The Observation Deck

... City Council?

It seems everyone I have spoken with on Build, has answers lots of them, yet Council
had to hire fact checkers and look set to hire some more, because of some council
members lying to those looking for facts.

What's with that?! ZERO TRANSPARENCY!


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Vague answers. What exactly will "development" entail? They plan to tear down the medical offices. Will they leave a barren landscape like at Rockport or Sloan Avenue?

Can't trust someone who can't give a straight answer nor has a very good track record when it comes to "development."

I notice they throw out buzzwords - "wellness into the 21st century!" What does that mean?

"Taking responsibility for our own health." Now that I can see because basically you WILL BE on your own When it comes to health care in Lakewood because there won't be much of it available here. But What about the elderly - it it their fault they're old! Or someone with bad genes? Blame their illness on them? Oh, you didn't eat organic food or work out hard enough. You can't blame all ill health on someone's life choices. Only privileged people think like that. Wait til they get old and sick.

Great post, Jim!

There is a bit of irony watching and reading "City Hall & Friends" continue to try to "Build Lakewood" on a sandy foundation of lies and misinformation.

For Facebook, we get Team Summers operatives posting campaign literature.

For City Council and the Lakewood Residents, nothing ... but lies and misinformation.

Matt

Matt,

This is irony at its best.

The Political Action Committee "Build Lakewood" has as its primary goal to tear down Lakewood Hospital.

After the fraudulent name, the "Mission Statement" contains several false premises and outright lies:

Mission Statement "We want the Lakewood City Council to move forward with the redevelopment plans put forth by the Cleveland Clinic and Lakewood Hospital Association." This is Mayor Summers' Plan and they have not revealed publicly how they want to "redevelop" the 6 acres.

"Those plans include:

Construction of a new, $34M state-of-the-art Lakewood Hospital ER & Family Care Center that will provide more services than the current Lakewood Hospital."The new CCF facility does not meet the common or legal definition of a "hospital" because there will be no inpatient beds or even surgery offered--so claiming the new facility is "hospital" is a deliberate lie--It will not provide more services, it will provide substantially less services--that is a fact so this claim is a lie,
•
"New development on nearly six acres of prime, downtown city property that will benefit our entire community, and strengthen our tax base."This destroys the single largest employer in Lakewood, destroys a hospital that provides services to all--including the underserved and there is nothing specific about the "new development" that would strengthen the tax base--the new "clinic" is tax exempt. So this claim has no basis in fact---it is speculation wrapped around conjecture.

•
"Creation of a new, $32M Lakewood Wellness Foundation run by Lakewood residents to improve the health and wellness of all Lakewood residents - not just those who use Lakewood Hospital.In a borderline felonious manner, Mayor Summers has been dangling this money to nearly every nonprofit in town to get them on board with his plan. He and others aligned with him have said it will be a failure if they can't control this money for their ends. On February 3, 2015, Mayor Summers suggested to the Recreation Task Force using new foundation money for their yet to be announced plans--a recreation center cannot and will not benefit everyone while a hospital arguably does or at least could for everyone who may need it. So that claim is another lie.

"Each day City Council fails to act, operating costs for the current Lakewood Hospital drain over $28,000 from the Lakewood Hospital Association fund - money that would otherwise go to fund the future Lakewood Community Wellness Foundation. That translates into over $840,000 per month and over $10,000,000 per year lost to delays." Per the Ernst and Young audited financial statements, the hospital was profitable until Mayor Summers announced its closing and actively worked to destroy it. It is a fact that the plan to destroy the hospital and those that want it destroyed are destroying it as I type---that includes every one of the "Build Lakewood" supporters---each day they support their cause, they are costing the rest of us $28,000 due to the delay in holding Summers, LHA and the Clinic accountable.

It is truly ironic that the new PAC was created to destroy a cherished institution and tear down a grass roots organization trying to save it. The fact that they has such a positive spin and message for such a negative substantive goal is commendable.

Brian Essi wrote:It is truly ironic that the new PAC was created to destroy a cherished institution and tear down a grass roots organization trying to save it. The fact that they has such a positive spin and message for such a negative substantive goal is commendable.

I bet you find out that the concept for "Build Lakewood" predates "Save Lakewood Hospital." I got some "wire frames" sent to me months ago, and noted it here on the Deck.

After all, they knew it was going to happen, waaaaaay before "Save Lakewood Hospital."

Again, the Clinic was ready to go public in September of 2014. The Mayor's group wanted a mid-June 2015 release, where he could have both cashed in politically and with friends financially, by "getting the best deal he could get from the Clinic" (though they have yet to be let out of their contract) and together let's just call them this "very close group" would be able to chart a way to "Build A More Active Living Lakewood."

Or they are the most opportunistic myopic people in the city.

"Fair" races is not in many of these players portfolios.

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Hey Jim, Brian, Matt:

Only 121 more days of this deception, misinformation and lies!

tom monahan wrote:Hey Jim, Brian, Matt:

Only 121 more days of this deception, misinformation and lies!

