What Do You Want From Our Local Elected Leaders?

[Bill Trentel]

Your quote was in reference to the removal of basketball hoops.

"An interesting thing I always notice in these discussions is that for as much as some will decry how deaf we are to the poor or needs of lower income people, just as much it seems like there's a desire to ignore the need to attract upper-middle and upper class people to Lakewood."

So is there a different reading of this quote other than basketball hoops only serve the needs of the poor and low income people. And that public basketball is not a service desired by middle and upper middle class.

Bill

[Bryan Schwegler]

Then that was my bad if you're misunderstanding. My basketball hoops comment was only in reference to Sharon's quote. The rest of my post was a separate thought. Hopefully that clears up my intent.

[Bryan Schwegler]

Bryan--- Your posts have demonstrated a very sophisticated and careful analysis of Lakewood, minus some of the animus that accompanies so many other posts.
Ever consider entering the public realm-- a candidate either for school board or city council?
Stan Austin

Thanks Stan. Never have considered it as I'm not so sure that i could stomach a campaign or what it takes to be in representative government. My Meyers Briggs would have me do other things

[Bill Trentel]

My point is both rich and poor are wanted and needed. Demonizing one side over the other isn't going to get us anywhere.

I agree, and our politicians need to recognize the value and contributions made by all of our citizens. (not only monetary contributions) Several of our entrenched politicians only recognize the middle and upper class home owners as valued citizens. This evident by their recent actions and words.

But when it comes to income taxes you would have to admit that a flat percentage which we have (1.5%) impacts the burger flippers ability keep his or her head above water much more then the millionaires. Of course the millionaire pays more but the lower income burger flipper feels it more.

Bill

[Bryan Schwegler]

But when it comes to income taxes you would have to admit that a flat percentage which we have (1.5%) impacts the burger flippers ability keep his or her head above water much more then the millionaires. Of course the millionaire pays more but the lower income burger flipper feels it more.

Bill

I completely agree. But I think that's why it's important to continue to attract higher income people because if they're not here then taxes get raised higher on those that can least afford it just to pay for the current level of services. I just think sometimes the "gentrification" bogey man is over used which in the long run is very economically damaging to a predominantly residential city.

[Will Brown]

People who advocate term limits apparently don't realize the value of experience.

The official who has been in office for a while should have an understanding of what has worked, and what hasn't worked. A newly elected official is likely to flounder and try to install a program that has failed before, since the inexperienced official won't have the experience to know why his program didn't work. If we choose to reelect someone who is no longer effective, that is a failure of the electorate, the opposing candidates, and the media, that is more than willing to tell us how to vote.

As to transparency, the history of representative democracies is that deals are cut in back rooms; it has been that way for centuries, and I doubt anything can stop it. If we want to have the citizenry participate fully in the government, we have no reason to have a legislature (is that a money-saving idea?) and we could govern by initiative. Of course, California suffers from many citizen iniitiates, and that appears to have caused them a lot of problems. I think the problem is that few citizens really understand how government works; experienced legislators (federal legislators excepted) know that if you cut taxes you will, generally, have less to spend. If you raise taxes beyond our comfort zone, you risk killing the golden goose.

My feeling is that legislators spend too much time on constituent services (a ploy to improve their prospects for reelection), and too little time on legislation. So I would prefer a candidate who could thoughtfully discuss both sides of an issue, and explain why he chooses this or that side.

[Kristine Pagsuyoin]

People who advocate term limits apparently don't realize the value of experience.

Will,

I disagree. I recognize and value experience; however, even though an elected official may be competent after 15, 20, 24 years it is unlikely that many new thoughts or fresh ideas and perspectives are forthcoming. Our city and our school board are in need of new perspectives and approaches to the way they do business. In the case of our schools, there have been years and years of kids graduating with the same people in charge. Education is constantly evolving (hopefully toward improvement) and it takes forward & visionary thinking to move a district forward.

Some members of our school board have been on so long that I think they have developed a sense of entitlement toward their job. They make decisions with their base in mind instead of what is best for a all of Lakewood's kids. The reach and communication to the community aren't just up to par because they "live" in their bubble
unable to recognize that their discussions are not being heard or understood. Someone wrote earlier in this thread that a good leader recognizes when their time is up and steps down allowing for new blood. If they have done their job right, a newly elected person does have the chance to be successful. I mean honestly, we don't want new leadership just because they might make a mistake? No one would run. The ideal is mix of experienced and new on a board to allow for some mentoring while developing new ideas. Some of our school board members aren't recognizing that the time has come for change.

