The Observation Deck

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

That is the single biggest reason stopping me from running.

And this is the reason I like you!
Lynn

Lynn Farris wrote:Let's be fair - Ryan does have a plan. One doesn't need to be an expert in every area - you can hire experts. (e.g., Marketing for example Steve). At least he is talking about Maketing the city.

Lynn,

If our elected officials would focus on CLEAN & SAFE, I would be a lot happier.

More police, more housing inspectors, and more enforcement of CLEAN & SAFE. That alone would help create and maintain our marketability.

Our elected officials haven't been so good at "Marketing". Do we really want them to do that? Lynn, you should be one of the most aware of this. Think back 4 years.

If Ryan's plan includes marketing, I would say it would be an expensive over-reach of government (Sounds like we have tax spenders in tax savers' clothing.). I would rather the marketing come from the community. Government then, if needed, could then be called upon to help implement that plan after community consensus is reached. They do some of that now (Car show, concerts in the park, etc.).

If I was confident that our current elected officials could hire effective "experts", I'd have really pushed a ballot issue for a City Manager, and this Mayoral race would be a moot point.

Steve

Lynn

I agree with Steve, one of the LO Founders.

One of many ideas that was at the heart of this was.

Empower residents more than ever before.

Not me, us. We are all in this together.

We can bitch and moan, or we can do what we can.

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Lynn Rodemann wrote:

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

That is the single biggest reason stopping me from running.

And this is the reason I like you!
Lynn

As for me, I like/appreciate all the many colors you add to the Lakewood Tapestry.



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there are two things that would keep me here in Lakewood for a long time. Jim O'Bryan as mayor is one of them

Jim,

I'm prepared to act as editor in your absence.

Just say the word.

Let's get things done.

Ivor Karabatkovic wrote:there are two things that would keep me here in Lakewood for a long time. Jim O'Bryan as mayor is one of them

Ivor

I hope the other is a good one, because your first one is not happening, and I would hate to lose you except to Brooks Institute, LA or New York.

Dan

I am the publisher not an editor, my posts should prove that. If I run, very very unlikely, you can have the publisher's job. Bring your checkbook, you can have the office as well.

One big problem we found out at Saturday's group meeting, my next haircut falls after the election.

Sometimes life deals cruel blows doesn't it.


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One of the other strenghts that Jim has is his ability to inspire people - particularily young people and get them involved. I think it is not because we don't have good young people, but few people listen to them - and he does.

Jim, I do believe that in the absence of positive leadership, we have to do things ourselves - you are right and you have done it.

Steve, marketing doesn't mean giving property that you don't own. I would like to see a positive campaign to get people to move to Lakewood - fill up the rentals - fill up the doubles. You are right that this can't be all smoke and mirrors - but we can have the best city possible and keep it a secret and only those lucky enough to find us will come - or we can share with the world what we are doing here in Lakewood. Marketing can be a very good thing and most people will say that every dollar spent in marketing should come back to us multiple times.

JMHO.

Lynn Farris wrote:You are right that this can't be all smoke and mirrors - but we can have the best city possible and keep it a secret and only those lucky enough to find us will come - or we can share with the world what we are doing here in Lakewood.

Lynn,

Again, CLEAN, SAFE, and FUN. Add our GOOD SCHOOLS to that mix and there won't be room in Lakewood for all that want to live here.

Lynn Farris wrote:Marketing can be a very good thing and most people will say that every dollar spent in marketing should come back to us multiple times.

I'd say that every dollar spent in housing inspections and enforcement should come back to us multiple times.

You have to start somewhere. Make the city what it should be. The market will be there.

Lynn Farris wrote:campaign to get people to move to Lakewood - fill up the rentals - fill up the doubles.

Lakewood has some good landlords, but also some resident, and non-resident, slumlords. I want to make sure that they are all compliant with codes, fees, taxes, etc. before I let someone spend my money marketing for them.



Lakewood is my adopted home town. I really enjoy living here .We've got restaurants, stores, night clubs, trees, front porches, and great assets that people are already finding. There is positive marketing going on all over town (i.e. Lakewood Observer, Library, new construction, etc.) All it takes is some petty crime to get in the Plain Dealer and all that marketing is lost.

Can our politicians tell the difference between MARKETING and SPIN? I want them to work on the CLEAN and SAFE. The money saved on SPIN can help pay for it.

Steve

Lynn

I do not believe we have the huge vacuum of leadership you seem to think we have. Speaking for this current administration, the only administration I have dealt with on this level, they seem open to new ideas, but from there it falls into many other groups that seem to slow if not kill those ideas.

I go out and talk with residents, regardless of their age and listen equally. All anyone wants in this world is a little respect. I think we can all agree, and we can all give it.

The Lakewood Observer project as you remember is based on some very simple, and very positive ideas and ideals. The biggest and most important, empowerment. To date we have started or helped to start 10 civic groups that are trying to make Lakewood better without tax dollars or help from the city.

Our largest initiative has to be MAMA and DADA. Groups of businesses that are working together to bring in business to Lakewood. Together they offer incentives ranging from help, to underwriting store front redesign and rents. I have no idea why the Chamber and some at the city have not embraced these projects, but it does not matter, they are moving full steam ahead. MAMA just had a good walk, with great success and are working together to attract two new businesses to Madison Avenue. DADA which finally goes public this month is doing the same for Detroit. Our newest member and success story will open this month, and it is a HUGE win for Lakewood. They will join with us in the parade.

