant, Mega, Large, Extra Large, bla, bla, bla; stores?

The guy down the street is who your kids are going to school with.

What you put into your community; is what you’ll get out of your community.

Did you know; and this is a fact so read closely; did you know that if you see trash on the street; that it is perfectly legal to pick “Said” trash up.

It’s true some people didn’t know that.  Why do the majority of people; wait for some else to “it”.

Whatever it is; doesn’t matter; if there is a problem, something needs cleaned up, work in general that they are not being paid to do; people will wait knowing someone else will take care of it.

It’s time for us all to be the one to take care of it. -jq

Welcome to James Quinif.ws. I’ve been on the Internet for half of my life.  This Blog is more dedicated to my personal life; rather than my business life.

When you do the type of work I do; Business Owner, SEO Consultant, etc.; this list goes on.  The point is when your work revolves around Internet Marketing; sometimes it’s hard to turn that off.  Well I’m going to try my best.  There is a page on this site that does talk about my past & current work experience; but really it only relates to how it has effected my personal life.  If you are looking for my EMF Hosting Company Website to review our complete Internet Marketing Business Solutions and/or SEOBusiness Maintenance Contracts; please visit EMFHosting.net

Okay, now back to the main purpose of this website; relaxation.  Now, some of you who know me; know that I spend most of my day writing Articles; so how could writing more be relaxing?

I’m not writing about work.  I’m writing to release if you will; some of the thoughts that are bouncing around in my head all day long.  Or,….maybe I’ve had a bad day; and writing is a way for me to take a moment and step back from that “So Called” bad day.

I mean; I’m still breathing; really how bad could it have been?  Do you have someone at home that loves you?  If not at home; what about mom or dad?

When your have one of those “So Called” bad days; I bet if you take a minute and think; you’ll think of someone who may have it just a little worse.  Most of us wouldn’t have a problem thinking of at least 3-5 people; and that is without thinking to hard at all.

It you think life is easy; you have a long road ahead of you!  I’ve had plenty of disappointments, let downs, failures, lost friends, lost family, I’ve disappointed others, the list goes on and on.

The point is, we all have problems in our lives; and the FACT is; it’s how we deal with those problems that decide our fate.-jq