The Observation Deck

If you are running this is for you!

I hate to make you pay for the words of Bill Call, and other supporters, but please tell me and everyone right here, right now.

What plans do you have from stopping two twenty year olds that know each other from getting into a fight and shooting each other?

What plans do you have that will stop, teens from taking advantage of a another teen passed out?

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR STOPPING AN ADULT FROM BUYING BEER FOR KIDS.

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waiting for answers

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Jim O'Bryan wrote:I hate to make you pay for the words of Bill Call, and other supporters, but please tell me and everyone right here, right now.waiting for answers

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Those who live by the post die by the post.

I'm not running but since my name was mentioned in vain

How to control crime? It takes money and will and effort and a realization that root of the problem is a breakdown in social norms that are beyond our control except to the extent that the City can indirectly control the kind of people that live here.

Since everything takes money:

1. Reopen contract negotiations with City employees. The wage and benefit package is unaffordable.

2. Fire City employees abusing sick time policy. $2 million a year to finance extra vacation days is insane.

3. If the secret budget report set to be released in October contains detailed cost cutting measures implement all of them.

4. Evaluate the market value of all Lakewood commercial property and vigorously pursue increase in the assessment of undervalued commercial property. The Drug Mart plaza recently sold for 270% more than its appraised value.

5. A 33% income tax hike dedicated solely to:

a. A housing policy with the goal to eliminate 5% of the City's housing units by first targeting obsolete apartment buildings. Obsolete defined by those buildings that do not have two off street parking spaces per unit. Specificaly the entire area around Rockport.

b. A development policy that partners with existing property owners to tear down and or renovate commercial and rental property.

c. A development policy goal of providing more shopping opportunities in Lakewood to increase the economic activity in the City. It is absurd that a City of 55,000 doesn't have a department store and soon will not have a first class supermarket.

d. A crime control policy that places more police officers in the schools to monitor in and out of school behavior, including the growing problem of truancy. Make it clear that the nail that sticks up gets hammered down.

In short, the City needs to control its out of control City work force, reduce vacancy rates by reducing obsolete housing, strictly enforce nuisance laws and truancy laws and create an economically dynamic City.

The candidates have to decide whether they want to be Mayor for the title or for the plan of action they believe in.

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Bill

Stop the smoke, stop the mirrors, stop changing the subject.

YOU used last night to point out how we need new leadership! And how we could be delivered from this evil.

I am so sick and tired of everyone talking crime and only one group with any real idea what to do about it. And they aren't running.

I am not directing this at any candidate but all, including the mayor. Hopefully to shed some light on how hard it is to stop this kind of stuff.

PLEASE NOTE - Police were there in moments, from the PD. The kid with 6 holes in his back, was alive, and went to the hospital.

You made the statement, a fiar statement I am sure you thought at the time.

I am waiting and will wait for the answer.

If you want to move you magic act to another thread I will gladly jump in on that. As it hold very little war and many contradictions.

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Bill

Stop the smoke, stop the mirrors, stop changing the subject.

YOU used last night to point out how we need new leadership! And how we could be delivered from this evil.

I am so sick and tired of everyone talking crime and only one group with any real idea what to do about it. And they aren't running.

I am not directing this at any candidate but all, including the mayor. Hopefully to shed some light on how hard it is to stop this kind of stuff.

PLEASE NOTE - Police were there in moments, from the PD. The kid with 6 holes in his back, was alive, and went to the hospital.

You made the statement, a fiar statement I am sure you thought at the time.

I am waiting and will wait for the answer.

If you want to move you magic act to another thread I will gladly jump in on that.

tick, tick, tick, tick

While I applaud the LPD for arriving on the scene in less than 1 minute, the fact that the department was ill-equipped to apprehend the suspect begs many questions.

With his car abandoned near St. Augustines around 9 pm last night, on foot alone he could have walked clear out of the county by 9 am today.

What are you going to do to create and nurture a culture of urban policing in Lakewood?

Who is willing to amend the charter to?: 1. remove civil service protections for the police chief 2. make captains accountable managers by removing them from the collective bargaining process (Yes, this is actually true. These MANAGERS are members of the union)

These fundamental modifications would allow a wise executive the put out a national call for an experienced urban chief AND managers (captains) who KNOW how to deal with the changing environment.

Until then, this suburban culture of a disconnected, unaccountable management team(most not living in the city) will continue to leave gaping holes in our city's defenses.

I do believe most of the officers on the beat are doing the best they can. The managers may be good people. However, not enough arrests are being made. The police are not presenting themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Case in point: Yesterday afternoon, a friend, who works at the Phoenix was riding her bike down Detroit on her way to work. A motorist began harassing her for biking in the street. Several times, the driver swerved at her, nearly knocking her to the side of the street.

