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Gary Rice wrote:At the same time, I hear NO ONE speaking about any complete mergers of municipalities. The debate, if there even is one, would be of cooperative degree only, I do believe.
In the case of groups like Lakewood Alive and other similar operations, these kinds of groups can, and do tremendously help the planning for future business and cultural aspects of a city. It takes proactive planning to come up with proposals that can pass muster when applying for funding and grants.
Gary
I am a performance orientated kind of guy. Since 2002, that would be 8 years, Mary Anne Crampton, Shannon Strachan, Jay Foran and a host of "civic leaders have trade positions on LCPI and or LakewoodAlive. It would be nice if they had just one success story, just one.
Since that time, volunteers with out being shepherded by $60,000 a year flock herders, have worked to rebuild Madison Ave. Madison Park, Skate Parks, storefronts, CSA, bike programs, and on and on and on and on.
This is madness.
FWIW
.
My bad I forgot the "Mainstreet Art In DowntowN" program that brings famous artists to the streets of DowntowN!
This month we have a Christo. The world famous artist that has wraped everything from Central Park to the Florida Keys!
This one is much more understated. But thank you for the art!
It's amazing how easy it is to sit back and throw rotten tomatoes at people and demand "answers" that can be found in a fifteen second Google search.
Folks, face it, we're a town of 50,000 people. Big, but not that big. Sitting around a proverbial coffee klatch and complaining and expecting others to do the heavy lifting has never gotten a single thing accomplished.
Gary mentioned that attendance at CDBG meetings is pitiful - I wouldn't know, I've never attended (shame on me). I have been to several city council meetings lately and have been darn near the only person in the audience. I haven't seen anyone get up to talk or ask questions.
I have, however, been able to have civil, informative dialogues with members of council after all of those meetings. When I've had questions, or concerns, I've been able to find the answers or if not agreement, at least a sympathetic ear.
Perhaps there's no cohesion, because there's no one issue that a group can get behind. We all have our own image of what a perfect little Lakewood can be - and guess what? They're all different.
To me, it's pretty simple, why do some of the folks mentioned earlier in this thread have "power"? It's because they've taken the time to understand the system, understand the laws and have worked to present something - whether right or wrong - that is actually implementable.
Lakewood's ordinances are all online. The rules for applying for HUD money are all online. The methods for obtaining and administering those grants are also freely available (guess where?)
If you're really that interested in making a difference, read them, learn them, understand them. Then develop a well-thought out plan. Chances are, most folks in this city with "power" will beat a path to your door.
Why would like alive receive CBDG money when they didn't meet the requirements of the RFP for receiving the grant. From the CBDG One Lakewood website "not less than 70% of the CDBG funds received, over a one, two or three year period specified by the grantee, will be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons, and that the grantee will affirmatively further fair housing".
And we'll see the detailed reports when and where? What is the budget and detailed breakdown of funds received and monies expended by Lakewood Alive. Not pie charts, not percentages, not vagaries but budget details.
This is where I got slammed before. I know you won't do that Kevin. But would you be able to get this info for me since we are the ones do all the awarding?
As a citizen I am entitled to the info without climbing over snowdrifts to go to the offices of a staff that works from home, not in those offices.
That's what happened last time and all I was offered was the tax return, not the budget breakdown, which they should have the figures for as a "non-profit" using public monies correct?
"When I dare to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." - Audre Lorde
Gary, Thanks... I just hope they take my offer sincerely and take me up on the offer. But at least I have tried. If not I will be sure to attend the CAC meetings in the future and ask questions of the CAC board and City Council. Rhonda
"Dont it always seem to go
That you dont know what youve got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot"
Joni Mitchell
It's great that you're interested in this process. Remember that CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee) is but one of many opportunities that citizens have to get involved with the city in constructive ways to effect change.
Appointments to CAC, for example, can either come through the Mayor or through a council person.
Certainly, even if one is not officially on a committee, as a citizen, these meetings are public, and there are ample opportunities for citizen interaction.
If they would only show up....(smile)
You... are always needed.
I personally withdrew from CAC service for, among several reasons, in order to help Dad more, and also to spend more time writing music, and helping the students of the Lakewood Schools; also, Dad and I like to help out with Office on Aging projects from time to time.
There are many opportunities to volunteer in Lakewood.
One has only to roll up one's sleeves and get started.
'Course, there HAS to be a little time left for the banjo...
It was once mentioned that "we" were trying to build the brand. The uproar was deafening, and rightfully so. Lakewood does not need to build the brand. That usually puts faux pretenses into an unrealistic situation. It creates problems. We cannot market ourselves as "just like Crocker Park," because those that come, will be disappointed if that is what they wanted.
So what this project has always being trying to do is, "Define the brand." Once we understood the city what we had. We could then look to the right places to find people that shared the idea. What we found was that the city had an ample amount of art and civic intellect, that we could really create and build on what we all must have wanted, as we all ended up here.
