2010. What can you share (civic works) with citizens in your ward?
(
<<
as
yet no response from Cummins)ALL THE WARD PAGES WAS RAISED BECAUSE OF THE ELIMINATION OF COUNCILPERSON "NEWSLETTERS" & "WEEKLY, BI-WEEKLY, OR MONTHLY" MEETINGS WITH CITIZENS IN MANY OF THE WARDS. PROVIDING INFORMATION & MEETING WITH CITIZENS DURING 2009 ELECTION CAMPAIGN WAS RELEVANT FOR POLITICIANS. AND IT'S MORE RELEVANT TO KEEP THE SAME COMMUNICATION OPEN TODAY FOR CITIZENS. SILENCE IS UNACCEPTABLE & IF CONTINUED, CITIZENS WILL BE HEARD IN VARIOUS WAYS IN DEFENDING DEMOCRACY'S "FREEDOM OF VOICE" IN BOTH GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY.
===============================================================================
Current Issue No 12. This issue is in two
parts. Past tense issues centered attention on concerns within the minds of
thousands of citizens citywide. Now the concerns center on your involvement in
improving civic conditions within the ward. Part one focuses in on improvements
you made in the year
2010. What can you share (civic works) with citizens in your ward?
(
<<
as
yet no response from Cummins)
Past unresolved Issue No.11 The Healthy Cleveland program got off to a bad start because most of the Council members felt there vote to ban trans fat was the right thing to do. Do you still feel the ban on the oils in some way, complement the ideals in democracy?
Index of Issues
===============================================================================
Ward 14
Councilman Brian Cummins...
council14@clevelandcitycouncil.org
received 1,467 votes in the November Election 2009
Candidate for Council Rick Nagin...
received 1,162 votes in the November Election 2009
Registered voters who did not vote in support of candidates to Council was 12,629
If for any reason Cummins cannot serve his full 4 year term, the city charter allows officials to appoint a replacement. Many citizens have expressed removal of the charter amendment. Appointed officials to public office are not the peoples choice. They are usually chosen to follow the dictates of government. And when this happens, democracy is not being honored in government and outward to the community. Rick Nagin is the peoples choice and already has 1,162 votes. Votes from elected leaders in government for appointed members, should be ruled out if the spirit of democracy moves within the body of Council. If not, citizens in Ward 14 should join forces with other Clevelander's wanting to put the issue before the public in a future election.
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Introduction
bypass introduction
For the past nine years, I never regretted writing prolifically about issues that are of citywide public interest. And for the next nine years, the articles will to a lesser degree. What is of greater importance is centering attention on the Wards and councilpersons that have been elected to serve the people in government. And no doubt, silence from Council members on issues important to citizens in the past will continue until they find peaceful way to break the pattern. One example of an excuse for the silence, is if citizens confront leaders about what I had written, they may be told that Hough is not a citizen of the Ward, and therefore his writings are mute. So, if this happens I will encourage citizens here (residents in the Ward), to do what I’ve done in the recent past. Email the concerns to leaders and expect responses, get rid of the excuses. If the silence continues after a reasonable time passes, it’s time to do some serious thinking about finding ways to reason with the Councilperson. If all approaches fail, citizens should not fail in some more Sirius thinking about raising a recall election. Don’t wait, four years of irresponsible leadership; will lead to a lot of, unethical and environmental damage to the community.
Now is the time to find out if leaders are really working for the people? Or working for government advancements that dwarf the concerns of citizens in the community. I invite citizens from the Wards to send emails concerns to be included here wither they be positive or negative toward the councilperson.
Community groups that are working on issues for the people in the Wards and new groups that are forming are vital and should be listed on the Ward pages. So please send info to me in helping spread the word that citizens are working on positive changes in the community and are always ready to welcome others.
The group that is now working on the traffic camera issue is a concern that
evolved from citizens in every Ward who made it a hot topic of discontent. I am
putting the name, Cuyahoga County for Liberty , on all the Ward pages, in hopes
that citizens will make it a household word. Because CCFL will be working on
other controversial issues of citywide public interest in the future as well.
The "power of the people" within this group, and all others, depend on
citizens willing to join, and together hold onto dreams of hope for a better
government tomorrow, a government that is empowered by the people and governed
by the spirit of democracy. The address for Cuyahoga County for Liberty please
click
.
=============================================================================
email information from citizens and to citizens with the most current data placed at the top and excerpts from "Letter to the Citizens of Cleveland" and other articles
DID YOU KNOW... (citizens are invited to contribute insights to this section)
Did you know the medical marts being constructed in New York City and Nashville, Tenn. are not finance by sales tax increases? Cleveland citizens (and in Cuyahoga County), both rich and poor, were forced (forced upon the public by dictators) into paying higher taxes to help the civic elite's (not all) dreams of riches unfold, without the burden, it seems, of loan paybacks to banks. Before the sales tax increase, councilmen Zachary Reed and Brian Cummins vigorously apposed the increase. Frank Jackson and colleagues, I guess, thought it was a cool idea to steal from the poor and give to the rich. ROBIN HOOD, HELP!
=============================================================================
Unresolved Past Issue 1 - Legal status of Traffic cameras <<(as yet no response from Cummins)
(Past references on "Traffic Cameras" 
)
Unresolved Past Issue 2 -
Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools?
<<(as yet no response from Cummins)
(Past references on "hands off"
)
Unresolved Past Issue 3 - Are you having scheduled (Town Hall) meetings with citizens in the ward?
<<(as yet no response from Cummins)
Unresolved Past Issue 4 - "The Councilman’s
Newsletters to ward citizens was discontinued, why?
<<(as yet no response from Cummins)
Unresolved Past Issue No. 5 - What are the issues
concerning the Web site proposal, suggested for this ward, that you may find
objectionable to citizens in the district?
<<(Cummins
did respond but...)
(Past reference )
Unresolved Past Issue No. 6 Would you vote Yes or
No to abolish traffic
cameras from within city limits if the
issue was placed before Council members in the chambers of City Hall? <<(Cummins
responded)
(Past reference - July 13
)
Unresolved Past Issue No. 7 is "Millions of Cleveland School District tax
dollars, perhaps in the 300 million range (as declared in year 2002), for years
have been placed in state and local bank investment accounts. It seems the
investment portfolio was more important than providing textbooks to every
student in years past. How do you justify such actions?" <<(as yet no response from Cummins)
Unresolved Past Issue No. 8 Home rule as presently
understood in the state constitution allows independent control provided the
rules do not interfere with state laws.