In anger, the young girl spit on the driver's vehicle before pulling off the street to enter her place of employment.

The driver parked outside the Phoenix, walked in the establishment and proceeded to assault the bicyclist. It took 3 people to stop this rabid African American women, who out-weighed the victim by at least 3 fold.

With 1 witness to the attempted assault with her vehicle, and 5 witnesses to the actual assault in the Phoenix, the attacker was not arrested, she was released from the scene of the crime.

Then, of course, there is the incident that took place in front of Beejay's house on Chesterland several months ago, where 3 police officers were CHASED and ASSAULTED by 4 African American thugs from the Denision neighborhood in Cleveland. While management denied the chasing, both citizen witnesses and patrol officers on the ground verified the LPD retreat. Although the suspects were all eventually captured, only one was arrested on that evening.

Is management setting this tone? Or is it the lack of management and resources that allows for an unconscious position of this sort?

It will not take long for the word to get out to the criminal underclass that Lakewood is ripe for the picking, that the police are soft.

Obviously, following the safety meeting months back, the police chief doesn't feel that the citizen's of Lakewood should be too concerned about crime. What tone does such a position set on the ground, when the actual reality for day to day life in Lakewood is by all accounts changing for the worse? All accounts = people who live her, who love this city, who want to see it survive and thrive. They are watching it go to the dogs as sclerotic bureaucrats look on.

Jim,

I have great confidence in our community that no one gets any enjoyment out of these incidents. I understand that you are frustrated and outraged but as a community we need to come together to work to prevent these types of events.

There is a huge area between feeling our hands are tied and all of this being impossible to control and the magic wand theory.

Regarding the shooting. I am sure that incident escalated. I doubt it started and ended with a shooting. To say that there weren't probably several times when the witnesses could see it was spiralling down hill. Could a police presence help? I think Councilman Butler's ideas of the Junior Officers on patrol could have prevented this event since I am sure it took several minutes if not more to escalate to this point. We couldn't spit on the sidewalk in Columbus when we left the bars with being reprimanded. As details come out, we will better be able to assess this situation and identify a prevention plan. We don't know how many times the police were called if the kids were fighting but nothing had escalated yet.

This is not about being RIGHT is about DOING what is right. We can learn from every situation.

As far as the incident with buying beer for minors. I am sure that every kid at that party knew that there was beer at that party. The neighbors probably heard and knew that there was a party going on, if the police drove by they probably saw kids in the yard. We had parties when I was in high school and the police had no problem walking in or around and breaking it up. They also used to like to pick people off as they were leaving.

We had a parent at our school that knew about beer at a party at her house and was being the "coool" mom. The other parents found out about it and went nuts on her. No one was ever allowed to go over to that house again. Buying beer and knowing kids are drinking is very different than a parent who leaves a teenage child at home and they have a party and they find out about it later...at least the first time.

Simple answer- Prosecute the parent if she bought the beer and there is evidence, which it sounds like it is.

FYI- I don't know how interested the Policeman's Union is about hearing from any of the candidates about addressing the concerns about our Police or Fireman's issues since they endorse the Mayor and Mike Summers without even meeting with the other Mayoral candidates or any of the other Ward 3 candidates. I know I wasn't invited to speak to them before they endorsed.

Was there an endorsement meeting and I was the only one not invited?

How to control crime? It takes money and will and effort and a realization that root of the problem is a breakdown in social norms that are beyond our control except to the extent that the City can indirectly control the kind of people that live here.

How about some good old fashion cheap inexpensive punishment

Colleen,

The police did interview candidates. Both Joe Deangelo and Mike Summers were interviewed. They had to fill out a rather extensive questionnaire prior to the interview.

You have to ask them for the endorsement, then they will begin the process. The same is true of the Firefighters. They have an extensive questionaire, but no interview.

Neither seek out candidates. It's up to the candidates to request these endorsements.

I hope this helps.

You know what Ryan Demro will do about this?

Send 11 kids that are wearing shirts that spell out "Demro 4 Mayor" to the High School football game...when the kids aren't even old enough to vote!

I heard about this from a friend of mine at LHS. The funniest thing I've ever seen..

Colleen Wing wrote:Jim,

I have great confidence in our community that no one gets any enjoyment out of these incidents. I understand that you are frustrated and outraged but as a community we need to come together to work to prevent these types of events.

There is a huge area between feeling our hands are tied and all of this being impossible to control and the magic wand theory.

