The Observation Deck

Maybe it would help if I expressed my basic 'bitches" about Lakewood.

1. A city of this size somehow needs to have more private sector jobs. Not only does it add to the tax base, but as you yourself have said many a time, people tend to live near where they work. If the jobs are in Westlake, the people will live in Westlake. Same for Lakewood.

Blaming the failure to make significant inroads in this area solely on city government is silly. But it's just as silly to give government a total pass on this one. Like it or not, that IS an expectation. If I knew any billionaire businesspeople, I'd pitch 'em myself, but I don't.

2. The economic infrastructure is dicey, again as you yourself have said many a time. Maybe one of us could get in there and balance the books, but we're paying people, and paying them rather well, to do that. It's not Tom George or Ryan Demro's job to carp at the other about taxes or strategic plans or whatever. It's their job to fix the damn thing.

Stop acting like schoolyard kids and find a solution. Get the job done, or get the heck out!

Without a solid financial picture, we can't patrol the streets, we can't fix the roads, we can't maintain the parks. I can stare out my window all day looking for vandals, but it wouldn't stop some creeps from defacing Taft School And it's just not my job. I already have a job! And I don't ask for Tom George's help when I'm facing a project deadline.

We don't disagree on much. We agree on the need for the average Lakewood citizen to get informed and get engaged. But at the end of the day, we also need to ask more from our leadership, not just bitching, but informed and insistent expectations. On that score, I think you've been a scosche too easy on the present powers that be.

Joan

On 1) I think we are real heavy in work-out-of-the-house-professionals.

While store fronts have been empty, I know of a bunch working out of the house doing OK, and more of this type everyday. Writers. artists, contractors, architects, cartoonists, entrepreneurs etc.

On 2) Beyond a shadow of a doubt. The city needs to get finances in order. This board has proven that Lakewood understand were we are at, and might even support a tax raise, but every penny has to go directly to infrastructure, safety, and clean.

As far as being tough on this administration, let me know where or how. Also let me remind you I do not start topics, we all do. 12,000+ posts no editing except two by me, by mistake. I make no bones about it, I think we are generally lucky in this city. Most running for office, are pretty good people and residents. Do I agree with them all the time, maybe 50/50, but I am only one person. They do not have a lot to work with, but they are trying to do what they think is right. No one building a secret house in Aspen in this crew.Could they do better? I am more worried about myself doing better right now.



.

Joan:

You are correct - the overriding theme of everything that I heard had to do with poor leadership and lack of vision.

Jim:

You state that I have not stated facts. I did. And the facts were that this is how some people FELT about Lakewood. People (at least half of them) that HAVE been involved and ARE knowledgeable. There is no victory in invalidatinng how people feel.

All:

While there has been some interesting discussion in this thread that I find of great value in terms of trying to understand what we wish for Lakewood and what we wish for its future, I am gravely disturbed by the mentality of folks that are all to eager to believe that this group of individuals are just grousing, or whiners, or gossiping old men.

Are we so narrow minded in our way of thinking that anyone who dares to speak truth to power is ostracized? If so then please hold that door open for me as well for this is nowhere that I care to stay.

I wish for a city that cares for all of its citizens. That's takes their concerns seriously. That listens to the will of the people in the formulation a strategic plan for the future - one that may not please everyone, but is formed through the raising of Lakewood's voice about its future.

We all understand that Lakewood's way of life is not for everyone. That unforeseen circumstances (the need for single level dwelling being a fantastic example) can change the wants and needs of the populace. We know that as people move out that others move in. All of this is never bad - but a fact of living in any community no matter how big or small.

But when long term, educated, active individuals with very deep roots within the community - roots that span multiple generations - are deeply troubled enough to want to leave, I find it stunning to think that the response is so utterly dismissive.

Let me ask you this...

If the city has no loyalty to me, why should I have any for it?

In Peace,
~Charyn

*******************
Thank you all for the many varied discussions. This board has been enlightening, engaging and periodically additive and I wish everyone that contributes to the discussion all the best. Its time for me to take a break from this and let someone else hold the flashlight. c.