The process of defining the brand is not easy, and it is often unrewarding, as the brand, and what the city wants moves away from your ideals, and into other areas. As you so rightly point out it only makes sense to study it, and understand it, and how it applies to the city, the neighborhoods and of course my life. In a democracy, if it works for a majority and they want it, I suppose it should happen.
I want to make that clear, because the entire project, and I am sure everything you know about me is to empower others to learn, and achieve their greatness.
Process and setbacks I understand. Those who have not failed, probably just never tried.
It is the process that counts. I can argee with many stipulations.
If I hit myself in the head with a hammer, and it hurts, how many times do I repeat the process?
Till I am dead?
I had a friend once that trusted the process. He collected tribal masks from New Guinea. Wild stuff hundreds of years old. Museum quality. He bought from a well known dealer(not in Lakewood) some masks for $70,000. Well the art dealer(not in Lakewood) never brought them back. Two years later they crossed paths again, and the dealer said he was sorry. But knew where there were some other masks that were worth $1/2 million. All he would need is $31,000 and he would get them skipping his usual commission. So the guy wrote a check, and in the memo he noted all of it. About a year ago I saw the check on his wall framed. He trusted the process. All he got was a $110,000 story.
He trusted the process. Some would say too many times.
"The time spent photographing curbside garbage bags and TV sets could also be spent getting involved in a city committee...."
Gary, I love photography and I love Lakewood. I love walking the streets nd taking photos. Today while I was explaining, the I Hate God art project to a friend. I looked over and low and behold, was this new piece of art. In order to make it larger than life, I noticed this angle. It hurt. Reminds me that we have 5 programs that have been active in making "DowtowN" better. Not really sure, but I have to think clean business streets make people more comfortable to shop and walk?
Gary as for me getting involved. You are kidding right? You are saying I am not involved? Building the most successful civic journails project with the help of 10% of the city, making sure the entire city has an equal voice, and to take away all excuses for not getting information out. I am not looking for kudos, but come-on man give me a little credit. Now I will admit like everyone else, I could do much more, but I think I am at least grabbing an oar. I am certainly not taking credit for any rowing you did, and you have done plenty, but come on I am at least breaking a sweat right?
As I am on record as saying. I think we have a pretty good crew on council. They are all honest hardworking people. But that said, I would like to know what they think, how they vote, how they are thinking of voting, and why. I think others do to. I am not a big fan of the CLE+ vision. But if a majority of the city are informed about what it really mean, as they vote West Cleveland, then I have no proble with Jay Westbrook as my councilman. But if we are not told the truth, and we are promised cheaper, better or the amazing money left over to invest in your city! then forget it. We need rational thought, not magic beans.
Here is the secret. Not really I tell everyone. Lakewood is the best damn city in the region. We kick ass. We have great schools, great libraries, great little stores, lakes, rivers, culture, art, history, walkability, safety, cleanliness, and location, location, location. This city is so damn fine, I have no need to put of rouge and mascara on it to make it look like something it is not. Just clean it up and it is a natural beauty. An occasional blemish, no problem, no need to hide it.
In this strange topsy turvy city. You think I am anti-Lakewood, when I am fighting for it to be preserved. Not like some little funky relic from a by gone era, but as a thriving inner ring suburb that uses responsible development to make things better for all. I would love to see us try some things out of the box, not 10 year old ideas that have come, failed and gone. This is where I feel you and many others are mistaken. I am not a half empty/half full guy. I think Lakewood is damn near where it has to be for the next 50 years. All we need are more residents, businesses and safe, clean, fun. Provide the Safe and clean, the rest will happen with very little effort. People and businesses from what little I know, like safe and clean. Sometimes they then create fun.
I am the guy seeing it 80% full, not the guy seeing the glass half-full. Too many I fear in this town feel the glass is half empty so we need a lot more to fill the glass. That is crazy. There is no mass exodus from this city. People leak out of Lakewood. People and business are coming. We are doing far better than any other inner ring suburb in the region, and maybe around the country. Get it? Get it? People are looking at us, trying to find out why. So why do so many see Lakewood's glass less full than you or I?
With some of my thoughts on these topics, that often get skewed.
Regionalism - Lakewood can afford to be one of the last dancers at this party. We can afford to see if it really works. We got badly burned on the moving deal.
Council - Like them, wish they got paid more, and had personal staff. They they could actually dig a little deeper.
Mayor Edward FitzGerald - Do not always agree, but he is honest hard working, and is always accountable for his actions. We are lucky I think. I would not mind losing him to the county, I think he would be perfect for that job.
LakewoodAlive - All versions. The volunteers are wonderful, beautiful people that love this city. But the management should pick something to be successful at and stick to it until they are successful. I work with CDCs all the time in many cities. They could be so much more. It is embarrassing.
Chamber of Commerce - Patty Ryan a little Lakewood dynamo.Good to have her in charge, and Lakewoodites back at the helm.
Schools, excellent - no matter what, support the tax levy. Just do it.
School Board, a real enigma of people that KNOW what is right for us. But again all good honest people.
Civic Discourse - Civil, real names - everything on the table, once the first two are established.
