Like The OJ Simpson Trial Verdict...

[Jim O'Bryan]

... "Some people too mad, some people too happy." - Chris Rock

First, congratulations to the winners, and a hearty thank-you to those that didn't win. Politics like so many things in this country has taken on a sick sports like mentality, where we have to dance on the graves of the losers while rubbing their faces in it. It is old.

We have taken a baby step in healing the huge divide created in this town, by politics of hate, secrecy, lies and hidden agendas. While having two new young faces on council is a step in the right direction for healing, it is merely the first important step on a long road to getting Lakewood back where it was. A loving, intelligent community dedicated to conversation, education, and the arts. It will be interesting to see what impact these two have on council. It will also be interesting to see what this group can do in healing and bringing the city together.

Signals have been sent to those at City Hall, that the residents are tired of the BS. Yesterday a well known Summers' sycophant was crowing in Get Go at NOON, it is all over, low turn-out means a roll over for the incumbents. Well no it didn't and I think the underlying issue is why. Summers' supporters had zero interest in supporting the status quo. Most I have spoken with are sick of the hiding and destroying of public documents. Something that should resonate with every American. This group which was large in number were not going to vote, not against Mayor Summers, but they no longer had the stomach to vote for his crew. Ironically one of the major tipping points in recent days was his mailing for the candidates, where they claimed "they would bring honesty and transparency to City Hall" something most saw as a slap in the face. Many were also bothered by the black box at the bottom, which declared "stop hateful politics" when they had witnessed where it originated from in past elections.

No matter, it is time to move on and give the new kids on the block the support, the help and the backing they deserve and have earned. Which brings me to another point, "The only reason Meghan George won is because of sympathy." Talk about poor losers! Then how do you explain the Nowlin loss? Meghan got there because she earned it, working her ass off going door to door, meeting people and answering all of their questions. She hid from nothing, she will hide from nothing. I have known her for awhile, and she is very capable, and will be good for this city. Perhaps many remember how nice and fun the city was when Tom was Mayor.

Tristan Rader and his team were amazing. Kristine, Matt, Donna, and all put together one of the finest, most positive campaigns I have seen in recent elections. They fanned across this city day after day representing a positive new approach to politics in Lakewood, and that paid off huge.

Let's not forget another power house group the "End BSL Group" headed by the very talented photographer Greg Murray, and the very well connected Jennifer Scott. They also had a very big, very positive impact on the election, with the simple statement of a the need of a more inclusive city for all. Thank you.

I am thankful for all that ran, and all that served.

Lakewood, join with me in taking the first step into the sunshine and healing the divide, let's keep moving down this path.

peace/love

[james fitzgibbons]

I am so happy we are on the road to change! Of course there is still work to do. Tristan and Meghan are a great start to this movement to take our city back.

[dl meckes]

Yesterday a well known Summers' sycophant was crowing in Get Go at NOON, it is all over, low turn-out means a roll over for the incumbents.

That was a true statement. A couple of incumbents did get rolled over.