Charyn Varkonyi wrote:Jim:

You state that I have not stated facts. I did. And the facts were that this is how some people FELT about Lakewood. People (at least half of them) that HAVE been involved and ARE knowledgeable. There is no victory in invalidatinng how people feel.

All:

While there has been some interesting discussion in this thread that I find of great value in terms of trying to understand what we wish for Lakewood and what we wish for its future, I am gravely disturbed by the mentality of folks that are all to eager to believe that this group of individuals are just grousing, or whiners, or gossiping old men.

Are we so narrow minded in our way of thinking that anyone who dares to speak truth to power is ostracized? If so then please hold that door open for me as well for this is nowhere that I care to stay.

I wish for a city that cares for all of its citizens. That's takes their concerns seriously. That listens to the will of the people in the formulation a strategic plan for the future - one that may not please everyone, but is formed through the raising of Lakewood's voice about its future.

We all understand that Lakewood's way of life is not for everyone. That unforeseen circumstances (the need for single level dwelling being a fantastic example) can change the wants and needs of the populace. We know that as people move out that others move in. All of this is never bad - but a fact of living in any community no matter how big or small.

But when long term, educated, active individuals with very deep roots within the community - roots that span multiple generations - are deeply troubled enough to want to leave, I find it stunning to think that the response is so utterly dismissive.

Let me ask you this...

If the city has no loyalty to me, why should I have any for it?

In Peace,
~Charyn

*******************
Thank you all for the many varied discussions. This board has been enlightening, engaging and periodically additive and I wish everyone that contributes to the discussion all the best. Its time for me to take a break from this and let someone else hold the flashlight. c.

Charyn

Again, no facts, just repeating over heard opinions and thoughts.

This is not attacking neither the messenger or the overheard. It is merely a fact, that what was being talked about was their opinion. It was not John Crino's police report for armed robbers. Again, not a crime just low self esteem. The grass is always greener...

As for "But when long term, educated, active individuals with very deep roots within the community - roots that span multiple generations - are deeply troubled enough to want to leave, I find it stunning to think that the response is so utterly dismissive."

How do we know who these people are? All we have "is that they want to leave, and baggy pants kids..." Were they moving simply because Moe had sold more clothes and rap, or because of uniformed information. I know a bunch of people that wanted to leave when Westend went down. I know a lot of people wanted to leave when the Beck said goodbye, and maybe a couple when they read this thread and wanted to get out before your friends do.

This is all wrapped up in emotions, not facts. the Westend would have bankrupted this town 2 years ago. Last year the loss would have been roughly figured at $7 million plus. The Beck is leaving because they need serious money, not because they do not want to stay. And the people that leave because of "rumored talk like this" will never come back and think of moving to Lakewood again.

"If the city has no loyalty to me, why should I have any for it?"
What loyalty? How did this city let you or your friends down?

You confess it, you posses it.

..

PS - Your friends, these leaders and community acivists are always welcome to discuss andy of their views at anytime on this board that is paid for with Lakewood Businesses(8.8), city hall, and 500+ neighbors. Never edited, just asked to own his/her comments, ideas and dreams.



.

In all fairness to Charyn, if you're looking for hard facts, I think both sides of the debate are lacking them if you don't count personal opinions and feelings as facts.

There is a large contingent here for example that will attack anyone with a negative though about Lakewood as "attacking the brand" or 'tarnishing our reputation". But they also don't back up much with fact...just opinion, and sometimes IMHO, an over sensitive reaction to a perceived attack on something they love.

For each of Charyn's posts in this thread that are said to lack facts, I can point to just as many on the other side that lack "facts" as well.

Both sides need to be heard, both sides need to be respected. To attack people as "ruining the international persona of Lakewood" each time a negative is posted about Lakewood is akin to putting your head in the sand as are the posts that no matter what will state "Westlake is better than Lakewood".

I understand the Observer's purpose, but sometimes it does come off a bit much and often can appear condescending to outsiders who may disagree. Shouting down the negative doesn't make it disappear.

