The Observation Deck

The most interesting part of the Mayors state of the City speech was his statement that “Our goal is not just to survive but to become a regional or even a national role modelâ€￾.

It is no secret that the problems facing Lakewood are the same problems facing thousands of other communities around the County, the State and the Nation. If Mayor Fitzgerald can succeed in his stated goals he will not only have helped the City reach its full potential he will have provided a template for communities across the Country.

What is the template?

• Sound fiscal policy. The Mayor rightly pointed out that the City continued to add employees as the number of residents declined. In his speech he stated that for “… the first time city officials can tell their constiuents that their local government is actually getting smallerâ€￾

• Professionalism. The Mayor stated, “We are changing a culture based too much on who you knew as opposed to the quality of workâ€￾.

• Public safety. His public safety plan includes adding police officers, neighborhood police stations, coordination with public schools and State, County and National law enforcement agencies.

• Housing. Included are plans to reinvent the Housing Department, partnership with non-profit housing agencies, purchase of foreclosed homes and aggressive action against out of State financial institutions who hold title to Lakewood property.

• Technology. The Mayor plans for a wireless interenet coridor along Detroit and Madison Avenues, an interactive City website, partnership with public schools and more.

• Economic development. The plans here were a little vague but included greater cooperation with the chamber of commerce and making the City more business friendly.

• Human services. The Mayor correctly pointed out that even with the recent cuts in that department the City will have the largest human service department in the County. According to the peer city review report as of December 31, 2006 the City of Lakewood had 68 full time equivalent employees in human services. The peer cities had an average of 17.5 full time equivalent employees. Cleveland Heights had 11 and Cuyahoga Falls had 12.

The Mayor ended his speech with an optimistic note. While there is no guarantee of success at least we are being guaranteed action. The Big Sleep is over.

Bill Call wrote: • Technology. The Mayor plans for a wireless interenet coridor along Detroit and Madison Avenues, an interactive City website, partnership with public schools and more.

Bill


The city is already a national model for civic journalism and libraries, why not go farther?

Lakewood Is Art is getting attention from as far away as Roeun France.

As for WiFi, I would be interested to see how they will do this. I know how we are doing it at the LO, and will accelerate the project in the coming months.

Maybe this would allow the city to work on other stuff.

FWIW


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Jim O'Bryan wrote:The city is already a national model for civic journalism and libraries, why not go farther?

The Observer is an excellent example of what is right with the City. I think the conversations on the deck had a large and positive impact on the last Mayoral race. If the only source of information was the Plain Dealer or the (so called) Lakewood Sunpost the results would have been different. Both papers endorsed the "everything is fine" argument.

In his speech the Mayor mentioned that those on council who tried to point out the challenges facing the City were villified. I might not like all that Mayor Fitzgerald does or will do but he is taking charge of the City.

The Lakewood Public Library is a world class institution that shows what visionary leadership can accomplish. It is a symbol of what is right about the community.

The new schools are also a symbol of what is right about this community. The Mayor chose to have his speech at Garfield School in part to showcase what is possible. I think he mentioned various partnerships with the schools in a number or areas. There is a lot of untapped talent out there.

One reason I am optimistic is that we have a Mayor and Council who realize that the County, or State or National government are not going to do it for us. We are on our own.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Bill Call wrote: • Technology. The Mayor plans for a wireless interenet coridor along Detroit and Madison Avenues, an interactive City website, partnership with public schools and more.

Bill


The city is already a national model for civic journalism and libraries, why not go farther?

Lakewood Is Art is getting attention from as far away as Roeun France.

As for WiFi, I would be interested to see how they will do this. I know how we are doing it at the LO, and will accelerate the project in the coming months.

Maybe this would allow the city to work on other stuff.

FWIW


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Libraries yes.... Journalism??????

