Why is this not in Lakewood?

[Bryan Schwegler]

I am frankly disgusted with all this, however.

While it might not be an important issue for you, it is obviously for others in this thread. I'm sorry if you find that disgusting.

I think there's something very telling in the fact that the State of the City address was not held in Lakewood.

As for picking your posts apart, I simply respond to your allegations and opinions. You and I have obviously strongly differing views on some subjects, you should expect a response when you post something someone disagrees with.

And yes Gary, some people have truly shown some very interesting things about their personality on this board...I agree.

[Gary Rice]

Point of honor Bryan:

I agree. The event should have been held here in Lakewood.

The circumstances were made more complex though, by it being at Brennan's. That seems very defensible, if perhaps still admittedly controversial.

[Bryan Schwegler]

Point of honor Bryan:

I agree. The event should have been held here in Lakewood.

The circumstances were made more complex though, by it being at Brennan's. That seems very defensible, if perhaps still admittedly controversial.

No problem Gary. I swear there will be one day we'll agree on something...no matter how long it takes

I have a great deal of respect for you and your opinions as well as the way you tend to present yourself here. I think anyone willing to defend what they believe deserves alot of respect in this day and age.

[Gary Rice]

Bryan,

May I, in turn, compliment you?

Even with your criticisms, there is a kindness and compassion to them. This was more than evident when you re-thought that post a few minutes ago.

It's great having you on the 'Deck.

I too, have made several posts, then quickly moved to change them, because they really did not reflect the person that I am, or at least, try to be.

I have a confession to make, as well, in that I do have a personal point of ethical confusion.

I really don't know quite what to do about being an "unpaid citizen journalist" on the one hand, and feeling a need to support a candidate on the other.

We all, of course, have a right as American private citizens, to speak our minds. On the other hand, would expressing a public opinion about Tom, Ryan, Ed, or even a presidential candidate on the Deck, count as more than the usual private citizen's opinion? (If one writes for the local paper?)

Or not?

It goes to your deleted credibility question.

To have a good name is the best gift that your parents give you. Keeping it, is the true definition of credibility.

I hope that no one ever has the occasion to even think about questioning my credibility again, or yours, either, for that matter.

It's all we really have, isn't it?

[Kenneth Warren]

If my experience and memory serve me with any degree of accuracy, I think it’s fair to say that “The State of Cityâ€Â￾ might best be understood as a speech the Mayor typically delivers to various business and civic organizations upon invitation.

There have been years when I have heard the speech at a Chamber of Commerce meeting and the Lakewood Kiwanis Club. I believe the State of the City address is also presented to the Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary.

These are traditions that have stood for as long as I have been in Lakewood. I can remember Mayor Sinagra delivering a State of the City at a Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the Beck Center, and proudly referring to Lakewood and its housing stock as "a vintage city."

As I become most interested and sensitive to the meanings that emerge from the heightened sense of belonging to the civic dialogue of the city through the LO project, I can see how “The State of the Cityâ€Â￾ might be raised to grander and more inclusive register than presentations at membership organizations – to which the public is usually invited but for which there may be a charge for the lunch.

With an improved auditorium on the way in the expanded library, I wonder if a new civic tradition might be constructively launched. How does the idea of the Mayor presenting a “State of the City,â€Â￾ say, on a Sunday afternoon with time for Q&A and perhaps a brief reception period strike you?

There is no charge for the meeting room, and I believe the Friends of Lakewood Public Library might be amenable to underwriting the cost for modest refreshments.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

[Mike Deneen]

Thanks for the insight, Ken. I love your suggestion.

I also appreciate Bryan bringing this to the Deck's attention.