<<
as
yet no response from Cummins)
Unresolved Past Issue No. 9 - The State of education in many of Cleveland’s mainstream public schools is in need of extreme attention.
In
what area of service are you helping or can you help in partnership with
parents, teachers, students and others to achieve the ultimate goal of equality
in education for youth in all the schools? <<
as
yet no response from Cummins)
After
two reminder on October 13 & 18 Cummins responded. Click
Unresolved Past Issue No. 10 - I
want Mayor Jackson to honor the "Safety Belt" law of and in so doing
expect you to carry out this request by reminding him of his duty to the state
of Ohio. If silence continues on this matter, I will sight you as an accomplice
to Jackson’s rebuff of the law. Or explain to citizens in your ward why you
should not be held accountable. Citizens need to judge for themselves concerning
the content of this email and your reply or silence.
Unresolved Past Issue No.11 The Healthy Cleveland
program got off to a bad start because most of the Council members felt there
vote to ban trans fat was the right thing to do. Do you still feel the ban on
the oils in some way, complement the ideals in democracy?
<<
as
yet no response from Cummins)
Current Issue No 12. This issue is in two
parts. Past tense issues centered attention on concerns within the minds of
thousands of citizens citywide. Now the concerns center on your involvement in
improving civic conditions within the ward. Part one focuses in on improvements
you made in the year
2010. What can you share (civic works) with citizens in your ward?
<<
as
yet no response from Cummins)
Open letters to the Citizens of Cleveland, and the Public at large
(Index of All Open Letter Topics for 2010
)
Hispanic Alliance involvement
<<(as yet no response from Cummins)
Merrick House's Golden
Age
program at the Fulton Rd. Lin Omni center had closed...Did it really have to
end? Read
the
excerpt (below the email) from open letter dated April 25, 2011 and think for
yourself.
Ward
Newsletters
<<(as yet no response from Cummins)
A Log of Works proposal - written account
of works performed for citizens in the Ward (to be placed in Newsletter
Citizen Ward meetings on weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly intervals
email to Cummins
<<
(as yet no response)
The Clark–Metro Development Corporation (email to Cummins).
(Cummins
email response) >>
The Clark–Metro Development Corporation. An excerpt from "letter" dated
March 5,
2010
Stockyard
Redevelopment Organization
Federal funding, $400.000
yearly - most is being shifted to other Wards
Rick
Nagin, candidate for councilman - general election 2009
A
vacant house and years of political apathy toward citizens who complain about
community blight. Examples can be found on streets throughout Cleveland.
================================================================
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Councilman Cummins,
Issue No 12. This issue is in two parts. Past tense issues centered attention on concerns within the minds of thousands of citizens citywide. Now the concerns center on your involvement in improving civic conditions within the ward. Part one focuses in on improvements you made in the year 2010. What can you share (civic works) with citizens in your ward?
Civic works shared with citizens can become important boosts in an election where candidates will most assuredly, challenge your integrity to voters in all parts of the neighborhood. And it’s foolish to assume candidates will not rise up and challenge your work record.
Kind regards…Len
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -email to...January 14
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email to...January 19
================================================================
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Councilman Cummins,
Issue No.11 The Healthy Cleveland program got off to a bad start because most of the Council members felt there vote to ban trans fat was the right thing to do. Do you still feel the ban on the oils in some way, complement the ideals in democracy?
Please explain your thoughts on the ban to citizens in your ward through this WebSite. Most citizens in a democracy feel educating the public on any issue, and heeding the publics majority opinion on all issues, is most important before a ban is put on anything. Maybe through your explanation, citizens will better understand the way you voted was the right way.
Kind regards...Len.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -email to...November 22
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email to...October 30
================================================================
Email to...
Councilman
Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Councilman
Cummins,
Issue
No. 10… I was in violation of the "Seat Belt? safety law, when a camera
on Pearl Rd. snapped a picture of me driving my car through a red light. A
letter was sent to Mayor Jackson, which admitted to violating the state of
Ohio law. I challenge him to respect the law by having a police officer write
out a ticket, which I will sign, pay the penalty in court or waive the
appearance
if possible. The request was ignored, so I’m placing the petition in the
hands of 19 Council members.
I
want Mayor Jackson to honor the "Safety Belt" law of and in so doing
expect you to carry out this request by reminding him of his duty to the state
of Ohio. If silence continues on this matter, I will sight you as an
accomplice to Jackson’s rebuff of the law. Or explain to citizens in your
ward why you should not be held accountable. Citizens need to judge for
themselves concerning the content of this email and your reply or silence.
Jackson’
letter…
http://clevelandcitizenechoesonline.com/wardgovweb19.htm
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email to...November 1
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email from...November 1
Leonard,
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Brian,
http://clevelandcitizenechoesonline.com/wardgovweb19.htm
Do
I get the ticket based on what I said or will further obstickals be put in
my path to isolate Jackson and colleagues from further scrutiny (not
likely). Is it really, silence to the public by adding...this too
will pass?
I'm
not trying to be sarcastic, just trying to share some common sense
thinking.
Kind regards...Len
email from...November 4
Len,
email to...November 4
Brian,
No Further Comments
================================================================
email to...
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Councilman Cummins,
Issue No. 9 - The State of education in many of Cleveland’s mainstream public schools is in need of extreme attention. Acting upon the concerns citizens may have spoke to you about in the past no doubt can become rewarding in seeing the end results. However, many citizens had quit asking and walked away in defeat, when all they gained was false promises or worse, silence from written matters in letters, emails, etc. Citizens who are now involved assuredly are facing difficulties, because they lack the power in getting things done which officials can do within reason, a difference which can lead to better schools, no matter how small or big the accomplishments bring about.Citizens in your ward are waiting to hear what you may now be doing to fix some troubled areas, or can do with applause from citizens for doing the right thing for our youth. Mayor Jackson had urged council members to get involved after hearing the dismal results of the Ohio Department of Education school building report cards. But if by a slim chance, there are no public schools in your ward, colleagues can use your input in helping the young in this city achieve equality in education?
