The Observation Deck

After reading Mr Kindt's informative articles on ethics in government, it is most disconcerting to see how little value our elected officials here in Lakewood place on ethics. One wonders if they learn how to "play politics" from their Cuyahoga colleagues.

This article, just published, shows how little concern officials have for acting ethically.

http://www.cleveland.com/naymik/index.s ... obile_home

As usual, our own Mary Louise Madigan makes an appearance. Justifying the hiring of the "ethically challenged" lawyer to a new job, Ms Madigan charmingly defends her as:

a qualified attorney who made a mistake,

Pardon me, Ms Madigan, but I would expect an attorney to have a better understanding of the law than the average Joe.

No, it seems that some of the MOST ethically challenged pols also happen to be attorneys.

It's sad; years of expensive law school and they didn't get any smarter.

This is unbelievable, though it seems Madigan's spin didn't work with this reporter. I don't feel editorializing is appropriate in a news article, but I did appreciate this:

"County spokeswoman Madigan described filling the open position in the law department with Moore as a "practical solution."

Of course, there was another solution: Fill the job with someone who hadn't already violated the public trust and expressed no remorse when called out for it."

Given the recent retreat by Congressional Republicans in an attempt to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics, perhaps the time is ripe to bring the issue of ethics to the fore. At least one local reporter might be on board.

There is a good chance that she was chosen BECAUSE she was ethically challenged.

The last thing the County needs is someone who isn't "onboard". Who knows what might happen.

If you have been reading my posts, I have said for well over a year now that the majority of Cuyahoga County government is corrupt. I have also alleged that Armond Budish and some of the judges were, and continue to be, a part of the alleged hospital and housing scams going on here in Lakewood. I allege that somehow they are probably also involved with the alleged money laundering.

Mary Louise, was by no means, even qualified to take over the job of Communications. I feel sorry for the persons that put their years in and were truly qualified for the job, but were passed up. I believe there is a reason, besides her apparent chummy friendship with Armond, that she was placed here. I believe it was to control what the media is told should they ask questions about their alleged illegal dealings.

Just a reminder: I would strongly encourage Lakewood residents to file complaints with the Ohio Supreme Court in regards to the hospital lawsuit. I believe that both Judge O'Donnell and judge Russo should be reported.