The Observation Deck

State Representative Nickie Antonio, and State Senator Michael Skindell both award
ex-School Board Member Matthew Markling with recognition for his years of service to the
Lakewood School System, and for the many great things that Matt did for the schools.

Nickie, read off a list of accomplishments that made many in the room think, "I wish he
had run for re-election."

Congratulations Matt, I know firsthand just how dedicated you were.

Thanks for the time in office.

.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:
State Representative Nickie Antonio, and State Senator Michael Skindell both award
ex-School Board Member Matthew Markling with recognition for his years of service to the
Lakewood School System, and for the many great things that Matt did for the schools.

Nickie, read off a list of accomplishments that made many in the room think, "I wish he
had run for re-election."

Congratulations Matt, I know firsthand just how dedicated you were.

Thanks for the time in office.

.

Hey I missed this among all the trees and bikes and love messages.

Count me among those (the many) who know how dedicated Matt was, and how much he brought to this school system.

Matt-- you are missed!!!

I hope the rumors about your next campaign are true.

Betsy Voinovich

Betsy Voinovich wrote:Count me among those (the many) who know how dedicated Matt was, and how much he brought to this school system.

Matt-- you are missed!!!

I hope the rumors about your next campaign are true.

Betsy,

Thank you!

And, the rumors are true.

Matt

Jim O'Bryan wrote:State Representative Nickie Antonio, and State Senator Michael Skindell both award
ex-School Board Member Matthew Markling with recognition for his years of service to the
Lakewood School System, and for the many great things that Matt did for the schools.

Nickie, read off a list of accomplishments that made many in the room think, "I wish he
had run for re-election."

Congratulations Matt, I know firsthand just how dedicated you were.

Thanks for the time in office.

Jim,

I’m sorry for taking so long to jump in here to respond.

Thank you for your kind comments … although I would have loved a better photo. I guess I can only work with what God gave me.

And thank you, State Senator Michael Skindell and State Representative Nickie Antonio. It is indeed an honor to be honored by two public officials who are both dedicated to Lakewood’s children and families.

The fact that Mike and Nickie were willing to put partisanship aside to recognize me for one night says a lot about the integrity of both our officials. And this has not been just one night. Both Mike and Nickie have always been willing to work with me to improve education in Lakewood and beyond.

Lakewood needs more leaders like Mike and Nickie who put people over politics.

I remember the December 17, 2007 Lakewood City Council Meeting when Mayor Edward FitzGerald displayed Mike/Nickie moxie and proclaimed that:

One of the great moments of [Ward Two Councilman Ryan Patrick Demro’s] service for four years was [his] constituent service. I don’t think there has been a councilman in a long, long time who was as aggressive about constituent service. [Demro] really fought for [his] constituents and that’s not ideological and there is nothing partisan about that, it was just good old-fashioned advocacy.

Thank you, Mike and Nickie, for your service to the City of Lakewood and all its citizens!

Matt

I will say it to anyone who listens and keep saying it...Matthew Markling is amazing. Without his guidance my son would not be where he is today. He told me who to contact in the school system and helped us place Patrick on the path he is on. He seriously saved my son's "school life" and his work in the system should have been recognized long before this. I miss him leading the school board and I miss his open communication with us. I am thankful for his work and thankful for his friendship. THANK YOU MATT!!! I cannot say it enough ....

Missy Limkemann wrote:I will say it to anyone who listens and keep saying it...Matthew Markling is amazing. Without his guidance my son would not be where he is today. He told me who to contact in the school system and helped us place Patrick on the path he is on. He seriously saved my son's "school life" and his work in the system should have been recognized long before this. I miss him leading the school board and I miss his open communication with us. I am thankful for his work and thankful for his friendship. THANK YOU MATT!!! I cannot say it enough ....

You are welcome, Missy! And, thank you for the kind words. It really means a lot to me.

I'm pretty happy with the LCS Student Services Team Dr. Christine Palumbo has put together with Robert L. DelQuadri, Elizabeth Kimmel, and Gordana Dimacchia.

Lakewood's kids are in good hands ... but we parents still need to advocate for our children. It’s not easy.

Matt

Matthew John Markling wrote:
... we parents still need to advocate for our children.

The same goes for those of us without children!

Peter Grossetti wrote:

Matthew John Markling wrote:
... we parents still need to advocate for our children.

The same goes for those of us without children!

So true, Peter!

So true.