In what area of service are you helping or can you help in partnership with parents, teachers, students and others to achieve the ultimate goal of equality in education for youth in all the schools?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -email to...October 13
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email to...October 18
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email received ...November 1
Leondard,
My
office strives to connect school Principals, Teachers and Student/Parent
Organizations (SPOs) directly with other non-profit and for-profit
organizations and programs within our area for collaborations on projects and
initiatives that can benefit the school children.
Examples of collaborations are: Esperanza’s programming, such as
their Youth Leadership & Mentorship Programs; our office’s support of
community/youth gardening at Lincoln West; the local development corporation
office’s work to reach out and connect block and street clubs with the
schools that are within their areas; support of the RSVP tutoring program;
support of City Year Program; participation in Career Days and other
activities at the schools, i.e., science fairs and community forums.
It should be noted for my Ward and the near Westside, that Esperanza
has completed a new strategic plan to increase their involvement within the
local schools and to expand their already successful programming.
They have taken measures to re-position their organization in order to
build more capacity to support educational goals of improving graduation rates
and the overall performance of our children within the schools.
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Brian,
No Comments
================================================================
email to...
June 15, 2011
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Councilman Cummins,
Issue No. 8 Home rule as presently understood in the state constitution allows independent control provided the rules do not interfere with state laws.
Where is the justice in defying state law?
…when it come to the issue of traffic cameras. Where is the justice when citizens are not treated equally when penalties (penalty charges & points on licenses) for violations are handed out. State law charges for violations (tickets by police) are just about double the amount handed out by city citations (from cameras). In comparison, citations are nothing but a slap on the wrist. Not even that, if the cost of the penalty is not paid. The city cannot even pull violators into court for rebellious acts against paying what is due. But try it when tickets are handed out, and sooner or later, Big Brother just might put violators on a work crew picking up city trash, and paying the traffic violations plus points placed on licenses.
Most citizens know all this and have for years accepted state traffic laws as the law of the land. But now Little Brother comes along, and rebels against what is commonly accepted among the populace. What we now have is confusion among some citizens and it’s the responsibility of all Council members to clear up the commotion with laws that treat citizens equally, wither it be state or city laws.
There really must be a few logical reasons most members of Council have remained silent to citizens regarding the traffic camera issues presented on this WebSite. It is obvious the state laws are causing havic with local laws (Home Rule).
The state constitution seems to be a thorn in Little Brothers side. Home Rule as this government persists in practicing, takes presidents over state laws. What needs to be done to eliminate the confusion among citizens and judges who wish to base
judgments on clear understanding of the law, not laws that conflict, is to send a clear message to the state capital by a unified Council, requesting removal of all traffic laws governing Cleveland which interferes with Home Rule which is as practiced, seemingly supreme. Now if members of Cleveland City Council do not have the courage to clear the confusion from the minds of citizens, they have failed in their responsibility to the public and should seriously think about resigning.I repeat, Issue No. 8 needs to be answered so voters can better assess information gathered from many sources within each ward before voting. And I encourage leaders with ethical prowess from every ward, start selecting candidates for Council who are willing to stand tall for citizens and democracy…and stand tall beside them because they will surely need it when citizens are treated like VIP’s.
I REPEAT: Issue No. 8 Home rule as presently understood in the state constitution allows independent control provided the rules do not interfere with state laws.
Where is the justice in defying state law?
Kind regards…Len.
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email to...June 21
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email to...June 28
===========================================================================
email to...
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Councilman Cummins,
Issue No. 7 Millions of Cleveland School District tax dollars, perhaps in the 300 million range (as declared in year 2002), for years have been placed in state and local bank investment accounts. It seems the investment portfolio was more important than providing textbooks to every student in years past. How do you justify such actions?
And no, "passing-the-buck" to an appointed school board, should not be acceptable to citizens, especially the ones who remember being left behind in schools without textbooks. The appointed members answer to the same people Frank Jackson does. To the keepers of portfolios and other important of business affiliates.
And no, "hands off" the schools is not valid until Council members start speaking the truth in public. But this is not going to happen because the truth will cause havoc among voters. But citizens expect involvement, which mean silence to Issue No. 7 hopefully, will be reflected in the vote at election time.
Kind regards…Len.
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email to...May 18
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email to...May 25
===========================================================================
Merrick House's Fulton Rd. Golden Age program at the Lin Omni center is closed...Did it really have to close? Read the excerpt (below the email) from open letter dated April 25, 2011 and think for yourself.
email to...February 25, 2011
Brian,
The following is an excerpt from open letter dated February 25,
"The following issue will be sent via email to Ward 14 Councilman Brian Cummins because of the important nature of the concern. Because it is possible; reading the content of this open letter maybe secondary to priority actions Cummins must attend to so I felt it best to personalize the message.
In my last letter, I raised an issue I felt needed to be addressed, because it dealt with the end of social services for the elderly at the Mirreck House’s Fulton Road site in Ward 14. The poor economy was given as reasons for budget cuts that ultimately is leading to closing the program this coming April. The center services about120 senior citizens, which provides them with daily activities including mid-day meals.
Councilman Brian Cummins led me to believe the program could have gone forward after he heard of the Mirreck House’s, Board of Trustee’s, decision to close the center.
Cummins stated he was, "disappointed Merrick House did not seek further help from the city before announcing their decision."
The key words is they, "did not seek further help from the city"
Not wishing to repeat what was already stated in the last letter, I’ll add, many citizens have reviewed this issue and are rightfully saying, if the program could have been saved before with help from the city, why not after? Giving the program a temporary injection of funds, can provide time in seeking other avenues of support to keep this needed program for the elderly alive.
I emailed Cummins for updated info on the possibilities, but so far no reply. This does not mean he isn’t giving the issue top priority treatment. And top priority treatment is what citizens are expecting from the councilman. But remember, it can be a "Catch 22" situation. Fighting City Hall, may have some Councilpersons, like other citizens saying, you can’t, but being truthful with the public is what is expected. If Cummins can’t fight City Hall but tried, the public should know who is doing the back turning. This too is a "Catch 22" situation for Cummins, because if he wants the public to smile on his efforts, insider frowns can become warning signs of what’s to come. Cummins should go after the smiles, because he knows the smiles, enough of them, can overcome non-endorsements from Frank Jackson, the man who holds the biggest "warning sign". "
Kind regards...Len.
No Comments
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Excerpt from open letter dated April 25...
