Stepping Out Of The Closet
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
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Charyn Compeau
- Posts: 324
- Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:11 pm
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Jim O'Bryan
- Posts: 14196
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:12 pm
- Location: Lakewood
- Contact:
Joan Roberts wrote:There are, I believe good arguments for regionalization. But whether you agree or disagree, it's a considered opinionl. Not a personal crusade against a single suburb, which is what I read into in too many postings here.
Joan
This is not paranoia, just comments. Voice and Choices a group designed to help regionalize areas have mentioned that "Lakewood is the key to regionalzation in this area." That for Lakewood to not join in, would be a problem. I believe this comes for many reasons most of which is the funding we offer the schools and the library two hot targets for regional people.
We all have opinions, we are all entitled to opinions. But while some claim the LO is a secret society with an agenda, they ignore the true secret society with an agenda.
I can think of no better example of why we need to fight regionalization, than outsiders telling us that Lakewood recieving economic development from the wrong university is bad for the region. What about what is good for Lakewood. If they say a University is bad for Lakewood and the region how do they feel about your Hampton Inn?
In the regional world, we give up our tax dollars, and our control. I cannot see how that helps Lakewood ever. I have no problem seeing why regional papers back regionalism, makes sense.
Again I am just wondering how it benefits you and me.
FWIW
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
-
Joan Roberts
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:28 am
Jim O'Bryan wrote: But while some claim the LO is a secret society with an agenda, they ignore the true secret society with an agenda.
.
But there's no paranoia of course.
I don't think the LO is a secret society with an agenda. I think it's a very open society with an agenda, or perhaps with several of them. I think your agenda, building pride, building the "brand"(blecch, I dont object to the concept, just the cynicism of "branding" a city), offering a forum, is admirable.
But again, if the mayor was skimming city dollars to buy an island in the Bahamas,I would expect to read it in the PD or the Free Times or hear about it on the I-Team before I read it here. Or in Northern Ohio Live.
It's OK. Really. Buteven if he believes in regionalization (which is a topic for a robust debate), I just don't think Brent Larkin goes to bed at night thinking of ways to knife Lakewood.
(The Akron topic is of course, also another thread. May I point out that my tax dollars support THAT University, too? And I do see the PD's point that if there isn't a clear sense of mission, what's to stop every state school from operating eveywhere in the state? Or do we WANT CSU, UA, Wright State, Kent State, Toledo, etc, etc all spending our tax dollars on remote campuses and operations?)
Joan Roberts
"Whose needs are being met?"
"Whose needs are being met?"
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Kenneth Warren
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:17 pm
Ms. Roberts:
Where you ascribe cynicism and paranoia to the LO’s efforts to construct and interpret a distinctive, differentiating myth for Lakewood, I see a determined, passionate and savvy effort to invite the communities that inhabit this particular locale to experience new levels of fun, imagination, possibility, power, solidarity and value, while we address issues of practical concern and visionary alignment. We make news, frame orders of local experience, bumping heads in the process, questioning each other’s logic and sanity, while getting to know the city of ourselves better than any other.
You have provided many constructive bumps along the way, yielding a rich repository of memories and wise nuggets about the city.
The LO is a completely different order of news you can use, but one that does not preclude an investigative homie delivering the goods and writing up some order of corruption and malfeasance.
As a community building enterprise, I think the LO’s mission veers more toward trust than toward suspicion. So I agree with you concerning your expectations about the LO vis a vis other venues.
It might be argued with respect to the LO that the word newspaper should be modified to paper. However, I believe there are strong participants who are motivated by the idea of the newspaper and the effort to achieve a distinctive one on a volunteer basis.
Sure, the threads of our crude promotion of Lakewood look like a crazy quilt inspired by the vulgar psychology and marketplace conventions that inform the LO’s DIY “building the brand†strategy.
