The Observation Deck

It is no secret that states like Ohio and Michigan are under severe economic stress. While they prospered under the old industrial economy they are having trouble competing under the new economy.

At a time when the national economy is growing at a healthy rate Ohio is suffering. Last month the entire State created 200 jobs. A study just released found that non-government employees in this area at all income levels have experienced a real decline in wages during the last 7 years. Cuyahoga County has been particulaly hard hit.

Our political leadership seems incapable of implementing any plan of action that will reinvigorate the area's economy. Institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western are not the economic engines they could be. Rather than creating new institutions and industries political leaders are reduced to poaching.

Some animal population that are under stress resort to eating each other to survive. It seems people are no different. The Board of Directors of the Beck Center are the poster children of this behavior.

Some support regionalism, socialism, or capitalism as an economic policy. The ism of choice for the Beck seems to be cannibalism.

Bill

All fine points but I wonder how and when it all went bad.

While dropping off papers yesterday at the Beck Center I noticed a nasty little $5.00 banner hanging up that proclaims the Beck, "Cleveland Art Coaltion" A regional group.

I know that hey recieved a grant from them for $200,000 which gave them a chance to pay off all loans but the one to the city. Then borrow more.

At some point the Lakewood Little Theater grew, and maybe they have grown too much. While they become a regional group, how many other small community theaters have suffered? Did the growth of BC happen on the demise of other small groups.

Even this recent move, would have killed off a community theater Westlake was looking at starting, in an old school. Westlake, like Crocker PArk is cash rich and culturally poor. so they throw money at the problem, while poaching from us.

All of this raises interesting questions. Would Westlake and/or Stark have committed the same to this "Regional Group" if it stayed in Lakewood? Or is their dedication like a poor rich kid that wants this and that, and as soon as they get it it become old?

In the end, I just wish the Beck Center had worked harder with Lakewood first, before announcing Westlake intentions.


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