"In the last two letters I included concerns readers had about the ending of social services for the elderly at the Mirreck House’s Fulton Road site in Ward 14. A valued program, golden age citizens in attendance, enjoyed on a daily bases for about ten years. But because of hard economic times, which decreased charitable contributions, the program had close on the 31st of March.
But I’m still not convinced that beyond a shadow of a doubt, the program had to end without a temporary extension of funds. From a city budget that I question, does provide funds that are not black and white entries, but allowed whenever favored or emergency projects are raised and my "shadow of a doubt" comes in. Officials are tough nuts to crack on the budget in part, because citizens are not privileged to search the budget to find pockets of wasteful money that could be put to better use (my wife works at auditing documents and would be thrilled at looking into the city’s budget).
Councilman Brian Cummins hinted at the above when he heard of the program closing. He issued a statement to the PD of being
"disappointed Merrick House did not seek further help from the city before announcing their decision."Cummins statement should not be dismissed as an escape route excuse. All things are possible if pursued, and I may use Cummins quote in future letters. In an email to him, I urged him to do whatever it takes to find funds to reverse the outcome of the closing. He did not respond to my request, but that should not be thought, as he didn’t try. But if Cummins tried, he should have explained the reasons. Even Councilpersons at times cannot fight city hall or even talk about what goes on behind closed doors.
Or for that matter, what goes on behind closed doors with federal funds all Council members receive on a yearly bases in July. And true, many leaders do disclose how the money is spent, for citizens who want to know. Especially about the federal rule that a portion of the funds are to be spent on social services for citizens in the wards. But what about possible federal funds Cummins may have set aside for rainy days?
Possible, because former Councilman Santiago in 2009 dished out $30,000 in federal funds for the Fourth of July Fireworks display. That amount was needed to make up the loss of support in private contributions to the program. Santiago’s rationale and my brief response (a mix of the echoes from the public) can be read by clicking on… and then click on Santiago’s quote.
http://www.clevelandcitizenechoesonline.com/PP-5-4.htmWhen Cummins issued his statement, I am "disappointed Merrick House did not seek further help from the city before announcing their decision."
Was his federal funds account depleted? Or were their funds available but set aside for more important matters than lending a helping hand to the elderly?
Although the Merrick House program at the Lin Omni Center is now history, arrangements was made to bus the golden-age group to a similar program at the West Side Community House. How many will go is hard to say, but several will remain at home, some because of physical disabilities, others because community is home.
The West Side Community House is facing some of the same cuts in charitable contributions that Merrick House had to adjust to. And it is possible in the not so distant future, if not at the present time, WSCC officials will be seeking further contributions, before having to announce…WSCC is located in Ward16 where Jay Westbrook is councilman. His portion of federal funds, used to be, maybe still is $400,000 yearly, a good piece, no matter what the amount, goes to development centers. But and I’m repeating myself, "the federal rule is a portion of the funds are to be spent on social services to the people." WSCC now has a greater responsibly in serving the elderly that arrive by Merrick House vans or other means. The program should at least be receiving some of the federal funds and Westbrook out of need to keep the elderly program from going under, must keep this program on the priority watch list. I will be addressing this issue with Westbrook in an email with results shared on this WebSite’s Ward16 Community page."
================================================================================
email to...
March
7, 2011
Councilman
Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Issue
No. 6 (an extension of No. 1) Would you vote Yes or No to
abolish traffic cameras from within city limits if the issue was placed
before Council members in the chambers of City Hall?
Councilman Cummins,
Cleveland
citizens have spoken, and the echoes are heard beyond city limits, umpteen
thousands of them are saying, and now someday soon, Council members must act, or
act the citizens will, in the courts to remove the traffic cameras.
Wise
are Council members who place the issue to a vote in City Hall chambers before
an ethical judge, grounded in democracy’s rule of "majority opinion"
ends the political restraints against citizen (echoes) rights to be honored.
Wise
are Council members who place the issue (to abolish
traffic cameras from within city limits) to a vote in City Hall chambers.
The "majority opinion" of citizens in the wards, would like to know
how you would vote? If in doubt of the "majority opinion" take a
friendly walk to any street corner, and ask 12 citizens what they think. And
than think ethically before answering the question. Would you vote Yes or No to
abolish traffic cameras from within city limits?
You
were voted into office by the "majority opinion" vote. But the vote
for or against the traffic cameras was not to be honored by democracy’s rule,
the "majority opinion" vote. And that is the shame of every politician
who ignored the rights of citizens, "The Freedom of Voice" and voted
in 2005 for the traffic camera initiative…and than afterwards have the
audacity to say in so many words, I spoke and voted on behalf of my
constituents…Hogwash!
Collectively,
the public is not protesting against police ticketing drivers who run red
lights. But thousands of citizens have already signed petitions against
citations served on citizens who run the reds from the snapping of traffic
cameras. The reasons for the "thumps down" are "greed"
first, and a distant second "safety".
Kind
regards...Len.
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email to...March 10
Second Reminder...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Len,
Q.
Issue No. 6 (an extension of No. 1) Would you vote Yes or No to
abolish traffic cameras from within city limits if the issue was placed
before Council members in the chambers of City Hall?
A. I would vote no, unless there was as compelling reason
legally that the City of Cleveland’s current systems are deemed illegal.
My position on the traffic cameras is that I believe the systems have been
useful in terms of slowing traffic down to the legal limits and reducing
accidents. I’ve received requests from residents and block groups to
consider adding units to the City’s inventory, specifically at Clark and W. 23rd
Street (a school zone with a chronic problem of speeding trucks).
Regards,
Brian Cummins
Cleveland City Council, Ward 14
216-6647-4238 office
bcummins@clevelandcitycouncil.org
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email to...March 14
Brian,
Consider the following,
If permitted, you raise a camera on W. 23rd street in a school zone for the purpose of catching speeders and hopefully reducing the speed of other drivers who do not see or ignore the orange flashing lights or possibly patrol cruisers parked near by. Speeding is a crime that in most cases request drivers to appear in court if ticketed by the police. Drivers unless contesting the charges, pay fines, receive points on licenses or for a duration time, driving privileges are removed.
