The Observation Deck

But Sharon, think me naive to believe such a person exist, but what about those running for local office whom will never run for an office out of the city. Is the party as important then? Since it no longer serves its purpose of breeding said politician for county, state and federal government, is the party really as important at the local level?

I just think it is a little ridiculous for someone not to do/vote for what they think is right/better because rules of an organization they belong to say they must do otherwise. This is the land of the free right? We still have freedom of speech and expression; no one should be able to take that away from you.

At the local level, whether one is a democrat or republican doesn’t matter too much as the party platform is not pushed real hard at this level. Candidates are evaluated on their ideas and actions (or lack thereof).

However, when you get to the county level and above, party membership starts to matter. In general, people tend to vote along party lines rather than for a candidate they believe is truly worthy of office. Of course there are the educated voters who study each candidate, evaluate their platform and vote accordingly. But those voters are few in number, in my opinion.

Part of the trouble with parties is the good old boy network. You feel you are a viable candidate but party leadership says “hold on one minute...there are a few people ahead of you who we feel are better candidates”. By better candidates they mean they have put their time in, attended party functions, supported the candidates they were told to support, gave $$ and/or time and toed the party line. You do all this and your time will come, maybe. In the meantime you best run along and be a good little soldier. They’ll tell you how to vote. Of course there are a few who have a natural talent in front of the camera or microphone and they move ahead faster.

Thanks Charlie, I couldn't have said it better.

Here is the reality of the situation. Most people are in public service because they feel it is important.

Lakewood is a pretty small pond. Many people are looking at these jobs as a stepping stone. Few people are going to do these jobs forever. Too many hours, too litle pay and very little appreciation.

There is nothing wrong with party loyalty, just like in a profession, there are certain standards that you hold others to.

At least for me.

The last mayor's race set a very poor precedent. Now many think that is acceptable. Maybe the times are changing, but is that good?

I wouldn't trust someone who says they're part of my movement and then turns around and abuses that mechanism. One for one instead of one for all.

In 2002, I led the effort to move Lakewood elections to a non-partisan format. We were one of only five cities in the county using that format at the time. The voters overwhelmingly approved it. Since then there have been no party affiliations listed on the ballot. Non-partisan elections prevents the political parties from being the sole determinants of the future of the city and its politicians. This is important to note because as much as the Democrats and Republicans think they rule the day, in 2002 there were twice as many Independents in number as Democrats and Republicans combined.

It's also fun because it allows for wide open primaries which can upset those who would like to think they can control things from their perch. For example, Candidate A was a terrible mayor but was able to work the party machine in his favor. Candidate B is more able, but not a servant to the machine. Under the old system it is likely that Candidate A probably would have won the primary. A win for the party, a loss to the citizens. Under the new (2002) system, Candidate B has a better chance and can continue running without the party. This is the Washingtonian way, too bad it has yet to be implemented at the county level. There really isn't a Republican or Democrat way to waste money and be corrupt in Cuyahoga County, it just happens to have been the Democrats who have mastered it over the past 15 years. But hey, those are the party people, so we gotta support them right? (The world according to Ms. Kinsella).

Oh Ryan wouldn't a split in the Democrats serve you well?

You sly one you.

One more thing. If you're going to make cracks like that Ryan, about corruption, look at the play book your party wrote.

I'm done here. My objective has been reached.

Thanks go out to Charlie Page and Christopher Bindel.

Thanks guys!

Gee...

Is it time for a campfire sing-a-long yet?

Well, as my dear late mother told me many times....

You don't have to look long and hard to find truth....

Sooner or later, it just comes right out and reveals itself.

Back to the banjo

Thank you for choosing to open up this public discussion on your campaign.

What actions taken by the current administration do you agree with?

What actions taken by the current administration to you disagree with?

Given the likelyhood of future delines in revenue where will the money come from to pay for promised raises?

Will you support the upcoming school operating levy?
Will you support the upcoming school bond issue?

Why do you want to be a member of council?

Sharon -
I appreciate the support you've given me in the past, and understand your stance here. Although I am disappointed, more than anything I appreciate a straight answer. I wish you well.

Jim -
Thank you for your post regarding the possibility of an online campaign journal. I will pass, for two reasons. First, I don't believe I will have the time to give that kind of endeavor the attention it needs to be done properly. It's a great idea, and I've seen more and more of these campaign documentaries done online and on film, but I can't see having the time to do it right with an active daily schedule (family, work, church, volunteering, campaigning). I will do my best to remain active on the 'Deck, however, as this is an important forum for community dialogue. Second, and more importantly, I want to conduct an old-fashioned front porch campaign, (stop by mine or I'll be glad to come to you), where we can have face to face discussions on the problems we face and their possible solutions. We reside at 1501 Westwood Ave., and I can be reached at (216) 221-2889. In 2007 I knocked on just over 3,000 doors to have these conversations, and am looking forward to many more this summer.

Charlie -
It is unfortunate to have to say that there is a great deal wrong in government in northeast Ohio, but it is the truth. I do not have to list every person and situation, but anyone who has been paying even the slightest attention knows that we cannot continue to support leadership struggling with corruption, criminal convictions, self-dealing and cronyism. If ever there was a time for new leaders and leadership in Cuyahoga County, it is now; and now is the time 'for a new way of thinking about government'. It is time to SERVE the residents, rather than yourself, your cronies, your friends in business, and even your party. I am a proud Democrat, Sharon, but I am not going to stand blindly behind our current elected officials just because they happen to be from the same party. There is a need for real reform, which in this case means new elected officials willing to work and sacrifice first and foremost for their community. I also believe that it is a reform that is going to have to start at the bottom, because it won't happen at the top. That is why I am running.

