The Observation Deck

Ok folks....here is your chance to let it all out. Be truthful and honest now. What do you feel is wrong with this city and why. We pay higher taxes than Bay Village and our schools are not top notch. Why???? Why are our streets so poor? Again....such high taxes and little improvement. Do you think section 8 was a bad idea? What is your soap box about Lakewood?

I'll be simple with this.

streets and schools.

Ivor Karabatkovic wrote:I'll be simple with this.

streets and schools.

Do you feel it's due to taxing and spending?

Taxes are too high. I've heard people within the city say that people don't really leave due to taxes but unfortunately I've spoken to many friends that say if taxes are raised anymore they will leave. Add to that, that many properties are in horrid shape, I'd like to know why code violations aren't being enforced. The streets are in poor condition and very few of them get repaired in a season. Water rates are too high. The city is dirty. The parks are embarrassing. I'd like to be able to take my children to a park that is clean and in good repair. That is my main complaint list. I do love this city. I really enjoy living here but I am worried about the direction it has been headed while being led by the current administration.

The Dems have run this city into the ground. All it takes is to look around you. It's time for a change here in Lakewood. It will be the next Cleveland Heights if we are not careful.

Section 8 is not a city initiative and is generally not something promoted or discouraged by cities.

We could complain all day that it there is "too much" but truly - that is something that is between the housing authority, the property owners and the renters. period.

As for what is wrong - the best way I can explain what I think is to say that we are trying to be all things to all people and therefore, serving none as well as we could or should as a result.

I have yet to find ANY city - whether it be in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, the nation, or abroad - that can be all things to all people. And trying to do so does not build the brand - it dilutes it.

That is why I truly do support the idea of properly positioning the city and then creating/defining and promoting the brand.

I can be done, it has been done, but it does require work, sacrifice, and tough choices.

Just my opinion as I watch Lakewood in the news again....



Charyn

I don't think Section 8 is itself a problem, but putting to many section 8 recipients in one building/block is a problem. Surround those in need with good neighbors, not just more need.

That said, the biggest problem I see is too many residents who don't care enough to stand up and demand a higher standard.

On the city side of the ledger, I'd like to see a top down accounting for who gets paid how much to do what.

I'd also like the city to focus on bringing in some main line retail to accompany the boutique shops. (Book Store, full line clothing store, housewares, etc.)

And finally, give the building department and legal dept. more teeth to go after owners of dilapidated buildings and close the books on abandon properties.

And finally, give the building department and legal dept. more teeth to go after owners of dilapidated buildings and close the books on abandon properties.

Amen and Amen.

The schools suck because there hasn't been a operating levy in six years. double the time that it was supposed to be.

the streets suck because of the weather and the city tries to save money by using cheap materials to cover streets and a 6 year life expectancy turns into 6 weeks before it's time to re-pave.

i wouldn't be quick to point the finger at the DEMS. I wouldn't blame the republicans, I wouldn't point the finger at all.

we can't point fingers all we want. unless we become the change we want to see in our city we can't sit comfortably in our homes and point fingers at everyone else who's trying.

if you want a change, use your right to vote. sitting around at home and complaining won't get anyone anywhere.

Julie Mosher wrote:Ok folks....here is your chance to let it all out. Be truthful and honest now. What do you feel is wrong with this city and why. We pay higher taxes than Bay Village and our schools are not top notch. Why???? Why are our streets so poor? Again....such high taxes and little improvement. Do you think section 8 was a bad idea? What is your soap box about Lakewood?

Outsiders coming in telling us there is something wrong with Lakewood.

Julie--

Do you even live in Lakewood? Your profile links to a conservative GOP website in Michigan.

Mike Deneen wrote:Julie--

Do you even live in Lakewood? Your profile links to a conservative GOP website in Michigan.

Yes....I live in Lakewood and have for going on ten years

Bah, I bet it gets lonely up there in cold michigan, where everyone feels blue and yellow.

How about them Buckeyes, making it to the final four.

New photos will be up very shortly, the baseball home opener was today and the Rangers whacked the Avon Lake Eagles by a score of 15-5. Senior Taylor Kraus hit a monster home run into the parking lot. Beautiful day for baseball!

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Julie Mosher wrote:Ok folks....here is your chance to let it all out. Be truthful and honest now. What do you feel is wrong with this city and why. We pay higher taxes than Bay Village and our schools are not top notch. Why???? Why are our streets so poor? Again....such high taxes and little improvement. Do you think section 8 was a bad idea? What is your soap box about Lakewood?

Outsiders coming in telling us there is something wrong with Lakewood.

I live here and have for some time now

Who is the woman named "Julie Mosher" that is Editor of the GOP USA Michigan website?

Is this someone else? If so, why does your profile link to this person?

If you are this person and you live in Lakewood, why do you work for a Michigan website?

http://www.gopusa.com/michigan/editor.shtml