However, a camera snaps pictures of violators of the law and citations are sent to drivers. Citations illegally overturn state law, which mandates court appearances when rules of the road are broken. And in turn, you have become an accomplice to the crimes because you insisted on having the camera raised. Drivers either pay the penalty or for some not, because they know there is no fear of court appearance, no sharp remarks from judges, no fines and no worry of points that could add up to suspensions…or worse… But for politicians who become accomplices in helping drivers skirt the law, rarely leads to personal court fines or worse… Innocent bystanders usually pay the fines…by citizens in the form of taxes.
If you are adamant in keeping the cameras in place, you should discuss this issue with colleagues; to find ways to make citations from the snapping of traffic cameras, a court of law matter in similar tradition in the way tickets by police are now handed out to drivers. And if the collaboration proves successful in justifying what thousands of citizens now consider unjust, I would regard this issue closed. And as always, I'd encourage a response if this viewpoint is misguiding readers.
-----================================================================================
email to...
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Issue: No. 5: What are the issues concerning the Web site proposal, suggested for this ward, that you may find objectionable to citizens in the district?
Councilman Cummins,
The above proposal is the oldest I raised on my WebSite. And no one I talked objected to the idea. In fact, most thought the sites would make the councilmen who are barely seen in the wards today, more visible to the public tomorrow. New Council members, who were seated after the proposal was raised, should also think of reasons why the sites are wrong for citizens. And than take a survey of what residents think about the sites. Would democracy (majority opinion) come out a winner?
There are many positives about the sites that can be beneficial to all. On the side of citizen "heroes" who volunteer energy and time toward making improvements in neighborhoods, consider the following…
Spring is coming, and this means community outreach personnel from development centers will be reviewing works to be done in the neighborhoods. They will soon be speaking at block clubs in areas the centers serve. And every year citizens from all over Cleveland help in the beautification of our neighborhoods. Many do this willingly and ask nothing in return. But wouldn’t it be nice to honor these people on Internet sites with single or group pictures with info on who did what in the community? And in every ward, there are people who are willing (volunteer) to place approved photos and info on the sites for Cleveland citizens to click into. The sites do not have to be a costly affair. Connecting citizens from all wards to the sites, and reading about projects completed, can become incentives to do similar works. Too many citizens feel the government cares less about them, but when they gather insights from the Internet of the gratitude feelings can change. And hopefully citizens searching to enrich their lives through volunteering, will join block clubs nearest their homes to become valued partners in efforts to spruce up the neighborhoods with whatever is needed. An added boost to the ventures could be the Councilpersons presence to speak words of encouragement, appreciation, and…to volunteer self whenever possible.
Kind regards…Len.
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email from...February 4
Len,
I'll continue to try to utilize the internet for better communications as
well as utilize traditional media such as Council newsletters. I just
started utilizing my own blog last month can be used in the way you suggest
in terms of posting photos and stories of activities in the neighborhoods.
I've utilized other blogs (listed below since 2009).
Regards,
Brian.
PS: Please email me at my direct email address at :
bcummins@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Thank you.
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email to...February 5
Brian,
You did not answer the question.
Your comments are all well and good, but they did not answer the question,
What are the objections against raising a Web site for Ward 14 citizens?
Example of the site's importance: I am a citizen wanting to join the nearest
block club where I live. The answer could be just a few mouse clicks away.
Or I could call/email your office and seek assistance from someone on the
other end. Maybe I would get an answer, or maybe that person would refer me
to someone else, who may or instead refer me...
Results: red tape and headaches on both ends. Your assistance time can be
utilized in more important areas of business and I...knowing the household
words (Ward 14 Web site), or going to Googles and type in, Ward 14 Web site
Cleveland, get it. No red tape, no headaches and most important, your
assistance's time can be better utilized elsewhere.
Perhaps it's not as simple as that, but chances are good, I would not be
reaching out for an Excedrin to get rid of a headache.
Again: "What are the objections against raising a Web site for Ward 14
citizens?"
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email from...February 5
Len,
I have no objections other than it may be too challenging to have a single
site that can do everything. The reason is the issues of ownership,
management and sustainability of such a site. Short of a single site, I
believe that having multiple ways of communicating and having
responsibilities shared and even somewhat duplicated (redundancy) is a good
thing.
I am working to incorporate your suggestions with the local development
corporation that serves our area - the Stockyard, Clark Fulton & Brooklyn
Centre Community Development Office (SCFBC). The local development
organization is the primary organization that interacts with the community's
block clubs, civic associations, other non-profits, businesses, churches and
schools. Even though my office interacts with these same entities, the
development organization has more staff that are assigned responsibilities
for covering these areas of interests. By collaborating with this office -
together with all the stakeholders I mentioned, we can all keep each other
informed of activities and opportunities through a variety of media and
communications.
Whether a single internet site can function as the sole provider or
coordinating device for what you describe is something I'm not sure of.
I'll commit to speaking with the development organization to explore this
idea. In absence of a single site, I think having a somewhat diverse and
redundant set of tools can be a successful approach.
An example is the current availability of information located on the various
internet sites as well as physical print materials and phone calls as well
as other media, and tools i.e., :
1) My current blog - http://brian-cummins.blogspot.com/
2) My facebook account - facebook.com/brianjcummins
3) My Twitter account - http://twitter.com/brianjcummins
4) Ward 14 newsletter (Spring 2011 in process)
4) SCFBC facebook account -
http://www.facebook.com/SCFBCCommunityDevelopmentOffice
5) SCFBC newsletter (they send it out via email and in print form to block
clubs and civic groups
One other potential to address your point could also be the addition of a
page to my current blog site that could be a guide for directing people to
block clubs and other information that you mention or that would be useful,
i.e., link to the most common ordinances people should be aware of, various
ways to interact with the police and other City Departments etc... I've
been considering how to incorporate this type of info using the simple built
in features of the blog.
I'll continue to try to develop communications tools in collaboration with
other stakeholders/related organizations.
Regards,
Brian.
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email to...February 5
Brian,
You set up roadblocks to soon. Before citizens can vision the cracks in the
pavement.
However, there is a positive that may hide the cracks. You stated, "I have
no objections other than it may be too challenging to have a single site
that can do everything."
No one expects "Everything".
Just remove a few of the roadblocks, enough to make the Web site idea the
buzz word in City Hall...for citizens who are not looking for
"Everything"...just something.
Kind regards...Len.
(END OF COMMUNICATION)
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The Councilman’s Newsletters to ward citizens was discontinued, why?