Tom

I wish that was true.

No matter who is in office, "Build Lakewood" aka WestEnd/LakewoodAlive V1* are back with
a target worth millions of dollars. Most of the players have been desperate to seize money
like this to "finally build their Crocker Park." Fabulous Lakewood businessman David Stein's
biggest issue with the WestEnd was, "It is too far from the Center of Lakewood." Hell, this is
right next to two stores he has spent a fortune on. David ain't going to give, he has
worked hard and believes in his fight. I understand where David is coming from
though I disagree.

This will once again be a real Civil War. I was amused at "Build Lakewood Evangelists" at
the parade yesterday, still not sure what they believe in other than the chant of the
lemming: "Ever Forward." One of them was talking with a member of the crowd, the Build
Lakewood member said, "Well you are wrong, you better get real numbers, go to the
website." The person in "the crowd" was a member of the lawsuit legal team, he then
made the Evangelist the fool he was with real facts and numbers and the Evangelist slunk
away. Once you get past "progressive and forward" which is to suck in "progressives with
zero critical thought," you end up with promises like this:



Of course, the real problem is also illustrated by this much loved song we have all sung,
it really is about an old hobo, trying to convince young boys he has run into, into running
away with him, to a land that has everything they have ever dreamed of.

In real life, the boys are rarely seen again.

Best to keep it to silly little hideous songs.

* LakewoodAlive V2 would be current LA, there is a massively different mindset there
today, than in the past. LakewoodAlive V1 mostly stepped down two years ago, and have
recently all appeared with various groups looking for a piece of the action. Hmmmmmmm


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I'd appreciate it if someone would address the assertion that the clinic's lease only requires them to provide three services: ER, OB/GYN, and acute care surgery services. Also, what is our alternate plan for 2026 - will the foundation money still be there to be used for something else or are we losing an opportunity to get Cleveland Clinic to invest funds to redevelop? I can't see how an abandoned hospital will help anyone.

I see that the mayor has been doing tricky stuff without being upfront about it. I also think he's probably trying to gain political allies at the CC for his future elections (bigger than lakewood, I would guess) and not necessarily doing the best thing for lakewood.

However, that doesn't mean that we should cling to the hospital indefinitely. It just means we should do what's in the best interest of the city and taxpayers here whether that be forcing the clinic to honor their lease or redeveloping.

I see this as a purely economical issue. I don't find the loss of the hospital services as a problem at all. I've lived in Lakewood for 18 years (I know that's short compared to some of you) and I don't think anyone in my family has ever elected to go there, whether for the ER or any other service. Nothing about that hospital inspires confidence in me - quite the opposite. It's my belief that hospitals that take in so many uninsured patients have to make that up by overcharging everyone who is paying (I have no proof of this) so I wouldn't dream of going there. I also think that the best doctors and nurses like to work in a nice facility (no offense to the folks who work at Lakewood) so... ya, like I said, we don't go to Lakewood Hospital.

Todd here are my answers in red

I'd appreciate it if someone would address the assertion that the clinic's lease only requires them to provide three services: ER, OB/GYN, and acute care surgery services. Often repeated, but not true. Also, what is our alternate plan for 2026 - will the foundation money still be there to be used for something else or are we losing an opportunity to get Cleveland Clinic to invest funds to redevelop? I can't see how an abandoned hospital will help anyone.CCF/LHA are required to do $55 million in capital improvements through 2026---if we are short due to losses CCF has to kick in cash to maintain a 1:1 cash to debt ratio---CCF must leave all cash advances behind if it leaves in 2026. So based upon my calculations, we can't lose all of the $50 million Long Term Investment Pool---but even if we do we have the depreciated value of the $55 million in improvements, about $11 million in income taxes and $13 million in rent along the way till 2026. So as long as elected leaders enforce the agreements we will hve an improved facility, years of benefits by sitting tight and passing on the "opportunity." LHF money is separate (currently over $31 million) so it will still be there in 2026 and likely appreciated with stock market returns. Perhaps most important to me, the underserved will get an approximate $7 million in charity each year or $77 million through 2026 based on the averages from the past 11 years---this number could be much less due to expansion of Medicaid in Ohio but that will be all good as tat mean the hospital gets money albeit at the expense of the federal government, i.e.me and you. This leave us with 11 years to plan for 2026 instead of having a gun to our heads held by folks who got us here to begin with and who want to take more from us. That doesn't sit well with most of us. I will bet my entire net worth that building will never be empty.

I see that the mayor has been doing tricky stuff without being upfront about it. I also think he's probably trying to gain political allies at the CC for his future elections (bigger than lakewood, I would guess) and not necessarily doing the best thing for lakewood.I agree...in spades

However, that doesn't mean that we should cling to the hospital indefinitely. It just means we should do what's in the best interest of the city and taxpayers here whether that be forcing the clinic to honor their lease or redeveloping.I'm not clinging to anything and I agree that doing what is best for all citizens is best---I am all for redevelopment, but I don't see anything in the LOI or any plans that can match hat we have now. Perhaps something will emerge.

