The Observation Deck

Here we are, already the second issue of 2022.

In this issue we take at look at one of my favorite award shows, The Scholastic Awards. This age old tradition inspires the young to send in all forms of art, and be awarded accolades on a local, then state than nation level. Lakewood students have always loved and excelled at this event and this year, they rocked it to the foundations.

Speaking of Lakewood Schools, we have the message for 2022 from Board of Education President Betsy Shaugnessy. There is an update on Marine Towers, music reviews, and so much more.

We also take one last look at the winners of the holiday competition with photos of those responsible and the streets where they live. It was a good year, thank you to everyone. Especially thanks to Woodstock BBQ, India Garden, Root Cafe and West End Tavern for their continued support in our fun contests.

You can pick up the latest Observer at over 100 locations around town,

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Download it here: http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/issue ... sue_02.pdf

Virtual Government

I was most surprised to see that the Lakewood City Council has unanimously adopted an ordinance for virtual government.

It will be interesting to figure out the legal path to this since it is not within the City Charter at all, as far as I can tell.

Mark--I am not seeing or understanding your challenge of a "virtual" government. Stan Austin

Stan. --The description is in the first part of the Mayor's article.

There appears to be a new ordinance that resumes what I will call "digital remote meetings" due to the pandemic.

I am using the shorthand term "virtual government" to describe a government that as a practical and functional matter requires citizens to have computers, high speed internet connections, and IT skills to participate in their local government now.

Due to Covid-19, it may be a necessary work-around.

It's a "work around" that has some peculiar exclusionary affects.

You can see how this works in the attached Agenda from January 18th council meeting.

Here Is The Letter On Virtual Open Meetings

Source: January 3, 2022 City Council Meeting Agenda