The Establishment

[Rick Uldricks]

deleted

[Gary Rice]

I've lived in Lakewoood since 1958. Every year, it seems that there have been a few heinous and unfortunate crimes, and a bunch of other petty (but still tragic to those involved) stuff.

The present times seem to be no different , and the statistics seem to bear this out.

No one has shown me anything different on paper, either.

I can see the fear, but as yet, have not seen the facts to go with it.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Great post, Shawn.

Add me to that list.

Rick

While I guess you live on the most crime ridden street in Lakewood, except when I am walking on it at night. Did it ever occur to you that the reason you could not sell your house probably has more to do with Ryan Patrick Demro going on WTAM and declaring that as a "27 year old councilman from Lakewood he is afraid to walk into Lakewood Parks during the day." than any perceived or real crime?

The day before the election and the day of the election two of three candidates were on TV talking how bad crime was in Lakewood.

Meanwhile I walk streets night after night, and have no fear.

While i love the message Shawn sends out with I do not give a crap about 2/3rds of the city I am right. It seems so myopic, can't build a community with a bunch of selfish Is now can we.

Can build a safe community with scaring people out of parks and off the streets can we? Jane Jacobs(all good reading) tells us, a safe city is one with people on porches, walking streets and visiting local pubs.

In LAKEWOOD, your chances of being involved in a crime is about 00001% if you do not know the person you just offended.

FWIW


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[Rick Uldricks]

deleted

[sharon kinsella]

Shawn -

Believe me - no one would perceive you as a bleeding heart liberal. I think the admirers of Bush might welcome you with open arms, because, let's face it, they're the ones making the world a better, safer place right?

Also, I'm sure you would agree that all those violent movies, tv shows and video games are the right of every true American, along with the right to bear arms, illegal arms manufacturing and the NRA. But of course they're not responsible for illegal weapons being available to children.

If you honestly think that Lakewood is an island, then I hope you have a nice boat docked at the yacht club. If you think that there is a place in our country that isn't effected by violent crime, economic turmoil and hatred - hey, the world must be your oyster. Other children go to sleep at night to the music of gunshots in the street. You have a right to block out the noise with a little Chopin. Better turn the stereo up real loud and put a big old crank to your Dolby sound system. Oh wait, Dolby was a crappy old hippy, better buy something else.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Rick

I was editing my post while you were posting.

Want to call attention to the changes.

Good work?

It has been survival.

between the random crime, and the over zealous politicans I feel like I am at war.

but that is my perception.

The question is, "Not who can fix this city, but who can repair the damage by the politicans?'


FWIW


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[Shawn Juris]

I've done the drill down Jim. I've asked repeatedly for any empirical evidence that supports the claim that Lakewood is at the same level or better off than it has been over the past years. I have gotten nothing from you or anyone else here that claims that Lakewood does not have a issue with increasing crime. I have not nor will I claim that Lakewood is the modern day wild west with shootouts in the streets or any of the other exaggerations that are used to misrepresent those who look at changing crime indicators and focus in on them as an area that needs attention and improvement. It is just that, something that requires our attention. What it does not need is a mayor and his supporters glazing over the issue to contribute to the facade that nothing is happening. The drill down shows a decrease in larceny-theft (which from my understanding includes crime such as pick-pockets, shoplifting, theft which is of not categorized as high value such as a bicycle) and an dramatic increase in motor vehicle theft and burglaries.
This would not have to be such a divisive issue if we as a community could accept the facts for what they are. Fine, we've got crime just like everyone else. Why are some trying to convince us that we don't have a problem? If this really is a top priority then I question the ability of those in control to deal with the issue.
I'm not saying that we should live in fear, that is the poor debate skills of those that want to pursuade the public that the world is peachy keen putting up straw man arguments who are saying that living in fear is the other option. What I am saying is that when empirical evidence shows a trend that should concern us we should respond in a way that attempts to correct the matter and not in a way that hopes that ignoring it will make it go away.
Furthermore, you preach the importance of building the brand yet at every turn you mention Demro's comments on WTAM. How many people actually heard the comments and of those people how many would remember them if it wasn't for you constantly bringing it up? If the comment could damage the community then why do you revisit it constantly?

