The Observation Deck

Somehow the following Letter to the Editor didn't make it into print edition or the PDF.

"When, Judge..... When?
by PJ Bennett

I recently read in the Plain Dealer, that Judge John O’Donnell had been seen “engaged in some light moshing” at the House of Blues. Now, "moshing" means to deliberately jostle with other dancers. It’s a highly energetic experience, and I truly hope he enjoyed himself! But, I got to wondering when he might put some of that energy to work on his court cases. Well, actually... one court case in particular.

As a supporter of the Lakewood citizens efforts to save Lakewood Hospital, I have been following on the internet the lawsuit filed almost two years ago to keep our hospital from being wrongfully closed due to the clandestine collusion between the Cleveland Clinic and Lakewood’s elected officials.

I have become disheartened that the judge has delayed to rule on motions filed months ago, some even over a year ago. Granted, running for the Supreme Court took up a lot of his time, but that campaign has been over for more than four months.

I’d heard from several lawyers that Judge O’Donnell was one of the few hard workers among the judges. And, there is no question, that a voluminous amount of reading is required to make a ruling. He has received hundreds upon hundreds of pages of supporting documentation revealing the furtive dealings directed to closing a busy, full-service, city-owned hospital... despite its continued profit year after year after year.

So, although I was disappointed in the recurrent postponing in his decision-making on the important Lakewood Hospital case, I still voted for him.

I have long heard the maxim that justice delayed is justice denied. The only one benefiting from the prolonged delay upon the pending motions to the Lakewood Hospital case is the Cleveland Clinic. The citizens of Lakewood certainly are not."

Unfortunately the lawsuit won't be able to bring back the hospital.
Just like it's too late to undo the Iraq War decision of 2003, it's too late to bring back the hospital....the Clinic and its minions made sure that enough damage has been done to make that possible.

However, it's important that we seek accountability from our public officials. So if the case drags on, so be it.....I'd prefer a thorough investigation of the situation rather than a rushed one.
The longer this goes on, the more information will come to light exposing the wrongdoers. It's important that they be identified so that future voters can prevent them from seeking higher office.

I said from the beginning that Judge John P. O'Donnell would likely not be a friend. Not that judges are supposed to be "friends" of anyone, but there is a difference between being friends and being fair.

Sitting on a $400,000,000 case without any clear explanation is not only inconsiderate, but also irresponsible, in my opinion. It also seems odd to me that any sitting judge would want to sit on a case when they claim their dockets are overloaded as it is.

When I say "without any clear explanation", that is exactly what I mean. I have made several cordial phone calls to Judge John P. O'Donnell's office to ask why the delay. I am simply told "no comment", whatever that means. Who usually says "no comment?" People with something to hide, in my perspective.

The only possible advantage to the delay is the fact that more records will (hopefully) continue to come out, and Mr. Summers and his subordinates, commonly refereed to as City Council, will (hopefully) continue to look worse and worse.

Let it be known that as of 6/4/17, the docket for the lawsuit in question has still not been updated. Also let it be known that 5/28/17 marked the two-year anniversary of the filing of this lawsuit.

Why the delay? Even many murder trials do not drag on for this long.

1+1 does not equal 3.

Judges are elected.

Judges need money to get elected.

The Cleveland Clinic is a big political donor and player in politics in Cuyahoga County.

I suspect the judge sees evidence of wrongdoing, or he would not have allowed the case to continue through the system this long. But ruling against the Clinic is political suicide.

I'm sure he's hoping they will settle it between themselves, which isn't going to happen.

IMO, the judge's Brelo ruling cost him the last election. He could undo that damage by taking a stand for the little guy and going up against the Clinic. But does he have the courage?

Bridget, I believe you may be right.

It is sort of a damned if he does and damned if he doesn't scenario.

I believe it would be nice if he would follow the oath he took and rule in favor of the truth.