Stephen Eisel wrote:

Libraries yes.... Journalism??????
[/quote]


Stephen

While Ken Warren is certainly seen as the Bob Dylan of Library Directors all over the USA. And his work to bring the Lakewood Library from where it was 29 years ago to the World Class Institution it is today is legendary as well. Has put Lakewood on the map if for not other reason to see what he has done and try to steal him away to their city. I have sat in his offce as he laughs and throws away job offers from St. Louis, Knoxville, the East Cost, for much more money to stay and work his magic here. One reason possibly the only reason he stays is that his board has always trusted him to make the right decision for the library and the city. The board knew full well, he is honest and a very straight shooter. Today we see what can be accomplished when a board and a director do not get caught up in the petty bitter squabbles that would see "The Wizard of Lakewood" search for work elsewhere. I was talking with a friend in River who wondered allowed, "Our director is quitting, wonder if Mr. Warren..." What the library is today is an extension of Ken Warren and his vision.

As for Journalism...

I have said for years, people are noticing the Lakewood Observer, and because the Lakewood Observer is nothing more than an extension of Lakewood, the city and people of Lakewood as well.

Yesterday I was doing and interview with the Christian Service Network. they had called out of New York to talk about the Observer, and what makes in unique. I always give credit to the people involved and the people in the city. After all it is everyone's paper.

We talked about the 950 civic journalism projects started last year and the 933 that failed in six months, and all but two by the end of the year. He asked why not the Observer? I mentioned that it had everything to do with support and the fact that we NEVER looked at this as a money making proposition, we never looked at it as a way to control a message, we always let it be a 100% true reflection of the community without bias. As such the support grows and grows and grows.

After he searched out audited numbers for the website, and was amazed at the traffic the site generates monthly, he asked how we do it? I again told him, we just do. The city puts up, realizing finally that we are not doing it for financial rewards, that we do it to help the non-profits, the start-up businesses the old businesses and that our mission statement tells the tale. "We only want Lakewood to know more about itself than any other city and through that we can move forward together."

He had to admit that most he talked to had started civic websites to "get even" with the city or one or two players in a city. That it was the control, my message or the highway message that caused such failures. I laid the blame on the feet of the citizens of those cities. "I am lucky, here in Lakewood we have an engaged group of residents. While members come and go depending on time and emotional commitments, traffic continues to grow.

He asked about the future of the Observer and I told him, "Hard to say we are almost done selecting a new board of directors, and the direction will be up to them. All we are asking is that they keep it as open as it is now, and serve the needs of the community, the non-profits, and those that need it."

While he was doing his homework, he mentioned he was amazed that an inner ring suburb of Cleveland, was able to build new schools, a new library and create the most successful civic journalism project around. My answer was simple... "The residents built the schools, the library and the Observer." He simply said, "It must be a wonderful place." I assured him it was.

That right Stephen, you, Sharon Kinsella, Jennifer Scott, Ken Warren, DL Meckes, Shawn Juris, Heidi Hilty, Bret Callentine and 2,000+ others are making history, and making Lakewood known for much than buildings. For that I will be forever thankful and grateful.

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Jim O'Bryan wrote: While Ken Warren is certainly seen as the Bob Dylan of Library Directors all over the USA.

What? Bob has a different hair style.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:we are almost done selecting a new board

Jim, when will anything be announced along those lines?




Main Entry:
jour·nal·ism
Pronunciation:
\ˈjər-nə-ˌli-zəm\
Function:
noun
Date:
1828

1
a: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media
b: the public press
c: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium
2
a: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine
b: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

I think the LO falls within Websters definition.

You are thankful and grateful - hmmmm bringing ribs from hot sauce?

(Figured I'd try)

Joe Ott wrote:

Jim O'Bryan wrote:we are almost done selecting a new board

Jim, when will anything be announced along those lines?

As you are on it, I am sure you will be one of the first to know.

ooopppps I mean as you might be on it.


As for Bob Zimmerman and Ken, the connections are too numerous to even start talking about. But like Bob, just when you get comfortable, Ken up the antes and puts you to the test again, and again and again. He is the best thing to happen to Lakewood.


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Jim O'Bryan wrote: As for Bob Zimmerman and Ken, the connections are too numerous to even start talking about.
.

Interesting. I wonder if Ken would sing Dylan's 'Joker Man' for me. It's one of my favorites.