Where there's smoke...

[Dan Alaimo]

"Where there's smoke, there's fire," the old saying goes. While Mark Kindt's remarkable analysis of the mess the city has gotten into reveals no fire (yet), the smoke is billowing sufficiently that someone needs to call 9-1-1. Does anyone in city government know the number?

[Jim O'Bryan]

"Where there's smoke, there's fire," the old saying goes. While Mark Kindt's remarkable analysis of the mess the city has gotten into reveals no fire (yet), the smoke is billowing sufficiently that someone needs to call 9-1-1. Does anyone in city government know the number?

Dan

It is funny. Yesterday I spent the day in Parma, taking pictures of Pierogi Palooza. Parma City Council President Sean Brennan was there as a judge. I have known Sean for a pretty long time, and he has a monthly column in the Parma Observer, "From the President's Desk" where he speak openly about what is going on in Parma, changes, and other things he wants to highlight. "I find it a perfect vehicle to reach out and get the word out about what I feel is important in Parma to residents."


Pierogi Palooza

I mentioned to him that unfortunately we have a different relationship with City Hall. That we have offered but instead they have chosen to go to war with the LO, even try to run us out of business. He asked why, and I said, "unfortunately I was forced to break the news of Lakewood Hospital closing, and why." He nodded, I mentioned, "Of of our contributors is still in court 3 years later trying to get documents." He asked, "How do you not have them?" I mentioned "at three different hearing the courts ruled ALL of the documents are public and should be released. Howeve City Hall continues to drag its feet, stonewall, fight the release and even destroy documents." He shook his head and said, "Well that doesn't sound right or good." All I could say was "imagine how bad those documents must be to fight the public's right to know for 3 years."

We went on to judge Pierogis and have a great time.


Parma City Council President Sean Brennan, far left with the winners of the Pierogi Palooza. Ethnic Gourmet, whose Peorgis are available in the prepared food section of Heinen's. Councilman Sean Brennan, "A publicly elected servant of the residents of Parma."

Council President Brennan had just come from the Democratic Club Picnic, and as I watched him eat 6 full pierogis I asked. "I just have to know, what did you have to eat at the picnic a couple slabs of ribs and an ear of corn?" He said "No!" I said "well real politicians can really do 3 or 4 parades, picnics block parties in a row eating full meals at each and never slowing down." His response, "First I am not a politician! I am a public servant that works for the people of Parma. Two, I only had a chicken leg as I knew I was coming here to judge pierogis." I smiled and apoligized and said, "Sorry all we have in Lakewood are politicians, and I guess they are professional politicians with a lot to hide, and careers to worry about more than serving the residents."

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