Thankyou, Kurt Brosky, Councilmen Mike Dever, T. Bullock and

[Jim O'Bryan]

Thank you, Kurt Brosky, Councilmen Mike Dever, Tom Bullock and the rest of Lakewood Council.

This is indeed an honor.

I would like to thank my wife, Debra, Ken Warren, Steve Davis, DL Meckes, Heidi Hilty, Jeff Endress, Dan Ott, Dan Slife, Steve Ott, Lauren Rich Fine, and Brian Simko for the great work they do advising me on the Observer and life.

I would also like to thank everyone that has participated in any way shape or form in the Lakewood Observer Project. It is you that have made all of this possible and such a success. I accept this one for you.

I would at this time also like to thank all the new Observer members that are taking on similar projects here in Ohio, and in other states. Together we are ALL making a difference. I hope.

Can a GCO be far off?


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[Colleen Wing]

The agenda said it was for 20008.
Hope this wasn't a loophole

Congrats in advance.

[Jim O'Bryan]

The agenda said it was for 20008.
Hope this wasn't a loophole

Congrats in advance.

Thanks

What made this award so special is that recognize the support and hard work my wife does on this project and to keep me in line.

Councilman Tom Bullock spoke very well about the entire Observer family, and how we are moving mountains together through generosity and trust.

To me the most important part of this entire project was the amazing number of civic groups we have been able to form and turn over to the residents. These are not "run" groups, but empowered groups. Ruthie Koenigsmark has been very solid helping with this.

Mary Hagan spoke of how hard the entire Lakewood Observer staff works at getting all sides of a conversation out there. Even when they run contrary to our own. Ken Warren instilled from day one, it is all about the conversation. Through civic discourse using real names, we can make miracles happen. Colleen, I know you believe that we are trying.

I have to thank you, and every other member that has trusted the Observer Project. Every member that has posted, sent in a story and taken part. Writers, editors, photographers, delivery kids, what can I say.

Thank you everyone.


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[Jim DeVito]

Can a GCO be far off?.

Greater Cleveland Observer?

Sorry my newspaper speak is lacking.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Can a GCO be far off?.

Greater Cleveland Observer?

Sorry my newspaper speak is lacking.

I think the Plain Dealer is proving that it would not be viable.


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[David Lay]

Congrats Jim and all!

[Jim O'Bryan]

Congrats Jim and all!

David

Thanks but this is a team effort, you my friend are part of that team.

We are all part of that team.

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[marklingm]

Congrats Jim!

[Jim O'Bryan]

Congrats Jim!

Matt

This has far more to do with you, than with me.

Elected officials, like you have opened the door and set a stellar example I would hope others will soon follow. It would seem that Linda Beebe is now ready to test the waters. We both know this a far cry, and a massive step in the right direction. Hopefully gone will be the days of the Schools, paying people to ask the right question in forums.

I was impressed with you the first time we met, and I took some photos. You were not the "usual" politician. You never once asked me where I stood on topics, you told me how you felt, and what you were willing to fight for. In the end I agreed with about 70%, but agreed 100% with how you work.

Right now at City Hall, the same is going on. Ed Fitzgerald and I do not always agree. I often used to get the phone call, "Now Jim where do you get off saying..." I would say, "correct me online," and he did. He also made it clear, while some could view the run for Mayor as a popularity contest, he did not. He saw and visioned a different way to move Lakewood forward. If it made him a one term mayor, than so be it. He was willing to stand with his convictions and ideas. Like you, the mayor does it with an open mind, he is more than willing to find "a better way" if it exist. This is good for Lakewood.

It has been cooperation and openness with the Library, then City Hall and now the Schools that will help move this city forward.

After all it is not my city, or your city, it is our city.

Thanks for the kinds words on behalf of all Observers.


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[David Lay]

David

Thanks but this is a team effort, you my friend are part of that team.

We are all part of that team.

Thanks, Jim. It's been pretty rewarding being part of the Observer project. I've made a lot of friends, people I'd consider family. It has been a launching pad for a few people's journalistic careers, myself included, but we don't forget where we came from. I've learned so much about journalism and civics because of the Observer, more than 4 years in college ever could.

I was proud and honored to have Ivor document Jennie & I's wedding. There is such an excellent talent pool in Lakewood.

[Gary Rice]

Congratulations to Jim, and by extension, to all those involved in the Observer project!

[Corey Rossen]

'Atta-boy, Jim. I always knew you were the "big toe." (I'll take Famous Movie Quotes for a thousand, Alex.)

Corey

[Valerie Molinski]

'Atta-boy, Jim. I always knew you were the "big toe." (I'll take Famous Movie Quotes for a thousand, Alex.)

Corey

So Mr O'Bryan is your Sgt Hulka? (Stripes, anyone?)

[Jim O'Bryan]

'Atta-boy, Jim. I always knew you were the "big toe." (I'll take Famous Movie Quotes for a thousand, Alex.)

Corey

Corey

Thanks

We both know without the support of you and your family the Observer would be nothing like it is today.

Rozi's and the Rossen family are what Lakewood is all about.

Your work with the Jordan Family Foundation is exactly why we started the Observer.

Buy a bottle of wine to at Rozi's.

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[Phil Florian]

I think the Plain Dealer is proving that it would not be viable.

Heck, after their recent page reduction, they are about the size of a healthy LO paper now. Just not as well written as the LO. Congrats!