Anti-Summers vs. Pro-Skindell

[Phil Florian]

Howdy!

The gift of the Lakewood Hospital debacle is a one that keeps on giving for mayoral candidate Mike Skindell. It is essentially The Issue that will make or break the election for him, regardless if he is a good candidate for Mayor or not. He simply has to wave a Save Lakewood Hospital banner and hope that more in the City support this view than Build Lakewood or at the very least that more SLH show up at the ballot box. I bring this up because the last time the city was this divided was way back at the start of the 21st Century when a little thing called the West End Project made national news with a similar debate over controversial development which also ended up on the ballot much like the Hospital one is now.

This is not meant to rehash the old West End debate or even engage in any more SLH vs. BL kerfuffle as The Deck is packed to the gills with opinions on this. What is missing is any reasonable discussion of the new candidate for Mayor (outside of his support of the SLH position). Instead I am looking beyond election day when the true thoughts of the city electorate are recorded. I remember that then-Mayor Cain was run out on a rail by a candidate who, like now, just had to run on a "At least I am not like Mayor Cain" and into office Mayor Tom George rode. I was still relatively new to the city but I don't think it is a stretch to say that Mayor George wasn't necessarily a good choice for Mayor and lasted only one term to show for it.

So are we set to repeat ourselves by voting on a single issue only and hope against all hope that the replacement knows how to run the city beyond clutching tightly to the Lakewood Hospital (which for now is Mayor Summer's Waterloo)?

Which is a long way of asking, outside of Candidate Skindell's obvious support of the SLH movement, would this be a guy people would have voted for anyway? Does he have history, management and leadership skills that fit a city like Lakewood? Or is it at all possible for people to view the election outside of the LH issue?

Just curious.

Thanks!

[Jim O'Bryan]

Howdy!

The gift of the Lakewood Hospital debacle is a one that keeps on giving for mayoral candidate Mike Skindell. It is essentially The Issue that will make or break the election for him, regardless if he is a good candidate for Mayor or not. He simply has to wave a Save Lakewood Hospital banner and hope that more in the City support this view than Build Lakewood or at the very least that more SLH show up at the ballot box. I bring this up because the last time the city was this divided was way back at the start of the 21st Century when a little thing called the West End Project made national news with a similar debate over controversial development which also ended up on the ballot much like the Hospital one is now.

This is not meant to rehash the old West End debate or even engage in any more SLH vs. BL kerfuffle as The Deck is packed to the gills with opinions on this. What is missing is any reasonable discussion of the new candidate for Mayor (outside of his support of the SLH position). Instead I am looking beyond election day when the true thoughts of the city electorate are recorded. I remember that then-Mayor Cain was run out on a rail by a candidate who, like now, just had to run on a "At least I am not like Mayor Cain" and into office Mayor Tom George rode. I was still relatively new to the city but I don't think it is a stretch to say that Mayor George wasn't necessarily a good choice for Mayor and lasted only one term to show for it.

So are we set to repeat ourselves by voting on a single issue only and hope against all hope that the replacement knows how to run the city beyond clutching tightly to the Lakewood Hospital (which for now is Mayor Summer's Waterloo)?

Which is a long way of asking, outside of Candidate Skindell's obvious support of the SLH movement, would this be a guy people would have voted for anyway? Does he have history, management and leadership skills that fit a city like Lakewood? Or is it at all possible for people to view the election outside of the LH issue?

Just curious.

Thanks!

Phil

I am going to take a couple exceptions with your story. At the time, Tom George was on Council and would have run no matter what. I would also say you are a tad tough on the Tom George Administration. It was Tom Jordan that got the grant for the Detroit Avenue vision project that i still being followed today. It was under the George Administration that LakewodAlive was spun out with LCPI to address Downtown, and Economic Development. This eventually lead to the current crew which are rock stars around saving homes, helping the community. Many of the things you like about Lakewood were started in the George Administration. Every Mayor does not need to be a Rockstar or over achiever or desperate to put their names on brass plaques.

Tom was voted out of office because of Crime, Ed FitzGerald and Ryan Patrick Demro made hay out of 3 standoffs (none of them were Lakewoodites), and the shooting of the kid on the bike behind 5 Guys.

In those days Lakewood politics were real, Council meetings were great fun, there was actual discussion and arguments it was the staged argee-a-thon of today.

To me the question is simple, the answer is up to you.

A quick run-down, both have business degrees, Skindell is also a lawyer. Both have years of community service to Lakewood, Summers with Schools and Council, Skindell with Council, State Rep, and State Senator. Mike Summers is running on, 3 years of secrecy because he knows what is best for us for healthcare and moving public assets into private foundations yet named or formed. Mike Skindell is running on Saving Lakewood Hospital, HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY. Now normally when a candidate says honesty and transparency you roll your eyes. However Mike Skindell's 3 most important pieces of legislation in a Republican majority Senate, in my mind, have all been making state government more transparent and more accountable. Don't believe me, search the google.