I love Lakewood, I've lived here most of my life. I want to make Lakewood the best it can be, and I think a large part of that is respecting everyone's opinion and not immediately dismissing it. It's perception and opinion, and facts or not, it's being created from somewhere. Let's examine the cause and solutions.

**putting on flame retardant suit**

Charyn:

I truly enjoy and appreciate the high level of quality and thinking you consistently bring to your posts and the unfolding dialogue. You always raise the bar and challenge our responses. You risk tangling with Mr. O’Bryan in a push and pull that generates more light than heat. I like that very much.

That said, I don’t exactly understand how this situation - “anyone who dares to speak truth to power is ostracizedâ€Â

Kenneth Warren wrote:Who are the agents responsible for the vision?

Do about what?

What is it?

I can't speak for Charyn, but I have a hunch many would agree with the answers I gave at the top of this page.

The "agents" are the political and financial leadership of this community, thosee with the money, means, and (hate the word, but for the sake of clarity, I'll use it) POWER to formulate and put into action not just a "vision" but specific steps to make that vision a reality.

Do about what? Again, I'll point to at least the two things I mentioned. Economic opportunity/growth and a solid fiscal footing. If anyone wants to challenge those or had to them, be my guest.

What is the vision? Again, I'm just a worker bee. I have little clue what urban professionals in other communities are doing to spark a fire in their cities. By the same token, I don't try to fix my own carburetor or do my own gall bladder surgery. At some point, I have to rely on people who are more knowledgable than I to offer some solutions.

To Mr. O.

I appreciate that there are at-home entrpeneurs who are making a living from homes in Lakewood. But why should they choose Lakewood over a home in West Park or Medina or Biloxi? Lakewood offers nothing in particular that is special on that score, and I'm sure the same can be said for virtually any community in the US.

As far as your support for the George administration, I suppose you're right. I don't believe you have ever suppressed stories critical of the mayor, and if you are firmly in the mayor's camp, there's nothing wrong with that. You have been open about your support for the administration, and knowing that, the public is free to make their own decisions and distinctions. If you were actively trying to shut out anti-administration voices, that would be a different story. Keep on keepin' on.

Joan-- I have completely lost interest in this thread. However, I note from a posting of yours in the Crocker Park thread that you have been quite succesful in your purchase of Best Buy stock.
Presumably, you had the opportunity to purchase shares in Circuit City.
That has tanked.
I would really like to yank this thread away from this introspection and just ask you--- why did you choose to purchase Best Buy?
(In interests of full diclosure, I lost a couple of bucks on Circuit City)
Stan Austin

Joan Roberts wrote:I appreciate that there are at-home entrpeneurs who are making a living from homes in Lakewood. But why should they choose Lakewood over a home in West Park or Medina or Biloxi? Lakewood offers nothing in particular that is special on that score, and I'm sure the same can be said for virtually any community in the US.

City Hall doesn't offer anything special, but the city and its people offer something different.

We could technically work anywhere, I suppose, but there's an energy here that is special and iving and working in a small city has a lot of advantages.

Unfortunately, they are advantages that aren't well known.

I could go on at some length about why it's preferable to work at home in Lakewood than "x" town, but I have a feeling your question may have been rhetorical.

dl meckes wrote:Unfortunately, they are advantages that aren't well known.

I could go on at some length about why it's preferable to work at home in Lakewood than "x" town, but I have a feeling your question may have been rhetorical.

dl,
I've always enjoyed your posts and would be interested in hearing your thoughts on why Lakewood is better for at home businesses than another city.

I don't know if it belongs in this thread or its own, but I know I'd be interested in the answer. As you said, they're probably not well known reasons, and I have to admit since I'm not a home business person, I probably don't know them.

Bryan

The single purpose of the Observer is to amplify your voice and your opinion. It is also to help us know more about Lakewood. Period, there is no pro Lakewood slant. the only slant is the 12,000 individual messages and where they go. To place more value on my opinion or your opinion is wrong. I do not see the Observer as offshoot of any of my ideas or plans. If people see it that way, I have no idea what I can do. I rarely write in the paper unless called on, but I will post on the board as anyone else can do.

