The Observation Deck

[quote="Jim O'Bryan

Except, are you even stable enough to be mayor?[/quote]


I think Councilman Demro's heart is genuinely in the right place but his penchant for running off his mouth with ill considered rhetoric has always given me pause not to mention his penchant for reactionary legislation that doesn't solve problems but tends to demonize entire groups of people.

So on election eve Councilman Demro has decided to write off as fools all the idiots (by his sage reasoning...all schooled in political science and all) that may have chosen to support Councilman Fitzgerald. So where do those votes go should Councilman Fitzgerald not finish in the top two? I may have considered Councilman Demro but no, I've been labeled a fool, oops.

Tomorrow, please vote for Ed Fitzgerald for mayor and if Councilperson Fitzgerald should not win or place, Mayor George in November.

Sometimes decisions are made much easier.

Thanks Councilman Demro.

What, the love affair between Fitz and the Kid is over?

Who'd have thunk it?

Jim-

FYI, I haven't made any deals with anyone in this election. No jobs promised, etc. My position was always that I would like to have a series of debates. If you go back and look at my posts in January of this year, I said the same thing then, before anyone else was running.

What's more, even if I win tomorrow and don't need any further debates to help me, I will continue to be available for a whole series of debates and forums. I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the ones held this year.

Also, just like Ted Strickland last year, there are Republicans who are looking for a change, and who aren't so partisan that they won't support me. Most people put Lakewood first, party identification second.

I don't mind Ryan's attacks, it doesn't bother me. I have my own polling, and it's diametrically opposed to the results he cites. In any event, when all of your opponents are attacking you, you're probably doing pretty well.

Gary-

I always respect your analysis, but my polling shows that voters in Lakewood this year really aren't too concerned with party identification. There are too many other pressing issues.

Finally-

To everyone, all the Observers, both the daily participants and the occasional viewers, thanks for reading my occasional observations and opinions. It was a contentious campaign, but I have an even greater appreciation for the people of Lakewood now than when I began.

Thanks,

haaaaahaahahahahahhahahaa

Ed FitzGerald wrote:Jim-

FYI, I haven't made any deals with anyone in this election. No jobs promised, etc. My position was always that I would like to have a series of debates. If you go back and look at my posts in January of this year, I said the same thing then, before anyone else was running...

Thanks,

Ed

Thanks for the clarification.

I do have to admit, you were one of the two candidates that said, "No problem." I think yours came in a couple seconds behind the mayor's.

Let's hope the best two make it through.



.

Jim-

I was talking about my offer way back in January to have a series of debates, not just the virtual debate.

FYI, apparently some confused souls are telling people I was only in the FBI for three months. It was three years, plus 5 years as a prosecutor. Assuming that people are smarter than that, but someone is out there spreading this whopper.

Ed FitzGerald wrote:Jim-

I was talking about my offer way back in January to have a series of debates, not just the virtual debate.

FYI, apparently some confused souls are telling people I was only in the FBI for three months. It was three years, plus 5 years as a prosecutor. Assuming that people are smarter than that, but someone is out there spreading this whopper.

Ed

Honestly I have never heard you ever turn down a debate offer. Way back, when you first announced, you told me you were up for every debate coming your way. I cannot thank you enough for your participation in the LO Virtual Debate.

On a separate note.

You are killing me!
You know the Irish.




.

I wonder how much of this election is a truly historic event?

In the first place, you have a citizen newspaper where people, including the candidates, were able to get into direct contact with the people, and to get their message out.

Then you have this 'Deck.

First, there were posts, whether by individual independents, or by the candidates or their supporters.

Then came the interactions. Whew boy, did they come. Then, the virtual debate, and now this last minute stuff.

And wow, just when that virtual debate appeared to falter, a 'Deck reader stepped up to the plate and put it all together for the rest of us.

And then the words came...all these words...and more words.

As Jim has posted often, and in so many ways.... How well do our words frame us?

The Lakewood Observer Project has been an integral component of this election. I truly think that local elections will never be quite the same again.

My sincere thanks to all of the candidates for going through the painful process of contemporary politics. Whomever comes in third tomorrow should hold their head high. Thanks for being willing to serve our city!

We are all making history here.

Kumbayah!

What little doubt I had that Demro was not going to be my choice in the election was removed several days ago when I saw this in a campaign email:

In the past several days I have heard voters comment that they wish there was a way that they could have both Ed and I in Lakewood government next year. There is only one way to do that, elect Demro Mayor and Ed will remain on City Council. With Ryan as Mayor and Ed as Council President, you get a big bang for your vote. Statistically Ed cannot win the primary, so stick with Ryan and build a strong team for Lakewood's future.

Support Demro/Fitzgerald '08!

If 'statistically Ed cannot win', then why the exhortations? Why not just sit back and cruise on to the general elections? And what's with the Demro/Fitzgerald tagline at the end? I notice that this was not either of the emails I've received since. Are we really to believe that there was some sort of coalition formed? That stretches the bounds of credulity.

The slapdash video taken in the parking lot cemented it, though. What a crass, insensitive way to make a cheap political point. Demro may have some bright ideas and a burning passion for a better Lakewood, but I'm left with the impression that he'd leave no bridge unburned.

My feeling is that Ryan's firebrand personality may be better suited crafting legislation in the Statehouse or the House of Representatives rather than an executive position. Is it too late for him to challenge Dennis in '08?

Ryan Patrick Demro wrote:Our numbers show the following:

Thomas J. George 40%
Ryan Patrick Demro 18%
Ed FitzGerald 12%
Undecided 32%

I am just reading between the lines but:

The only poll I am aware of was one conducted in the Spring of 2007. If the results above are from that poll then the numbers are bad news for the Mayor. Why? Because that 40% support level (if accurate) was the Mayor's high water mark.

Events in Lakewood since the Spring and the campaigns of Fitzgerald and Demro have weakened the Mayor's support. His base of support is certain to have declined from the 40% level reported in the Spring poll. My guess is that the current level is below 30%.

That means the next round will be Fitzgerald against Demro with the edge given to Fitzgerald. I would bet you all a beer on the results of today's vote but I am already over subscribed.

Bill Call wrote:
I would bet you all a beer on the results of today's vote but I am already over subscribed.

Just for fun then

Prediction/Guess:

Thomas J. George 32%
Ryan Patrick Demro 30%
Ed FitzGerald 38%

Bill,

Your numbers make much more sense if it was the beginning numbers instead of the current numbers.

Of course I talk to some die hard supporters from each group - but the largest majority of people I talk to are undecided - even at this late point - but they are basically choosing between Ed and Ryan. But they may be so confused they go with Tom. I'm surprised with the high undecided numbers I am talking to among informed voters at this point - but heck - I just decided yesterday.

Yeah, that's the interesting thing are the high number of undecideds. It will be interesting to see how the numbers truly play out tonight.

FYI

Voter turn out is really low.

As of 9:15am
42 votes at McKinley
67 Votes at Lakewood United Methodist
less than 35 votes at the YMCA

Anyone else ask when they voted?

Should be an interesting day...

I voted this morning at Hayes....seemed pretty busy for 7:00 AM.