I never imagined Brent Larkin with a knife, though I like the image you have supplied and will suggest its consideration for use in a future marketing campaign to LO's Worshipful Master Brand Builder, Mr. O.
Far more than Mr. O, I like to imagine new methods of advantage for Lakewood, moral ones that defy war, interest on money, rent on land and profiteering, pressing onward against the gain of the not so secret society of pro-growth business and political elites that is grinding down the middle class and inner-city poor. However, I am not opposed to effective regional planning designed to curb the market driven excesses of sprawl that yield low property taxes for those who tear into countryside, subsided by government highway funds, while guaranteeing the erosion of Lakewood’s quality of life – as people decide, as you suggest “the city no longer works for me.â€Â
Kenneth Warren
Where you ascribe cynicism and paranoia to the LO’s efforts to construct and interpret a distinctive, differentiating myth for Lakewood, I see a determined, passionate and savvy effort to invite the communities that inhabit this particular locale to experience new levels of fun, imagination, possibility, power, solidarity and value, while we address issues of practical concern and visionary alignment. We make news, frame orders of local experience, bumping heads in the process, questioning each other’s logic and sanity, while getting to know the city of ourselves better than any other.
You have provided many constructive bumps along the way, yielding a rich repository of memories and wise nuggets about the city.
The LO is a completely different order of news you can use, but one that does not preclude an investigative homie delivering the goods and writing up some order of corruption and malfeasance.
As a community building enterprise, I think the LO’s mission veers more toward trust than toward suspicion. So I agree with you concerning your expectations about the LO vis a vis other venues.
It might be argued with respect to the LO that the word newspaper should be modified to paper. However, I believe there are strong participants who are motivated by the idea of the newspaper and the effort to achieve a distinctive one on a volunteer basis.
Sure, the threads of our crude promotion of Lakewood look like a crazy quilt inspired by the vulgar psychology and marketplace conventions that inform the LO’s DIY “building the brand†strategy.
I never imagined Brent Larkin with a knife, though I like the image you have supplied and will suggest its consideration for use in a future marketing campaign to LO's Worshipful Master Brand Builder, Mr. O.
Far more than Mr. O, I like to imagine new methods of advantage for Lakewood, moral ones that defy war, interest on money, rent on land and profiteering, pressing onward against the gain of the not so secret society of pro-growth business and political elites that is grinding down the middle class and inner-city poor. However, I am not opposed to effective regional planning designed to curb the market driven excesses of sprawl that yield low property taxes for those who tear into countryside, subsided by government highway funds, while guaranteeing the erosion of Lakewood’s quality of life – as people decide, as you suggest “the city no longer works for me.â€Â
Kenneth Warren
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Joan Roberts
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:28 am
Kenneth Warren wrote:Ms. Roberts:
Where you ascribe cynicism and paranoia to the LO’s efforts
I have never ascribed paranoia to any endeavor of the Observer,only to the claim that anyone, anywhere "has it out" for Lakewood. That is the opinion of one person, not the entire enterprise (I hope).
As for cynicisim regarding "branding", guilty as charged,and unrepentant. I hate when politicians talk about "branding" and it plays no better when we talk about communiities.
If I don't fit the "brand", if I am too short, too old, too young, too rich, too poor, too ethnic, not ethnic enough, drive the wrong car, drive a car at all, like Applebee's, hate Bela Dubby, paint my house the wrong color, belch in public, walk with a limp, hate jogging and joggers, too stupid, too educated, too liberal, too conservative, too fat, too thin, not positive enough, ltrust Ryan Demro more than Tom George,don't trust either of them, too passive, too aggressive, too outspoken, have a staph infection, beleive the Lakewood kids got it first, am I not welcome?
"Branding" is for hamburgers and soda pop, not for places people call "home". Sorry, I can't get past that.
Joan Roberts
"Whose needs are being met?"
"Whose needs are being met?"
