The Observation Deck

You cannot have change without good leadership.

Good leadership results in accountability.

Without accountability, there change be no change.

To the extent that Mr. Bentley is calling upon Deckers a "leaders", I agree with him that those "leaders" here on the Deck seek accountability, and, therefore, change--they are all thinking about the "next generation."

As for the notion that Lakewood needs to "come together as a community", may I suggest that if adhering to the status quo means "coming together", that means no change and a complete disregard of the "next generation."

To get new leaders at City Hall will be really difficult if not impossible, citing the polarity we have in Lakewood.

This would not be "good government" in the literal sense, but how about this:
A candidate for council who runs on the platform of pure obstructionism to secret sessions, secret documents, and anything that has a whiff of harm to any part of the community?
Although such a candidate would have a slim chance of winning, it could be a first step to good government.

It is my opinion that a complete, outside, independent investigation of the current city administration is needed before I would consider "coming together". Also, every single piece of documentation and public record needs to be released, including itemized statements of where all of the money went. I cannot come to terms with anything until at least these two stipulations are met.

A few things real quick...

First, thanks to Matt Kuhns. I really do want to just bring some positivity and have people work together on projects, despite viewpoints on past issues.

Second, Brian Essi, this was not a call to people just on the Deck. It's a call to everyone who is in our community. I'm small potatoes, but I don't see eye to eye with everyone, but am willing to have a normal conversation and understand the differences. I also want to thank you, because you're a big driver to greater transparency in our government, whether they want to admit it as a good thing, or not.

Third, if anyone feels there needs to be change in our government, step up, or encourage those that you think are people who should run, to run. I happen to like many of our elected leaders on a personal level. Let's remember that some are just trying to make the best they can of things, including our mayor.

Lastly, MLK said, "Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

Gee Mike,

I wonder if you also happen to play the banjo?

I guess the thing that most of us share in common is that vision for a better community...

...and that's not a bad thing at all.

Back to the banjo...

bentleymike wrote:Lastly, MLK said, "Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

ps...



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bentleymike wrote: Lastly, MLK said, "Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

Mr. Bentely,
A couple of years ago I had the great honor of meeting Congressman John Lewis. He had just delivered a speech in Cleveland, the central message was, when faced with injustice, speak out, don't remain silent.
John Lewis who had his head split open on the Edmund Pettus bridge in 1965, who walked shoulder to shoulder with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., stood in front of the audience that day and called on them to speak truth to power. To not be afraid to " Get in trouble. To make good trouble."

The Mayor lied.
The City Council hid.
The Law Director, disgracefully, still withholds Public Records.
 
I will not normalize that conduct. I won't process it and move on.
No truth. No Transparency. No Reconciliation.

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr: " Without justice, there can be no peace."

Michael

My point.

This intelligent discourse, respect, peace, love stuffs works great until someone brings sick, crazy violent to the party.

Also it only works if all sides are looking to build bridges, open doors and heal the wound.

But baby steps are a great way to start, I will give you that.

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Jim O'Bryan wrote:

bentleymike wrote:Lastly, MLK said, "Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

ps...



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Good thing we have these historic events to learn from, and make can peaceful progress toward our future in Lakewood.

Gary was right, we ALL want a better Lakewood in the future.

This project, in paper form, or message board form, conveys ANYONE is welcome to communicate their message for a brighter path.

Dan Alaimo wrote:This would not be "good government" in the literal sense, but how about this:
A candidate for council who runs on the platform of pure obstructionism to secret sessions, secret documents, and anything that has a whiff of harm to any part of the community?
Although such a candidate would have a slim chance of winning, it could be a first step to good government.

After reading a number of the posts in this thread, I feel the need to clarify what I wrote above.
I used the word 'obstuctionism' which has a deserved negative connotation of causing disruption for its own sake.

What I mean to get across is we need some committed independent thinkers on this Council who will not be swayed by the arguments and threats made in the name of unity. I'm sorry Dan O'Malley, but you are an example. You ran opposing the hospital deal and within weeks you were persuaded to vote for it. Another example: how many council members have spoken out against the administrations refusal to release documents, a clear violation of the law. And how many have taken to heart Mark Kindt's warnings about how the City's actions leave it open to costly litigation, not to mention the lack of a clear ethics statement

We need people on Council who will stand for what they believe in and speak up when something is wrong. In this context, 'obstructionism' is not a dirty word, and it will lead to good and positive things, and forestall the unnecessary unpleasantness we have seen recently.

bentleymike wrote: This project, in paper form, or message board form, conveys ANYONE is welcome to communicate their message for a brighter path.

Mike

What have you learned if anything from this post?

I think one Observation that could be made is staggering.

The answer you desperately seek to bring this community together has been discovered by you here.

So, what are your Observations, at this point?

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A couple of things here...

First, Mr. Alaimo, I don't want to speak for Councilman O'Malley, but, maybe he went the way of the vote in the city.

Second, to answer your question Jim, it seems people can be cordial. It also seems that no one made the past arguments of bringing back the hospital.

I took some time to read through the proposals this weekend. There are two I particular like. I don't want to thread drift here, but I would be interested to see people's thoughts on the five, and what they truly would like to see out of the property now.

Given the bigotry that pervades this city hall, I find references to MLK and John Lewis sadly ironic.

bentleymike wrote:A couple of things here...

First, Mr. Alaimo, I don't want to speak for Councilman O'Malley, but, maybe he went the way of the vote in the city.

Second, to answer your question Jim, it seems people can be cordial. It also seems that no one made the past arguments of bringing back the hospital.

I took some time to read through the proposals this weekend. There are two I particular like. I don't want to thread drift here, but I would be interested to see people's thoughts on the five, and what they truly would like to see out of the property now.

Mike

That would be thread drift, post to new thread please.

Also it would seem the residents can move on.

So now the first step taken. Will City Hall take the second? Is City Hall to help mend the divide?

We found out it is easy to do.

Release the documents so that we can move on completely, with trust.

Start the healing now.

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