Now the question and the premise. The Hospital Deal is the biggest deal in the past 50 years in Lakewood. This administration has been working on it heavily for the last 3 years, putting the pieces in place the last 5 years, The Clinic was ready to announce the deal in September, the Mayor wanted until 2016. The deal was announced January 10th after repeated denials that the deal existed. Promises were made of $120 million in development for a deal that a week earlier didn't exist. Since then it has been a complete nightmare for everyone, including the mayor, the clinic, and the people of Lakewood. It would not be a stretch to say, "The worst managed deal, announcement and follow up in Lakewood's history." Nine months later you know less than you did in January. Right?

So?

Would Honesty, Transparency and Accountability have helped in any of this?

Not Anti-Summer, I have always voted for Mike Summers since 2nd grade. However, Mike is comfortable in life, wasn't even going to run until this deal blew up. He would love to be relaxed, gardening spending time with his wonderful family. Seriously. I like Mike Summers, Mayor Summers not as much. Mike's friends know, he would be happier, healthier, and better off retired.

Vote November 3

peace/out

[Michael Deneen]

That "single issue" is the most important issue in Lakewood history, so it's natural for Skindell to stress it.
It's the issue that voters are talking about....nothing else even comes close.
Naturally, Summers wants to avoid the issue since he knows the deal is unpopular.

Skindell has a lot of respect around town. He served on City Council, and has been a voice for Lakewood in the Ohio Legislature for 13 years. He made his name as a progressive Democrat that fought for liberal causes such as worker rights, seniors, and civil rights. However, he has gained a lot of respect from conservatives and Republicans for his ability to reach across the aisle.
He's always been very inclusive in his decision making, a stark contrast to the current administration.

Among other things, Skindell:

*Successfully advocated for more than $400,000 in state funding for Lakewood's Beck Center and funding for renovations at Lakewood Park.
*In 2007, he worked to get an addition into the state operating budget that provided for the first foreclosure prevention program established in Ohio. As part of House Bill 119, Cuyahoga County was given the authority to use interest and fees from delinquent taxes for steps aimed at foreclosure prevention.
*In 2004 he was one of the few that voted against an anti-gay marriage bill in Columbus. Keep in mind, this was during the heat of Karl Rove's national anti-gay marriage campaign, when other Democrats like Obama and Hillary were still waffling on the issue.
*He recently authored a successful law that protects pets from abuse in domestic abuse situations. In many cases, abusive spouses or boyfriends would threaten or harm a pet in order to control their victim. This law allows the animal to be removed from the home of the abuser.

There is much more to Mike's story, so I suggest you visit his website:

http://www.skindell4lakewood.com/home.html

Or his Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Michael-J-Skin ... =bookmarks

On a personal note, I worked with Mike on the Citizens Advisory Committee in the 1990s. He was by far the most thoroughly prepared person I have ever worked with at City Hall.

[Patrick Wadden]

Phil, I recommend that you watch the PD's "interview with the candidates". Let me know if you think Skindell is the right guy. Skindell lacks a message outside of the "I'm not Mike Summers, BTW, Save Lakewood hospital!"

[Bridget Conant]

Mike Skindell has been endorsed by Nickie Antonio, a popular former council person and now state rep. I trust her judgement.

The Plain Dealer, in endorsing Skindell during his last race for state office said:

Democratic incumbent Michael J. Skindell, 52, of Lakewood, served four two-year terms in the Ohio House before winning Cuyahoga County Council member Dale Miller's old State Senate seat in 2011. He has distinguished himself as an environmental steward of the Great Lakes and an advocate for the disenfranchised.

Skindell's experience, hard work, deeply informed positions and common-sense approach to hot-button issues make him the clear choice in this race.

That covers it for me - intelligent, hard working, and cares about EVERYONE, not just the privileged or his friends.

[Phil Florian]

I am going to take a couple exceptions with your story. At the time, Tom George was on Council and would have run no matter what. I would also say you are a tad tough on the Tom George Administration. It was Tom Jordan that got the grant for the Detroit Avenue vision project that i still being followed today. It was under the George Administration that LakewodAlive was spun out with LCPI to address Downtown, and Economic Development. This eventually lead to the current crew which are rock stars around saving homes, helping the community. Many of the things you like about Lakewood were started in the George Administration. Every Mayor does not need to be a Rockstar or over achiever or desperate to put their names on brass plaques.

Tom was voted out of office because of Crime, Ed FitzGerald and Ryan Patrick Demro made hay out of 3 standoffs (none of them were Lakewoodites), and the shooting of the kid on the bike behind 5 Guys.

Good stuff to know! Yeah, the crime stuff is coming back to me as I remember this was kind of the talk on the fledgling LO Deck, too, right (especially the shooting beyind 5 Guys as that is when I worked next to you right a block away)? I just remember George getting slagged a lot for being out of the public eye other than showing up for ribbon cuttings. Good to know some real stuff was happening behind closed doors.