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Kenneth Warren
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:17 pm
Ms. Roberts:
I hear you on the word “brand.†But in the particular and personal case of Mr. O’s “building the brand†strategy, I feel compelled by absurdity, love and material lack of capitalization for the situation to throw cynicism to wind. I must grant the man his vision, his community and his party – to build “our†brand.
While playtime at the LO might not be fun for you, it’s usually fun for me to ride the wild wind horse of the Worshipful Brand Master and breathe the hot air of the Lakewood brand, which can fill the belly with laughter and the spleen with consternation. Again, I hear you on the word “brand.â€Â
Listen, too, for the tongue in cheek of the brand, which is capable of not only a shot of irony but a heart-felt shout proclaiming something human and real within the absurd predicament of homies gathering their local stories around Mr. O’s community building strategy.
In the holler of my post-industrial Disneyland “imagineering†of Lakewood, Mr. O’s epic building of the brand will someday be turned into a movie.
Unfortunately, the award-winning documentary film maker, Robert Buckeye had suggested for the task had no Lakewood connection and was deemed by Mr. O as unfit for service.
Kenneth Warren
I hear you on the word “brand.†But in the particular and personal case of Mr. O’s “building the brand†strategy, I feel compelled by absurdity, love and material lack of capitalization for the situation to throw cynicism to wind. I must grant the man his vision, his community and his party – to build “our†brand.
While playtime at the LO might not be fun for you, it’s usually fun for me to ride the wild wind horse of the Worshipful Brand Master and breathe the hot air of the Lakewood brand, which can fill the belly with laughter and the spleen with consternation. Again, I hear you on the word “brand.â€Â
Listen, too, for the tongue in cheek of the brand, which is capable of not only a shot of irony but a heart-felt shout proclaiming something human and real within the absurd predicament of homies gathering their local stories around Mr. O’s community building strategy.
In the holler of my post-industrial Disneyland “imagineering†of Lakewood, Mr. O’s epic building of the brand will someday be turned into a movie.
Unfortunately, the award-winning documentary film maker, Robert Buckeye had suggested for the task had no Lakewood connection and was deemed by Mr. O as unfit for service.
Kenneth Warren
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Jim O'Bryan
- Posts: 14196
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:12 pm
- Location: Lakewood
- Contact:
Joan
Maybe your thoughts on one person building the brand could be relaxed a little with some of my definitions.
I probably should be using the term amplifying the brand instead of building the brand but it does get us into a serious discussion about the Hampton Inn.
While some of the simply things done help "build a brand" they are not hideous. The Arts and Crafts Show builds the brand. People come from all over. I have a friend that lives in a very nice house in Strongsville, she comes in every year for the Arts Fest. For a month afterward she talks about how cool Lakewood is. Now those of us here, know the Art Fest is but 4 block of Lakewood one day a year. But if someone likes the arts festival and it makes them think for even on second about moving here or telling someone to move here great.
I mean how on earth do we get a Hampton Inn here? Tax abatements for 25 years, or convince them that Lakewood is the perfect place to locate. Between Cleveland and Bay, no large hotels currently, 50,000(not 55,000) residents, good worker staff, etc. Hampton Inn will not just fall into our laps, someone has to sell them the idea. Should we allow the Realtors, developers "build/define our brand" or do we let the residents and city define our brand?
Lakewood had a population of 63,000 people at one time, we are now down to 50,000. That indicates to me room for another 13,000 taxpayers. 13,000 taxpayers would do a far better job leveling the tax burden than 10 Hampton Inns. But how do we attract people to the city? It is by amplifying what Lakewood is all about, not with lies and snake oil, but with a realistic view of what is happening here. $200,000,000 in new development, new schools, new stores opening along Madison and Detroit, concerts in the park, arts shows, etc. Again if any of us like it our not it is our brand that makes it into the ads and discussion by Realtors and city planners.
