The Observation Deck

Take A Stand And VOTE!

Every four years the nation is consumed by the excitement of selecting the individual who will serve in our country’s highest elected political office. The campaign coffers contain what is to most of us unfathomable amounts of money, the media spectacle can not be escaped, and the rhetoric of candidates and their issues are repeated until many people can recite them word for word. Obviously the same level of engagement and coverage does not apply to small municipal elections. National news outlets will not pick up the At-Large Council election or three [two] unopposed Lakewood Board of Education candidate to inundate us with the platforms, personal lives, and, voting records of each candidate. However, whether the election is for the President of the United States or to narrow the field of candidates running for a leadership position here in Lakewood, Ohio, the final request is the same (for all eligible Lakewood citizens) – YOUR VOTE!

The six (yes six!) candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring to represent us all as At-Large Councilpersons deserve your attention as they attempt to gain access to a seat on City Council and, ultimately, work for each of us here in Lakewood. Fully grasping nine [eight] individual platforms may seem like an overwhelming task, particularly with November 3rd [7th] quickly approaching, but the importance of informing your vote can not be understated. For those more swayed by a quantitative argument remember that at the local level, your vote will not be one among millions (although I would argue even at this ratio it is still important to cast a well informed vote), but rather, one among thousands. If you still need convincing, I would cite the impact factor behind your vote. The duties of an At-Large Councilperson or a School Board member extend into each of our lives, whether or not we vote, so why not take the initiative and express our opinions as to where our priorities lie? True, your preferred candidates may or may not be elected, but in the end, your decision to participate and cast (or not cast) a vote in favor of a particular candidate speaks volumes. Lakewood City Council elections are non-partisan and you will be asked to select up to three of the six candidates.The top three vote getters will take up a four year term as At-Large Councilpersons (see special election coverage for individual candidate interviews in this issue of LO).

Whoever is elected will have their work cut out for them representing an entire city of people, particularly in these tough times. So why not give them a leg up at the start and let your voice be heard by getting out to vote on November 3rd, 2009. [7th, 2017]

Do not forget to read up on Issues 1 through 6. Issues 1, 2, and 3 each propose to amend the Ohio Constitution (see letters to the editor on Issues 2 and 3, also in this issue of LO). Issues 4, 5, and 6 are specific to Cuyahoga County, with Issue 4 requesting a continuation of the levy for Cuyahoga Community College and Issues 5 and 6 proposing two different methods of reforming Cuyahoga County government. [This time we have five issues to vote on, but there is some similarity in content and they are at least as important.]

Be sure to check your polling place and remember to bring a form of personal identification. Polling locations are open on Tuesday, November 3rd [7th], from 6:30am to 7:30pm.