The Primary Election - September 8, 2009 &                         

                                         The General Election - November 3, 2009   

INDEX

For Mayor

Candidates for Wards 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18

The Incumbents and other council leaders who had no challengers

The Plain Dealer Endorsements

Click Here   Does the Mayor and Council members really deserve another four years in office? 

For Your Consideration...

                                              Cleveland is in an Urban Slump  

                   (A thirteen part "ELECTION DAY" series ending on November 1, 2009)

                            Citizen’s Echo the Reasons – Politician's Excuse Them Away
                                                 Elections Bring Both Sides Together 
                                        Democracy Peaks In the Struggle To Be Heard  

Part One – Biographical Illusions                                                                                                                  

Part Two - Should Voters Prosecute the Prosecutor                                                                    

Part Three - The Gift That Keeps On Giving                                                                                   

Part four - A Landscape of Blight – to a Politicians Delight                                                         

Part Five - City Halls Attack On The American Dream                                                               

Part Six - Tremont - Where common folks are welcome - to live on land worth a dollar

Part Seven - The Plain Dealers contribution to urban plight and flight                                                 

Part Eight - When democracy bleeds in government – the political majority feel no pain.

Part Nine - Utility Complaints – take them down the road to someone who cares -                                        And Leave the Politicians Alone!                                                  

Part Ten - Does Cleveland City Council need an Education Committee? 
                                       Eight years of silence adds up to – can’t be bothered 

Part Eleven - Appointed members to Council, ads up to 
                                       Victory! against the public vote                                                                                 

Part Twelve - Meet Sabre Pierce Scott – Cleveland’s Future Mayor –  Wind and Weather Permitting

Part Thirteen - The Next Four Years – Just might be a repeat of parts 1 through 13

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Please consider the following candidates for mayor and Council.

For Mayor,

Kimberly F. Brown, Frank Jackson Laverne Jones Gore, Robert Kilo and  Bill Patmon

For Council,

Ward 11 - Michael Polensek and Curtis Thompson  II                                                                                                                        

(Ward 11 – Registered Voters as of 2005 –15703. Registered Voters who did not vote – 11477. Candidate messages should also encourage the none-voter to vote. The key to success in any ward is greater involvement among citizens.)

Ward 16  - Chris Demas and Jay Westbrook

(Ward 16 – Registered Voters as of 2005 –14444. Registered Voters who did not vote – 8993. Candidate messages should also encourage the none-voter to vote. The key to success in any ward is greater involvement among citizens.)

The Incumbents and other council leaders who had no challengers

I did not include the incumbents among ward candidates in the Primary Election, and other council leaders for good reason.

All have received articles and emails which encouraged them to respond to citizen issues and concerns that have been repeated on this WebSite…many repeatedly for years. And it seems the best they can do is remain silent. Now they want the citizens vote. And The Plain Dealer wants to help them out with endorsements. Fine. I will help them out by filling in "between the lines"

The Plain Dealer Endorsements.

The PD gives out too many "fence Hanger" comments which interpreted means: yes we have "bad boys" but really they are "good guys" to the power elite so hay-give them another term.

I will fill in the "seal of approval" PD editorials with "between the lines" comments.

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The PD Endorsed... (Primary Election) 

The PD Endorced... (General Election)

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ENDORSEMENT - Kenneth Johnson merits the edge in Cleveland City Council Ward 4 by the editors, Saturday August 01, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors

COMMENT – Ward 4 is one of the most drug infested eyesore neighborhoods in our city. And it got worse when Johnson failed to protect citizens by protesting in word and deed, against the layoffs of hundreds of police during the Campbell administration. It did not have to happen. And I challenge Johnson to an email debate on a subject citizens are still steamed up about.

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ENDORSEMENT - Voters in Cleveland's new Ward 18 should return Martin J. Sweeney to City Council  Tuesday August 04, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors

COMMENT – Sweeney had displayed his anti-democracy bravado during the recall campaign of Santiago. Ward 14 citizens had no right to settle deference’s (a private affair between Santiago and ward citizens) without Sweeney and other Council members spreading confusion among voters on Election Day. But he does a good job in shining the shoes of the power elite…am I right PD?

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ENDORSEMENT – Voters in Cleveland's Ward 5 should return Phyllis Cleveland to City Council Saturday August 08, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors

ENDORSEMENT – Voters in Cleveland's Ward 8 should elect Jeffrey Johnson to City Council, Monday August 10, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors.

