The Observation Deck

Tim Liston wrote:Hi Stephen....

Good to hear you enjoyed a Westlake coffee even though there are numerous coffee joints right here in Lakewood. If you can believe it, there are some who believe that the minute you leave Lakewood you are some kind of traitor....

Tim,

I actually wrote that in my family room (Not Westlake.) while drinking ice water. I rarely drink coffee, and can't tell the difference between expensive and cheap, but I really enjoy lying about it. Just having fun. Hope it wasn't at your expense.


MY FAVORITE "FANCY, AND NO LYING" DRINKS (Factual, and by category):

COFFEE - About 12 times a year, and most often from Phoenix (Whatever they're serving that day).

SOFT DRINK - Coca-Cola Classic. Often from Beverage Square on Madison.

BEER - Pabst Blue Ribbon. Again, from Beverage Square, or Bela Dubby.

SCOTCH - Whatever is in the well, or from Simone's.

WINE - Red. Beverage Square (Good place to pick up a Lakewood Observer).


I am glad you caught me telling a whopper. It just proves that you can't believe everything you read here.



There's an awful lot of speculation in this thread about what might happen with regard to the mayor in the next 20-22 months. I assume that Ed will remain mayor for at least that amount time, and by all indications, will continue to serve us well.

Because we can never be sure of what an individual will do, or how circumstances may change, it's a good idea to occasionally look at our city charter, to explore, among other things, the line of succession, and form of government. The charter should provide for smooth transitions, and it's a lot easier to adjust before a problem. Maybe this thread will provide the spark for more discussion.


Steve

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Will,

I am afraid you are gravely mistaken about he power that the mayor holds. We have what is referred to as a "strong mayor" system. The Mayor is also the Health Commissioner and Safety Director under the charter. S/he can hire and fire directors and prosecutors at his/her desire. Those who served on the Charter Review Commissions could also testify to that fact. In some cities the mayor is a figurehead, not in ours.

It seems to me that IF (that's a big if) FitzGerald was able to suceed to the Auditor's office that it would be a win-win for Lakewood. You would have a Lakewoodite (when was the last time that happened) in one of the top political positions in the county. Bringing his no nonsense approach to the county helps Lakewood as well.

By the way Ms. Farris, the reason that Russo is vulnerable is because he is going to be indicted, he will take a plea and serve 24-48 months in prison.

Maybe Mr FBI man should run for Sheriff. McFaul is retiring and will announce it tomorrow, I hear.

Mr. Brennan.

Thank you for your clarification concerning city managers.

With all due respect sir, having an honors degree in Political Science, I do have some small knowledge concerning this topic.

The trouble with a city manager situation can lie with the competitive nature involved with finding a good one. That may well entail the necessity of offering them a contract. I would imagine that few managers would come to a city with the knowledge that they could be fired the following week. If the job turns out not to be a good match, then the buy-out, big-money talks begin.

Oh yes the big money? That would indeed be the case.

And where, exactly would that "big money" come from?

Oh! Oh! (Raises hand) I'll bet that even I can figure that one out!

In the future, not only will residents probably need to bring their trash to the treelawns, but they will also likely have to bring their small house fires, as well as all of those pesky criminals out to the treelawn for pick-up!

(only however, if said items will fit into a 96 gallon container)

Thanks Jim, it makes much more sense now.

Gary Rice wrote:That may well entail the necessity of offering them a contract. I would imagine that few managers would come to a city with the knowledge that they could be fired the following week. If the job turns out not to be a good match, then the buy-out, big-money talks begin.

Gary,

Years ago, while working on one of Lakewood's charter reviews, I spent a lot of time looking into the Council/Manager form of government. I talked to the longtime city manager of Cleveland Heights (William Downey, I think.). He had been there since they changed over from a strong mayor and council. I asked him about contracts. He told me that he had no contract, worked at the pleasure of the city council, and could be asked to leave the next day.

I think that if you look at the icma.org website, you may be able to find out what is most customary.

Steve

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Stephen,

Much depends on how it's all set up in the first place by each city charter.

As has been noted, there are pros and cons, depending on the structure.

City managership still removes administrative actions from direct voter response.

Dissect the rationale for this type of government happening in Lakewood.

It should be patently obvious why some would consider it.

Grace O'Malley wrote:Why is anyone surprised that the mayor is running for "higher office?"

