The Observation Deck

Don and Lynn - you know that I am against the use of eminent domain. Especially this new, bizarre use where property is forced from one private owner and sold to another private owner. ("Highest, best use"? I think not.)

That being said, I would not, were I a candidate, sign a pledge for a special interest group, even if that special interest represented something in which I strongly believed.

In those years where the Shops at West End project was being fought, Ed FitzGerald was also a supporter of the project. Demro was not on council at the time. If you call out one, call out the other.

DL,

DL, you and Bill and others were among some of the amazing people who were not directly effected by the West End and contributed so much to help protect other people's homes and property.

Everyone on city council at the time and the Mayor (Cain at that time)blighted the properties on the West End. Everyone on City Council and the Mayor voted to begin eminent domain proceedings on the buisnesses. No one except citizens cast a vote against blight or the West End Development Project.

To be fair, Mr. Demro at that time was for it as well. After the Kelo case, Mr. Demro did study it and did sign a pledge to keep his hands off our home, business, school and church. The only other elected member of city council to do so is Nicki Antonio.

That being said, I have also given the Mayor good marks for not having used eminent domain since his election and being firm about the fact that we can do development without it.

But that doesn't take away the concern that people in the Kaufman park area are nervous as well as people in the Beck Center area. One of the lessons we should have learned from the West End is open dialogue. Let the citizens know what is happening - let them be a part of the plan. Negotiate with people. The free market really works.

But asking candidates where they stand on this issue is very important. And now with the law in Ohio making it so easy to blight a property - the only real protection that we have is our elected officials word that they won't do it. There are many special interests asking them to use eminent domain every day.

Property owners in Lakewood are hardly a fringe group or a special interest group.

I completely agree with open public dialogue. Citizens should always be part of a public process.

I'm not suggesting that property owners are a fringe group.

But I will suggest that signing pledges for any special interest group, even when it's as important as speaking loudly and clearly against eminent domain, is not something I think is advisable.

Donald Farris wrote:Hi,
Would you sign a pledge to not attempt to employ eminent domain on the homes or businesses of Lakewood property owners for economic development?

With the recent change in the State's definition of blight, virtually any home in Lakewood could be declared blighted. So, this is still a very relevant question to ask of those that, if elected, will have such a despotic power.

Candidate for Mayor Ryan Demro has signed this pledge.
I ask this question of Mayor Tom George.
I ask this question of Councilman Ed Fitzgerald.

I ask this question of all those running for Council.
Candidate Dan Shields has responded on this board that he would not make this pledge to the property owners of Lakewood. Candidate Bullock? Others?

Mr. Farris,
As a candidate for Council in Ward 3 I would like to answer your question. I do not believe in eminent domain for private use and was against the West End project. In my view, eminent domain is a scary, dangerous thing and can easily get out of hand.

This city is full of creative, talented, intelligent people who, if asked, have some great ideas for ways to improve the economic conditions of Lakewood. Ways that don't mean taking people's homes or businesses without their consent.

Thank you for asking the question.

Hi,
Thanks, Ms. Helbig for the clear statement on your position on eminent domain.

Donald Farris wrote:Hi,
Would you sign a pledge to not attempt to employ eminent domain on the homes or businesses of Lakewood property owners for economic development?

With the recent change in the State's definition of blight, virtually any home in Lakewood could be declared blighted. So, this is still a very relevant question to ask of those that, if elected, will have such a despotic power.

Candidate for Mayor Ryan Demro has signed this pledge.
I ask this question of Mayor Tom George.
I ask this question of Councilman Ed Fitzgerald.

I ask this question of all those running for Council.
Candidate Dan Shields has responded on this board that he would not make this pledge to the property owners of Lakewood. Candidate Bullock? Others?

The use of eminent domain for private development is something I oppose and would never agree to as councilman of Ward One. I do not believe in corporate welfare including the use of eminent domain. I also oppose the City telling developers what size bricks they can use on their projects, outside of safety considerations.
The City should be protecting private property, not confiscating it and promoting business growth, not tying it's hands with red tape.

Thank you for your consideration. I invite you to learn more about my campaign at: http://www.conroy4council.com

Paul Conroy
Candidate for Lakewood City Council, Ward One