Ironically the Lakewood Observer is now part of that brand. Ask Ken Warren about what writers think about Lakewood and the Lakewood Observer. They are fascinated and see it as a good thing. This week we got a request for a subscription for 5 paper in San Francisco, that makes 20 papers sent there each week. The Observer helps build/define/and amplify the brand. This is why so many cities have turned to the Observer to help them start community papers. We are not a NEWS paper, we are a Newspaper. A paper printed on newsprint, that contains news, arts, events, etc.
While some people dwell on the negatives and things they rarely get off their asses to make better, most at the Observer prefer the positives, while looking at ways to make the worst things better. Let's look at taxes a favorite subject around here. There is no way you will ever see a reduction in taxes. Maybe some will come to share the burden, but the rate is NEVER going down. With that in mind how can we fix it and fix it quickly? The obvious answer is reduce the cost of living here. This can really only be down with bulk purchases, hence a co-op. While it might not be right for everyone, it is offered to everyone with no mandate in joining or working it. With a co-op to help reduce cost of living here, would not a Realtor mention this to a perspective buyer? Thus another brick is in the every growing wall of "Lakewood Brand."
Building the brand, amplifying the brand works for everyone in the city. It allows Realtors, and planning departments to market the city to developers and home owners, and it helps to retain our property values and the cost? $0.00. Building the brand will not need a 3 mill levy.
Now let's move to the Jimmy vision vs. the Joan vision. The Jimmy version tries to find what Lakewood people like, and amplify that, then find like minded people to move here. The Joan vision if I may be so bold is to find "commercial investment" to move here and make Lakewood livable for her with lower taxes. The impact of Jimmy's vision is with 13,000 residents missing let's start filling those homes one at a time, let' start filling those store fronts one at a time. When handed lemons you make lemon aide.
Does it make more sense for Hampton Inn to build where there are 63,000 residents or 50,000? Does it make more sense for Aldi to move where there are 63,000 residents or 50,000. Does it make more sense for Staples to move to Lakewood with Detroit and Madison filled, and 5,000 home based businesses, or empty storefronts, empty homes and 200 home based businesses?
So we get to the next part, something I am sure you will disagree with again. Do we try to fill our homes with section 8, or executives, artists, designers, lawyers, etc? Do we seek residents and/or businesses that will keep taxes low, or ones that will be a drain on city services? Do we attract families with health care or without? Now let's remember, if we do nothing and say nothing. City Hall, and the Realtors are saying something, so if the residents have no interest in defining and amplifying the city there are plenty of others that do.
Now would rather you rather move into a city filled with complainers sitting on their asses, or a city that has problems, and an energized group of people trying to lower taxes.
Now I have to go prepare for the rally which is another brand builder and definer. It goes through very nice sections of the city and some not so nice. It shows new development and house that should be torn down, but it is Lakewood and it is an honest driver through the city.
Until then ponder these two questions, is it easier for you and me to say "brand" or "energized, proactive, old and new housing, $200,000,000 million in development, new schools, healthy art community, clubs, restaurant, city hall with an open door policy, award winning library, metro parks, lake parks, close to downtown, close to the airport, close to 5 malls, walkable, fun, active, etc" If you can complain about taxes and lack of "commercial build-out" why am I not allowed to talk about great libraries, great access and great affordability?
Why does it bother you so much that I like Lakewood, and have become active in making it better? (please note the term make it better would indicate their is room to be better) Why does it bother you so much that I have stumbled on others that feel the same way. I really like my life and my home. Before this project and after the project.
If you live here, why not have fun with it? Which brings me to the tongue in cheek. From day one, we said we must have fun with this, it cannot become a "job." So while Ken demands capes for the block watchers, I wanted to pay homage to my masonic past. While Ken wanted the VAL pyramid on it's base, Steve wanted to turn it upside down. While I wanted a punk rock festival, others wanted Harry and the Potters. While we needed a lawyer, Jeff Endress thought we needed a chef.
