The Observation Deck

Suzanne Metelko wrote:So Jim, when, where and who's moderating? I think you'll need the civic auditorium for this one.

Suzanne

You will have to excuse for not being so quick this week. I had some promoters dump some stuff on my lap for an event this weekend that should have been done months ago, and getting readin for the Car Culture Show next weeked where there is Cars, LIVE Rock and Roll, Food and more.

We have much of this discussed and are moving into where and when. I think we have moderators and topics figured out.

I thought Lakewoodalive was having the first one? Haven't heard anything.

I have three locations, also working on council debates.

Help always appreciated.

Dates to be announced soon I hope. Candidates will have the option of making them or not.

Bill, I had one campaign manager saying that maybe their candidate might not make it, if not in agreement. Of course you know my answer.

FWIW


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This is probably the part where we get into discussions about the "proper format" of a debate. Which is, of course, just another way of opting out of participation.

To my way of thinking, a group such as the League of Women Voters, Lakewood Alive, or similar civic group, announces the format, the date and location. If a candidate chooses not to attend, there should be a cardboard cutout and/or empty chair. During the time allotted for the chair to respond, if it is empty, the gathered crowd should remain silent.

Who knows, that silence could be the best thing we hear during the course of a debate? Especially if, instead or hearing positive positions for improvement we hear the same ol' same ol' "So and so is an abject failure so vote for me......the lesser of two evils!"

Jeff

Jeff Endress wrote:This is probably the part where we get into discussions about the "proper format" of a debate. Which is, of course, just another way of opting out of participation.

That will be their choice.

There are candidates right now running from participating in the only real open fair online forum in the city.

Oh they want to work for the citizens, just do not make me talk with them...

Be careful what you wish for...

I do hope Bill Call will moderate one.


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Bill Call wrote:

Suzanne Metelko wrote:Can we have a debate without the incumbent?

Yes.

A little bird told me that Ryan Demro has declined debate invitations. Any truth to that?

Can't the councilmen just agree to meet and have at it? At the women's Pavilion, City Hall, Beck Center, Peppers?

Never been invited - never declined. Councilman Demro has led the effort to get this done. Your little bird has laid a big egg.

If you'd like to expose your little bird - I'll be happy to answer publicly but I suspect this is just another political ploy by the fellows who control the news and their chosen candidate.

Suzanne Metelko wrote: If you'd like to expose your little bird - I'll be happy to answer publicly but I suspect this is just another political ploy by the fellows who control the news and their chosen candidate.

Would you care to explain this comment? Are you suggesting that the LO project controls the news, because it certainly seems like you are, and I, for one, resent it.

You and your candidate have as much access to the LO project as anyone else.

Suzanne Metelko wrote: If you'd like to expose your little bird - I'll be happy to answer publicly but I suspect this is just another political ploy by the fellows who control the news and their chosen candidate.

Yeah. I am interested in all of this too.



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dl meckes wrote:

Suzanne Metelko wrote: If you'd like to expose your little bird - I'll be happy to answer publicly but I suspect this is just another political ploy by the fellows who control the news and their chosen candidate.

Would you care to explain this comment? Are you suggesting that the LO project controls the news, because it certainly seems like you are, and I, for one, resent it.

You and your candidate have as much access to the LO project as anyone else.

DL,

I didn't say that any candidate didn't have access to the LO. You may wish to consider that there are at least four other web/print/news sources that cover this community.

Suzanne

Now, back to the topic - I think Bill Call would be a great moderator. As for the civic groups mentioned, they have all made their decisions and debate is not for them. At least that's what we've been told. If that's incorrect, I'd be happy to be wrong.

As for pitching in - count me in Jim.

Suzanne Metelko wrote:

dl meckes wrote:

Suzanne Metelko wrote: If you'd like to expose your little bird - I'll be happy to answer publicly but I suspect this is just another political ploy by the fellows who control the news and their chosen candidate.

Would you care to explain this comment? Are you suggesting that the LO project controls the news, because it certainly seems like you are, and I, for one, resent it.

You and your candidate have as much access to the LO project as anyone else.

DL,

I didn't say that any candidate didn't have access to the LO. You may wish to consider that there are at least four other web/print/news sources that cover this community.

Suzanne

Suzanne-

You may wish to consider the words you post here a little more carefully. Your post implied that it was the LO project that was being controlled by the fellows who control the news and their chosen candidate.

You are smearing with a very broad brush.

I'd guess all the news outlets would be interested in your characterization.

Are you speaking for yourself or your candidate?

Dl, I'm not sure where this went wrong, but I'm finished. I speak for myself and I stand by what I say.

What I'm hoping for is a moderated debate on the issues facing Lakewood.

Period.

Suzanne Metelko wrote:Dl, I'm not sure where this went wrong, but I'm finished. I speak for myself and I stand by what I say.

What I'm hoping for is a moderated debate on the issues facing Lakewood.

Period.

Suzanne

Rest assured we are trying. I feel bad that the other two groups have let us down. As you know we started with a plan, but took a back seat when LakewoodAlive announced their plans. Preferring to cover it.

Now we are looking and believe me, it will cover the true issues in Lakewood, none of the smoke screen issues. I know you have seen first hand no one knows or covers this city better than the Observer and our Observers.

We will let candidates know, and hope they choose to attend.

Until then we have a discussion area for candidates that gets more hits in a month then their site will get in a year. We hope that all people running for public office will take advantage of what we have offered. Discussion board, unedited letters to the editor, a chance to write stories, FREE Websites and discussion boards, chances to sit with business owners at MAMA/DADA, or Observer meetings.

If a candidate is not getting their information out, it is not the fault of the Observer.

(Help is appreciated, please contact me via email or leave a post)
(Suzanne as you might have heard I am working on two nice development programs one for Detroit and another on Highland Avenue, and other Observer business)

FWIW


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All-

Once again, let me state my position:

ANYTIME, ANY PLACE, ANY FORMAT, with WHOMEVER shows up.

I will engage with one or both. Jim, we need to move on this because we are scheduling alternate "activities" should these debates not come to fruition.

So what's it gonna be Tom and Ed, anytime and any place?

Suzanne Metelko wrote:Dl, I'm not sure where this went wrong, but I'm finished. I speak for myself and I stand by what I say.

Having just read the thread, I'd hazard a guess that it went wrong when, so far, unsubstantiated insinuations were posted.

"I suspect this is just another political ploy by the fellows who control the news and their chosen candidate."

Waiting for the elaboration on this.

Ryan Patrick Demro wrote:All-

Once again, let me state my position:

ANYTIME, ANY PLACE, ANY FORMAT, with WHOMEVER shows up.

I will engage with one or both. Jim, we need to move on this because we are scheduling alternate "activities" should these debates not come to fruition.

So what's it gonna be Tom and Ed, anytime and any place?

Ryan

I understand your anxiety.

The Lakewood Observer was created to empower others to do what they want to do. So when we hear that others are looking to do whatever we step up and help where we can.

Broadcasting council was one of these things and now the debates.

I have been talkign with advisory board and we think we have at least two locations. Now we are negotiating costs, and video.

I know that you know the background on this and that as the smoke clears it is the Observer willing to keep going forward.

Thanks for the note.


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Joining this thread very late, but for the record, I'd be happy to publicly discuss the issues important to Lakewood residents with my fellow Ward 2 Council candidates.

I think the public deserves to know who they're voting for and what candidates stand for.