Jim O'Bryan - Tired, old, pompous bastard, that speaks his mind too much and is still drunk from the celebration of his doctorate of thinkolgy from munchkin university were he was voted the biggest whatever. But always believe, your voice is equal to mine as is everyone's.
You see Gary, I really think I have a pretty sane and open mind on these issues. I didn't strap myself to the last tree in the Dunkin Doughnut lot cause I hate development. I went in and got a dunkin stick.
Do not believe the hype.
How is that garbage thing working out for you this winter?
peace
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system." Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it." His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Gary Rice wrote:Now THAT'S the Jimmy I know and love.
I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in years, she said "my god you have not changed. You feel the same way about Lakewood that you did 10 years ago." I have not changed.
Today I ran into Nate Kelly, he asked what I say about Lakewood. I told him the same.
I am a total pimp for Lakewood. I have not changed.
Think about it.
This is what I find amazing. We are not talking about curing cancer. Though it would seem the presrcibed treatment is very, very expensive and might kill us in the end!
.
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system." Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it." His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Kevin Butler wrote:There's no "full plan" (or partial plan) to consolidate fire services. We won a grant to study the pros and cons with other west shore municipalities. This was well documented. The grant-funded study is underway in all those communities. Please don't mistake this for a decision on anyone's part to regionalize fire.
I don't know of any other regional plans, as you call them.
When is a study to “study the pros and cons” not a study to study the pros and cons? When the study is seemingly a study on how best to implement.
In a search for the Truth in Politics remember, Stats can be Manipulated, Facts will often be Skewed, the Intent of Darkness is to Conceal and Secrecy is used in place of Lies,
always look to find Who stands to Profit, to answer the question of Why
Shelley Hurd wrote:When is a study to “study the pros and cons” not a study to study the pros and cons? When the study is a study on how best to implement. (the file name is mine)
How else can you discuss the pros and cons without preparing a report which proposes one possible solution?
I believe Mr. Butler was stating that there is no fully developed plan which is ready for an up/down vote by the affected cities.
As a consulting engineer, I'm often asked to prepare feasibility studies for projects that never even make it out of preliminary discussions. This reads to me like exactly that sort of broad brush discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of a plan.
Shelley Hurd wrote:When is a study to “study the pros and cons” not a study to study the pros and cons? When the study is a study on how best to implement. (the file name is mine)
How else can you discuss the pros and cons without preparing a report which proposes one possible solution?
I believe Mr. Butler was stating that there is no fully developed plan which is ready for an up/down vote by the affected cities.
As a consulting engineer, I'm often asked to prepare feasibility studies for projects that never even make it out of preliminary discussions. This reads to me like exactly that sort of broad brush discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of a plan.
So, your professional opinion of this would be to define it as a feasibility study?
In a search for the Truth in Politics remember, Stats can be Manipulated, Facts will often be Skewed, the Intent of Darkness is to Conceal and Secrecy is used in place of Lies,
always look to find Who stands to Profit, to answer the question of Why
Well, it's a different profession. But from what I read, the proposal includes development of a proposed consolidation plan and a report detailing the benefits and drawbacks of it. If a plan were to be implemented, there'd be a whole separate consultant contract for that.
In a search for the Truth in Politics remember, Stats can be Manipulated, Facts will often be Skewed, the Intent of Darkness is to Conceal and Secrecy is used in place of Lies,
always look to find Who stands to Profit, to answer the question of Why
Two words came to mind after receiving the below file (file name is mine) which contains the Grant Award pertaining to the EfficientGovNow (regionalization of our fire department) funding.
Naïve - 1. extremely simple and trusting: having or showing an excessively simple and trusting view of the world and human nature, often as a result of youth and inexperience 2. not shrewd or sophisticated: showing a lack of sophistication and subtlety or of critical judgment and analysis a politically naive statement . (Microsoft Works, Dictionary)
Trust - 1. reliance: confidence in and reliance on good qualities, especially fairness, truth, honor, or ability 2. position of obligation: the position of somebody who is expected by others to behave responsibly or honorably breached the public trust . (Microsoft Works, Dictionary)
I rarely interject personal statements when I share information here. I feel it detracts from the debate of facts. However, I will share that yesterday, I realized the insignificant roll residents play in the shaping and functioning of the place we proudly (sic) call home. I realized that my pursuit for the truth of the facts of Lakewood’s master plan, was naïve. I realized that the lives and needs of 250,000 people do not have the same value as the wants of a handful of “visionaries and “stakeholders”. I realized that I will be given the opportunity to object as loudly and as passionately as I want to, after my voice will have no weight or merit in the finial decision.
What I have yet to realize and internalize is just how to accept that this is what Lakewood now is. That this is just the beginning, a small glance of what is already in place to transpire over the next 5 years. Our Sustainability Manager/Coordinator will call the shots, reshape our public institutions and spend our tax dollars however he sees fit. And our voices will have even less reach and impact upon his County focused ears.
In a search for the Truth in Politics remember, Stats can be Manipulated, Facts will often be Skewed, the Intent of Darkness is to Conceal and Secrecy is used in place of Lies,
always look to find Who stands to Profit, to answer the question of Why