COMMENT – Citizens must return to the past, to the time Johnson was councilman for ward 8. And think about his contributions to the community as leader, than think about what he is not telling voters today. Is he really dedicated to caring for the concerns of the day…or once in office, will he instead find comfort in seeking out ways to climb up the political ladder? This is what he did the first time around. Citizens need a homebody leader. One who is dedicated to working for the people…which includes a reasonable association with the business community. Listen closely to what other candidates have to say. If not, citizens could be hearing the same things four years down the road.

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This "editorial board" has been a "disappointed" factor in the minds of thousands of decent citizens, who have been harmed in some way by politicians who wind up becoming robots in the manipulative hands of the civic elite, instead of working for the people who voted for them. I feel, the PD needs to consider what other news outlets remain steadfast in not doing, jumping on the biased bandwagon of endorsements.

Brian J. Cummins has a promising future in government if voted into office in the general election. Four the past four year, he managed to remain silent to most of the concerns citizens (in "Echoes") addressed. Evan in a City Club debate among Ward 14 candidates, it was as if he didn’t listen closely to what citizens in the audience had said about public education (a major citizen concern in all the wards). In a flyer he sent to homes which outlined his future reform projects if elected, education was past over. Tradition it seems is prevailing; and Jackson just might have second thoughts about turning his back on Cummins. Am I wrong about Cummins? I truly hope so.

This commentary was not brief, nor as long as I wanted it to be.

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"She presents a realistic plan for organizing block clubs and street watches to involve residents in reducing crime, reclaim neighborhoods, and make Ward 10 attractive to new businesses."

"Businesses" It’s a known fact that too many politicians spent more time in the presence of business people then with the common folk. Business people are important, but energies should be equally divided with non-business citizens.

"Organizing block clubs" is not the same as becoming a member (but not an absentee member) of at least one. Candidates are now campaigning in many of them in all the wards. Members of block clubs should invite them to join and if willing, have them sign a membership list with copies going the all members. If they back off, there’s your clue. Be cautious, campaigning is a time for sharpening the skills at lying.

Listen to what all the candidates have to offer in resumes that outline past Ward 10 (all wards) community commitments. If they include membership (active not absentee) in block clubs, REALLY LISTEN, chances are citizens don’t have to wonder to much if candidates are lying.

"He favors engaging the community to form block clubs and street watches, while holding City Hall responsible for delivering services in a timely manner"

COMMENT – "Block clubs" No since in repeating what has already been stated. Please read comments with respect to Stephanie Pope.

"while holding City Hall responsible for delivering services in a timely manner"

What does this mean? Can anyone monitor how Brewer’s "holding City Hall responsible" when he is not even in office" If this is a campaign promise of his, it’s a lofty one. Finding a consensus among nineteen other politicians (evan a majority) would be a difficult task. And besides, would any of them admit during this time of campaigning that the delivery of services is out of whack.

Brewer and all the other candidates can gain many, many votes if they concentrate on one slow service that especially have the elderly worried. The elderly deserve better treatment from all incumbents and wanna-bees for the following reason. Police response time to security systems is code 4, the slowest. In an article titled "Home Security Systems - A safety net for police - A danger net for the elderly" Click    and read paragraph outlined in yellow.

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"Earlier this month, Columbus voters approved a $90 million income tax increase…"

I could write a lengthy article on Jackson’s endorsement alone but, I feel, the people in this town, and citizens in Cuyahoga County would rather like to read what’s between-the- lines in the editorial.

In Cleveland government, there are two budgets, the city and school districts, which some among the civic elite keeps watch over.

These budgets are off limits to citizen inquisitive minds. And no, slicing the pie, %20 for this and %35 for that on Gov. web pages actually tells the public; it’s none of their business.

Recently the public questioned leaders about taxpayers money saved from the elimination of two Council seats which is about $148,000. Whenever questions like this one is asked, the answer is usually, it goes into the general fund, which actually insults the public’s intelligence.

"Columbus voters approved…" The PD’s comment above was part of their argument that Cleveland, among all the cities suffering from an economy downswing, was spared because Jackson waved his magic wand over the city budget and said, let there be plenty of greens to pay the bills. Absurd, certainly. Columbus voters approved a $90 million income tax increase because the leadership forged ahead knowing, heads may roll because of the additional request, but was ready to take the punches and hoped for the best. Jackson will survive the candidates roast this election, and don’t have to worry about his head rolling next year, if out of the clear blue sky, the city budget takes a dive. What citizens should be aware of now, votes for Jackson today, just might end up as an "income tax increase" next year. And he may not go by way of the vote to get it.