I see this as a purely economical issue. I don't find the loss of the hospital services as a problem at all. I've lived in Lakewood for 18 years (I know that's short compared to some of you) and I don't think anyone in my family has ever elected to go there, whether for the ER or any other service. Nothing about that hospital inspires confidence in me - quite the opposite. It's my belief that hospitals that take in so many uninsured patients have to make that up by overcharging everyone who is paying (I have no proof of this) so I wouldn't dream of going there. I also think that the best doctors and nurses like to work in a nice facility (no offense to the folks who work at Lakewood) so... ya, like I said, we don't go to Lakewood Hospital.Lakewood Hospital has enjoyed a good reputation until very recently, but I respect your decisions--most of us have choices--some people less fortunate than you and I have less choices and the closing will hurt them the most I hope this helps

Brian Essi - thanks so much for your comments/answers regarding my questions.

Hi Todd: Like you, I’m a 20-year resident and I still feel like a newbie in some circles. And like you, I’ve had struggles to understand the issues surrounding Lakewood Hospital and its fate. I’ve done my research and I have shared it here and elsewhere. Here’s what I understand:

In public forums where the regulated speech of our elected and government officials prohibits them from lying or giving fraudulent testimony, they have repeated that Lakewood Hospital Association’s contract with the Cleveland Clinic obligates the healthcare service provider to ER, OB/GYN and acute care surgery. My read of that contract says to me it is poorly constructed and defines a partnership that gives the Clinic far too much latitude. I attribute that to the fact that one party knew the business of health care far better than the other. To understand the services to be offered at the future Wellness Center, you need to look no further than the OneLakewood website:

http://www.onelakewood.com/pdf/Lakewood ... rvices.pdf

Because of the lopsided negotiation powers between the Clinic and LHA, I’m glad LHA is finally asking to get out of the health care business. Beyond 2026, there are no plans. Worse yet, the contract will likely have dissolved by then because of a lack of performance or inpatient business at Lakewood Hospital. Pardon the bun, inpatient hospitals are a dying business in Cleveland and throughout the USA. This trend was evident 50 years ago:

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_ ... 003acc.pdf

With regard to those underserved or lacking insurance, the ER serves as their primary care and Lakewood Hospital foundation their payor. The new plans for a Wellness Center secures their needs and those of the broader community will continue to be met. These plans also fortify the funds that pay for this population by stemming the financial bleeding and securing these dollars ($32 million) in a new community foundation dedicated to exclusively to the wellness of Lakewood citizens. And we can’t forget the role of North Coast Health, which is led by a physician from the Clinic and whose time is donated by our city’s health care partner; more told:

http://northcoasthealth.org/

Lastly, Mayor Summers holds monthly meetings throughout the city called Listen to Lakewood. He has since he started. I’ve attended these, and I've asked him and so have others what are his ambitions after serving office in Lakewood. He has many, yet none of these are politics. He wants out of the business of politicking once his commitments to Lakewood are completed.

Jim Kenny wrote:In public forums where the regulated speech of our elected and government officials prohibits them from lying or giving fraudulent testimony,

Jim Kenny

Where is that law?

I know the President of the United States cannot lie.

I know that IF Finance Director Jenn Pae lies or misleads about finances it is a felony.

But I know of no other rule that prevents elected officials from lying.

They could be recalled for lying, but they can be recalled for anything.

Just curious if you know the law?

If you do, then let's rock and roll.

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Jim Kenny

Surely you are not naive about politicians. Their ambition isn't contained by securing political office, it is what comes AFTER that is most lucrative. Congress is s good example of how politicians make MORE money AFTER their public service terms ends. Locally, politicians frequently find lucrative work as consultants, lobbyists, and paid board members.

Mr Summers may not be seeking an ELECTED position, but surely, his opportunities are many and may be enhanced by him delivering a favorable package to CCF - one that absolves them of responsibility for providing Lakewood, a "high needs community" (from their own report,) adequate service while insuring that no competitor can enter that market.

Jim O'Bryan: Legally mandated oaths of office dictate that lying and other frauds to be impermissible and punishable by law. We as citizens, however, enjoy having our lies protected by free speech, so we are free to make wild interpretations without legal consequence. I was attempting to help Todd discern the difference.

Bridget: Thanks for acknowledging that I’m not naïve. Please understand that’s why I can discern the differences in speech depending on its forum.

I, too, also recognize that some politicians have motives that stretch beyond their office. I also know from talking to investment bankers that a few years ago our Mayor Summers successfully exited and sold his family business for a healthy price. In fact, so healthy that all of his employees received a payout, despite not holding any equity or serving as shareholders. Thus, it's easy for me to recognize that our Mayor doesn’t need the Clinic for his next career of retirement. He needs and deserves our respect, even if we refuse to agree with him.