The Observation Deck

Hi,
I really wish I saw on this forum and in other media a story like this ( http://www.suwanneedemocrat.com/suwanne ... 21834.html ) about Lakewood.

Will we be present at the splitup of these funds in Ohio to see Lakewood gets all that it can? Or will those now given the task of serving Lakewood be more concerned about laying their own foundation for the future by giving what Lakewood should get to the County.

The fix is in.

Lakewood won't see ten cents in new investment from this program.

Since our new Mayor is intent on running for County Auditor I don't seem him fighting the County on behalf of Lakewood.

Perhaps there is another.

Here is a web site that details some of the spending proposals:

http://www.cleveland.com/datacentral/

If we believe the hype the proposed spending will generate 10 million jobs in a state with 11 million people. Judging from the polls most people believe the hype. God help us.

In his speech yesterday, Obama said 3.4 million jobs would be created with this stimulus. Whose hype quoted those numbers Bill?

Hi,
Once Lakewood's interests are lumped in with the County's Lakewood loses. Sadly, we have a long history of Lakewood being a team player for the County.

Let's all pray the hype on those job creations are correct. America needs them.

Bill Call wrote:If we believe the hype the proposed spending will generate 10 million jobs in a state with 11 million people.

Source please....

Hi,
I looked at that link Mr. Call and it showed 2 porjects for the County and none for Lakewood's zip. Did I read it wrong?

Can't Lakewood's administration as least go for the low hanging fruit of fixing our sewer plant and the Clifton corridor?

Didn't he say that he would create OR SAVE 3.4 million jobs?

So as much as you can't accurately measure saved jobs, he might as well have said 11 million.

Personally, I'd rather we (as a city) don't take any federal money. If we can figure out a way to do it on our own we'll be a much stronger city in the long run.

Hi,
Sorry Mr. Callentine, but I couldn't disagree more. The money is going to be spent. If not for Lakewood then for other cities around the country. Lakewood taxpayers will payout the same regardless.

So, given it will cost us, I can not agree that Lakewood is better off not taking any of the money.

When other cities are enjoying revitalization from green energy projects and even things like urban waterways, Lakewood taxpayers will have nothing but the bill to show for this once in a lifetime investment in infrastructure.

What a lost opportunity for Lakewood!

Mr. Farris,

I work at the wastewater treatment plant in Lakewood. Can you tell me what needs to be fixed? What is broken?

I know that in the upcoming years, the EPA requires more stringent limits according to the NPDES permit. But there is nothing wrong with the plant now. All who work there take pride and strive to be one of the most pollution free within our permit plants in the area. Other than minor structural and machinery updates, since the plant has existed since the '60s, no pending "fixes" are required.

Also, the Water/Sewer/Wastewater divisions are not under the general fund. They are enterprise funds, that have no direct benfit from the general fund.

Just trying to see what you were getting at. Thank you.

Donald Farris wrote:So, given it will cost us, I can not agree that Lakewood is better off not taking any of the money.

I agree with Don. If we’re going to get stuck with a share of the bar tab, we might as well belly up to the bar and order from the top shelf.

Hi,
Mr. Slife you are probably in a way better position than I to know what is needed.

I do recall reports raw sewage going into Lake Erie near our main park.

You mentioned future EPA requirements. The money is available now. In the future when plant plant has to meet the future requirements the money will have been spent.

The sewage treatment plant is probably the largest energy consumer in Lakewood. So making this plant utilize green energy would be the biggest bang for our buck. I know nearby cities have made progress in greening up their sewer plants.

The costing and funding mechanism is a mute point in my mind because regardless of how you do it the money comes out of Lakewood taxpayer/water user pockets.

I am not being critical of your job or anyone else's any the plant. But here's free money that Lakewood could be using to improve the plant that we are not going to get. Sir, can't you tell us 3 things you know of that would make the Sewer Plant better but you can't afford in the budget?

Hi,
PS (if only there was a way to change a post)

On some evenings in neighborhoods around the plant it smells bad. If you had money couldn't you fix that?

Bret I listened to the whole thing. That was one of the things I particulary was looking for. He said create, not save.

As far as saving jobs, he was referring to shoring up some industries that we going under. Not just by throwing money at them but by hearing their plans and monitoring them. He made a point of saying that they were all going to change how they did business and be accountable.