I do stand by the point that regardless of his qualifications he only needed to run on the anti-Cain ballot, though. Likely you are right about Fitz v. George though your point of George coming from council fits with Fitz, too who also served locally on council first. Alas.

I really like what I have read personally about Skindell. Personally, as a labor guy, I dig his background with this as well. He is a good Democrat for sure. I am just curious if he is getting serious scrutiny for what he really stands for beyond the LH issue.

Thanks for the reply!

Later,

Phil

[m buckley]

I would add that this is not a one off, my bad, moment by the Summers' administration. This is a pattern of conduct that can be traced at least as far back as 2012 and the Drug Mart deal. Living on Grace Ave. I can tell you that we were manipulated and misled by this same cast of characters. If you're interested in how the Summers' Administration conducted themselves during that process I suggest reading Colleen Cotter's article in The Observer. I don't buy that this is a one issue election . What I do believe is that this is an election about restoring honesty and transparency at City Hall.

[Bridget Conant]

Agree with m buckley. Skindell didn't come out of left field. He has served Lakewood for many, many years and has been well liked. Summers is portraying him as an opportunist yet he's been here all along, serving the people.

It's a rather laughable attempt to attack him.

[Bridget Conant]

Just a reminder when you hear Team Summers claim Skindell is an opportunist.

Summers was a lifelong REPUBLICAN, until he took the opportunity to switch parties to further his political aspirations in Lakewood.

[Brian Essi]

The entire Summers/Team Summers/Bler "platform" is centered on the "opportunity" to get a piece of the public money and property and convert it to their personal uses or causes.

So Summers and the BLers are by definition "opportunists."

[Jim Kenny]

Phil raises an excellent question. Before hiring anyone, an employer has the duty to perform a background check. We, as voters, are the employer. We have a track record from which to judge our current employee mayor, Mike Summers. So let's examine the applicant's background. A quick search of court records suggests Michael J. Skindell might have troubles managing finances:

[url]http://cpdocket.cp.cuyahogacounty.us/CV_CaseInformation_Summary.aspx?q=SvgJ4TNilTcIBiImqveCvA2[/url]

[url]http://cpdocket.cp.cuyahogacounty.us/CV_CaseInformation_Summary.aspx?q=3JMqQnZ8AxOFTI7e_zxIuw2[/url]

Considering Skindell's term as senator will soon expire, this small snapshot suggests he is using the single event of replacing the hospital as an opportunity to remain employed and relevant.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Considering Skindell's term as senator will soon expire, this small snapshot suggests he is using the single event of replacing the hospital as an opportunity to remain employed and relevant.

Jim Kenny

Actually it would have been far easier for Mike Skindell to wait until his term was over to run for mayor. His term would of ended in 3 years given a full year to campaign in Lakewood as a termed out State Representative, and term ended out State Senator. Not bad credentials. Mayor Summers would not have been running, so you have an incumbent walking into an open seat.

Imagine, had State Senator Skindell supported Mike Summers in this Debacle, then he could have walked in a new Utopian Society built by the $34 million in our money given back to us.

No instead he throws away a three year gig, and walks into a nightmare to get a little truth and honesty to the good people of Lakewood.

I will read the finals stuff, but in Lakewood Council comes up with the budget not the mayor.

I do stand by the point that regardless of his qualifications he only needed to run on the anti-Cain ballot, though. Likely you are right about Fitz v. George though your point of George coming from council fits with Fitz, too who also served locally on council first. Alas.

It surely helped as did 60 Minutes, but if it was as you said, the numbers would have been closer to the numbers of Issue 47, which was 47 votes.

I would add that this is not a one off, my bad, moment by the Summers' administration.

M Buckley

To be honest I wonder how women support him, after he waited nearly two weeks to make public there was a serial stalker loose. "Westside Rapist" was finally caught after another person was raped 1 block outside of Lakewood. Kind of another low moment for the Safety Director of Lakewood.

.

[Bridget Conant]

Definition of OPPORTUNIST: Mike SUMMERS.

[Jim Kenny]

Jim O/Bryan: I can appreciate your respect for the service by Senator Skindell. Yes, council does set the budget; however, the executive or mayor spends it. We all have limited income and must budget accordingly. When we spend more than our budget, we're unable to pay bills. When we do it repeatedly, we need to examine if there's a problem that reaches beyond managing a checkbook.

This is why employers do background checks, as a prospective employee will soon be spending money the employer has budgeted. If the employee spends too much and does this too often, the employer has a problem. As the voter/employer, I have an obligation to avoid putting my neighbors into such jeopardy.

[Michael Deneen]

Team Summers has consistently badmouthed the Observer, specifically the Deck, claiming that noone reads it and that it's full of hate. Mr. Kenny himself recently called the Deck a "cancer".

So naturally he comes here to launch attacks!

Todd Heckler has pitched the "term limit" lie on other sites, and was quickly corrected. Naturally, that does not deter Team Summers....facts never get in their way.