The Observation Deck

Jeff Endress wrote:Your friend, Jeff

Jeff,

I knew I could count on you.


Steve

My reasons for running for this important leadership position are the following:

1) I believe that Lakewood is at a tipping point
2) I believe in Lakewood’s future, but I believe it’s positive future will not come about easily or naturally
3) I believe that Lakewood’s greatest strength is the “intellectual capitalâ€Â￾ of its residents. It has many other strengths, but its human capital provides the catalyst for innovation, investment, cooperation and determination.
4) Lakewood has many challenges. All of them need to be acknowledged, and dealt with.
5) Lakewood City government should have three major areas of strategic Focus:
a. Preserving and growing the quality of all of its housing stock
i. Maintaining existing housing stock
ii. Developing new forms of housing stock
iii. Reworking obsolete forms of housing stock
b. Achieving structural balance with expenses less than revenues- sufficient that the city creates a capacity for investment in its future- in addition to maintaining and improving its core services.
c. Lakewood can gain financial strength through focused economic development of commercial office job expansion (vs. Industrial or retail development.)

I believe Lakewood City Council’s role is to create focus, create and foster alignment of all resources- both public and private, toward a consensus driven agenda that will ensure that Lakewood tips in the direction that preserves and grows the quality of life for its citizens.

I seek to be a leader in this important effort.

My qualifications: Proven leadership in many different environments- public and private
Business leadership:
28 years as Owner and President of Summers Rubber Company- an industry leader in the distribution of engineered rubber products for durable goods manufacturers.
Past President- Industry National Trade Association
Board of Directors- First Federal Savings and Loan of Lakewood

Public leadership
Member of the Lakewood School Board- two terms (8 years) 1996-2003
Chair of Ohio’s Workforce Policy Board 1998-2002
Chair, Grow Lakewood Strategic Initiative Committee 2005-2006
Member Lakewood Planning Commission 1992-93
Co-Chair Cleveland Growth Association Jobs and Workforce Initiative 1996-98
Current Board member of Lakewood Community Progress Inc. (LCPI)
Leadership Cleveland Class of 2004
Westside Industrial Retention Network- founding Board member and past Chair

Awards and Recognition:
Member :Lakewood High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame
Recipient: Wittenberg University Distinguished Alumni Citation

Education:
McKinley Elementary, Horace Mann, Lakewood High School class of 1972
Wittenberg University B.A. 1976
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management MBA Class of 1978

Family:
Wife: Wendy Children: Amy- LHS ’01, Ted- LHS ’04, Barbara -LHS ‘07

I guess we can take that as an official announcement from Mike.

The LO will not be scooped...I can hear JO'B doing his happy dance from here.

As of this afternoon, Joseph Dangelo of Richland Ave., Michael Summers of Wilbert Road, and Thomas Wagner of Lewis Drive have pulled petitions for the Ward 3 council seat. The (potential) candidates have one week to gather their signatures and file their petitions. I have great respect for Bob Seelie, but he didn't leave a lot of wiggle room...

Stan - As for Steve Davis, I don't know if you would consider him attractive, but how can you not dig a guy on a retro bike in a parade?

What a great thing. It seems we have at least 3 very competent people running for the ward 3 seat on council. I can't wait to hear more about your platforms and look forward to voting in November.

Hey Colleen, I should run 'cause I'm the cutest thing goin' !!!!!! LOL

The "cute" platform?! I like it!

Lynn, I thank you for taking my efforts seriously!!

Colleen Wing wrote:The LO will not be scooped...I can hear JO'B doing his happy dance from here.

Colleen

Happy dancing because I like politicians that support the work and efforts of volunteer residents trying to make the city better.

I also like Mike Summers. I have known him for ever. I know him well enough to know we do not always agree, maybe not even 50/50. But Mike is a straight up hardworking servant for the residents of Lakewood. His work on the school board is legendary.

I met Joe Dangelo tonight, seems sharp.

With Jennifer Scott holding down the cute schtick on the right, and Steve Davis from the far, far, far, far wood stove selling left.

It will be a good election cycle.

Another scoop, I will break now. Bob Seelie dropped out for health reasons, Tuesday he went through surgery, and I got a note tonight, that he is good to go health wise, but probably not running. It was great to know Bob was doing OK.

.

.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I am so happy to see some very good people running. Everybody I talk to (who actually know who our councilman is) is so happy to hear this.

Jim,

I wasn't razzing you...I was being serious. I thought it was a good thing.

Colleen Wing wrote:Jim,

I wasn't razzing you...I was being serious. I thought it was a good thing.

Colleen

No problem here.

It was a good thing.

.

Mike,
Great news; Lakewood will be well served with you on council.
Heidi

Heidi Hilty wrote:Mike,
Great news; Lakewood will be well served with you on council.
Heidi

Mike: I think you will do a great job - your heart is in the right place, and your business background can't hurt! Good luck!