Kind regards…Len
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email to... September 17- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
email to... September 22
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September 30, 2010 (PLEASE NOTE - The Issue No. 4 "The Councilman’s Newsletters to ward citizens was discontinued, why?
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cummins,
SPECIAL NOTE. The issue below is not exactly accurate, although there are some leaders who treat the Newsletters as if the reports were discontinued. The question was framed this way, a slight deviation from the truth, in hopes of breaking through the silence.
Issue: No. 4 The Councilman’s Newsletters to ward citizens was discontinued, why?
More silence. Now really, that's no way to treat citizens who pay the bills in government... especially the pay checks to Council members.
The issue plus three previous ones will not go away. And if I get my way, the four issues and ones to come if silence persist, will become repeats during the forthcoming election year. And beyond if...
Silence to the people is not, IS NOT, a standard of conduct in democracy. It seems that you, including Jackson, need to return to high school for a refresher course in American History and the reasons why the founders of this country chose democracy as the ruling guide for our government.
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July 27, 2010 (PLEASE NOTE - The Issue No. 3 "Are you having scheduled (Town Hall) meetings with citizens in the ward? email is placed below this one)
August 20, 2010
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cummins,
The question, "Are you having scheduled (Town Hall) meetings with citizens in the ward?" seems to be of know concern of yours. This may be because government affairs take precedence over the concerns of common folk. And Something seems very, very wrong with this picture.
Tilling voters during times of campaigning for reelection the truth, can right the picture. Did you ever till them, Don’t expect me to really listen to your opinion on the traffic cameras? The government is always in need of your money. Don’t expect me to really listen to your opinion on involvement in the schools. Sanders is doing a marvelous job, he does not deserve all the negative feedback from a public, who seemingly knows a lot about nothing. And now you want weekly, biweekly, or monthly meetings with citizens in the ward? Why? Can’t you just trust, and have faith that what I do in government, is done to benefit the community?
No, you wouldn’t dare speak the truth during campaigns for reelection, because if you did, I may not be addressing this memo to you now.
However, I always feel in doubt about what I write about? And have always challenged government leaders to set the record strait. I try to keep an open dialogue (email exchange of thoughts is always encouraged).
You may respond, and I hope I am wrong…it doesn’t matter, the people who vote for me, have been challenged to do the right thing, when the Plain Dealer did the right thing by endorsing me, a loyal government leader. And that Hough, is all that matters
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email to... August 15
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email to... August 10
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August 7, 2010
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Issue: Are you having scheduled (Town Hall) meetings with citizens in the ward?
Councilman Cummins,
I need not dwell on the importance of Council chamber meetings to update members on old (but pending) and new business transactions taking place within government. However, some of these same dealings effect citizens city wide and should be included in scheduled ward meetings. Ward meetings with citizens are of prime importance in hearing resident concerns and finding resolve on issues that are causes for public anxiety.
When I receive the info on meetings with the public, I will post the schedule (places, dates, times, etc.) on the Ward Community Page below your email address.
If none is received, I will place the question, "Are you having scheduled (Town Hall) meetings with citizens in the ward?" below your email address with the following two words, "NO COMMENTS". I will follow this with references to this email and another to follow regarding unresolved civic issues.
Kind regards…Len.
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July 27, 2010 (PLEASE NOTE - The "Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools" email is placed below this one)
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cummins,
Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools?
Silence again. I just don't get it. When you were on the campaign trail, did citizens get the silent treatment when issues were raised? A primary issue among citizens in Cleveland is public education...been that way for years. And for years public officials, including the mayor been ignoring the pleas once campaigns ended. And for some years now, I have been encouraging parents to monitor children's educational progress, and if the reverse of progress is becoming a disturbing factor, get them out before apathy toward learning consumes them.
Students that become "drop-outs" should be thought of as students who could have achieved beyond the scope of achieving high school diplomas. And yes, if people in power wish to blame negligent parents as the greatest contributors to the "drop-out" rate, the same people in power are to blame for not raising more effective, more preventive "drop-out" programs. Many of these students come from dysfunctional families; but with social skills training from the skilled professionals dedicated to helping youth through difficult times, which can curtail the possible lure of underground vice.
Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools? I’m going to take a long shot guess on who ordered it. One would think it was the former CEO of schools Barbara Byrd-Bennett. She was a tyrannical leader of the schools plus… A favored autocrat of the civic elite (not all), and hand picked by former mayor Mike White, another favored of the privileged few. The Cleveland Foundation thought so highly of her that she received a 55 thousand-dollar bonus to do whatever. She might have received one every year, if it wasn’t for a state auditor’s report on the lack of providing expenditure documentation. In response to the auditor’s complaint, C.F. officials stated they did not expect Byrd-Bennett to provide receipts for how it was spent and therefore felt the auditor’s objection was in my assumption "petty". But they did stop the…what was it…a yearly gift?
Byrd-Bennett’s power exceeded former mayor Jane Campbell’s who had "Mayor Control of the Schools". Technically Campbell had "Mayor control…" but as many citizens know, "control" was in the hands of Byrd-Bennett. During Campbell’s four years in office, she tippy-toed around Byrd-Bennett. Did Campbell do the right thing? Yes, when she went begging for campaign funds among the suburban "shakers and movers" her freedom to lead was altered. Did Campbell do the right thing by the voters? Absolutely not! Citizens expected real involvement in the schools, but Byrd-Bennett stood in the doorways with stern looks, and challenged her to do something about it. She yielded to the higher powers and turned away, but no matter where she looked, parents of students, citizens and youth looked back in frustration and wondered why? Year after year, she watched the "drop-out" rate soar beyond the norm. Campbell didn’t do what the voters expected, she followed the dictates of powers that should have been challenged, for the sake of youth caught in a web of chaotic circumstances which harmed the normal flow of education. So in the area of education, Campbell’s leadership was a failure. "Mayor control of the Schools" was a serious joke; Campbell played on the community.
The same goes for members of City Council. I remember a meeting leaders had with Byrd-Bennett that made them look like hurt puppies running away with tails between their legs. Byrd-Bennett roared back at them, "You’re not my boss" when they tried to get a point across. They caved into the CEO’s demands to stay out of her business. And when officials honored Byrd-Bennett’s demands, their silence to the parents of students, citizens and concerns of youth, contributed to the low academic ratings in too many schools.
Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools? The long shot guess of mine is just that, Byrd-Bennett may have echoed it, but who was behind the scenes firmly nudging her on? There is a power behind leadership that frees leaders to act in certain ways…as long as the top brass is in accord.
History is repeating itself today. The PD in 3 editorials encouraged Jackson to get involved with the teachers contract dispute, but instead "hands off". The Cleveland Foundation is now pouring millions of dollars into the schools. But don’t ask for accountability, It’s private funds, "hands off". Polensek made a lot of noise during the Byrd-Bennett years, but no action, "FOR THE KIDS". Hay, the roar of the lion scared the puppy into the doghouse where Sanders just might keep him. Now Jeff Johnson is making the same noise with Sanders, but lacks the courage to leap like a lion, "FOR THE KIDS". And so it seems with all the silence toward the current issue. All 19 members of Council it seems are lacking the courage to get involved, "FOR THE KIDS". Make a liar out of me; all it takes is one brave member to defy the top brass. No biggie! Citizens will protect the brave who is willing to stand tall for the youth in this city.
When Sanders entered the Cleveland school system, he created a five-year plan to supposedly elevate education for all students. But instead, the drop-out rate escalated and charter schools increased. If 21 Council members bucked the "hands off" order "FOR THE KIDS" to help achieve the plans goal in various ways, parents of students, the public and youth would have applauded the efforts, especially from citizens whose powers are limited in changing anything in the schools. Not so with public officials who have the power to go beyond ShowTime drama.
Now Sanders has another five-year plan he is hoping will work. And with the combined efforts of 19 Council members getting involved in what citizens pleaded for in past campaigns, in emails, letters, phone calls and so on. The "hands on" attempts will produce positive results. But until officials understand that any plan, by Sanders or anyone else, needs evolvement, I will continue encouraging parents to be vigilant in the educational growth of children. If it’s not happening within a reasonable time span, get them out of the schools, and carefully chose ones with good report cards from the Ohio Department of Education. And do it before children understand the meaning and lure of shiftless attitudes in the words, "drop-out".
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email to... July 23
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email to... June 18
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email to...
July 14, 2010
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools?
Councilman Brian Cummins,
Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools? The PD first revealed this during the Campbell years. But what they failed to state is who ordered it?
Councilman Jeff Johnson served in the Campbell administration when the PD published the info.
On April 6, 2010 I sent an email to him which included the following...
"During former mayor Jane Campbell's term in office, the Plain Dealer in one of their articles, in reference to her stated "hands off" the school district. The PD never provided info on who made the "hands off" demand. During that time, you worked for her. Citizens have been asking me if I know. I wish I could provide some answers, but you can. Who demanded "hands off" the school district?"
Johnson failed to respond to a request many citizens are now asking.
Now it's your turn to find out, who demanded "hands off" the school district? And report your findings to citizens, via this WebSite's Ward 14 Community Page.
Kind regards...Len.
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email to... July 5
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email to... June 30
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email to...
To: Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Hispanic Alliance
involvementCouncilman Cummins,
Part of the reason the Hispanic Alliance
was formed among many groups, which provide services to Hispanic citizens, is the lack of...or low interests in civic causes from government officials.And because of the lack of a Ward Newsletter
which in the past provided citizens with information from pens of Council persons, just a few Hispanic citizens now (all citizens should know) know how much of the $400,000 in federal funds was granted to Hispanic groups that service the community.How much of the $400,000 went to these groups in helping them help citizens in need of various services?
And are you currently involved in helping the Hispanic Alliance
in helping them achieve what only can be achieved from the government point of servicing?Kind regards...Len
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email to... (PLEASE NOTE - The "Legal status of Traffic Cameras" email is placed below this one)
June 23, 2010
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cummins,
Unresolved civic issues have caused unnecessary perplexity in the lives of too many Ward 14 citizens. They struggle to find answers but who among the political authority is listening? Who among the political authority is willing to provide answers? The issue of the traffic cameras has caused citizens to move beyond the silence. Citizens who are willing to go the distance, to overcome the recession of silent leaders put in front of them, are the people worth writing about, and lending support to. They are doing what leaders should be doing.
Some of the issues I will be writing about in the future will be revisions of the old. If silence is all Cummins can offer citizens, the ethical thing to do is resign.
The excerpt below is from the PD article, "A shrinking Cleveland may have hit population bottom" by Robert L. Smith Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city lost 2,658 people in 2009 as the population fell to 431,363. It was the largest numerical drop among America's major cities."
Every politician in the past nine years who ignored the issues of Cleveland citizens, some of which I focused attention on, played a large roll in the exodus of people leaving this town. If it continues they all need to resign. When politicians turn their backs on citizen concerns at City Hall and in the public schools, residents get this strange feeling that taxes and the vote, is all that matters.
Ward 14 citizens deserve better, better communities, a better Cleveland. This is the dream behind the vote. But silence toward civic issues is the dark side of the dream, which citizens will continue bringing into the light until the unresolved is resolved or as we noted in the census count, move into communities where they are treated by government officials more like VIP's. I will continue honoring the dreams of citizens by writing about the issues…that just don’t seem to go away in the dreams of most local politicians.
This basic message was sent to all Council members…with a little ray of hope…
I wish I could end this writing with…Kind regards from Cleveland citizen "Echoes" But there still is a little ray of hope…
...that is currently provided by citizens involved in the traffic camera issue.
Saving Cleveland will not happen on the Drew Carey celebrity circuit. As I stated in a past article, if he is willing to hold hands with the now involved common folk, saving Cleveland with a lot of "blood, sweat and tears, ray of hope" has a chance.
This memo will be placed above Council member emails on the traffic camera issue, in all the Community Ward Pages.
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email to... June 18
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email to... June 14
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email to...
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Legal status of Traffic Cameras
Councilman Cummins,
On March 9, 2009 you voted "yea" on passage of the 413.013 Codified Ordinance (Traffic Cameras). Over a period of the past six years before your vote, you heard the "Nays" from citizens and most of the comments were rational in thought. Many viewed the "Ordinance" as a test of wills and not a law without broken links that challenge the intellect. Thousands of citizens have refused to pay the penalties for running red lights or speeding. At the end of a long paper trail of threats to do whatever, the law seems to be something other than. Millions of unpaid penalties are now on the books because there is no legal route to take beyond demands from collection agencies. Otherwise many people would have been hailed into court to pay up or face the consequences. A law without consequences is simply put, "something other than." So if the "Ordinance" is just a deceptive tool to play monetary havoc on the public, shouldn't citizens in Ward 14 consider your "Yea" vote a bit on the debatable side? Am I wrong? I certainly hope so!