As far as truth, you miss understand what I am saying. EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion. But to understand how we arrived at that opinion we have to know why, and we have to know what they perceived as the truths to come to that decision. Only then can we talk about the root of their discomfort or problems. Is is not "You are wrong..." far from it it is, have you spoken with the kids. Have you gone to a council meeting to see what is going on? Have you been to a planning meeting so that you can say "There are no good ideas..." These are the truths I speak of. Not if Charyn is lying or what they are saying but how and why it was formed.

This is just one of many troubling aspects in Charyn's post. The people at the table could have gone on this board or others and spoken of their trouble. The Observer has members from every department at city hall, the fire department and water department. LakewoodAlive, Grow Lakewood, the Visionary Alignment, the Family Room, H20 are all here. It is not like we are locked into bubbles and cannot communicate. The strength in Lakewood right now is we are open and communicating. We have always felt as I know Charyn does it is not my city, it is our city, so the table has to be huge and inclusive. It has to be a table built on respect and factual conversation with people willing to take ownership of ideas and comments. I have yet to see anyone shouted down.

I just ate at Famous Dave's at Great Northern and came home down Lorain, down Puritus, then home down Detroit. Lakewood is alive and far better off than Lorain in North Olmstead, Fairview Park and Cleveland. Open storefronts all along the way, empty streets. You hit Lakewood and people out everywhere walking, talking, biking, drinking coffee living.

To say Lakewood has no plan is a little whacked out. We are in the middle of a $200,000,000 build out. Lakewood Park is still being worked on as are the schools. I went past four stores opening on Detroit, and know of three on Madison. I am trying to realistically figure out what is so wrong with this city that we have to sit around and moan.

As Joan said, and has become our mantra, "It is good enough." To be honest it is far better than most in the areas.

That is just my opinion, and because I have put my name on it, and I take ownership of it, you can question it and ask why and for facts.

With one percent of Lakewood involved, we can get a real feel for the heart of the city, when you add in writers and advertisers we are closer to 2%. The Observer is a far better barometer for Lakewood, than any other group out there.

FWIW


.

Joan Roberts wrote:To Mr. O.

I appreciate that there are at-home entrpeneurs who are making a living from homes in Lakewood. But why should they choose Lakewood over a home in West Park or Medina or Biloxi? Lakewood offers nothing in particular that is special on that score, and I'm sure the same can be said for virtually any community in the US.

Joan

Affordable, convenience, and active online city, and a group that are working hard in secret on enterprise zones, that will revolutionize home based business. Another group working to bring the city together on a higher electronic playing field, and civic newspaper that is working to build two FREE WiFi Corridors down Detroit and Madison, and that same civic paper willing to help them build their ecommerce websites for $20.00 a month instead of $500 to $1,000.

Not to toot the horn of everyone involved in this project, but Lakewood and the Observer is rewriting history all over Ohio and America. What we are unrolling is unparalleled anywhere else in the USA an maybe the world. Ask Ken Warren, he has been around and spoken with others. People are freaking out on what we, all of us, and pulling off here.

That is just off the top of my mind, let me think a little longer.

Joe McClain wrote:I'm a middle-aged guy and I'd love to move back to Lakewood.

You are missed.

Still working on "A Little Peace Of Fur In Lakewood" with Vanessa. House of Blues owns Jorma's ass right now, and when in Northern Ohio that is the only place they play.

As always how is the fishing?

peace

Bryan Schwegler wrote:...be interested in hearing your thoughts on why Lakewood is better for at home businesses than another city.

Bryan-

I was responding, but when I finished, I wondered if most of my reasons would also apply to having an office in Lakewood. Then I decided I needed to edit my response and found out that I had around 700 words.

At that length, it seemed like it could be an article for the paper. I'd bet that after a rewrite or two it will probably boil down to a few hundred words & will be posted here.

First I have to better consider the differences between home-based and office based businesses (aside from the bedroom slipper commute).