The Observation Deck

Matthew Lee wrote:Let's assume I'm really slow at understanding things, which I definitely can be. Could someone please explain the cartoon to me. What exactly is going on and what is represented? I totally don't understand it.

Matthew

I believe this cartoon refers to what many called the SLAPP* Lawsuit against the Lakewood Observer, trying to shut us down, and stop us from publishing a truthful story.

*A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is a lawsuit that is intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.[1] Such lawsuits have been made illegal in many jurisdictions on the grounds that they impede freedom of speech.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic ... ticipation

The State of Ohio has no SLAPP Lawsuit laws like most other states, which would have thrown the lawsuit immediately, so we had to go into court and make our case for dismissal, which the judge ruled in favor of, as truth is protected free speech and opinions are also protected free speech.

Is that enough for now?

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Hi Jim,

Thanks. That does help. I had no context and there were no real clues for me to figure it out own my on. Appreciate the assistance!

Matt

Matthew raises a good point. Acronyms should be defined (parentheses or a footnote will do) whenever there's the least question about people understanding their meaning. 'SLAPP' has been used often here, and infrequently defined, but not often enough to assume familiarity.

Dan Alaimo wrote:Matthew raises a good point. Acronyms should be defined (parentheses or a footnote will do) whenever there's the least question about people understanding their meaning. 'SLAPP' has been used often here, and infrequently defined, but not often enough to assume familiarity.

Dan

I would agree, but we are pretty loose here.

Also there is no such thing as a "SLAPP Lawsuit" in Ohio. In Ohio we rely on a strong State Constitution. There have been many attempts to craft a "SLAPP Lawsuit" law, but it has generally not done well, with opposition on all side pointing to the State Constitution.

But in Federal Court we have found out, the party changes greatly as do the penalties. Federal Courts take the First Amendment and attacks on it far more seriously that local courts.

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Senator Skindell understands the importance of Sunshine Laws!

http://ohiosenate.gov/skindell/press/se ... nformation

Public trust can only be earned when the sun is allowed to shine upon government dealings. Our public officials must turn on the lights, open the shutters and raise the blinds,” Senator Skindell added. “Only sunshine will guard our public assets. Only transparent government will protect the people's interests. Only accountability will restore public trust. “

Bridget Conant wrote:Senator Skindell understands the importance of Sunshine Laws!

http://ohiosenate.gov/skindell/press/se ... nformation

Public trust can only be earned when the sun is allowed to shine upon government dealings. Our public officials must turn on the lights, open the shutters and raise the blinds,” Senator Skindell added. “Only sunshine will guard our public assets. Only transparent government will protect the people's interests. Only accountability will restore public trust. “

In honor of National Freedom of Information Day ,which is appropriately tucked within Sunshine Week, I'll repeat a question that I asked earlier and to which I received no response:
Councilperson O'Malley,what is your position in regards to Law Director Kevin Butler withholding public records?
Councilperson Marx,what is your position in regards to Law Director Kevin Butler withholding public records?
Councilperson Nowlin,what is your position in regards to Law Director Kevin Butler withholding public records?

m buckley wrote:

Bridget Conant wrote:Senator Skindell understands the importance of Sunshine Laws!

http://ohiosenate.gov/skindell/press/se ... nformation

Public trust can only be earned when the sun is allowed to shine upon government dealings. Our public officials must turn on the lights, open the shutters and raise the blinds,” Senator Skindell added. “Only sunshine will guard our public assets. Only transparent government will protect the people's interests. Only accountability will restore public trust. “

In honor of National Freedom of Information Day ,which is appropriately tucked within Sunshine Week, I'll repeat a question that I asked earlier and to which I received no response:
Councilperson O'Malley,what is your position in regards to Law Director Kevin Butler withholding public records?
Councilperson Marx,what is your position in regards to Law Director Kevin Butler withholding public records?
Councilperson Nowlin,what is your position in regards to Law Director Kevin Butler withholding public records?

I will bet you a green beer there will not be an answer.

They disappear when the questions get tough.

Witness the college student tax issue discussion. Dan O'Malley pops right in to say "it's the state's fault!" But when questioned further, he's MIA.

Why do we accept this?

As the sun sets on Sunshine Week in Lakewood this seems to be as good moment as any to bask in the positive role played by our city officials in championing the importance of open government in a democracy.
Yeah I know, we still have a Mayor who lied to us.
And we still have a City Council that hid from us.  There's no arguing that.
And a Law Director who withholds public records from us right through the end of Sunshine week. You got me there.
Yeah and I know about O'Malley and Marx and Nowlin who refuse to answer where they stand on Lakewood's Law Director withholding those public records.  Awkward.

But I don't want to talk about any of that.  I want to talk about a positive development that transpired this week of which we can all be proud.
Not once during Sunshine Week did "The Transparency Twins" (O'Leary and Anderson) convene in Executive Session.
Not once did they skulk back to their broom closet at City Hall. To hold hands in the dark and chant "The Greater Good".
Not those guys. Not this week
Take comfort in that Lakewood; it's rare you witness that kind of political courage.
To paraphrase Dru Siley, who in turn borrowed from Timbuk 3,
Lakewood Municipal government: "The future's so bright you gotta wear shades."

m buckley wrote: Lakewood Municipal government: "The future's so bright you gotta wear shades."

Indeed, the future is so bright that....

"I want to be like Jackie Onassis, and wear dark sunglasses." HSR





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Has anyone checked out the City website? It lists audio recordings from the COW meetings. I never saw this before.

They list a COW meeting to discuss Lakewood Hospital?

http://www.onelakewood.com/findget/lake ... y-council/

A website is presented that looks like we have government transparency and at the same time they want to LEGALLY eliminate records after 2 years. Terabytes of data can be stored with little cost. If data storage is not the concern, why remove those records?