The Observation Deck

Today, Mayor Tom George presented Jim Saleet and Family a special proclamation for the many fine things they have done for the city of Lakewood.

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Mayor George reading the proclamation to the Saleet clan.

While many remember Jim from the Eminent Domain 60 Minutes Show, and his endless fighting for property rights. Others know him as the person that fought to bring Senior Swimming To Lakewood High. Fighting for School Levys and anything good for Lakewood. If you lived in Lakewood between 1960 and 2009, you know at least one member of the Saleet Family.

I first met Jim Sallet through their son Mike who I went to school with. The Saleet house and Jim and Joann were always happy to welcome any of the neighbors or friends of their kids in.



Mike Saleet holds the Saleet Lane sign high as Mayor Tom George, Saleet Family pose at the entrance to Saleet Lane.

Showing the true power of the Lakewood Hollar. While I was friends with Mike, His sister married one of the Young boys, Rick to be exact. Rick of course is brother to Dave, who was a fellow member of the Webb Gang, and recently helped to fix my porch. Of course we all know that Dave's son Josh, used to date my neice in High School.

The sad part of this story, is one of the kindest men I know is extremely sick with cancer and has but days to live. The Mayor spent some time with Jim, but he was too weak to come out for the presentation. He has his family around him for support and he will spend his last days, in one of his favorite rooms in the world in his house. Now that view includes seeing Saleet Lane.

Standing Ovation to the Mayor, City Council, Tony Beno, Dennis in the sign shop, everyone and anyone that had anything to do with this.

The Saleet Family is what this town is about.

There was not a dry eye in the house

Thanks Jim,

I'm thankful that the Mayor and everyone involved moved quickly on this. I can't think of a nicer man and his greatest legacy, as you have indicated, is his incredible family.

You're right, Jim: the Saleet family IS what this town is about. I'm so sorry to read that Jim's situation is so dire. He's a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathies go with the family. They are some of the nicest people I've ever met.

During the 47 fight, I can't tell you how many people asked me why "everybody" seemed to know the Saleets. It was easy to tell the tale of the kids bringing their friends home, or how many friends the Saleets made through their civic involvements, or how many friends they made just by being themselves.

Truly remarkable people.

True gentleman Jim Saleet is the epitome of Norman Rockwell's classic "Freedom of Speech". Jim put his great voice and leadership ability to maximum use as a leader in the long, tiring fight to preserve the property rights of the West End property owners. He never gave up.
Mr. Saleet was and always will be a real inspiration to many Lakewood residents. He, his wife, family, neighbors, and other Lakewood supporters showed that citizens can indeed fight City Hall and win. Their landmark battle has helped citizens across this great country preserve what many consider to be our most important right: the right to own private property without undue interference by government and/or greedy private developers.
Mr. Saleet once haltingly told Council of the wealth of precious family memories his home contained. He asked that his family be allowed to follow their dream and live out out their lives in the home they cherished. When Council voted, it was clear his plea had fallen on "deaf" ears. However, the voters of Lakewood understood and the West End still stands.