Jim O'Bryan wrote:1) Where do you see Lakewood in the Region?
As a vibrant living and walking community situated between the arts, cultural, and business center of Cleveland and outer ring suburbs that contain the big shopping malls to the west. As part of my campaign I have been asking people to envision where they see Lakewood in 25 years and throughout the rest of the 21st Century. As a 100 year old city, the work to lay the foundation for that progress begins now. In short, we need a comprehensive master plan that will address both housing and business development. My immediate plan would be to bring in as many small, alternative/arts businesses into Madison Ave. and Detroit Ave., and to see as a councilman that they have the support from City Hall to thrive. At the same time I will work with the Planning Director to pursue medium-sized business (new green technology?) to replace those businesses, such as Hinckley Lighting, that have left or are leaving town.
Also, I will promote housing development, one lot at a time if need be, so that our older homes are renovated for the next century, and that we have smart, attractive, affordable new housing that complements our existing city architecture.
I see Lakewood thriving as a bedroom community where development promotes walking, bike riding, and parks, and where the residents have easy access to schools, shops, churches, and dining.
2) You have all outlined crime as one of the largest problems what would your
first three steps be to reverse the current trend?
First, I would continue to encourage residents to participate in Block Clubs, although I would broaden the scope to include several streets, and possibly do it ward by ward. I don't think every street has significant participation, so creating larger block clubs, by neighborhood or groups of streets, might increase participation.
Second, I would promote more foot and bike patrols, particularly around the bars in Ward 1, primarily just after closing. I continue to hear repeated complaints from residents from Bonnieview to the West End that they suffer the effects from noise, vandalism, trespassing and trash from late night partygoers.
Third, it is time to have a serious discussion about updating/replacing the police station. I would convene a citizens committee, in the model of the school 50 year committee, to plan a long term solution on behalf of the police. We have a committee for dogs, how about one for the police? They have been saying for years, and it is true, that they have to work in cramped, outdated offices that make their job much more difficult.
3) You have all mentioned that the housing stock is getting worse.
How would you address this?
My first order of business as your councilman will be to propose legislation for 'point-of-sale' inspections. Once a house is sold it is too late and the city is playing catch-up with necessary repairs that can adversely affect the house and the neighborhood.
Second, I would beef-up the number of housing inspectors. Last year, there were over 10,000 criminal complaints filed in the Lakewood Municipal Court. There were just 150 housing violation complaints. It is time to get aggressive with all landlords, absentee or otherwise.
Third, as a councilman, I would pursue public-private development to rehabilitate older houses, and promote new housing development. For example, I believe there might be stimulus money available that will provide homeowners with money to update their houses to make them more energy efficient. I would pursue this type of re-development with homeowners and contractor while working with banks and developers on new housing.
Finally, I am the only candidate that is advocating to promote senior housing. I believe that Lakewood is missing a great opportunity to develop housing for baby boomers, the generation with the most money in history. Lakewood should pursue development that addresses the needs of this demographic, while helping them stay (or move to) a city that already is walkable and vibrant.
4) What civic organizations do you support and belong too?
Most of my adult life has been spent volunteering in one form or another. I was a longtime member of the Rotary Club, serving in various capacities, I served as a youth coach throughout Lakewood and served on the Board of Trustees of the Lakewood Soccer Association. I have volunteered wherever needed in the Lakewood schools. I was a volunteer and served on the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Canal Corridor. I served on the Lakewood Charter Review Commission, appointed by the mayor. Over the last four years I have worked mostly in the Lakewood United Methodist Church, where my wife Kathy and I support various missions, including IHN ministry (homeless), where Kathy served as the Education Coordinator and committee chair, and where I am completing a three year term on its Board of Trustees, including the 2008 year as president.
5) Where do you stand on transparency and the government?
I understand the need to be discrete, and patient, when dealing with the many issues facing a city, county, or state government. However, as we have seen on the county level, working behind closed doors can lead to nepotism, self-dealing, and exclusion. I will work to be open and forthright in my work on council, and to bring all residents into the political process, so that contracts, legislation, and planning can be accomplished with consensus and openness.
6) Would you promise to complete your term if elected?
Yes. I stated as much from day one on shieldsforlakewood.com.
7) Who are your biggest influences in life and your political career?
8) What made you decide to run for council-at-large in Lakewood?
I will answer these together. My biggest influences are my family, some great teachers and the many volunteers that have helped me in life. As an attorney and community activist, I have worked to bring millions of dollars of development to northeast Ohio. I have been given much (although a newer, bigger boat would be nice), and I want to give something back. Because of my legal experience in working with homeowners, banks and businesses, I am uniquely qualified among the current council members, and candidates, to work to create, develop, and promote housing and business development in Lakewood. I will work to address the short term solutions to our problems as well as maintain a vision to move Lakewood forward into a successful future.
As an attorney, lifelong resident, and member of the Lakewood Charter Review Commission, I understand the work of council, from letting contracts to creating legislation to managing city finances. I am running because I believe a successful councilman will do more ... I want to be out in the community working with residents, businesses and arts organizations to make and keep Lakewood lively, vibrant, and walkable.
I want Lakewood to be clean, safe, and fun.
I respectfully request your vote this Tuesday in the primary election. Dan Shields