Cleveland voters approved (with the help of Cuyahoga County voters) to put the civic elite on legal notice through the vote, that they would not support a sale tax increase to build a new convention center…for whose benefit?

The answer is obvious. But the civic elite, always looking for ways to rob the poor (Is there still a middle class?), latched onto Tim Hagan to do the slime ball work of crushing not only the legality of the citizens vote, but giving the boot to democracy 

in the process. The elite poured tons of money into the former commissioner’s campaign to defeat "good guy" Tim McCormack in gaining Hagan’s old seat back.

After winning, Hagan put on his dictator shoes, and went to work in successfully raising the sales tax for the convention center, which now includes the medical mart.

And Jackson played into the scheme of legally robbing the poor by supporting the efforts of the rich. Hagan, Jackson and many other leaders, county voters know of, should boot these people out by way of the vote, out into the real world of work and away from doing more harm to the public. They betrayed the sanctity of the people’s vote and for politicians, stooping to the lowest of lows in human deception, I wonder, do they really have a drive within them called conscience?

When the convention center is completed, the elite should honor the poor by engraving along the top wall the following: THE CONVENTION CENTER THAT POOR PEOPLE BUILT…in more ways then one.

And take notice, if next year or soon after, Jackson proposes raising the income tax, Hagan who may be out of a job (because of the county reform vote), may become a hired advisor to find ways to raise the tax without the vote.

I really think Hagan should buy a one way ticket on the Enterprise, and have his wife (captain of the Star Trek TV series) pilot him to Luke Skywalker’s mansion in the universe to become the Star War hero’s butler.

Citizens should not allow the PD to dampen interests in listening closely to what all candidates for mayor have to impart. And remember the PD is the powerful right arm of the civic elite. The PD endorsement of Jackson, will gain many votes for the elite but does there on going ambitions, complement the concerns citizens have in the community? Put on the thinking cap, and think back to a few years ago, to all the reasons the reader may have voted against supporting the convention center. Hang with those reasons, because the elite is about to spend tons of money on Jackson ads on TV and radio in a repetitive way to brainwash them away.

"Reed says he's not worried about being gerrymandered out of most of his Mount Pleasant political base, in part because he's so well-known. In his case, that's a mixed blessing: Reed has gotten as much ink for his lawbreaking – two DUI-related trips to jail and rehab – as his sometimes creative lawmaking."

COMMENT – Talk about bias reporting, this PD endorsement takes the cake…with too much sweet frosting to swallow.

"Reed has gotten as much ink for his lawbreaking" Not as much as Jeff Johnson. And most of the ink came from the PD presses. In my comments about the PD’s endorsement of Johnson, I did not mention Johnson incarceration. Johnson served his time, and really, citizens in Ward 8 should make that judgment calls, not the PD or myself. And the same should go for Reed.

"…his sometimes creative lawmaking."

In the past four years, in spite of Reeds personal problems with alcohol addiction, (I guess his transgression is much worse then Johnson’s) he managed to raise credible proposals that had been written into law by his colleagues, more so then any other lawmaker during this period of time. And yet in the near future, the PD editor’s will endorse many leaders…for there what, "creative" ways in dodging the concerns of citizens in the wards?

With all due respect to Laster, Ward 2 citizens should listen to what all candidates have to offer and if they promise not to dodge the publics concerns if elected, REALLY LISTEN!…and document the promises in newsletters, emails from the candidates, church bulletins, etc. Hold all candidates accountable, because just like some of the contents in the PD endorsement, the frosting just might be to sweet to swallow.

ENDORSEMENT - Cleveland Ward 9 (Kevin Conwell) 
Saturday, September 26, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors 

"He has used his ward's share of federal community-development dollars – which, unlike many of his colleagues, he correctly tells residents is "your money" to hire safety and code-enforcement coordinators...he has pushed to create a 3-1-1 complaint service..."

COMMENT – "which, unlike many of his colleagues..." What is this suppose to mean? Many of his colleagues are doing what they are told to do. Give most of the bounty to the development corporations. And that is a sensitive issue with citizens in most of the wards. The PD editors need to come down off of "Cloud 9" and go into the wards and find out how much of the federal funds touch people living in poverty. Conwell is not under pressure to distribute funds in the way his colleagues are. It's wrong, but City Hall would rather take taxes from citizens in poverty than give a decent portion of it back.

