Though Lakewood Ward 3 Councilman Shawn Juris expressed some reservations, he did throw his support behind the upcoming Lakewood City Schools levy. (David Lay/The Lakewood Observer)
While introducing the Resolution, Council President Brian Powers (At-Large) called it "an important resolution ... for an important issue." Adding, "You don't have a strong city without strong schools.”
Several other Council members - Mary Louis Madigan (Ward 4), David Anderson (Ward 1) and Tom Bullock (Ward 2) - spoke favorably of the Issue before casting their "yeah" votes. Ward 3 Councilman Shawn Juris conveyed some apprehension, “I still have some concerns over how well we are managing our money,” he said while vowing his support. "I would like to see more improvement,” he added.
Three school district officials spoke before Council cast their votes.
Lakewood Board of Education members Betsy Shaughnessy and Emma Petrie Barcelona asked Council for their support.
"We don't ask for this lightly," Shaughnessy said.
Petrie Barcelona added, "I am proud that our community supports our schools. Our schools are part of the fabric which makes this community great."
Lakewood City School District Treasurer Tim Patton directed his comments specifically toward Juris. "We take your charge very seriously, to improve and move forward. We expect all student to excel."
Mayor Michael Summer, co-chair of the pro-levy campaign, when asked if he had any comments, replied, "You know how I feel about this!"
Lakewood High School Sophomore Grace Roberson reading one of her award-winning poems to Council. Grace is a Gold Medal winner in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. (David Lay/The Lakewood Observer)
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