Lots of good candidates for at Large position

[Jerry Koenigsmark]

[quote="TIM CARROLL"]Bryan,

The "customer service approach" was the back end of a comment regarding how the council and the city must continue to be responsive to the citizens and I was trying to tie in my previous experience to the workings of council.

I talk a little bit about the interview at my blog; http://carrollforlakewood.blogspot.com/

I will admit, that I haven't had a job interview like that since 1989. It was also unique that I have never gotten feedback on a interview from a newspaper.

Tim[/quote]

Tim,
You quote in your BLOG:
Round 2:Ruth Koenigsmark out, pretty active in the community, but Council is looking for someone they can work with;

I'm not sure how you came to this conclusion when you don't even know my wife. Next time you start making assumptions, make sure you know what your talking about.
Jerry Koenigsmark

[sharon kinsella]

The problem lies in the fact that one of the campaign promises made by our new mayor was no cronyism. He was very big in criticizing the George administration of that. And the promise was made in his literature.

One promise down, how many more to go?

Brian Powers is going to be a great councilperson. That is not the problem.

Cronyism always exists in formalized structures, that's a given. But it was a specific that has already been shot down.

Nuff said.

[Grace O'Malley]

Brian Powers is certainly intelligent and capable. No one disputes that at all.

What is troublesome is that a councilman position is supposed to be filled by a representative of the people, for the people. Instead it has become a spoils of war, a reward for loyalty to the chief.

Cabinet or executive positions are fair game when a new administration is installed. Legislative positions are not. They are the check and balance on the executive branch. They are not supposed to be a rubber stamp. Neither should it mean that they are constantly at odds with one another, but the oversight and ability to ask hard questions needs to be there.

[Ryan Patrick Demro]

If we find this appointment process to be so troublesome, we certainly have the option to change the charter. We could write a provision preventing incumbent politicians from running for office "under cover." Then this discussion would be moot. Just a thought...

[Brian Pedaci]

Ryan, how would you propose officially making that distinction?

I'm confused and I hope someone can explain to me why it's so apparent to some people that Mr. Powers was selected as a political favor to the new Mayor and not as the best default choice if there was contention on some other candidates. Since nobody seems to be making the contention that Mr. Powers is unqualified for the position, what's the complaint? Each councilperson was free to vote their conscience on the at-large position and Mr. Powers is who they chose. Unless there's some evidence that current Councilmembers were coerced or bribed to vote for Mr. Powers, I don't see how the charges of cronyism are anything more than sour grapes.

Was the deliberation on choosing the new Councilperson open, or was it in a closed meeting? Was it a unanimous vote?

[Ed FitzGerald]

I'd like to point out a couple things regarding this topic.

I am familiar with the process of appointing a Councilperson, having been appointed myself back in 1999, and voting on a few appointments.

In many cities, there is a tradition that the outgoing Councilperson chooses their successor, and Council then defers to their preference. We do not have that tradition in Lakewood, although outgoing Councilmembers have often lobbied for their choice and exerted influence. In this case, I intentionally did not lobby on behalf of any candidate, just as I did not interfere in the selection of a Council President. In the past, mayors have pressured Councilmembers on these kind of issues, which I believe created conflict in the long term.

At my first staff meeting with my administration's directors, I insisted that our relationship with City Council would be different than in the past. This City Council is exceptionally well-qualified, well-meaning and dedicated. My administration accepts and welcomes their oversight function. If you haven't been to one of our budget hearings, I invite you to do so. Tough, probing questions are being asked by the Council, and they are helping us create a better product for the taxpayers. The defensiveness and "us vs. them mentality" of previous years is gone.

A few words regarding cronyism:

To me, a crony is some unqualified hack who gets in a political job because of a personal relationship with a politician. A crony is the distant relative, or old college drinking buddy, who is vaulted over vastly more qualified candidates. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the definition is:

cro·ny·ism (krō'nē-ĭz'əm)
n. Favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.

Brian Powers grew up in a middle class family but, by his own merit, made it to Harvard Law School. He transitioned from the practice of law to the business world, and has served as both a CFO and CEO of several local corporations. He has been extremely active in this community, including the Lakewood Library, his church, and recreational programs. He has served on our Planning Commission, and was chosen by his colleagues as the Chairman of that body. Bob Seelie appointed him to the Grow Lakewood committee, and Mayor George appointed him to the Structural Balance Task Force. As far back as 2003, he was considered for a vacant City Council appointment, coming in a close second to Michael Dever.

He has also supported some local candidates, including Council members and myself. That doesn't hurt, but to portray him as a crony is completely unwarranted. Not all of the current Councilmembers supported me in the recent mayoral election, but all of them listed Brian as one of their top two choices for this vacancy. Because of his track record in our community and professionally, he certainly was the front-runner to receive this appointment. His eventual appointment hardly means that the process set up by Council was somehow pre-ordained.

Anyone who knows Brian knows he is independent and strong-willed. I expect him to disagree with me, as will all of City Council on occasion. But I am confident that his opposition will be well-reasoned and mature, and not be the type of political grandstanding and cheap shots which I think people are thoroughly sick of.

People looking to criticize me will, I'm sure, eventually have plenty of opportunities; but City Council's decision to appoint a superbly qualified individual shouldn't be one of them.

[stephen davis]

Ed,

Well said.

Thanks.

Steve

[Diane Helbig]

Rock on Ed!

Now, let's get on with the business of improving this city and making it THE PLACE TO BE east or west of the Cuyahoga -

This remark goes out to EVERYONE!