I could see this coming and so should have everyone else.

His number one priority is himself, not Lakewood.

never let the the truth get in the way



http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us/citygovern_mayor.html

ABOUT ED FITZGERALD
A longtime Lakewood resident and community activist, Ed FitzGerald was elected Mayor in November of 2007 by the largest margin in 20 years. Previously, Mayor FitzGerald was elected three times as an At-Large City Councilman. FitzGerald has a long record as a community volunteer, including serving as Chairman of the Zoning Board, member of the Lakewood Hospital Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of the Charter Review Commission, and as a board member of the Children's Trust Fund of Cuyahoga County.

Mayor FitzGerald's record of public service is extensive. Upon graduating from Ohio State University, he served as a staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives. After working his way through night law school, FitzGerald served as a Special Agent with the FBI. As a Special Agent, FitzGerald was recognized by the FBI Director for heading up a wide-ranging investigation into organized crime and political corruption in Chicago.

FitzGerald then served as a supervising Prosecutor for Cuyahoga County, and successfully prosecuted hundreds of cases ranging from drug dealing to homicide. In 2003, FitzGerald left the prosecutor's office and expanded his civil practice, representing clients in civil matters throughout Northeast Ohio, in both trial courts and the 8th District Court of Appeals.

Mayor FitzGerald is a third generation Lakewood resident, his grandparents having moved to Lakewood in 1929. Ed and his wife Shannon are raising their four children together in their Lakewood home.

Grace O'Malley wrote:Bryan

I agree that ALL politicians have their own self-interest at heart.

However, I see the fact that Fitzgerald would leave prior to fulfilling his term as a slap in the face to all those who supported him, both with their votes and their dollars.

Don't YOU feel cheated?

I voted for Ed and do not feel cheated.

That's it. I want to run for Mayor. I really do. I mean if Palin can go for Vice President, I can go for Mayor (and I am only talking experience here...NOTHING else...that is not a dig...again only about experience!!!! I promise!!!!)
In this day and age anyone who wants to better themselves and do better for their families, I say go for it. If in the end you can do better for more people, hey more power to ya!!
But seriously, if I had more experience, I would run. 2 things in my life I always wanted to do, be a teacher (I was an aide...so that was taken care of) and get in to politics.

Missy Limkemann wrote:That's it. I want to run for Mayor. I really do. I mean if Palin can go for Vice President, I can go for Mayor (and I am only talking experience here...NOTHING else...that is not a dig...again only about experience!!!! I promise!!!!)
In this day and age anyone who wants to better themselves and do better for their families, I say go for it. If in the end you can do better for more people, hey more power to ya!!
But seriously, if I had more experience, I would run. 2 things in my life I always wanted to do, be a teacher (I was an aide...so that was taken care of) and get in to politics.

Why not President? If we elected a man with virtually no experience then why not elect a woman from Lakewood with no experience??? At least Sarah understands the importance of a balance budget..... just sayin

I am sure you are not speaking of his run for president? That was all
about taking an anti-war message to the American people.

He went into the Demcratic caucaus, they decided to not argue the war.
Congressman Kucinich saw it as the biggest problem facing America.
That it would bankrupt and destroy America, so ran.

kind of like trying to sell an eskimo a freezer....

I am all about balanced budgets. I run a nonprofit organization, and while we have debt, I make it work. I make it run to the point that I dont beg for donations, dont ask for help and still manage to pay all the bills. I worked hard on that budget. (i am even taking a small break on taking in animals right now while still paying the bills..>WHOO HOOOO!!!!) I honestly love numbers, love budgets, love balancing the check book. I also love the law.
We always tell our children "dream big and reach for the stars" yet we never do it as adults. Well dang it, I want to dream big and reach for the stars. I want to practice what I preach!!!!
I love my city, I moved here because I love Lakewood. I wanted my kids to grow up in Lakewood, I keep trying to get my parents to move here, and I am looking at moving my grandparents here. I want to make this city awesome. And I know we can do it. (look at me all preaching and stuff...LOL....)

Missy, we have elections this fall. City Council-At-Large (3) and School Board (2) seats are in the mix. I would be happy to show you how to get your name on the ballot. It is pretty easy, but running a campaign and raising money is another ball game. It is all what you want to put into it.