The Lakewood Observer was designed to help with marketing the city outside the city. One reason why stories seem to take a positive lean. We are sending them to other cities, and states, and have made positive inroads into bringing people to Lakewood. so we could sit and complain about what others are not doing, or what others could be doing. Instead we just try to find people and do it ourselves.

It is working.

Thanks for your support.


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Hi,
Mr. O'Bryan you stated:

I do not believe we have the huge vacuum of leadership you seem to think we have. Speaking for this current administration, the only administration I have dealt with on this level, they seem open to new ideas, but from there it falls into many other groups that seem to slow if not kill those ideas.

Several points.
1). I know you have lived in Lakewood for many many years. So, the treatment you received prior to working "on this level" with this administration is the same now for those that don't deal with it at the level you currently do. The difference is "YOU" now have the power to get peoples attention. If the current administration treats you like they would an average citizen, you'll let us all know. This forum gives us all a chance to bring forward poor performance but to a lesser extent.

2). The Number 1 item you rate as most important to our City is more money for more Police. I have pointed out several times on this site that taxpayers allocating more money to address an issue does not ensure additional funds are spent on the problem. I asked on this site for candidates and existing Mayor and Council members to promise that all additional funds for such a tax would be allocated "in addition to" existing dollars spent for police. Not one person did. So, if we did approve a tax, you can bet (just like the County with the proposed sales tax increase) the money would be used where they felt it should (They are smarter than we are).

3). So, who will lead us through these next four years? Will it be more of the same? Or will it be someone that doesn't think status quo is good enough for this great City?

Whoever we vote into office, in my opinion, must make safety of our streets the upper most priority. Has anyone ever heard of a city that had it's numbers of crimes diminish on it's own? Has any area of the country where crime increased, either in amount or type ever increased in value? I think we all know the answers.

We need to see and hear the plans regarding crime in our city, from all the people who are or will campaign to sit in our city hall, regarding this crucial issue.

Everything else after that, is icing on the cake. A society succeeds only to the same degree that peacefulness exists in that same society.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

Donald Farris wrote:Several points.
1). I know you have lived in Lakewood for many many years. So, the treatment you received prior to working "on this level" with this administration is the same now for those that don't deal with it at the level you currently do. The difference is "YOU" now have the power to get peoples attention. If the current administration treats you like they would an average citizen, you'll let us all know. This forum gives us all a chance to bring forward poor performance but to a lesser extent.

Don

I have never really had a bad time here. Even when I was a punk kid, the police and city hall always treated me well. I grew up in a rental with a one parent family. I never remember my family complaining, and I had many family members in the city.

The only problem I ever had was with Madeline Cain, and I had many. Because of that, I found city hall to be oppresive to deal with. Maybe this is why I see Mayor Tom George as breath of fresh air. In the past and now I have found every department to be very helpful if you ask for help. Ignore them and go behind their back on signs, building, permits, etc, and they do not mess around.

Donald Farris wrote:2). The Number 1 item you rate as most important to our City is more money for more Police. I have pointed out several times on this site that taxpayers allocating more money to address an issue does not ensure additional funds are spent on the problem. I asked on this site for candidates and existing Mayor and Council members to promise that all additional funds for such a tax would be allocated "in addition to" existing dollars spent for police. Not one person did. So, if we did approve a tax, you can bet (just like the County with the proposed sales tax increase) the money would be used where they felt it should (They are smarter than we are).

Don

There would have be a freeze on current funding and the new funding would have to be guaranteed to go where it is voted to.

I think theere would have to been many cavets in this. A deal with the union to udnerstand we are hiring 30, if 5 years down the road, we do not need thirty, we can lay off members with no protest.

I cannot see where the money will never be needed where it is headed. Even if we find a lessor number needed, we could keep funding within police. If there is an excess, then and only then do we look at how to move it.

SAFE as we have defined it is one of three keys to make a city successful. Successful means, safe, clean, fun, stable or growing property values and and ease to liguidate property. In other words a healthy city that attacks residents.

Donald Farris wrote:3). So, who will lead us through these next four years? Will it be more of the same? Or will it be someone that doesn't think status quo is good enough for this great City?

Don

Something I think everyone over looks. The entire region, no make that country is going down the tubes. I believe if you look at everything a picture of Lakewood, the island, is becoming clear.

If the region is falling and Lakewood stays the same, is that bad? Or is that a major accomplishment? Solon and Twinsburg have land and freeways to spur their growth.

Another reason why I would question running.

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To Jim or anyone....

For the mayoral race.... Will there be any debates? A meet and greet night? Any word word on anything?


Thanks,

Dave

Jim O'Bryan wrote:
SAFE as we have defined it is one of three keys to make a city successful. Successful means, safe, clean, fun, stable or growing property values and and ease to liguidate property. In other words a healthy city that attacks residents.

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If nothing else, Jim O'Bryan as mayor will give plenty of those comical quotes that we'll be missing with George W leaving office. I know I would like to live in a city that is healthy enough to attack me.