[Jim O'Bryan]

What it does not need is a mayor and his supporters glazing over the issue to contribute to the facade that nothing is happening.

Furthermore, you preach the importance of building the brand yet at every turn you mention Demro's comments on WTAM. How many people actually heard the comments and of those people how many would remember them if it wasn't for you constantly bringing it up? If the comment could damage the community then why do you revisit it constantly?

Shawn

You mean the mayor that just OKed the hiring of three new police officers, and that has asked for a state audit so they have base numbers on which to use citistat with? Or do you mean the mayor that restarted bicycle patrols, security cameras in parks, or the mayor that started foot patrols around bars?

Perhaps you mean the mayor that has worked hand in hand with groups to get people on the street and put forward a positive message of come to Lakewood and see for yourself. The mayor nthat worked on the good neighbor handbook, has helped with restarting the welcome wagon to get these books out, on what is acceptable lifestyles. you know curfews, quiet times, taking care of property, who to call and when, etc..

As for the RPD piece it is the easiest one to go to. You tell me how many people listen to WTAM during drive time on a weekday.

So let's say 2 decided not to move to Lakewood, and another ten mentioned they heard RPD on the radio, and that groups repeats it. Then we get candidates, that are beating the unsafe drums as they walk the neighborhoods at night without fear for their lives, and go into print, radio, TV and elsewhere with their message of LAKEWOOD needs to be saved. Those moments, can undo months of work from the Chamber, mainstreet, Jaycees, the Observer, LIA, MAMA, DADA, Bike Lakewood, LEAF Community and others. i have no problem talking openly with Lakewoodites. i have no problem with printing it either. I do have a problem and must question the sanity of those looking to help the city that go on to "county wide" media, and whines about how unsafe Lakewood is. but I am old school, we hung our dirty laundry in our backyard. Not out front for the whole world to see.

I wish that many could sit at the meetings I do, and hear from outside, how "cool and engaged Lakewood is." Recently, well since electoral season ti has become, "to bad about the crime in Lakewood." It kills me, it really does, and I would hope it would send warning bells through everyone in Lakewood. For the sake of an election we should not be so eager to burn Lakewood down.

Shawn you can leave as i told you this story before. It goes back to the Cain administration. They found a bomb in the house across the street, and the bomb squad came out and SWAT was there and I told MC, "I am calling channel 8 and getting a coffee mug." She begged me not to. she expalined we try to keep bad news out of the media, for various reasons including property values and businesses looking to move to the city.

One thing a mayor should do is work to protect property values. In the end, if you look at our polls, and even talk with Rick, property values and the ease of selling homes is a great way to measure how healthy a city is. i think it would be easy for MTG to crow about the police, the support, and the bikes, patrols, three new police etc. But he chose not to ride them to the voting booth. Instead he is addressing his job until whenever.

The city is broke for the next four years with this sewer job. The city will also be working at near red line levels. There is no money for GRAND VISIONS, there is no way that I have read that ANY candidate will change the course of the SS LAKEWOOD ship. if there is one thing Lakewood needs more than anything else is something stable enough to walk the razors edge we are walking. IMHO

Shawn, you can wake up now. - just because a person does not brag, or cry over items does not mean that person is unaware of what is going on.

FWIW


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[Bobbie Hendrick]

In general, I agree with your point, Shawn that people do not need to settle for something because it is better than another place or another time. We can always improve on things and I certainly approve of trying to improve Lakewood in all sorts of ways.

But I do not feel afraid here, and I think the hang-wringing and wolf-crying is more productive for getting votes than it is for enticing residents and business into Lakewood. If Fitzgerald wins on his 'crime is terrible' platform, he'll have that much of a harder time filling empty storefronts and selling houses. Even if he is able to raise our taxes enough to put cops on every block, that will just raise the perception that Lakewood is dangerous. When I see a store with bars on it's doors and windows or security guards, I suspect that robberies are a frequent problem.

