Did you see what Akron's Mayor is considering?

[Donald Farris]

Hi,
He's thinking about leasing their sewer system so the City can offer Scholarships. In return, the recipients would agree to pay City income tax for 30 years regardless of where they actually live. Brain drain? Akron won't care - just send the check.

I'm not sure if it makes sense but it's clearly thinking outside the box.

See: http://blog.cleveland.com/plaindealer/2 ... schol.html

Do we even own our sewer system or does Cleveland own it?

I've been waiting to see innovative ideas come out of Lakewood's new administration. There was the pitbull ban (and all dogs that sort of like like one too!). They have been reacting well to the current budget constraints. When do you think we will begin to see some proactive ideas?

[ryan costa]

How does this improve the performance or value of the city sewer systems?

would the folks leasing the sewer systems from Akron essentially be inserting themselves as additional middle men?

[Lynn Farris]

Ryan,

I may be mistaken, but I don't think the goal was necessarily improving the sewer system it was finding a way to keep the brain drain from leaving Akron.

This could work for Lakewood as well. As citizens, we have invested heavily in our library and our schools. Why let the sun belt get all our investment. Help the kids finish up in college and then reap the benefits from keeping them here in Lakewood.

I think it is an idea that we should be considering.

[Donald Farris]

Hi,
Akron City Council voted to let the voters decide this issue.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/08 ... ace_s.html

I recently saw a list in Forbes Mag. of the 10 worst cities in America. 6 of the 10 were located in Ohio (Youngstown, Canton, Cleveland and Dayton) and Michigan (Flint and Detroit(?)). Akron was not on this list. What are they doing different? Could it be, things like this?