The Observation Deck

David,

Brian Powers was the only one to say why he couldn't make it to that session that I'm aware. Several others stated the exact reason Ryan stated above. As someone who was actually in attendance that night, I was VERY disappointed that so many decided not to come. As for council elect Smith, congrats to her for winning but not sure where and when she actually did her speaking. It was a well kept secret because I sure couldn't find any opportunities to hear her speak. It sure wasn't for lack of trying.

I thought the elections were over.

Apparently Ryan has more whining to do. Enough!

Sharon, actually this post started as one focused on a future election. It was temporarily hijacked.

NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING.

I was prompted to enter this topic because Ryan, a man who wants to lead our great city, labeled Ohio State Representative Nina Turner's possible selection to Cuyahoga County's top post as an affirmative action “token” something or other. That post he made is and remains complete garbage and he should offer an immediate apology. Rep. Turner is an accomplished smart, educated woman and wife, is a pillar in and example to her neighbors, and has connected with and won the support of her community on more than one occasion. We could all learn something from her.

Don't expect me to just sit here read the comments of a someone who wants to lead our city who: (1) labels an accomplished elected official as an affirmative action “token” candidate and (2) overtly judges the intentions of Lakewood candidates and not react when he paints himself as a candidate who disavows mud slinging and a conductor of clean campaigns.

Ed, I appreciate your thoughts. I guess I am just sensitive to and tired of folks offering their personal judgments as fact.

Regarding where this discussion has gone:

Fact -
Some candidates attended and some did not.

Reason -
Some candidates objected to the format, sponsorship and had previous commitments.

Opinion/Judgment -
Those candidates who failed to participate “dodged” and made up “excuses not to attend.”

Again, I am not suggesting that what Ryan gave as to the reasons some chose not to participate are not accurate. I am saying that sandwiching the reasons given with personal opinion like "dodged" or made up "excuses not to attend" is just that, opinion and not necessarily factual and is, in my opinion, mudslinging. None of us can read minds and know others’ ultimate intentions.

Hence, I believe making the statement that the debate date conflicts with a previous commitment is simply a reason and not a dodge or excuse not to attend. Heck, I wanted to be there as well but couldn’t because I had other obligations. Was I dodging my responsibilities as a voter and looking for excuses not to attend? I simply couldn’t be there.

It is my opinion that sandwiching facts with opinions and judgments is mudslinging and is something to which we should all be aware. To others it is not.

In response to several posts regarding Monique Smith's speaking during the late campaign for City Council:

At the Lakewood's Senior Health Center event on October 7th, I felt that Monique Smith was indeed quite articulate in expressing herself. I was present for a portion of that evening, and I also reported some of the candidates' remarks in the Lakewood Observer. My reporting includes her quote that she wanted Lakewoodites to have a "high quality of life at all stages of life", among other comments that she made.

All of the candidates for Lakewood's Council-At-Large positions were present on that occasion.

Gary,

That's great that she attended that particular event. She was not in attendance at any of the events I was able to attend. I personally felt that finding out information on her was a very difficult task. With all due respect, the little snippet/quote that you have listed is what everyone wants for the city. Not everyone agrees on what that means which is why I wanted to find out more. All I was able to gather was she was one of the mayor's three. Not a ringing endorsement for me as I am more than capable of deciding for myself.

As for the rest of the back and forth, David, your post is filled with a lot of your opinion on Ms. Turner. Ryan is entitled to his opinion of her and he stated such. So, he should apologize because his opinion isn't the same as your opinion?
I don't know enough if her or any of the other potentials to comment. It's way to early in this for me to form my opinion.

By the way, I don't know Ryan and have never spoken to him directly. I haven't always agreed with him or some of what he has done but I respect the fact that I have never seen him avoid directly answering a question. That's more than I can say for ANY current member of council that I have spoken with directly.

My two cents for what it's worth, which isn't much.

Ed - Maybe apologies should be made by Ryan because his statement about Ms. Turner could be construed as racist and sexist.

I am sorry, Ed. In my mind, suggesting that a seated elected official's possible selection for a countywide office "smacks of affirmative action" and "token" is indefensible, way over the line language. Especially by one who wishes(ed) to lead our city.

You're right on the money, though. My opinions are my opinions. However, others try to turn their opinions into facts.

You’re a smart guy and I enjoy your posts. If your thoughts are worth two cents, I would like to think mine are worth about the same.

I agree they could be and that thought crossed my mind as well. Demanding that he apologize isn't going to change his opinion, though.
I'm not nor was I ever saying I agree with that statement but it's his opinion. He stated it that way and he has to either live with it, defend it or choose to apologize but an apology means nothing to me if it's not sincere. Demanding someone apologize seems like telling someone to be fake. Asking them to clarify or maybe even engaging them in a discussion as to why it was offensive, that's where real change and education happens.

Too much dictating happening in this world today.

I'm not demanding, Ed. I think my word was "should."

It is my opinion that your post was good.

David and Ed--

I have enjoyed reading your posts which, to remind us, refer to the newly created county government which has been called for by this past election.

Some posters have decided to use various methods of describing potential office seekers, qualifications, etc.

I think the main thing to keep in mind is that this is brand new-- unprecedented for us. So, many of the old models might not apply.

But, this should and might be the most interesting thread in the coming months.

Stan

It is my opinion that a high percentage of posts on these forums are opinion. It is also my opinion that if you want facts (if possible to get these days) you should not try to get them on an Internet forum.

Whomever wants to find out more about candidates need only ask them.

At the Lakewood Senior Health Center, for example, there was ample opportunity for that to occur.

My observation, made above, was not intended to be an affront to anyone else's experiences- It only reflects my personal recollections of a particular event.

As far as the "substance" of any candidate's remarks go, I would only again suggest that appropriate questions be raised, by those concerned, at whatever occasion presents itself.

Just another thought here-

There are some things that I disagree with the Mayor about. That said, I think that he seems to be making some really smart moves, and he also seems to have quite a few people in his corner.

Oh yes, on another thought, I do agree that an internet forum is probably not the best place to find "facts", but so often...

...it does seem... to be a pretty good place... to get a little "truth" from time to time. (if you look closely, that is.

Back to the banjo....

I do not have an opinion on this subject... just sayin..

Stephen,

YOU?

I can hardly believe it! (smile)

No opinions AT ALL about this??????