About a year before your "Yea" vote was cast, Kevin P. Shannon, a former student of law at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at the time, completed his study of the local law and titled it, "Speeding Toward Disaster: How Cleveland's Traffic Cameras Violate the Ohio Constitution." The documents web address is…
http://www.clevelandstatelawreview.org/55/issue4/gshannon.pdfShannon is now a practicing attorney in a prestigious law firm in Cleveland.
All this information was out there before your "Yea" vote was cast. Citizens in Ward 14 are now waiting to hear your side of the argument.
Why did you vote "Yea" on the "Ordinance?"
With respect, on behalf of "Echoes" from thousands of Ward 14 citizens who signed or waiting to sign petitions to vote Yea or Nay on the traffic cameras in the November election.
Len.
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an excerpt from "letter" April 7,
2010
"Polensek should do what I recommended Brian Cummins do in my last letter (what citizens have been longing to read). Keep logs of works done, and place them in newsletters sent to homes in the wards. Begin doing, and not just saying and than observe citizen positive reactions. If Polensek and Cummins are not enthused over sharing their body of works with the public, could they argue their cases against closer, knowing that democracy seeks openness? Could the school dilemma of today, have been in a better state of affairs, if the media, mainly the PD, and politicians like Polensek, revered citizen expectations engulfed in democracy "thirty-some-odd-years" ago?"
"The Loser. Rick Nagin lost the election in Ward 14 to Brian Cummins by 305 votes. Of about 41 candidates (not including the incumbents) campaigning in the Primary Election, Nagin was among the few who received PD attention.
The article about him was not complimentary, and the other candidates were barely noted in the PD writings. The PD pounced on Nagin with a critical article that attacked him for being a member of the American Communist party. Does this mean that if Nagin was elected councilman, he would be the only bad-apple (not even) in Council simply because of his party affiliation?
If the word Communism was removed from the article, and all the projected thoughts the PD hoped to conjure up in the minds of readers was lifted, what is left for readers to read, hints at a man whose mores are close to the Democratic party ideal. But it is not the ideal of which too many local politicians are practicing today. It’s no surprise to me that so many voters who knew Nagin’s affiliation with the Communist party voted for him. The politicians are partly to blame for trashing their own Democratic ideology, which in turn has caused citizens to turn away, in search of alternative leadership in government.
Food for thought, if American Communism is the only, what-mud-slinging the PD can muster up against Nagin in all these years, why trash him now? And according to what the PD did not care to report, Nagin to too many citizens seems to be an earnest guy worthy of respect, at least until the execs at the newspaper can print articles about-what…the subversive side of the man. Communism in America is not what takes up a third of the FBI’s time in cases of criminal activity in subservient groups. That "third" is devoted to corrupt actions in government with ties (not all) to the civic elite. Rick Nagin did not deserve to be dumped on by the PD in the way they did. Communism is certainly not my ideal, neither is socialism, but between the two, the rise in socialism in this country has multitudes of citizens worried, more so than the rise of Lenin or Marxism."
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Councilman Brian Cummins,
Ward 14
Subject: Newsletter, etc.
Councilman Cummins,
Absent from Ward 14, thus far, is the Councilman's Newsletter. When can citizens expect them to arrive at homes?
Are you having community meetings? And if so is there a schedule available for citizens who may like to attend?
With respect, from many Ward 14 citizens "echoes"
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email to...
February 11, 2010
Councilman Brian Cummins, Ward 14
Subject: Clark–Metro Development Corporation
Councilman Cummins,
This is an excerpt from an Open Letter to the Citizens of Cleveland. Dated, 2/11/2010
Former Councilman, Joe Santiago, remained silent over a major issue that should have been addressed to citizens the first year of his term in office. Now it is your turn to provide information to citizens who are involved in the progress Clark–Metro Development Corporation is aiming to achieve. Santiago never explained in his newsletters, or to the Plain Press, why federal funding was removed from CMDC. The reasons for the withdrawal was never clearly explained and to a degree, it has hindered CMDC in getting grant money elsewhere because the city’s Community Development Department is not chipping in. The absence of logic is a puzzlement to many citizens in the community. And causes many to wonder about equality, when most of the wards $400.000 in yearly federal funds, are shifted into other wards. Citizens contribute to federal taxes from wages...just like citizens do in other wards but where is the equality?
With respect, from Len and many Ward 14 citizens "echoes"
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An excerpt from "letter" dated March 5, 2010
Response to Cummins email
"I cannot explain the decisions made by my predecessors or those made by the Department of Community Development as related to funding of the Clark-Metro Development Corporation."
I never expected Cummins to address his predecessors shortcomings, but concerned citizens do expect him to, probe and provide, answers to problems related to decisions made within City Hall that shuts out the community. I am encouraging citizens who support CMDC, to contact Cummins and encourage him to find out the why of it all. Cummins should already know or probe in getting the reasons why before being asked, if his work ethics for the people is in the right place. As a representative of the people, this is his responsibility. If citizens continue to ask but silence persist, it reveals a broken link in a politician’s obligation to follow the ideals within democracy, to be true to the people. Silence is permissible, but only in arias such as matters of defense, of protecting our city, our country, against harmful acts of injustice, etc. If my rationale is wrong, I welcome an email debate with Cummins.
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Email from Councilman Brian Cummins
Thursday, February 11, 2010 6:47 PM
Dear Leonard,
I am aware of
the many difficulties Community Development Corporations (CDCs) face in
operating in a prolonged down economy. Too often the non-profit sector is
unable to be as nimble and creative in adapting to changes as businesses are in
the for-profit sector. The reliance that CDCs have on federal funding
(Community Development Block Grant funds – CDBG) makes it all the more
challenging. In addition, it takes a concerted and consistent effort in
working within the community in building sustainable partnerships with block and
civic groups who can then add value to the work of a local development
corporation.
http://realneo.us/content/former-ward-14-and-15-development-funding-2006-2009
Councilman, Ward 14
Cleveland City Council
City Hall, Room 220
601 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-664-4238 office
216-664-3837 fax
bcummins@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Executive Assistant, Ward 14
jhamm@clevelandcitycouncil.org
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