The Observation Deck

I'm proud to announce on the Deck that Nickie Antonio has officially declared her candidacy for the Ohio House of Representatives, District 13. This is seat that is presently held by Mike Skindell who has reached his term limit and will be stepping down.

I think this is great news for Lakewood and I know that Nickie will do a wonderful job.

What happens to her city council seat?

Still there kiddo.

that is a good thing for Lakewood

All the way around. Nickie will be an asset for us there as she is here.

I am stunned.

Just waiting on all the people to jump on Nicki like they jumped on Ed for potentially abandoning the people of Lakewood.

In all seriousness, I do have to say I'm a little surprised that she just was re-elected and now she's going to run for something else. It's a little weird of her to not have disclosed this fully while running. I wouldn't vote for someone who I knew would turn around less than 2 months later and run for something else. I would have voted for someone who at least pretended to be committed.

I hope she does win her new seat because she'll most likely never get a vote from me again.

Oh for pete's sake, there is such a thing as waiting until the time is appropriate as opposed to two years before the job starts.

Remember you said that Bryan if you get offered a promotion.

Ryan Patrick Demro wrote:I am stunned.

sharon kinsella wrote:Oh for pete's sake, there is such a thing as waiting until the time is appropriate as opposed to two years before the job starts.

Remember you said that Bryan if you get offered a promotion.

Oh I agree, I just am a little disappointed that this was not made public during the campaign as she clearly knew she'd be running. Would have been important information for the voters to know.

I'm not a public official elected by constituents to do a job so my promotions are different.

I'm also a little stunned at the double standard. People jumped all over the Mayor for even contemplating running for something else, so why is it ok for a newly re-elected council member to do the same?

Bryan Schwegler wrote:Oh I agree, I just am a little disappointed that this was not made public during the campaign as she clearly knew she'd be running. Would have been important information for the voters to know.

It was made public during the campaign. At the library during the League of Women Voters event, she was asked if she would be running for Skindell’s seat. I don’t recall her exact words but she didn’t say she wasn’t going to run which to me is saying she is. So her announcement didn’t come as a shocker to me.

Bryan Schwegler wrote:I'm also a little stunned at the double standard. People jumped all over the Mayor for even contemplating running for something else, so why is it ok for a newly re-elected council member to do the same?

I’m a little stunned as well. Remember when Tom Bullock announced his candidacy for Skindell’s seat? Big outrage as I recall. I wonder why there's not this time around? Are people getting used to it or is there something else?

Charlie,
She said I believe...that she had been approached by a few people and was thinking about the idea...
I think that about says it.
I attended that meeting too.
She made it sound as if she was seriously considering running...at least that is what I took away from it. So...it was out there.
Rhonda

I support Nickie, Tom and Mayor Ed in their quest for higher office. I think that would say a lot about the quality of Lakewood residents if 2 of the 3 get to a higher office next year (2 of 3 meaning both Tom and Nickie can’t win).

I think Nickie has made it pretty clear that she would always consider running for Mike Skindell's seat. I do not ever remember her saying she wouldn't.

The same has always been true with Mayor FitzGerald. He never told me he was not interested in Russo's job if asked. So no surprise.

My only disappointment was with Tom Bullock who had promised me personally that he would be in Lakewood for at least two terms before moving on, not 1.5 when he announced. I have spoken with Tom many times, and I have to underline, that I like
Tom and appreciate his efforts, just disappointed with his speed to move on.

With all of that said, Lakewood people in any of these seats are better than not.

However none of these will be easy races.


FWIW

.

In the State Rep race-------
I acknowledge peoples' disconnect with political ambition and attentiveness to a current office; but, I go with ambition any day.
Having said that----what's in it for Lakewood?
The district is Democratic (sorry Ryan).
About 3/5 of the district is Lakewood.
So, the winner of a Democratic primary will win in the general election.
Problem is----we have two good Lakewood candidates vs Dan Brady, a Cleveland candidate.
I would really like to see either Niki or Tom in the seat and I would really NOT like to see Dan Brady in the seat.
Therein is the problem folks.
Lets' get some solutions!
Stan Austin