"he has pushed to create a 3-1-1 complaint service" Not hard enough. It was tested in March and-well I guess, is still being tested. And that leads me to several major issues citizens have city wide, that seems to be of no concern to Council members. Conwell was voted into office the year this WebSite was raised, 2001. Since that time Conway have paid allegiance to City Hall, not citizens city wide. I wrote about some of the most serious issues that plague the public, including citizens in his ward. Echoes (citizens) challenged him (I'm just the messenger) to discuss these issues with colleagues and do something out of respect for our citizens. But silence to all is not "respect".

 Citizens in ward 9 should keep the THINKING open about Gennorris Williams-Heard. The PD did not give her a fair shake. I can imagine 98% of incumbents receive PD endorsements, the good and the bad. Check out the endorsements to come. Conwell is not on the social "bad boys" list but Gennorris Williams-Heard may have some new ideas citizens should be THINKING about. She needs your attention, or is it the other way around?

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ENDORSEMENT - Ward 16 ( Jay Westbrook) 

Tuesday, September 29, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors 

"But here's the rub: Even he (Demas) admits Westbrook has done a "great job…Demas is selling change. But knowledgeable legislators like Westbrook are the best argument against turnover for its own sake. He has earned four more years. "

But it should to citizens of Ward 16. The editors also stated, "Demas is selling change" Good. Citizens should listen to what he has to say, because it just might be the reversal, of what the PD stands for in their endorsements. Change is scary for the civic elite (which the PD is a part of). The established order wishes to keep the status-quo in place and this is why 99% of incumbents are endorsed. Toe the mark and you’ll go far in Cleveland politics.

But in looks like that might end in Parma Heights. Citizens have been working on changes in the charter for the November vote. The most important is limiting office holders to 12 years of service. Bravo. New faces means new ideas in government. And when Demas speaks of change, citizens in Ward 16 should listen to the ideas Westbrook may not be talking about and the PD is not caring writing about.

I wonder if the PD editors ever thought that Christopher Demas’s comment, "great job" was really meant to be respectful. I find that refreshing to hear, especially in political campaigns where you hear much too much of the opposite.

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ENDORSEMENT - Ward 11 (Michael D. Polensek)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors 

" As with any longtime incumbent, there is a case to be made for change… For instance, he chides Polensek for his bombastic tone toward young criminals and suggests instead a large investment in early childhood initiatives… Thompson, who moved back to Cleveland only last year, has potential."

COMMENT – I decided to do a reversal on PD above comments because Thompson rightfully raised a sore spot many citizens have against Polensek. In many of my articles where the name Polensek appears, I gave him the nickname "Crybaby". Why? Because too often when he is quoted by the media, it sounds like all he is saying, is echoing the frustrations of citizens, and not taking the concerns one step further, by standing up tall, and doing something about them. Citizens did not vote him into office just to hear him echo their frustrations. Polensek is not even a has been. In the mid-eighties I approached him with a city wide problem. He did a bang-up job in blowing me off. But than again, I was just one of "those" common folk people.

Kudos go out to Thompson for reminding citizens of Polensek’s "Cloud 9" attitude toward citizens who do not bow before him. But the PD’s aim is to protect the "good-old-boy" network of politicians who do bow before the civic elite.

The PD stated, "he (Thompson) chides Polensek for his bombastic tone toward young criminals"

Thompson comment brought to mind a young man who was in trouble because of a criminal act he committed. Polensek had a talk with the youth but it seemed to do no good. So Polensek being the compassionate person the PD feels he is, wrote a stern letter to the youth’s mother, encouraging her to-do-what, set on her son 24/7 for his on going rebellious ways? This youth did not need to be treated by an authority figure, in a harsh way, which only compounded the situation. Yes, talking to the youth in a stern (but not tuning out) but friendly way is appropriate. But going for the juggler, the second time around was wrong. Polensek should have had enough common sense to turn this case over to people who are experienced in dealing with youth in trouble. A Council colleague of Polensek’s, Kevin Conwell would have been a good starting point. He has done good works is this area. Another group that work’s with youth is 100 Black Men. Polensek is not naïve to this. But the PD just about called a hero for saving citizens against none-conformists in the community. Shameful? You bet. But Polensek is a compassionate fellow…toward family members. He even put himself out on an illegal limb for one.