None of that matters as long as we all sit at one all inclusive table and talk openly about ideas, problems, solutions, and good times.
None of us are right, all of us have rights.
.
Maybe your thoughts on one person building the brand could be relaxed a little with some of my definitions.
I probably should be using the term amplifying the brand instead of building the brand but it does get us into a serious discussion about the Hampton Inn.
While some of the simply things done help "build a brand" they are not hideous. The Arts and Crafts Show builds the brand. People come from all over. I have a friend that lives in a very nice house in Strongsville, she comes in every year for the Arts Fest. For a month afterward she talks about how cool Lakewood is. Now those of us here, know the Art Fest is but 4 block of Lakewood one day a year. But if someone likes the arts festival and it makes them think for even on second about moving here or telling someone to move here great.
I mean how on earth do we get a Hampton Inn here? Tax abatements for 25 years, or convince them that Lakewood is the perfect place to locate. Between Cleveland and Bay, no large hotels currently, 50,000(not 55,000) residents, good worker staff, etc. Hampton Inn will not just fall into our laps, someone has to sell them the idea. Should we allow the Realtors, developers "build/define our brand" or do we let the residents and city define our brand?
Lakewood had a population of 63,000 people at one time, we are now down to 50,000. That indicates to me room for another 13,000 taxpayers. 13,000 taxpayers would do a far better job leveling the tax burden than 10 Hampton Inns. But how do we attract people to the city? It is by amplifying what Lakewood is all about, not with lies and snake oil, but with a realistic view of what is happening here. $200,000,000 in new development, new schools, new stores opening along Madison and Detroit, concerts in the park, arts shows, etc. Again if any of us like it our not it is our brand that makes it into the ads and discussion by Realtors and city planners.
Ironically the Lakewood Observer is now part of that brand. Ask Ken Warren about what writers think about Lakewood and the Lakewood Observer. They are fascinated and see it as a good thing. This week we got a request for a subscription for 5 paper in San Francisco, that makes 20 papers sent there each week. The Observer helps build/define/and amplify the brand. This is why so many cities have turned to the Observer to help them start community papers. We are not a NEWS paper, we are a Newspaper. A paper printed on newsprint, that contains news, arts, events, etc.
While some people dwell on the negatives and things they rarely get off their asses to make better, most at the Observer prefer the positives, while looking at ways to make the worst things better. Let's look at taxes a favorite subject around here. There is no way you will ever see a reduction in taxes. Maybe some will come to share the burden, but the rate is NEVER going down. With that in mind how can we fix it and fix it quickly? The obvious answer is reduce the cost of living here. This can really only be down with bulk purchases, hence a co-op. While it might not be right for everyone, it is offered to everyone with no mandate in joining or working it. With a co-op to help reduce cost of living here, would not a Realtor mention this to a perspective buyer? Thus another brick is in the every growing wall of "Lakewood Brand."
Building the brand, amplifying the brand works for everyone in the city. It allows Realtors, and planning departments to market the city to developers and home owners, and it helps to retain our property values and the cost? $0.00. Building the brand will not need a 3 mill levy.
Now let's move to the Jimmy vision vs. the Joan vision. The Jimmy version tries to find what Lakewood people like, and amplify that, then find like minded people to move here. The Joan vision if I may be so bold is to find "commercial investment" to move here and make Lakewood livable for her with lower taxes. The impact of Jimmy's vision is with 13,000 residents missing let's start filling those homes one at a time, let' start filling those store fronts one at a time. When handed lemons you make lemon aide.
Does it make more sense for Hampton Inn to build where there are 63,000 residents or 50,000? Does it make more sense for Aldi to move where there are 63,000 residents or 50,000. Does it make more sense for Staples to move to Lakewood with Detroit and Madison filled, and 5,000 home based businesses, or empty storefronts, empty homes and 200 home based businesses?
