Ward 2 update: Brad Presutto fundraiser on Wednesday

[Dan Alaimo]

On March 31, I wrote a post complaining that ward council council candidates were more interested in citywide, regional and national issues than the wards they seek to be elected to represent. I excepted Dan O'Malley because he has a strong track record representing Ward 4. I've heard that Laura Rodriguez-Carbone is very much in touch with local issues in Ward 1, and Jeff Wise will do a good job for Ward 3.

But in Ward 2, where I live and where we've suffered from the ineffective representation of Tom Bullock and mayoral candidate Sam O'Leary, I heard back quickly and personally from Brad Presutto and I've met with him several times. It's hard to miss him as he is constantly out canvassing the streets of Ward 2, frequently with his wife Christine. I'm in awe at how hard Brad is working at winning this election, and I've learned that he is an energetic hard worker who learned - perhaps with my help - that the ward councilperson job is at its heart a hyper local position. I've never seen a Lakewood candidate work so hard at getting elected, with the exception of Council rep at-large Tristan Rader. Imagine that energy in City Hall.

I've also learned that Brad embodies the principles of transparency. Follow his Facebook posts, and see what I mean. And he will stand up for what's right. I will never forget his encounter with a well known city hall operative in Kauffman Park, and I can't imagine him caving to the secret City Hall manipulations involving secret meetings and deals. He's endorsed by the Progressive Caucus and not by the Cuyahoga dem party, which in my book is a big positive.

So when Brad asked for my help "hosting" (read making a campaign contribution) his fundraiser Wednesday night, 6 to 8 p.m., Aug. 28 at the Mars Bar, I couldn't say no. The Mars Bar is at Mars and Madison, 15314 Madison. Unfortunately, running for City Council in Lakewood costs a lot of money, and in my view asking for that money is an unimaginable task. So on Brad's behalf I urge like-minded residents to come to the fundraiser and drop a few dollars in the hat. Consider it an investment in our city's future.

Two notes:
One, Sam O'Leary is running for mayor touting his experience as the recent council president. But his real job has been Ward 2 councilperson and he has been basically invisible to residents.

Two, some may question my ability to remain impartial in my role as Deck moderator. I see that role as primarily one of fairness, not impartiality, promoting clarity and occasionally directing traffic, while expressing my own opinions as freely as any other member. What it really comes down to is picking up the phone to call Jim if I see something or someone going off the rails on the Deck. If the opponents of those I've spoken well of here come on the Deck, they'll be warmly welcomed, at least by me, but I don't think Brad's opponent Jason Shachner even knows the Deck exists.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Two notes:
One, Sam O'Leary is running for mayor touting his experience as the recent council president. But his real job has been Ward 2 councilperson and he has been basically invisible to residents.

Two, some may question my ability to remain impartial in my role as Deck moderator. I see that role as primarily one of fairness, not impartiality, promoting clarity and occasionally directing traffic, while expressing my own opinions as freely as any other member. What it really comes down to is picking up the phone to call Jim if I see something or someone going off the rails on the Deck. If the opponents of those I've spoken well of here come on the Deck, they'll be warmly welcomed, at least by me, but I don't think Brad's opponent Jason Shachner even knows the Deck exists.

Dan

All the candidates know the Deck and Observer exist. I have made sure of that.

I have spoke with all the candidates with the exception of Sam and John, who both have accounts. They avoid it like the plague, because we keep a record of the conversations, and Deck members ask questions, real questions, they cannot answer or do not want to have to answer.

Example: Sam how many false affidavits did you file in the lawsuit brought on by residents of Lakewood? 1? 2? More than 2?

Example: John, you were on LHA before getting your seat on council, why did you never speak up about Lakewood Hospital closing? Why do you never speak about your single greatest move on council, (according to you)?

ACCOUNTABILITY - they run from it because, they cannot account for their actions.

Jason, said he would come on the Deck. As did most of those running for office. Of course Brad has been here for years.

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[Dan Alaimo]

Very strong turnout at Brad's fundraiser Wednesday. This was on an evening when State Representative Mike Skindell held a town hall, which I understand was also well attended. Brad and Mike appeal to the same progressive group of voters, so this is a good sign for Lakewood's future.

[Michael Deneen]

I don't think Brad's opponent Jason Shachner even knows the Deck exists.

Like Jim says, they ALL know about the Deck.
They are among its most avid readers.

[Bill Call]

I don't think Brad's opponent Jason Shachner even knows the Deck exists.

Like Jim says, they ALL know about the Deck.
They are among its most avid readers.

Where are they?

[dl meckes]

Dan, as a former moderator for the Deck, I felt that my purpose was to keep discussions civil. That's it. I don't think there's anything wrong with discussing your opinions. Certainly, there were plenty of people who disagreed with me.

Of course, they're all...gone now...

[Stan Austin]

Of course, they're all...gone now...

[Jim O'Bryan]

Of course, they're all...gone now...

Stan

They are not all gone. Many of the visionaries left the city or died off. But they are still there.

The Deck still generates as much reading and conversation then ever before, go to any discussion and you will see it and hear it.

But in the selfish act of desperately trying to control the message, those that will do misdeeds have started many other places to delete pesky facts and control the conversation.

So when people scurry to a lower bar, so be it. Let them enjoy their 5 hour post cycle about fluff.

People in Lakewood seem to fear, a running history of their thoughts, comments, mistakes, and great things.

Stan I would have to think you would agree there has been a general dumbing down of Lakewood, much like the country.

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