[Justine Cooper]

You quote in your BLOG:
Round 2:Ruth Koenigsmark out, pretty active in the community, but Council is looking for someone they can work with;

I'm not sure how you came to this conclusion when you don't even know my wife. Next time you start making assumptions, make sure you know what your talking about.
Jerry Koenigsmark

Trying to stay out of Lakewood politics but I do have to agree with Jerry here. From the short time that I have come to know Ruthie, I realize that she doesn't have a mean thing to say about anyone, so am curious as to the comment that council needs someone they can work with. It sounds that all candidates are highly qualified for this position, in different ways, but it must be noted that actions speak louder than words. What one does for a paycheck is entirely different than what one does as an unpaid volunteer. Ruthie has spent years on one of the most important population our world knows -the elderly (the other of course being children).

Other resumes aside, Lakewood needs less politics, less egos, and more HEART and SOUL. More real action when no cameras are around, when no paychecks are being handed out. More REAL care and love for this city and the people in it.

In addition, the starting up of LIA, bringing art and art walks and attention to the city is also in Ruthie's calendar and agenda, regardless of a position in council. She is already doing what many claim they want to do in Lakewood: helping small businesses, volunteering with Boy Scouts (yes keeping juveniles in something positive) and truly helping the elderly in Lakewood! Wow imagine electing someone who has been already doing what they promise behind the scenes for years!

I don't know who is best for this position, but I do know commenting on the people running in a negative way without knowing the whole truth is (as Dr. Phil would say) "offensive to the sensibilities". Not to mention some Lakewood politicians who were approached to help or support or attend some fund raisers for the elderly in this town "did not have time or interest".

So yea, it would be nice to have a little extra heart and soul in our politics.

[Ryan Patrick Demro]

Brian,

The distinction would be easy. You write a provision that states that a candidate for office in Lakewood may hold no other public office while running for another. Several cities have such provisions.

Second, I am not sure that anyone is criticizing Powers. What I think rubs people about this is the way in which vacancies are filled. Despite the fact that the process is democratic within the body, I think that deep down everyone would prefer to have someone who was selected by the people. Again, that requires a charter change.

[sharon kinsella]

Justine and all-

I had the privilege of spending a little time getting to know Ruth yesterday. I already knew that she was a good woman and a huge asset to our town.

After talking with her yesterday about her ideas, dreams and visions for things in Lakewood, I am proud to know her and think she is a sterling person who should be praised and acknowledged for being an upstanding person and activist.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Round 2:Ruth Koenigsmark out, pretty active in the community, but Council is looking for someone they can work with;

Tim

I just don't get that.

Never mind that Ruthie has been a very close friend since I had the pleasure of meeting her, and her family. Never mind that I have worked with Ruthie on many, many, many, many projects. I am always amazed at how hard working she is. With a thirst for learning only offset by her depth of knowledge. Open mind, open heart.

I'll lay it out here, and I like council.

Give me 7 Ruthies on Council and I am fine.

Give me a City Hall of Ruthies.


Tim, on a personal level, more than a little disappointed.


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[Tim Carroll]

"I'm not sure how you came to this conclusion when you don't even know my wife. Next time you start making assumptions, make sure you know what your talking about."
Jerry Koenigsmark

Round 2:Ruth Koenigsmark out, pretty active in the community, but Council is looking for someone they can work with;

Tim

I just don't get that.

Never mind that Ruthie has been a very close friend since I had the pleasure of meeting her, and her family. Never mind that I have worked with Ruthie on many, many, many, many projects. I am always amazed at how hard working she is. With a thirst for learning only offset by her depth of knowledge. Open mind, open heart.

I'll lay it out here, and I like council.

Give me 7 Ruthies on Council and I am fine.

Give me a City Hall of Ruthies.


Tim, on a personal level, more than a little disappointed.


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Mr. Koenigsmark and Mr. O'Bryan;

Unfortunately you both have assumed incorrectly as to the intent of my comments, you both appear to assume that I am making a disparaging remark regarding towards Mrs. Koenigsmark. I wasn't.

The working with council comment was a general comment about what one of the deciding factors was going to be. I could have placed that comment anywhere in the post, it just so happened to end after Mrs. Koenigsmarks name.

As to personal disappointment, don't worry Jim, you knew and posted the decision before I got the call from Mike Dever. So, that was my disappointment in you.

Tim Carroll

[Jim O'Bryan]

As to personal disappointment, don't worry Jim, you knew and posted the decision before I got the call from Mike Dever. So, that was my disappointment in you.

Tim Carroll

Tim

Your disappointment is duly noted. However while I do not believe your disappointment lies with me, but the LO network which you are part of, I will accept full responsibility for that or anything with the LO Project. The buck stops with me.

I also know that you are a good man, and now realize this was not meant as a personal attack but I am sure you can see how it was perceived or read as one. This was what fed my personal disappointment, I know you are better than that.

My point is, I have to think I am one the hardest people in Lakewood to "work" with. Ask anyone that has worked with me. On the flip side, Ruthie has been one of the easiest and most professional people I have had the pleasure to work with. While I understand and agree with your concern over council working together, let me assure you, that you have Ruthie Koenigsmark completely wrong with that comment.

Thanks for taking the time and effort to weigh in and explain your comments.


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[Jim O'Bryan]

I'd like to point out a couple things regarding this topic...

...People looking to criticize me will, I'm sure, eventually have plenty of opportunities; but City Council's decision to appoint a superbly qualified individual shouldn't be one of them.

Mayor FitzGerald

As always thank you for weighing in and clearing the air on this subject.

Your words, thoughts and actions will define your administration. judging from your actions and words in these first days in office, you have what it takes to move this city forward.

I appreciate your candor, walking into the Mosh Pit known as the LO Observation Deck is not the easiest thing for a politician to do, yet you make it seem easy and natural.

I would also agree with the words from your Inaugural speech. We must work together, to make sure this city can be all it can be. With the political season over, I would hope all Lakewoodites, stop complaining, and start pushing this city forward to new heights, together.


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