The Observation Deck

Observers,

The Cleveland Federation of Musicians, Local No. 4, has "unanimously" endorsed Mayor Tom George for re-election.

"Local 4 recognizes your commitment to working musicians in northeast Ohio. We are proud of our association."

"Best wishes and continued success for you and the City of Lakewood."

Leonard DiCosimo, President

Mayor George:

Would you agree to a series of debates, if we accompany them to music?

I don't even know what to say to this. But I do know it just proves my point. Thank you.

WARNING! SARCASM ALERT! WARNING! SARCASM ALERT!

Well I'm sold. As you all know, I never make a decision without first consulting Musicians Local No. 4. ELECTION OVER!!!!

If only he had the backing of the Parma Dog Walkers Union he could make a run for President.

Whenever a union (especially a government union) endorses a candidate for public office hold on to your wallet just a little bit tighter.

Councilman Fitzgerald,

In order to facilitate a meaningful election dialog, why don't you list all the organizations who feel you are qualified to serve as mayor?


Mayor Tom George

P.S. the Cleveland Federation of Musicians represents members of the world famous Cleveland Orchestra, many of whom are Lakewood residents. I am honored to have their support.

Thomas J. George wrote:Councilman Fitzgerald,

In order to facilitate a meaningful election dialog, why don't you list all the organizations who feel you are qualified to serve as mayor?

Mr Mayor,
As a voter and constituent, I would find much more value in a mayoral debate, or series of debates as has been suggested by several posters on this very forum over a list of endorsements as your asking Mr. FitzGerald to provide.

A debate will allow us to fully learn the candidate's positions and their solutions, visions, and ideas for the City of Lakewood.

If the Lakewood Observer, League of Women Voters, or some other non-affiliated third party were to host debates, would you participate? We've already seen your two declared opponents agree to this, it would great to have you involved as well.

To be honest, it doesn't matter to me one bit who endorses whom. The only thing that matters to me as a voter are the candidates ideas and positions. I'd like to hear more about that.

Bryan,

Call me anytime at 529-6600 or 440-734-8177 if you ever have any questions. Council meetings are the first and third Mondays at City Hall, except for August.

I am in the office most days from 8:00 a.m. on and the door is usually open. Our city web site contains information about the city and identifies our initiatives as well.

I make public speeches on a regular basis, including recent speeches to the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Shriners.

Please feel free to take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about my positions.

As far as those of the challengers. I'm not certain how many public speeches each has made, but I'm sure they can provide that information.

I'm sure we're all very clear about the value of speeches versus the value of a moderated debate about the issues. The Demro Campaign and the Fitzgerald campaign are ready to give the citizens of Lakewood what they deserve - community debates.

More than the political theatre and sound bytes of debates, how about the candidates and their handlers (a politician is only as good as the networks to which one belong) writing white papers that respond in some detail to the Grow Lakewood Report, that gather up the factual basis upon which the political agent will act. How about taking up police strategy, labor and privatization choices/pressure points to create competition and value, regionalization, and quality of life issues that stem from the influx of the dysfunctional residents.

I don't really see the necessary detail emerging in debates, details needed to clarify the direction a candidate will take us.

These white paper can be discussed on the LO Deck and published in the paper.

Kenneth Warren

White papers are great for those who read them and to the extent that they provide a one dimensional perspective of an issue. They can be written by hired help, reflecting only the abilities of that person and don't reveal a committment to anything beyond completing the requisite assignment.

A properly moderated debate offers voters an opportunity to experience the discourse. Tone and body language are vital to understanding the message. The back and forth of a debate provides voters with a multifacited perspective into the candidate's position on an issue and their depth of knowledge about that issue.

I think the community would be very interested in seeing all three candidates operate in that arena.

Kenneth Warren wrote:These white paper can be discussed on the LO Deck and published in the paper.

Kenneth Warren

Why not both? A debate can provide the opportunity for open discussion and the white papers a more detailed program for people who like details.

Or, maybe the musicians union can sponsor a series of singing debates.

Thomas J. George wrote:Bryan,

Call me anytime at 529-6600 or 440-734-8177 if you ever have any questions. Council meetings are the first and third Mondays at City Hall, except for August.

I am in the office most days from 8:00 a.m. on and the door is usually open. Our city web site contains information about the city and identifies our initiatives as well.

Thank you for the offer, I may just take you up on it. At this point, my vote is still available to anyone for the taking as I unfortunately don't feel I know enough about any of the candidate's positions or visions to be able to firmly say "yes, that's who I'll vote for".

I make public speeches on a regular basis, including recent speeches to the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Shriners.

Is there a place on the city's website that announces where you'll be giving speeches? I'd like to attend, I just need to be able to plan my schedule ahead of time.

Thomas J. George wrote:P.S. the Cleveland Federation of Musicians represents members of the world famous Cleveland Orchestra, many of whom are Lakewood residents. I am honored to have their support.

Mayor/All

I find the attack on this endorsement to be laughable.

The very same people that ooh and ahhh over an Arts District lash out at Musicans/Artists' endorsement of you.

Can't please everyone everytime I suppose.


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