[Justine Cooper]

When I read the post about "drugs, prostitution and gang violence" the first thing that popped into my head was Los Angelas CA home to the wealthy! You know Brittany Spears meeting her drug dealer in fancy hotels and Heidi Fleiss and her blackbook. Let's face it, the whole country has changed over the years!!! Of course Lakewood has changed with it!!! But to listen to some, it is a far different city than what most of us know. Diane may have started block watches for good reasons, but the reason you never read her condemning Lakewood is because she believes in the law of attraction--you bring to you what you believe. I believe you are what you eat. I also believe, you are what you see. So if you see solutions and positive changes, you will go about making those, like some do. And if you see crime and fear, you will see that too. But to believe Lakewood has an exclusive focus on that is ridiculous. And to put it all on one mayor when we have a council, city and chamber in this city, all with paychecks then it is obvious when fear tactics are being used in this political race.

Shawn,
your posts are filled with anger and only negatives about this city. How about some positives on what you are doing to make it better? Like I tell my kids, "whining falls on deaf ear, show me some action". There was a member of Mama that showed up at every meeting quoting how many businesses have closed on Madison. She missed the whole point of the meetings, focusing on what each business CAN do working together and the proof is in every event they do. There are businesses closing everywhere, and houses that sit in the nicest and most expensive neighborhoods that can't sell right now! Some issues are NOT Lakewood issues, but Lakewood is of course affected by changes in the country. It's not that people really pretend that everything is OK, it is that some choose to focus on the positives and making positive change. That is the difference. If you sleep better being part of crowd condemning, blaming screaming that the sky is falling and that works for you, that is your choice. I choose the latter category, only because I sleep better at night being part of that group, not because I am blind, deaf, or dumb.

I have no idea who would make a better mayor between the two but I also wonder how much the current mayor inherited? Did he bankrupt the city and cause the sewers to be where they are at? If not why is he being blamed? Did he have anything to do with the Mainstreet failure? Park funds being cut? To use crime in this election will be really interesting. I guess if we get a new mayor crime will disappear. I await anxiously for that.

[dl meckes]

Jim-

You forgot to mention the motorcycle cops.

[Jim O'Bryan]

All

Another thing that came up during lunch why is it, that if we are aware of what is on the streets, and we refuse to run around with the "the sky is falling the sky is falling..." that we are somhow PRO-CRIME. another total Bushism. If you are not against it you must be for it!

Is that where the country has fallen to. YES or NO?

No subtles?

For the record.

I am NOT pro-crime, but do not feel threatened on the streets.

Do I think things need to be done? Sure, hence the police levy that no one wants but a few. People who buy into safer, more police, without taxes are fools. Poluce Levy came from NO POLITICIAN, and the idea for 30 more police came from the advisory board.

A system to hold property values where they are or grow them. The plan exists. It came from no politican.

Still not pro-crime.

FWIW


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[Justine Cooper]

Shawn and Rick,
I am proud to be on the OTHER list opposite Elitest-the bleeding heart liberals. You know, the ones that are trying to do good in the community while another groups whines and complains and condemns anyone that doesn't look, act, or talk like them. Rather a bleeding heart than a cold prejudice one. We all come from one God.

[Gary Rice]

Justine,

That is perhaps the best post I have ever read.

Still, we cannot ignore Shawn and Rick's legitimate concerns either. As long as people simply take sides in our country, nothing gets done. Somehow we have to figure out way to bring all sides together, at least better than we've all done in the past.

That is not easy to do. The Good Book talks about the lion laying down one day with the lamb.

Actually, that happens today.

The trouble is, that only one gets back up.

[ryan costa]

http://www.dailyreckoning.co.uk/article ... s0544.html

The economy somehow functioned better during the enormous progressive taxation of the 40s and 50s and 60s and even 70s, by most benchmarks.

America got used to being very important during a certain time in history. Unfortunately this time period was during the growth of television. To maintain the fervor it is important to keep liquidating manufacturing. This is to spend more on marketing and sprawl and status symbols. The dollar won't collapse so long as we got an important military stationed all over the world, despite enormous negative exchange balances.

Whether your tribe is a labor union, a trade union, a military academy, the federalist society, a seat on the board of wal-mart or a hedge fund, or an elite fraternity at an elite college, you are now in this unique era of hyper-focused media feedback to agree with everything you want to believe. The closing theme of this episode is "take the money and run".

Unfortunately for most of us, that marketing usually skews people toward being hoodrats or jingoistic war hawks. We aren't going to save the middle east(whatever that means), and things won't be better when everyone has a college education(whatever that means).