I will say that term limits ought to be long enough so that the people we elect have the opportunity to see their ideas or programs through, but short enough to allow or new blood to be elected regularly.

[Kristine Pagsuyoin]

People who advocate term limits apparently don't realize the value of experience.

Will,

I disagree. I recognize and value experience; however, even though an elected official may be competent after 15, 20, 24 years it is unlikely that many new thoughts or fresh ideas and perspectives are forthcoming. Our city and our school board are in need of new perspectives and approaches to the way they do business. In the case of our schools, there have been years and years of kids graduating with the same people in charge. Education is constantly evolving (hopefully toward improvement) and it takes forward & visionary thinking to move a district forward.

Some members of our school board have been on so long that I think they have developed a sense of entitlement toward their job. They make decisions with their base in mind instead of what is best for a all of Lakewood's kids. The reach and communication to the community aren't just up to par because they "live" in their bubble
unable to recognize that their discussions are not being heard or understood. Someone wrote earlier in this thread that a good leader recognizes when their time is up and steps down allowing for new blood. If they have done their job right, a newly elected person does have the chance to be successful. I mean honestly, we don't want new leadership just because they might make a mistake? No one would run. The ideal is mix of experienced and new on a board to allow for some mentoring while developing new ideas. Some of our school board members aren't recognizing that the time has come for change.

I will say that term limits ought to be long enough so that the people we elect have the opportunity to see their ideas or programs through, but short enough to allow or new blood to be elected regularly.

[Stan Austin]

Kristine, Will, Bryan, Bill, and others who have posted on this thread:

The points that have been made on this thread have all been important observations about the process of the Lakewood Board of Education.
But, I think the most telling indicator of a Board member's ability or willingness to be a representative is the ability to converse with the community.
By conversing, I am not just referring to chatting at the grocery store, church, or formal meetings. Those are all important forums to be sure. But, when all of our new schools are equipped with up to date Internet capabilities and teachers, students, and parents are all expected to utilize those facilities, the least we can expect is that Board members be as up to date and accepting in the use of technology (participation on The Deck and other internet forums) as the rest of the community in the schools and the City as a whole.
Matt Markling has been the only Member to use this commonplace means of communication. We have applauded him for this but in reality we should take that for granted and view the lack of participation by other members as a form of 21st Century illiteracy.

Stan Austin

[Rhonda loje]

Stan,

By conversing, I am not just referring to chatting at the grocery store, church, or formal meetings. Those are all important forums to be sure. But, when all of our new schools are equipped with up to date Internet capabilities and teachers, students, and parents are all expected to utilize those facilities, the least we can expect is that Board members be as up to date and accepting in the use of technology (participation on The Deck and other internet forums) as the rest of the community in the schools and the City as a whole.

I couldn't agree more.
Mr. Markling has done a great job of keeping us informed.
I have not received any emails or correspondence with any other member of the BOE.
If I have a question, Mr. Markling is the only response I receive.

It's too bad that the other members of the BOE either are unable or refuse to communicate (either on the deck or by email) with voters who elect them and support the Lakewood Schools with their property taxes. I think it is time to examine why this communication to the voters only occurs during times of levy's or crisis.

Rhonda Osborn Loje

[Missy Limkemann]

Oh I adore Mr. Markling. He took time out of his busy day, on his way to court, rushing, to answer a question for me, when he didn't have too. (or he could have called me back later in the day) He stands up for what he believes in and he keeps everything he is doing transparent. I wish more leaders would do the same.

As for what I want, I want someone who will actually listen to what I have to say. Not ask the question, have the answer already in their pocket and just pretend they care what we say. I want them to listen, to even educate themselves more on the matter. Do the research, listen to everyone of us. (not just the ones who drive the fancy cars, live in the 4000+ sq foot of house with a lake view....) I want answers to my questions, I want to know WHY and HOW things are done. I want it explained like I am a 2 year old with a hearing and learning disability. But most important I want them to LISTEN to what we have to say. Just because you won the election doesnt mean you turn your back on those that put you there. We put you there...we can and will remove you!!!!!

