The Observation Deck

Stan Austin wrote:Wait------- Before we even start discussing issues, let's start with an even more basic consideration.

The primary election is a month away. Which of the candidates has done anything to tell you, the voter, that they are a candidate, much less what their particular issues are?
Stan Austin

Stan - Point well taken. So far, some of the candidates have web sites (mine should be done in a couple of days), a few endorsements have been made, and we are all having fundraisers. In each of these ways, all the candidates are trying to get their message out. In addition to the above, I hereby challenge my fellow candidates to a series of debates...in the open, unscripted, with questions from residents. How about this - at least one debate in each ward, each at a different school. Or how about the Library? We might even be able to get them in before the primary.

Dan, I agree, let's do it.

Ryan -

Thanks for the quick response. Lakewood is facing a number of issues, we can all agree, and it's time for a full public debate on those issues so that the voters can make an informed choice in the upcoming primary.

I am calling on anyone who is interested to take the lead on this. Can someone make sure all candidates are contacted? Can someone set the time and place? Is someone willing to get the word out to the community? I believe a straightforward forum would be a way to engage the voters in this election.

I believe that the powers that be in the LO machine are working on getting a candidates forum set up.

Ryan Patrick Demro wrote:Dan, I agree, let's do it.

OK Ryan, first question.

1) Who is running your campaign? It seems that I have a whole bunch of CRAZY
quotes from your old campaign manager that was referring to Arthur Ave between
Athens, and Lakewood Heights as "East Cleveland"

Bonus Question
Do you believe that?

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Jerry Ritcey wrote:I spent a few minutes looking for candidate web sites of the folks running for member of Council at Large. The list is in the same order as on the ballots. You can choose up to three in the upcoming primary on Sep 8th.
If some of these have websites that I didn't find, let me know and I'll update this post.

Can you add my website...shieldsforlakewood.com

Also, Jim, I say no questions, now, to any specific candidate, Ryan or otherwise. Again, I say let's invite ALL the candidates to a public forum ... and take questions from residents. Why is there no one who is willing to take the lead on this? Am I sensing a reluctance on everyone other than Mr. Davis and Mr. Demro to participate in a simple debate?

I can't edit my first post to update web sites, unfortunately. Here is the list as I know of it now:

Anthony Davis http://www.democracydavis.com/
Edward M McCartney - unable to find website
Ryan Patrick Demro http://ryandemro.com/
Brian Powers * - unable to find their website
Jared K. Shapiro http://jaredshapiroforcitycouncil.webs.com/
Daniel E. Shields - http://shieldsforlakewood.com
Monique Smith http://www.moniqueforlakewood.com/
Nickie J. Antonio * http://nickieantonio.com/
Daniel Bartos http://danielbartos.com

* = Council incumbent

I threw a post up on my blog since I can update that if a website is added or changed.

Dan, I have heard nothing on these forums. My suggestion is that you demonstrate your leadership by picking four places, four dates, and let the chips fall where they may. I planned these before when I ran for mayor. It's not hard to do. I am perfectly content to keep walking door to door, but will be happy to participate in a forum if you or a third party want to arrange it.

Dan Shields wrote: Am I sensing a reluctance on everyone other than Mr. Davis and Mr. Demro to participate in a simple debate?

Dan

You know how I feel. Anyone afraid to talk about the future of Lakewood in the light of
day and in an unbiased forum like this, does not deserve to hold public office.

I believe some of council also feel that way.

If you cannot answer these questions, and run to a non-dimensional forum, then
you should be left talking to yourself, in your bedroom.

Mr. Davis has contacted us, and I am waiting to meet with him, and get him going. Last
week someone running for school board stop by my office to "clear the air" and I look
forward to seeing him post again, and watching him run for office.

The Observer can do anything to expedite and amplify. No agenda, just the most traffic
of any internet device/forum/blog in Lakewood. FREE, no sign in needed to read, no
censorship, we never collect or sell emails, and we will always refer to you as an Observer,
not as a "friend." That is just too creepy.

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Jim,

Running my own campaign this year. Please leave me out of the disagreements that you and Mrs. Metelko have. If we wanna play the, "Which candidate/councilperson is associated with whom," it can get very messy.

Ryan Patrick Demro wrote:Jim,

Running my own campaign this year. Please leave me out of the disagreements that you and Mrs. Metelko have. If we wanna play the, "Which candidate/councilperson is associated with whom," it can get very messy.

Ryan

Are you telling me how to pick who I support, and how I should pick them?

The fact remains that Grandma was right, "Birds of a feather flock together." My issue
with your old campaign manager is she is like so many in this city now, her way or the
highway, damn all that get in her way, I would rather burn the city to the ground than take
a real look at what is going on and needed.

That attitude, is what has driven the short bus known as Lakewood to where we are
right now. I always laugh, it is like they are fighting over water rights in LA back in
the thirties instead of moving Lakewood as a democracy farther ahead for ALL.

You know I had very big issues with the "CRIME SPREE" politicians went on last time around
just to get votes. It made me sick hearing people compare south Arthur with East Cleveland
both on boards all over town and on TV. I still think we have not recovered from that
onslaught of bad news and publicity.

Do you agree?

Have I ever told you how to think or why?

Or have I always asked for your reasoning?

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Jim -

You don't get to decide who will or will not come here and debate on line. Some people don't want to do that. I know of only one person on council who uses the deck and he's hardly ever here.

It doesn't mean they're hiding anything, it just means that a) they don't read this vehicle very much or b) they feel it is better to do things like go door to door.

Not everyone in Lakewood uses the deck. You don't get to pick and choose how other people run their campaigns.

I do not represent anyone but myself, but if I was a candidate, I know I would make my own campaign decisions, not you.

sharon kinsella wrote:I do not represent anyone but myself, but if I was a candidate, I know I would make my own campaign decisions, not you.

Huh?

I was speaking to Ryan about his choice of campaign manager.

And how I will personally choose who I vote for.

Nothing else.



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A campaign manager's worst nightmare

Jim O'Bryan and Sharon Kinsella

hehe, Stan

Jim - I was responding to what you said before that about people not posting on this free site, etc. etc.