The Observation Deck

Steve Davis wrote:
"It was a brutal 15 minutes on the campaign trail. I'm going to take some time off." (Yeah, I don't know how to do the box quote thing...)

Steve,
I hope this means you're resting up for the at-large council race in 2 years. My husband will probably divorce me if I volunteer for anything else so let's keep this our secret but I'd be honored to work on your campaign.
Heidi

Heidi,

Thanks.

I have a little regret for not following through. I think a lot more people should run and lose proudly. It's good for the system, and the community.

I often complain about our elected officials, but respect them for stepping up. I have not stepped up.

Maybe I'll join with 100+ people that want to run in the at-large race in two years. Now THAT would be a healthy sign for Lakewood.

You can work on my campaign. I'll work on yours.

Steve

Forget council - Mike Summers for Mayor.

How about--"At large, soon to be in charge"????...It's never too early to start working on slogans, sound bites and talking points!

FYI...

As of 5:00pm one hour after filing deadline:

6 pulled petitions in Ward 3

4 filed petitions in Ward 3

Mike Summers, Wilbert Rd
Diane Helbig, Richland Ave
Joseph D'Angelo, Richland Ave
Colleen Wing, Bunts Rd

Upon verification of signatures a final list for election will be submitted

Colleen Wing wrote:FYI...

As of 5:00pm one hour after filing deadline:

6 pulled petitions in Ward 3

4 filed petitions in Ward 3

Mike Summers, Wilbert Rd
Diane Helbig, Richland Ave
Joseph D'Angelo, Richland Ave
Colleen Wing, Bunts Rd

Upon verification of signatures a final list for election will be submitted

Good luck to everyone, It's exciting to see we've got four great candidates to choose from in Ward 3. This should be an exciting election.

I personally look forward to learning more from all of you and understanding your ideas to bring Lakewood forward.

Mike,
I am just going back and re-reading these posts. Thank you for putting your background including education background out for us (Joe too). In talking to neighbors in Ward 3, we all want background information including education and work experience and are excited to take part in the vote this year!

I went to Ryan Demro's website and did not see that background. Maybe I missed it but to some of us it is very important to know the educational background and real life work experience for whomever is going to represent and/or run our city that we have invested everything in! Political party is irrelevant at the local level, and some of us are waiting to hear more background and future vision from all the candidates. Is that coming soon?

Justine,

If you click on the BIOGRAPHY section of my website you will find the information you are seeking. To make a long story short, I hold a B.A. in Political Science/Economics and an M.A. in Education. My previous government experience includes,

City of Lakewood, Councilman 2004-Present
City of Lakewood, Division of Health, Intern
Ohio House of Representatives, Page
Office of U.S. Senator Voinovich, Intern
National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio, Legislative Asst.
City of Cleveland, Office of Community Development, Intern

I am a full-time teacher and have been at my school for two years. Prior to that I did a year of student teaching at Lakewood High School and in the two years prior to that I was a substitute teacher in Lakewood Middle Schools, primarily Harding.

Ryan
Thank you. My five year old was pulling at me when I was at your site so I apologize for not seeing that. I think your ambition is admirable. Good luck in the race and I am anxiously awaiting the debates to form my opinion!

Justine Cooper wrote:Ryan
I am anxiously awaiting the debates to form my opinion!

Justine,

We're also anxiously awaiting the debates. This community deserves a moderated, open forum on the issues. We have at least three community organizations who are appropriate to host such a debate and we just need a day, time and place.

I hope that Lakewood Alive, The Lakewood League of Women Voters and the Lakewood Observer each schedule a community debate during September.

Suzanne Metelko
ryandemro.com

Susan,
Yes I agree! This should be a good election year! On a side note, is your daughter home??? My sister signed up for two more years!

Justine, we should take this off thread but thanks for asking. Hilary is ready to deliver any minute so Jenn is home for the event. She goes back to France in August and has a residency permit and a job. So, I guess I'll be going to France this fall for a visit. Where will you be visiting?

For anyone who is interested in the extreme vacation reporter for the Lakewood Observer check out takeittotheanchors.blogspot.com.

Suzanne

Ward 3 is certainly lucky to have so many people interested in this year's election. I feel honored to be running with three other people who are committed to Lakewood's future success.

As for me, I have lived in Lakewood for 13 years, and have been a homeowner for 12 of those years. My children attend the Lakewood Public Schools - one is at Roosevelt and the other is entering Garfield as a sixth grader. I serve on the Roosevelt PTA and will be serving on Garfield's in the Fall.

I started my own business last year as a Professional Coach. I work with business owners, salespeople, entrepreneurs and company employees, helping them create more successful business development strategies. I recently joined the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

As a parent and homeowner I see a lot of opportunity for Lakewood to thrive. I believe that if we all work together - the city, the schools, the businesses, and the citizens - Lakewood will be the city people want to live in and move to.

I've started a blog that I can update regularly. Please feel free to visit it often to get a better idea of who I am - http://www.hope4lakewood.blogspot.com.

I look forward to the race ahead.

Thank you,
Diane Hope Helbig
Ward 3

Thank you Diane, I look forward to hearing more!

Susan,
she is in Malawi and my dream is to meet her in S. Africa! Enjoy your visit!

Justine and all,

I just posted a more complete bio under the candidate forum.

http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4415

I always joke about Ken Warren’s lengthy (but wise) posts, so I’ll try to keep it brief.

My name is Colleen Wing and I am running to be our Ward 3 Councilman. I have lived on Bunts Road for 6 years. I am married ( 12 years) to Eric, and have two boys, Benjamin (8) and Nathan (2). Benjamin attends Lakewood Catholic Academy. I was born and raised in the Cleveland area.

Before having children, I was General Manager of a restaurant and hold an Associate of Science in Hospitality Management. Throughout my career, I managed staffs of up to 120 employees. One of my responsibilities was to turn around failing franchises.

I am a familiar face at council meetings and served on the Citizens Advisory Committee in 2006.

Lakewood has some growing challenges but it also has a caring and vested community. I will work to build the communication between residents, business owners, and City Hall.

I look forward to any questions.

Thank you,
Colleen Wing[/url]