So we get to the next part, something I am sure you will disagree with again. Do we try to fill our homes with section 8, or executives, artists, designers, lawyers, etc? Do we seek residents and/or businesses that will keep taxes low, or ones that will be a drain on city services? Do we attract families with health care or without? Now let's remember, if we do nothing and say nothing. City Hall, and the Realtors are saying something, so if the residents have no interest in defining and amplifying the city there are plenty of others that do.
Now would rather you rather move into a city filled with complainers sitting on their asses, or a city that has problems, and an energized group of people trying to lower taxes.
Now I have to go prepare for the rally which is another brand builder and definer. It goes through very nice sections of the city and some not so nice. It shows new development and house that should be torn down, but it is Lakewood and it is an honest driver through the city.
Until then ponder these two questions, is it easier for you and me to say "brand" or "energized, proactive, old and new housing, $200,000,000 million in development, new schools, healthy art community, clubs, restaurant, city hall with an open door policy, award winning library, metro parks, lake parks, close to downtown, close to the airport, close to 5 malls, walkable, fun, active, etc" If you can complain about taxes and lack of "commercial build-out" why am I not allowed to talk about great libraries, great access and great affordability?
Why does it bother you so much that I like Lakewood, and have become active in making it better? (please note the term make it better would indicate their is room to be better) Why does it bother you so much that I have stumbled on others that feel the same way. I really like my life and my home. Before this project and after the project.
If you live here, why not have fun with it? Which brings me to the tongue in cheek. From day one, we said we must have fun with this, it cannot become a "job." So while Ken demands capes for the block watchers, I wanted to pay homage to my masonic past. While Ken wanted the VAL pyramid on it's base, Steve wanted to turn it upside down. While I wanted a punk rock festival, others wanted Harry and the Potters. While we needed a lawyer, Jeff Endress thought we needed a chef.
None of that matters as long as we all sit at one all inclusive table and talk openly about ideas, problems, solutions, and good times.
None of us are right, all of us have rights.
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
-
Jim O'Bryan
- Posts: 14196
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:12 pm
- Location: Lakewood
- Contact:
Joan
A little PS
Which would have more of an impact. Adding 25% more residents to open homes and condos, or one Hampton Inn?
How do you siggest we get them here?
What do we tell them?
If I am using private money, and I am not hurting anything, should I stop and wait for the Hampton Inn too, while playing playstation, or can I and my friends(you included) have a little fun in this city?
.
A little PS
Which would have more of an impact. Adding 25% more residents to open homes and condos, or one Hampton Inn?
How do you siggest we get them here?
What do we tell them?
If I am using private money, and I am not hurting anything, should I stop and wait for the Hampton Inn too, while playing playstation, or can I and my friends(you included) have a little fun in this city?
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
-
dl meckes
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Lakewood
Joan Roberts wrote:I know the schools put out a press release asking for help in getting the word out about the staph infection? Why didn't the Observer publish that?
The 'faux names" site did.
Because disease isn't part of the "brand"?
I didn't get a news release from the schools and I don't think they posted it here. I know they have a different relationship with the Buzz than they have with the Deck. I don't know if the Observer got that press release.
I couldn't take the material that some other entity put out and send it out under the Observer name and I didn't have the time to call the school board to ask them to email me the release.
I've been wondering about setting up an opt-in mailing list for breaking news, but I have two problems with that: I'd have to try to find out about all breaking news and I'd have yet another responsibility. There are only so many hours in my day.
It would be my wish that somebody who knows somethig about this would post about it in a timely manner. Ivor did post something.
This is part of the "quandry" and I don't have the answers.
The Observer and the Deck are an avocation. The Observer project is not my only volunteer activity. I can't speak for all the Observers, but I don't think my situation is unique.
So, is discussing disease part of the brand? Yes, getting to know about all things Lakewood, including a virulent Staph infection would fit that definition.
Since we attended the wake of the father of a friend of ours yesterday, I'm interested in learning more.
