The Observation Deck

This morning State Senator Michael J. Skindell held a news conference in front of the
Lakewood Hospital, which in this case was on the side of the building where the LHF
has just made over $6 million in improvements.

As the Senator had agreed to, the conference would be on the sidewalk, not on the Clinic
property though, the clinic did not seem to have any issues with people waiting inside for
the meeting or being on their property during the meeting.


Michael addressing the cameras.

Senator Skindell had some pretty strong view of the various parts of the deal, and
questioned to me before the start of the meeting that he felt "other proposals were passed
over on that could have kept Lakewood Hospital here." While he was unwilling to elaborate
he said, "we have to look at the process and make sure it was fair." He was unwilling at
this time to say anything more than it needed to be examined.

He also mentioned to me that during his time on City Council he was never on the Hospital
Board, but he saw the Hospital as a tremendous asset to the City of Lakewood, and that it
is only right to make sure the residents were well represented in these discussions. Let me
assure you, the Senator is upset by the turn of events.


Members of the Cleveland Clinic listen to the Senator. It should be noted that the Clinic officials
who were there allowed everyone inside while waiting for the conference. Also the Clinic
has told members of City Council they understand that the 90 day time frame is unrealistic
and are willing to work with City Council as they explore this deal.

We will post the entire piece in moments.

I also have some comments to make after that.

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Go Mike Skindell! Bring this into the light of day - who are the players? Who stands to benefit from this? What behind closed doors deals were made?

I think the people involved thought that with big smiles and reassuring words, the populace would go right along with this. Haven't they learned anything since the 47 debacle?

I have to believe that some folks at Henne Paynter and Ardent Communications Group just kicked it into a higher gear.

Thank you, Senator Michael Skindell, for representing and defending Lakewood's residents as the Mayor, City Council, City Hall, and the Lakewood Hospital Board/Association/Trustees/Whomever appear to avoid sunshine laws, manage decline, and sell out our wonderful city for a pathetic dream of the "Michael P. Summers Recreation Center & Natatorium."

The City of Lakewood needs real leaders at City Hall.

Carry on.