[Danielle Masters]

I'll briefly weigh in and basically repeat what most of you have said.

I want our elected officials on all levels to remember to represent all of those they serve. Now obviously they can't make everyone happy but they need to make sure that they have two legs to stand on when they do make a decision. I don't mind if a politician disagrees with me but they need to be able to justify their decision in order to have credibility. In the same line of thought I'd like transparency in my elected officials. This is the age of technology, they need to use it and communicate with the electorate. If they don't use technology I will admit I wonder about their ability to do their job. Mr. Markling has done a wonderful job of all of the above. Mr. Butler has also done a good job. I feel confident in their abilities to lead and I'd like more local representatives to take a que from those two gentlemen.

[marklingm]

In a separate thread, my name was brought up and a comment was made that, “perhaps he just feels the need to burnish his populist credentials.” See viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9238&start=0.

The word “populist” is used so often that a friend of mine recently reminded me of the following scene from “The Princess Bride:”



A “populist” is defined today as meaning:

“[A] believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/populist.
“A supporter of the rights and power of the people.” http://www.thefreedictionary.com/populist.

If only more of our local elected leaders felt the need to polish up on populist qualifications!

Matt

[David Anderson]

What a wonderful thread. I have enjoyed reading all the comments and have refrained from posting mine until now.


When it all boils down, what I want from our elected officials is vision to be the best at whatever we do and a driven passion to achieve the vision. I feel some officials settle for what is achievable and don’t lead toward what is possible.

For example:

[*]Our refuse collection services are good. However, Lakewood could lead the county in providing true recycling incentives to all residents. How can we make Lakewood the greenest city in Ohio and the nation.

[*]Lakewood’s housing department provides tremendous services to residents and I, for one, have directly benefited from the dedication and expertise offered. However, there are problems in Lakewood’s housing stock which are solvable. With a bit of focus, dedication and collaboration with local banks, Lakewood could lead the county and nation in getting empty bank owned houses back up to code, on the market and sold to residents who pay taxes. Start with the empty bank owned properties, knock it out of the park, hang your hat on it and move to another intra-housing stock issue.

[*]Instead of settling to achieve a certain high school graduation rate, Lakewood could go above and beyond. Lakewood public schools could lead the county by offering a two year associate’s degree (with Tri-C) to any student who passes all five parts of the Ohio Graduation Test as a 10th grader. This would (1) boost the county’s educational attainment rate, (2) cut in half the cost of a four year degree, (3) provide an employable credential to those who can’t commit to two more years and (4) allow some to be the first in their family to earn a college degree.

I did not intend for this to read as a platform. I was simply trying to put some examples behind what I value in my elected officials.

I was just talking with a neighbor/friend late Saturday afternoon about how it seems as though some citizens care more about this city than some of our elected officials. Heck, I have a wife, four small kids and two jobs (career professional job and three rental properties in Lakewood not including my home). I can take a few minutes here and there to conduct perfunctory research and post my opinions but simply do not have the time to go to board or council meetings, join advisory councils, etc.

Thanks for starting this discussion, Matthew, and I enjoyed meeting you the other evening.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Your quote was in reference to the removal of basketball hoops.

"An interesting thing I always notice in these discussions is that for as much as some will decry how deaf we are to the poor or needs of lower income people, just as much it seems like there's a desire to ignore the need to attract upper-middle and upper class people to Lakewood."

So is there a different reading of this quote other than basketball hoops only serve the needs of the poor and low income people. And that public basketball is not a service desired by middle and upper middle class.

Bill

Bill


One would ask how we can even come to grips with the reality of Lakewood, when so many
live in a made up faux version, mostly in their heads. Recently we have seen another rash
of awards and commendations that are hollow and meaningless used to prop up and give
credit to the very people you are asking to get real.

Let's be honest with ourselves, it is very hard for immature or young people to stop
believing in the tooth fairy or Santa, when they find a $5 bill under the pillow or a
new bike under the tree. Especially if they are unwilling to even talk about the reality of
the situation they have gotten us into.

I am starting to think, it is all just one big illusion.

.