Butler & Me: A Solution to Unite Us

[Brian Essi]

Below is the first email exchange between Butler and me---He has never taken one of my phone calls and he never met with me (until after a court ordered mediation in August, 2016).

On April 23, 2015, I wrote: "Please trust me when I say I am not working against you or any other City leader."

While many would disagree, I am still working to unite Lakewood (perhaps Re-Unite would be more accurate).

As State of Ohio, Ex Relator, Brian J. Essi, I am not working against Lakewood, I am working for Lakewood.

From: "Butler, Kevin" <Kevin.Butler@lakewoodoh.net>
To: 'Brian Essi' <bjessi@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2015 10:09 AM
Subject: RE: A Solution to Unite Us

Brian,

I’m not sure how my comments at the Grant School groundbreaking tie into the hospital matter. I complimented the school officials on their careful, inclusive planning for the second century of Lakewood, and I said they provided a good example for all public officials to follow.

We’re following that example with respect to the hospital. You’ve been at all the meetings.

I’d be happy to read your new proposal. I don’t agree with some of the analysis you’ve given to the governing documents thus far, but we’ve retained counsel and will soon be engaging other advisors to assist with our due diligence with respect to the Clinic/LHA proposal that’s been presented to us.

Meanwhile, I’d prefer to have any new proposals that come our way in writing, yours included, so as not to miss any important points.

Thanks.

Kevin

Kevin M. Butler, Director of Law
City of Lakewood | Law Department
(216) 529-6034
kevin.butler@lakewoodoh.net

From: Brian Essi [mailto:bjessi@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2015 8:20 AM
To: Butler, Kevin
Subject: A Solution to Unite Us

Hi Kevin,

I heard about your comments at the ground breaking for Grant.

I understand that you are very busy dealing with 7 Councilmembers, the Mayor, a likely taxpayer suit, ongoing records requests, a charter amendment, THF lawyers, a likely referendum and the other part of your job. Hats off to you for your past and ongoing service to the City.

I continue to work 16-18 hours per day 7 days per week on solving the problem. Among other things, I have been busy speaking with regional hospital administrators and LHA trustees.

I have a solution that is gaining much support. It is much different than what I proposed last week. I believe it can and likely will unite the Mayor, Council, LHA and Lakewood residents. I believe that there is consensus on a few key issues.

November is six months away--a show down can easily be avoided.

The solution avoids unnecessary and ongoing contentiousness. Please trust me when I say I am not working against you or any other City leader.

I am available 24/7.

Sincerely,

Brian J. Essi

[Stan Austin]

Brian Essi--- This is just a continuing recognition on my part and I would assume on the part of many as to your public service. Stan Austin

[Marguerite Harkness]

Stan:

Hear! Hear!