Regarding the shooting. I am sure that incident escalated. I doubt it started and ended with a shooting. To say that there weren't probably several times when the witnesses could see it was spiralling down hill. Could a police presence help? I think Councilman Butler's ideas of the Junior Officers on patrol could have prevented this event since I am sure it took several minutes if not more to escalate to this point. We couldn't spit on the sidewalk in Columbus when we left the bars with being reprimanded. As details come out, we will better be able to assess this situation and identify a prevention plan. We don't know how many times the police were called if the kids were fighting but nothing had escalated yet.

This is not about being RIGHT is about DOING what is right. We can learn from every situation.

As far as the incident with buying beer for minors. I am sure that every kid at that party knew that there was beer at that party. The neighbors probably heard and knew that there was a party going on, if the police drove by they probably saw kids in the yard. We had parties when I was in high school and the police had no problem walking in or around and breaking it up. They also used to like to pick people off as they were leaving.

We had a parent at our school that knew about beer at a party at her house and was being the "coool" mom. The other parents found out about it and went nuts on her. No one was ever allowed to go over to that house again. Buying beer and knowing kids are drinking is very different than a parent who leaves a teenage child at home and they have a party and they find out about it later...at least the first time.

Simple answer- Prosecute the parent if she bought the beer and there is evidence, which it sounds like it is.

Colleen

If you heard about this stuff and did not call the police, you are culpable. I do not mean this as an attack I really do not. but you call for a community to come together, then turn a blind eye!

I have to think, no indivdual has spent more of their own money bringing a city together than I. Ask my wife!

But using this incidents for political reasons is fraud. The junior patrol would have been useless. Maybe they could have helped after the incident, but not before. The victim should have called the police, but as a story emerges, I doubt that was an option in his mind.

We need to bring the city together, this is not done with hype, bogus numbers, fear tactics or going on the radio.

It is done, walking the streets, living in the city we chose for home, and fighting the tough fight each and every day.

Block watches are a good answer and start.

However when a criminal can get their hands on a 9mm because of the excess of handguns in America, it is not the answer.

I am so disgusted with this whole deal it is hard for me to hold back.

I work with many groups promoting Lakewood. Have helped fund many of them. Much of that great work, but hundreds of volunteers was lost on the evening news.

So frustrating.



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I am confused. I don't believe that Ms. Wing stated anywhere that she had witnessed anything as an adult and turned a blind eye. I think you may have misinterpreted her comments. (Maybe not.) What I really don't understand, however, is Mr. O'Bryan's comment: "But using this incidents for political reasons is fraud."

Mr. O'Bryan, you specifically cited these incidents in your original post and then demanded responses from political candidates. Ms. Wing (I don't live the ward where she is a candidate) responded to your demand. Isn't that what you wanted? What is the fraud?

Ivor Karabatkovic wrote:You know what Ryan Demro will do about this?

Send 11 kids that are wearing shirts that spell out "Demro 4 Mayor" to the High School football game...when the kids aren't even old enough to vote!

I heard about this from a friend of mine at LHS. The funniest thing I've ever seen..

I probably shoudn't even respond but....

Mayor George would stand on my porch and tell me that "it is what it is" when it comes to crime in Lakewood and "at least we aren't bad as Youngstown" Oh Yeah This actually DID happen.

Are you on the payroll or something?

I know your old enough to vote.
Wait till you have kids.
Wait till you have a mortgage.

It might change things...'cause things can't stay the same with someone who'll say 'it is what it is"

WHATEVER THAT MEANS.

rant over...have a good day.

Dear Jim and Fellow Observers,

The instant calling out appears to be directed to mayoral and council candidates, as well a mutual frustration that Lakewood’s good name is getting tarnished from the inside-out. Nonetheless, I would like to take a moment to answer your call since I am running for the Lakewood City School District Board of Education on a platform of improving school safety. Please understand that my answers will be limited to school related issues due to the fact that I am a school board candidate. If this reply is not appropriate for the instant thread, please feel free to move my post to another topic.

If we are honest with each other we will all agree that no school can guarantee that it will stop “two [students of any age who] know each other from getting into a fight and shooting each other.â€Â￾ Nor can we guarantee that teens will not take advantage of another teen passed out or that adults will not buy beer for our children. However, the Lakewood City Schools can take steps to prevent of such heinous acts.

What plans do you have from stopping two twenty year olds that know each other from getting into a fight and shooting each other?

As a school board member, I will work to ensure that all school safety recommendations of both Student Conduct and School Climate Committees continue to be implemented fully including, but not limited to (1) Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct – including the current dress code and ID Cards and (2) Alternative Education for Students Suspended or Expelled.

Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct

As to Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct, the Lakewood City Schools already prohibits and imposes consequences for student misconduct arising on and off of school grounds including, but not limited to: Disruption of School, Assault/Harassment, Dangerous Weapons or Instruments, Defiance of Authority, Gangs, Internet, Hazing, Bullying and Other Forms of Aggression.