“One of they key problems today is that politics is such a disgrace. Good people don’t go into government.”- 45
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Joan Roberts
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:28 am
Jim O'Bryan wrote:J
Does it make more sense for Hampton Inn to build where there are 63,000 residents or 50,000? Does it make more sense for Aldi to move where there are 63,000 residents or 50,000. Does it make more sense for Staples to move to Lakewood with Detroit and Madison filled, and 5,000 home based businesses, or empty storefronts, empty homes and 200 home based businesses?
So we get to the next part, something I am sure you will disagree with again. Do we try to fill our homes with section 8, or executives, artists, designers, lawyers, etc? Do we seek residents and/or businesses that will keep taxes low, or ones that will be a drain on city services? Do we attract families with health care or without? Now let's remember, if we do nothing and say nothing. City Hall, and the Realtors are saying something, so if the residents have no interest in defining and amplifying the city there are plenty of others that do.
.
First, the frustration comes in that, no matter how many times Mr.Juris or I have said otherwise, you keep equating "business" with "consumer business".
You spend too much time on the Crocker Park side of I-90. Drive over to the NORTH side and you'll find a maze of acres and acres and acres of businesses the average consumer has never heard of. Single or two-story commercial buildings holding, what? I have no idea. But there are folks working in those buildings, bringing wealth generated OUTSIDE of Westlake IN.
Now, maybe it's possible that absolutely NONE of those companies could find a suitable loation in Lakewood. But I find that hard to accept.
(As for a Hampton Inn, or any inn, it doesn't matter how big the CITY is, its
the location. Exhibit A: Breezewood, Pennsylvania)
Look, if there's a plan to get 13,000 more people into doubles or apartments or whatever, swell. Who's going to complain? But where's the OFFICIAL plan for that, either? All of the mayor's hyped proejcts will add, what, 300, 400 people to our population?
I applaud you and the Observer folks for being proactive. I sincerely do. I wonder however, if the people we elect, appoint,and pay to do some of these things are seeingl things with the same verve and passion and vision you do. And yet, you seem to be the one spinning in favor of the people who don't seem to be deserving of the praise and loyalty you heap upon them.
Joan Roberts
"Whose needs are being met?"
"Whose needs are being met?"
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Jeff Endress
- Posts: 858
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:13 am
- Location: Lakewood
Jim
I think the answer to you inquiry to Joan is simple enough. As she said:
There's some, call them "brand builders", "image amplifiers" or what you will who take the angle of electing to stay and make the the city work for them. Neither approach is right or wrong, its just a matter of where you wish to invest your emotional and financial capital. Some people crusade against wars, march for cancer awareness, mentor to promote literacy, try to educate on global warming, collect stamps, build model railroads or take pictures of falling leaves. Whatever floats your boat, If you want to invest your resources in (fill in the blank) cause, if that gives you a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction that's swell. If you think that somehow, through your efforts you can leave the world a little better place, or have some impact, again....great. But it's also okay to say "I've got bigger fish to fry" and direct your efforts towards whatever may be of greater importance to you. Neither good, nor bad.
I know some people who spend every waking moment working to make their home a showpiece. I know other who would just as soon move every couple of years when the garden gets weedy or the the house needs windows. People, and their views of the 'wood are no different.
Jeff
I think the answer to you inquiry to Joan is simple enough. As she said:
If the city works for me, I stay. If it doesn't, I move
There's some, call them "brand builders", "image amplifiers" or what you will who take the angle of electing to stay and make the the city work for them. Neither approach is right or wrong, its just a matter of where you wish to invest your emotional and financial capital. Some people crusade against wars, march for cancer awareness, mentor to promote literacy, try to educate on global warming, collect stamps, build model railroads or take pictures of falling leaves. Whatever floats your boat, If you want to invest your resources in (fill in the blank) cause, if that gives you a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction that's swell. If you think that somehow, through your efforts you can leave the world a little better place, or have some impact, again....great. But it's also okay to say "I've got bigger fish to fry" and direct your efforts towards whatever may be of greater importance to you. Neither good, nor bad.