I’ll keep this short and to the point. With federal funds, he supports two development corporations in his ward. But they do not receive equal funding from him. Polensek bought a home for his mother-in-law and approached the center he gave the least amount of funds to, and asked if they would buy the home for him and hold it, until he could secure a loan from a bank. Are officials going to say no, because they know there is an ethical conflict of interest here? No, because they don’t want to rock-the-boat against Polensek. Now if citizens in the ward walked into the center, and asked them to buy a home for them… well, I assume, they would respond, that’s illegal, we can’t do that. This incident was not supposed to be leaked to the press. But thanks to the Ohio Citizen Action’s clout, the PD reported it. In a PD editorial, they slapped Polensek’s hand and basically stated, "bad boy!" don’t do it again. Oh-those political perks. Some lead to FBI investigations. And when that happens they all say, I done nothing wrong.

At the end of the PD’s endorsement of Polensek they stated, "Thompson, who moved back to Cleveland only last year, has potential." And I might add, worth listening to what Polensek and the PD does not want to talk about.

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ENDORSEMENT - Ward 6 (Mamie Mitchell) 

Monday, October 5, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors 

"This a match between polar opposites…Let's hope that confidence is not misplaced, and that Mitchell will make real progress in improving the quality of life in her ward. "

Comment - "This a match between polar opposites…" can be complementary if the opposites are working for the same cause…to work for the citizens in the ward.

The editors claim, "Boyd is a little too edgy for City Hall." The word "edgy" is not precise so I can only guess it means boisterous. If that is the case and he is willing to work for the people, Council chambers need more leaders ready to stand boisterously tall for the people. He might even wake up a few deadbeat incumbents, or at least get them to stop looking at the clock so much during Council meetings.

The editors also said, "He is a fine role model for at-risk kids - living proof that time in prison is no bar to a productive and meaningful life. Yes, a meaningful life" but not good enough for City Hall. How many criminals are now sitting in City Hall, hoping the FBI will not catch up to them?

Boyd cares for "at-risk kids" and knows the, ins and outs, of how to work with them. Dealing with troubled youth should be considered good insights on how he would deal with ward citizens if elected.

Mamie Mitchell. Now comes the difficult part in putting my bias aside against people who are appointed to government seats. Former councilwoman Patricia Britt appointed Mitchell to the seat she vacated to fill the position of Clerk of Council. So with all do respects to Mitchell, I’ll say this and stop here because if I get on a soap box…Appointed members to any government body, strips citizens of choice through the vote. And that is very anti-democracy.

Citizens in Ward 6, should really zero in on what the editors stated in the last sentence in their endorsement of Mamie Mitchell, "Let's hope that confidence is not misplaced, and that Mitchell will make real progress in improving the quality of life in her ward. "

Now remove Mitchell’s name in the above sentence, and replace it with Boyd’s, because he already improved on the quality of life in "at-risk kids". Something of an achievement, too many Council members have no desire to achieve. Isn’t that right Polensek?

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"Councilman Eugene Miller must do much better for Cleveland's Ward 10, where apathy rules"

Comment – "where apathy rules" Now that is really an insult to the citizen’s in Ward 10, so back at you PD editors. Most of your endorsements (trust us, let us hold your hands during this difficult time of THINKING) are apathetic to the intellect of citizens in all the wards. After all, what do "those" people know? How arrogant!

Former councilman Roosevelt Coats appointed Miller to Council. Here we go folks…again. Appointed members to any government body, strips citizens of choice through the vote. I cannot state that enough. Whoever came in second after Coats in his last election, was the people’s choice. But the big problem in honoring the "people choice" is, would that person "toe-the-mark" in government circle, or honor the voters wishes by working for the people?

Citizens in Ward 10 have a choice in voting for one of two candidates. The PD editors not and wouldn’t even think of moving into the ward…or any other ward. Hay! That’s getting much to close to "those" common folk.

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I am going to turn the comments over to Joe Bialek who has had, one-on-one interaction with Brancatelli.

Mr. Bialek’s comments…

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ENDORSEMENT - Ward 7 (T.J. Dow) 

Saturday, October 10, 2009, The Plain Dealer editors 

"Billings has turned his life around and now organizes grass-roots anti-crime efforts. He certainly would bring a different perspective to City Hall.

But in his own way, so does Dow. Rather than compete with Lewis' enormous legacy, he has tried to make his own mark with quiet attention to details"

Comment – They both deserve the attention (equally) of Ward 7 citizens.

To be continued...

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lhough36@att.net 

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