The Observation Deck

I got a flyer yesterday from Friends of JT Neuffer, who is running for the Ward 3 Council Seat. Of course, the flyer and his website are very generic regarding issues - "keep neighborhoods safe", "Small Business Development Opportunities" . . - but nothing pertaining to his position on the Lakewood Hospital situation we are facing. I find this curious since it is probably the most pressing issue of the upcoming election. I see that is endorsed by the Lakewood Democratic Club (after all, he IS the treasurer), so I would have to assume that he agrees with the mayor's plan to demolish the hospital to build the new "state of the art" health center and recreation center.

If anyone could shed light on the candidate's actual stand on REAL issues, I'd appreciate it. I could care less that he is gay and an Icelandic-American

Amy Martin wrote:I find this curious since it is probably the most pressing issue of the upcoming election.

Not "probably"...the hospital is THE issue of this campaign, and the biggest issue I've seen in my 24 years of Lakewood politics. Yes, that includes Issue 47.

Amy Martin wrote:I see that is endorsed by the Lakewood Democratic Club (after all, he IS the treasurer), so I would have to assume that he agrees with the mayor's plan to demolish the hospital to build the new "state of the art" health center and recreation center.

As I warned the Lakewood Democratic Club, the Summers endorsement will haunt that organization for many, many years. The Lakewood Democratic Club, which has struggled for years to be relevant (60 members in a very liberal city of 52,000), is now on record as endorsing urban sprawl, medical redlining, abuse of working people, and marginalization of the underprivileged and elderly.

The LDC is now seen as simply another tool of "The Summers Gang", which is political poison, especially to people who hold progressive values.

Curious to know if the incumbent has endorsed either of the two candidates.

Ward 3 is an odd race from my view here in Ward 2.

Wards 1 and 2 have honest, transparent, and accountable incumbents running in David Anderson (Ward 1) and Sam O'Leary (Ward 2).

Frankly, I'm shocked that a majority of the 47 members of the Lakewood Democratic Club endorsed David Anderson and San O'Leary since they are the antithesis of the Team Summers and Build Lakewood gang that makeup a majority of the 47 LDC members.

While I can see Ward 3 from my porch, I don't live in Ward 3 so I'm not getting any personal campaign information.

So, Ward 3 folks, tell us about these candidates.

And, of course, Ward 3 candidates, tell us about yourselves.

Sounds like the Lakewood Republican Club to me.

As I warned the Lakewood Democratic Club, the Summers endorsement will haunt that organization for many, many years. The Lakewood Democratic Club, which has struggled for years to be relevant (60 members in a very liberal city of 52,000), is now on record as endorsing urban sprawl, medical redlining, abuse of working people, and marginalization of the underprivileged and elderly.

The LDC is now seen as simply another tool of "The Summers Gang", which is political poison, especially to people who hold progressive values.[/quote]

Alex Belisle wrote:Sounds like the Lakewood Republican Club to me.

You are wrong, Alex.

This isn't New York City, my friend.

Team Summers can't receive the endorsement from real Lakewood Republicans.

In the 'Wood, real Republicans support honest, transparent, and accountable leadership in City Hall ... that's why we support Michael J. Skindell for Lakewood Mayor!

A majority of the 47 members of the Lakewood Democratic Club ... not so much.

Welcome to Lakewood, Ohio ... where everyone who supports honest, transparent, and accountable leadership will be supporting Michael J. Skindell for Lakewood Mayor - regardless of political affiliation!

Let's hope the same is true for Ward 3 ... but there needs to be a Ward 3 candidate who openly stands up and fights for honest, transparent, and accountable leadership at City Hall.

Matt

Hi Matt,

I am responding to your post about Ward 3 council candidates. I am a candidate for ward 3 council. My main issue is keeping Lakewood Hospital open and saving 1,100+ jobs.

The other three people running for Ward 3 Council are JT Neuffer, Mark Schneider, and John Litten. There will be a primary election on September 8th to narrow down the election to two candidates for the November ballot. If you want to save Lakewood Hospital, it is important that you vote in both of these elections. John Litten is a member of the LHA Board of Trustees and voted to close the hospital. He also appears to be on board when it comes to diminishing services at Lakewood Hospital and not keeping the building up or clean. Of the other two, I believe one is for soccer fields (possibly behind the south parking garage at the hospital from Detroit to Franklin). I believe the other has a criminal record.

I am posting a copy of my campaign flyer to let people know how I stand on issues in the city. I have lived here for almost twenty-five years. I really love the city for its walkability, festivals, fireworks, and services. I would like to build on the positives and help our police deal with the continually growing urban crime problem that has filtered into the city over the past few years.

Everyone has a right to their opinions, but I feel that all of the facts need to be put on the table so that we can all make an informed decision at the polls.

I live on Ward 2, but I can attest that Lori has been an avid supporter of the hospital.

Can someone tell me WHY there are so many Litten signs in Ward 1? Those residents certainly are not able to vote for Mr. Litten, and neither can their neighbors, so whats the point?

The Litten signs have all just been installed along with Build Lakewood signs so I think its a co-ordinated effort - each house has a Litten and a BL. There are two on Riverside and one on West Clifton - Joe Gibbons, who was on the LHA, and Nate Kelly, former planning director in Lakewood, each have the two signs, but those are no surprise.

But its clear that Litten supports the destruction of Lakewood Hospital, thats for sure.

Bridget Conant wrote:Can someone tell me WHY there are so many Litten signs in Ward 1? Those residents certainly are not able to vote for Mr. Litten, and neither can their neighbors, so whats the point?

It's not uncommon for candidates to put signs in strategically placed high-traffic areas outside of their area.
I saw a Litten sign on McKinley today...outside his ward, but definitely a high-traffic area.

Bridget Conant wrote:But its clear that Litten supports the destruction of Lakewood Hospital, thats for sure.

Yes, Litten is one of the LHA members who has sat by while the hospital was being dismantled.

I wanted to run for Ward 3...but I didn't for many reasons...the main one being I was afraid of mean people. The next one is I am too mean to run. I am actually a very mean and nasty person and will tell someone off or possibly punch them (I have anger issues...lol) I know not many people believe that...but seriously I am evil. And then I realized I like my life...I don't really like many people but then I would have an entire city calling me, emailing etc and frankly I don't want that. I get enough of that with the rescue...add more to me and I will blow up.
With that being said....I am in Ward 3...I am Chair of the Lakewood Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board and not one candidate reached out to me to talk. (sad)

Hi Missy,

I was not sure how to get in touch with you so I sent you an e-mail to all dogs go to heaven. Hope we can talk soon. Thanks.