I know some people who spend every waking moment working to make their home a showpiece. I know other who would just as soon move every couple of years when the garden gets weedy or the the house needs windows. People, and their views of the 'wood are no different.
Jeff
To wander this country and this world looking for the best barbecue â€â€
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Joan Roberts
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:28 am
It sounds cold in a way, but Jeff is right.
Here's my point. You can't populate an entire city on "true believers," just like you can't sell 3 million Indians tickets only to people who understand the infield fly rule or sell a million records only to people who can read music.
For many, many (maybe a majority) of people, it's a zip code, hopefully a community, but not a religion.
If I move just 1000 yards east, my life really changes not a whit. But I am no longer a resident of Lakewood. Is that a huge consideration? Realistically, no.
The "utilitarian" approach to certain aspects of life is, as you say, a fact of life.
And it's one of those factors that must be factored in when you're looking to inspire, motivate or otherwise get people to do what you want.
Here's my point. You can't populate an entire city on "true believers," just like you can't sell 3 million Indians tickets only to people who understand the infield fly rule or sell a million records only to people who can read music.
For many, many (maybe a majority) of people, it's a zip code, hopefully a community, but not a religion.
If I move just 1000 yards east, my life really changes not a whit. But I am no longer a resident of Lakewood. Is that a huge consideration? Realistically, no.
The "utilitarian" approach to certain aspects of life is, as you say, a fact of life.
And it's one of those factors that must be factored in when you're looking to inspire, motivate or otherwise get people to do what you want.
Joan Roberts
"Whose needs are being met?"
"Whose needs are being met?"
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dl meckes
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Lakewood
Well, I don't see how I can push MY ideas about Lakewood tourism forward without having a place for tourists to stay.
This bothers me no end.
Of course, all I can do is complain about it because I only have so much time in my bank and I'm already working with a serious deficit.
This bothers me no end.
Of course, all I can do is complain about it because I only have so much time in my bank and I'm already working with a serious deficit.
“One of they key problems today is that politics is such a disgrace. Good people don’t go into government.”- 45
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Jeff Endress
- Posts: 858
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:13 am
- Location: Lakewood
Of course, all I can do is complain about it because I only have so much time in my bank and I'm already working with a serious deficit
You pick those things that you think might have an impact, and on which YOU can have an impact. You, Joan, me.....have little chance of getting Hampton here. We're not developers, don't have the necessary horsepower. So, if, at the end of the day, you're direction is for HP, Microsoft, or Hampton to come in on their white charger, the only effect you end up with is complaining that your vivion isn't fufilled. Your choice is simply to garner the necessary horespower that shares in your vision, and make it happen, or downsize your vision to a more managable level.
Sometimes the baby steps of cleaning the gutters, getting a family to move in, a business to stay or expand can build the crictical mass necessary gor larger visions to succeed. I think that is the direction that OB comes from. Effect those things within your power to change.
Jeff
To wander this country and this world looking for the best barbecue â€â€
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Ivor Karabatkovic
- Posts: 845
- Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2005 9:45 am
- Contact:
Well, I don't see how I can push MY ideas about Lakewood tourism forward without having a place for tourists to stay.
or cleveland.
the women's NCAA final four tournament is coming to cleveland this year (next march) and they list the 4 closest hotels on their website for tourists, three of which are the ritz, and 2 other's right by the Q.... and one all the way out in westlake.
the one out in westlake is the cheapest one, and farthest, but i'm sure it will get it's rooms booked because of the price difference.
if we had a nice size hotel here in Lakewood, think of all the "tourism" we could steal from cleveland.
"Hey Kiddo....this topic is much more important than your football photos, so deal with it." - Mike Deneen