How does this affect Lakewood, you might be asking, and what is the 'change' we need? I have two words for you - economic development. Over the last year, President Obama has brought a new hopeful spirit to national politics, one that is being felt around the world. It is time to bring that same hopeful spirit to the grass roots level, right here in Lakewood. With the foreclosure mess, massive lay-offs, unemployment inching toward 10%, and the banks freezing up their money, we (and all of Cuyahoga County) are going to have to do more with less. I do believe, however, that this can be a golden opportunity. We have the opportunity to make this city what we want it to be. Since I don't expect significant help from the state and federal governments over the next ten years, this city - the residents - will need to find creative and economical solutions to fill our empty storefronts, start and maintain small- and medium-sized businesses, spur housing deveolpment, and to promote the arts. Everyone can - and will have to - get and remain involved. I have the backround in law and community activism to make this happen, from the ground up. Since I have worked with non-profits, businessess and business leaders, private clients and families, along with schools and local volunteer organizations for over twenty years, I am the candidate who is best suited to get the job done.

My experience will help me help Lakewood accomplish what it is going to need most - economic development. If I felt this was being done, I wouldn't run. It's not, and I am.

Thanks, Dan

Dan, your campaign rhetoric would make sense, at least to me, if you were running against Councilman Bullock; however, you are not. So how does your railing against corruption and the need for economic development apply to Lakewood City Council? Who exactly is part of or supporting the corruption? What would you do to establish catalysts to bring in business?

Dan Shields wrote:it is now; and now is the time 'for a new way of thinking about government'. It is time to SERVE the residents, rather than yourself, your cronies, your friends in business, and even your party. I am a proud Democrat, Sharon, but I am not going to stand blindly behind our current elected officials just because they happen to be from the same party. There is a need for real reform, which in this case means new elected officials willing to work and sacrifice first and foremost for their community. I also believe that it is a reform that is going to have to start at the bottom, because it won't happen at the top. That is why I am running.

With all due respect, that makes absolutely no sense.

You are running against Nickie Antonio, Michael Dever and Brian Powers. http://onelakewood.com/CityCouncil/Members.aspx

Which of those three is corrupt? Which needs to be replaced? Which is non-responsive? Which one do you want to replace?
What do you mean by reform? Reform what? Management? Labor? Contracts? Law?

What actions taken by the current administration do you support?

What actions taken by the current administration do you oppose?

I understand that political campaigns deal in generalities because specifics offer targets for your opponents. However, if you want to start a discussion about your campaign on the Observer you should offer up more than generalities.

Do you support a residency requirement?
Do you support an income tax increase?
Do you think the City should insists on wage cuts? If so are you willing to accept the possibility of a strike?
Do you think the City should offer wage increases? If so where will the money come from?
What do you mean by economic development? What could you do that is not being done by Nate Kelly?

Lakewood has 1,700 vacant housing units. A vacancy rate of about 6%. A normal rate would be about 4%. Overall, not bad considering economic conditions. Would you support demolishing obsolete apartments and housing to lower that vacancy rate or would you preserve each and every one?

Would you offer financial assistance to the Rockport Development? Do you support the use of emminent domain to seize obsolete or vacant buildings? Just how does reform start at the bottom? Reform what and to what purpose?

What specifically are you offering? Please spare us the platitudes.

Bill- I agree that Dan's rhetoric makes no sense in this campaign. That is why I said it would make sense if he was running against Bullock. Many were uneasy when Bullock announced he was running for State Rep. because it seemed that he was less focused on us and more focused on moving up the ladder. I think its pretty clear that Dan isn't in it to move up the ladder. At least that is my impression. It is interesting that he would run in a race where he could potentially knock off one of his past supporters, Nickie Antonio. She is probably going to be the weakest of the three candidates.

Ryan Patrick Demro wrote:I think its pretty clear that Dan isn't in it to move up the ladder. At least that is my impression.

I have a different impression. When he’s running for a City Council seat and part of his campaign is change at the County level, it makes me think his stint in Lakewood will be short.

____________________

Dan Shields wrote:It is unfortunate to have to say that there is a great deal wrong in government in northeast Ohio, but it is the truth. I do not have to list every person and situation, but anyone who has been paying even the slightest attention knows that we cannot continue to support leadership struggling with corruption, criminal convictions, self-dealing and cronyism. If ever there was a time for new leaders and leadership in Cuyahoga County, it is now; and now is the time 'for a new way of thinking about government'. It is time to SERVE the residents, rather than yourself, your cronies, your friends in business, and even your party.

How does this affect Lakewood, you might be asking, and what is the 'change' we need? I have two words for you - economic development.

I’m challenged to see the link between corruption, cronyism, etc at the County level and economic development in Lakewood.

Bill -
Yes, I am running for the at-large position. I'll be glad to replace any one of them. I am not saying that any one of them is corrupt, but there was a 4.5 million dollar shortfall as of the start of 2008. Certainly, someone wasn't doing their job.

I would support a residency requirement. Cities should be able to require their employees to live and work in the City.
I would not support an income tax increase.
As for wage cuts, I believe that the cuts should also be made at the top. I think the mayor and members of his administration should accept cuts as well, before asking that other city employees are laid off or are asked to make wage concessions.
If there is a deficit, the city should not offer wage increases.
I don't support the use of eminent domain.
I would support the idea of demolishing vacant buildings that are beyond repair. Then make a small park.

Charlie -
You asked me two questions, and I answered each. I believe that what is happening in Cuyahoga County affects Lakewood, and vice-versa. I don't believe all of our issues are local.
As for economic development, I happen to think that that is the biggest challenge facing Lakewood in the near future. I'm willing to do something about it.
As for a council term...I'm willing to state that if elected I would serve out the entire four year term.