The Observation Deck

Welcome to the Electorate of Lakewood! This special section of the Observation Deck has been created to give the Observers a unique forum to discuss the on line debate as it proceeds. You are encouraged to examine the issues and positions. Discuss the facts and vet the ideas and visions.

You may pose questions in this topic area directed to the Mayoral candidates, but, we have not imposed any requirement of the candidates that they must respond to those questions. We hope that the candidates will closely follow this discussion area and interact with the Observers as their time and schedules permit.

It is our hope that through these on line debate forums that the voters of Lakewood will be informed, empowered and educated about the issues facing Lakewood and the positions of the Mayoral candidates in how to best respond to those issues. An empowered electorate is the very foundation of Democracy. We are proud to able to bring this opportunity to the citizens of our community.

Jeff Endress

To Mayor George - you stated that the most important item in the mayoray race is safety yet you have never show up at a community safety meeting. Reportably, you have been campaigning or just busy but why should I trust your commitment to safety when you refuse to hear the comments of the resdidents. And please don't reply with which union has endorsed you - I want to know why you refuse to meet with residents

To Mayor George-- Is it true that immediately after becoming mayor you returned the police department to its authorized strength, added a motorcycle unit, and added a drug officer who increased the number of drug arrests by over 90% as reflected by Lakewood Municipal Court filings?

Is it true that you instituted in Lakewood the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) which has already been called out in two situations?

Is it true that you and your wife were the only elected officials and spouse who were at the emergency shelter for hours during the Fry incident where you not only maintained coordination of the incident but you and your wife helped the residents adjust to their temporary quarters?

Is it true that the FBI statistics show a slight decrease in crime in Lakewood?

Is it true that at your direction your administration sent to the two council public safety meetings dealing with crime first the Chief of Police and a captain and at the second meeting the Chief, a Captain, and two Lieutenants to answer any and all questions of council and the residents?

Is it true that your administration has vigorously supported efforts of residents to set up block watches including any and all meetings held in the Roosevelt School neighborhood this summer with members of the Lakewood Police Department to assist in that effort?

Mayor George-- Is it true that you maintain an "open door" policy so that anybody can walk in and have a word with you or express an opinion? And is it true that through your Mayor's hotline you have responded to over 10,000 requests for service?

Stan Austin

Mayor George-- Is it true that you maintain an "open door" policy so that anybody can walk in and have a word with you or express an opinion? And is it true that through your Mayor's hotline you have responded to over 10,000 requests for service?

He definitely responds to e-mails. He is five for five with me.

Well I'm finding this to be really interesting. When a fiscal issue was brought up by Ed Fitzgerald, the finance director for the City, on our payroll mind you, answered for the mayor.

When someone on this thread asked a question of the mayor, they are answered by Stan Austin in the form of a question.

The only posts that I have seen from the latest threads, from Tom George, have been announcements of his endorsements. While that is all well and good, I think the best endorsement of a candidate is the mandate of the people.

Frankly, I thought this process was to put it on the table with the candidates and have them sign their names to the answers.

I find some of this stuff odd. Like Suzanne Metelko speaking for Patrick Ryan Demro. From what I've seen, he's perfectly capable of speaking for himself. He did just fine when he told me, after the Seelie meeting, when he was already running for mayor, that he didn't have to speak to me because I don't live in his word.

I want to see the candidates answers, with the candidate name as the author. I don't care who helped the candidate do it, I want their name on it.

Sharon-- When the Finance Director or any other city employee posts on the Observation Deck it is exactly the same as responding to a citizen telephone inquiry or any other publicly presented question about Lakewood government. They are responding to and explaining the topic of any particular inquiry that being available to anyone.
Stan Austin

sharon kinsella wrote:Well I'm finding this to be really interesting. When a fiscal issue was brought up by Ed Fitzgerald, the finance director for the City, on our payroll mind you, answered for the mayor.

When someone on this thread asked a question of the mayor, they are answered by Stan Austin in the form of a question.

Very good observation Sharon. I have yet to see the Mayor actually respond to any direct question here. I don't see why the "virtual debate" will be any different.

Hopefully I am proven wrong in this as I'd like to see this experiment succeed, but I don't have high expectations.

With a $50 million dolar sewer project hanging over our heads, and the head of the mayor during this next term, what are the realistic chances of cutting taxes and increasing security?

Or for that matter any extreme movement on a visionary futture for Lakewood.


.

Question for all three candidates:

Why do you want to be Mayor?

We have heard some of you speak about regionalism. What aspects of regionalism do you plan to incorporate and what areas will you never incorporate?

Will these decisions be made by you as Mayor?

by City Council?

by a vote of the Citizens?

Will you give us some concrete examples.

Thank you

Hi,
So many places to ask questions. Are questions asked in other spots on the Deck going to be moved here? Or should we post earlier asked questions here? I would find it helpful to be able to see all the questions in 1 place.

Don-

This is a space primarily for the Virtual Debate.

We should be getting the questions posted today.

Questions other than those for the virtual debate, may or may not be addressed.

Hi,
Thanks, DL. But as I understand it even questions posted here may or may not be addressed. But, I'll search through the Deck and find my questions I've posted other places and repost them here.

Here's one:
We have experienced many years where our safety forces are logging considerable overtime hours. These hours are more expensive then normal hours. What would you do as Mayor to correct this?
a). Nothing - All cities have this problem
b). Reduce minimum staffing requirements
c). Employ more part time safety forces to reduce the burden placed on full-time forces at a lower cost per hour
d). something else - Please be specific.

Candidates,
Where do you see Lakewood in 2016 in terms of;
total population
demographic makeup - (age, income, etc)
economy - business mix, key industry
public safety - (staffing, budget, regional options)
public works - roads and other infrastructure

What is your forecast and if you like what impact will your leadership have on these issues.

Jeff,

Can we see what the questions were from the panelists today?

Thanks,

Lynn