Some may argue that rules do not prohibit misconduct but simply impose consequences after the fact. I disagree. The simple act of notifying students and parents that misconduct will not be tolerated in our learned halls acts as a substantial deterrent. It also sets the expected tone of civility.

It is unfortunate that there are those individuals who will always be intent on engaging in appalling misconduct in spite of the rules. Fortunately, working toward Total Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct will assist the prevention of such misconduct. An important aspect of both the student dress code and identification card requirements is the prevention of “two [students of any age who] know each other from getting into a fight and shooting each other.â€Â￾

School security experts represent that “oversize, saggy or baggy clothingâ€Â￾ must be prohibited because such clothing can easily conceal weapons. School security experts also represent that identification cards must be “visible at all timesâ€Â￾ so that only students of the Lakewood City Schools are allowed in our schools and all our students can be identified should a crisis arise.

While I have no doubt that the Lakewood City Schools is vigorous in attempting to prohibit student misconduct “every period, every dayâ€Â￾ – video surveillance has even been installed - we must remain vigilant as the security of our children is at stake.

As a school board member, I will support the legal disciplinary decisions of the Administration. I will also encourage students and parents to take responsibility for their own actions.

We must also be mindful that the Lakewood City Schools simply cannot be “every place, every time,â€Â￾ so both students and parents need to also take responsibility for reporting instances of misconduct to the Lakewood Police Department (911 or 1.216.521.6773) and/or Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services (1.216.696.KIDS). Students and parents should also take advantage of making reports to the Lakewood City Schools Security Hotline (1.216.227.5311). All calls can be made anonymously.

It cannot be overstated that students and parents need to take responsibility for knowing their rights and responsibilities. To learn the contents of the Student Handbook, please click here. To learn the contents of the Lakewood City School Discipline Code, please click here. To learn the contents of School Board Policy, please click here.

Alternative Education for Students Suspended or Expelled

As to Alternative Education for Students Suspended or Expelled, the Lakewood City Schools established the Lakewood City Academy to meet this goal. The Lakewood City Academy is a premier program that puts students, who would otherwise be removed from the educational setting for disciplinary reasons, back in the classroom through an alternative setting. Ideally, all students should be in the classroom as opposed to roaming Lakewood. The Lakewood City Academy works toward that ideal.

As a school board member, I will continue to support the Lakewood City Academy and its mission.

What plans do you have that will stop, teens from taking advantage of another teen passed out?

As a school board member, I will ensure that the Lakewood City Schools continues to educate our children on the dangers of underage drinking and responsible behavior.

As a school board member, I will ensure that the Lakewood City Schools continues to support DARE and School Resource Officer programming as I believe that a positive relationship between students and police officers serves as a deterrent to underage drinking, as well as other criminal activities.

As a school board member, I will ensure that the Lakewood City Schools cooperates, within the bounds of the law, with the Lakewood Police Department in the prosecution of students who take advantage of another passed out teen.

What plans do you have for stopping an adult from buying beer for kids?

As a school board member, I will ensure that everyone associated with the Lakewood City Schools is clear as to their duty to report child abuse and neglect. As with all instances of child abuse and neglect, the Lakewood City Schools has a clear duty to report any known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to the Lakewood Police Department or Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services. There are no exceptions.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to answer your call.

Jill Jusko wrote:I am confused. I don't believe that Ms. Wing stated anywhere that she had witnessed anything as an adult and turned a blind eye.

Isn't that what you wanted? What is the fraud?

Jill

I want you to understand this is not an attact on Colleen, I like Colleen. We have always had a good relationship even thought we look at most things differently.

At the same time I am sickened over this festering wound of this rape. I have been getting rumors daily. I talked to the police the first time I heard it. I called again and again until they assured me they were looking into it. Before I called.

To hear about beer parties with parents buying beer for kids, and not talk to the schools or PTA makes no sense to me. Culpable might have been over the top, but as Dee and others have pointed out. If we want a community, then we have to act like a community. We have to ALL be the eyes and ears of the community.

From colleen's post.
"We had a parent at our school that knew about beer at a party at her house and was being the "coool" mom. The other parents found out about it and went nuts on her. No one was ever allowed to go over to that house again. Buying beer and knowing kids are drinking is very different than a parent who leaves a teenage child at home and they have a party and they find out about it later...at least the first time. "

Fraud, the fraud was if it was used as an excuse for a political campaign. I do not think she did it, but was speaking of others down the road.

I am pro police levy but it would have done nothing to stop either crime. I cannot believe that junior police would have either. I do not believe Mayor George, Ryan or Ed have anything in their bag of tricks to do this.

All I was trying to point out when Bill said, "We need new leadership..."

Thanks for posting this and holding my feet to the fire.

insane!


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