2010. What can you share (civic works) with citizens in your ward?
(
<<
as
yet no response from Cimperman)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 Cimperman)
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 3
Councilman Joe Cimperman
council3@clevelandcitycouncil.org
No opponents in the November election 2009 20,258
Registered voters at the time of the November election 2009 was
If for any reason Cimperman 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. The last candidate that challenged Cimperman, Laurel A. Warnke-Taylor who received 993 votes in the November 8, 2005 General Election is the peoples choice. 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 3 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
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 civic issue 1 - Legal status of Traffic cameras
<<(as yet no response from
Cimperman)
(Past references on "Traffic Cameras" 
)
Unresolved civic issue 2 -
Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools?
<<(as yet no response from
Cimpermam)
(Past references on "hands off"
)
Unresolved civic issue 3 - Are you having scheduled (Town Hall) meetings with citizens in the ward?
<<(as yet no response from
Cimperman)
Unresolved civic Issue 4 "The Councilman’s Newsletters to ward citizens was discontinued, why?
<<(received
response, but an answer to the question is still pending)
Unresolved civic 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? <<(received
response, but a direct answer to the question is still pending)
(Past reference )
Unresolved civic 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? <<(Cimperman
responded)
(Past reference - July 13
)
Unresolved civic 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 Cimperman)
Unresolved civic 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 Cimperman)
Unresolved past Issue No. 9 - The State of education in
many of Cleveland’s mainstream public schools is in need of extreme attention.
Open Letter
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 Cimperman
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.
Current 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 Cimperman)
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?
<<
Cimperman responded)
Open letters to the Citizens of Cleveland, and the Public at large
(Index of All Open Letter Topics for 2010 )
A
vacant house and years of political apathy toward citizens who complain about
community blight. Examples can be found on streets throughout Cleveland.
================================================================
email to...
January 09, 2012
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Councilman Cimperman,
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
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email to...January 14
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email to...January 19
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email from...
January 19, 2012
Mr. Hough:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding civic improvements I have been involved
with recently. I apologize for the untimely response. I have been on
paternity leave to enjoy much needed family time with my wife, daughter, and
newborn son.
The completion of civic improvements is an important indicator of holding
elected officials accountable to their constituents. The City of Cleveland
is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its residents regardless
of race, color, ethnicity or religion.
Great things are happening in the City of Cleveland and exciting times are
upon us, as well as ahead of us. With help from Ohio City Incorporated and
the City of Cleveland Department of Economic Development, I was able to
recruit a local ice cream manufacture to purchase vacant commercial space in
the Ohio City neighborhood, helping to eliminate blight and bring new jobs
to Ward 3.
Downtown, the once fatal Ralph J. Perk Plaza received a much needed
makeover, creating a green urban oasis that is safe for all users. The
revitalized park ties nicely into the Euclid Corridor project that has been
extremely successful and has acted a national model for corridor
revitalization. Also downtown on the West Bank of the Flats, the Greater
Cleveland Aquarium recently opened. It includes forty tanks including an
exhibit devoted to Ohio lakes and rivers.
Currently, there are plans in the works to help combat chronic homelessness
within the City of Cleveland. We are having great success with some programs
currently in place and we would like to continue to add more to help this
in-need sector of our population that is often neglected.
These are just a few of the numerous great projects that have occurred
and
will occur in the future in the City of Cleveland. I hope this answers you
question.
Sincerely,
Joe Cimperman
Ward 3 Councilman
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Email to…
January 20,
Councilman Cimperman,
Thank you for the response.
Issue No.12 comes in two parts but from the
info in your memo, I get the
idea that it pertains to both 1210 and 1211 years. I need to know if this is
correct, so I do not send you part two of the issue.
Answering the question as stated is not for me say. Answering the question
is for citizens in Ward 3 to decide.
Congratulation on the new born. Having
a son should certainly turn cloudy
days into sunny ones.
Kind regards...Len.
================================================================
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Councilman Cimperman,
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 15
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email to...November 30
================================================================
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Councilman Cimperman,
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
email to...November 1
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email to...November 7
================================================================
email to...
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Councilman Cimperman,
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
================================================================
email to...
June 15, 2011
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Councilman Cimperman,
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.
================================================================
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Councilman Cimperman,
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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - email to...May 18
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email to...May 25
================================================================
email to...
March 7, 2011
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
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 Cimperman,
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...
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email to...March 11
I would again like to thank you for your interest and investment in our city, it's policies and the satisfaction of Cleveland's citizens.
I have repeatedly voted against the traffic light cameras as I see them as doing more harm than good and not achieving their primary objective: safety.
It is my strong belief that there are far better traffic calming measures that can be utilized to slow speeding vehicles and create a traffic-safe and welcoming City.
The number of emails, calls, letters I have received and continue to receive re inforce that for every dollar brought in (the real objective, let's be honest) through the use of these cameras, we subsequently lose people who would have stayed in our hotels, shopped in our stores, eaten in our restaurants.
I amended the original legislation; I voted against (knowing it would pass) to ensure there wouldn't be even 1 standard traffic camera in my ward. I am as proud of that as I am distraught at the economic investment we are losing and the other real traffic safety measures that we are not implementing due to this false solution.
Will I vote against the cameras? As I have always done and believe, yes.
Thanks for your interest and citizenship.
email to...March 11
================================================================
email to...
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
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 Cimperman,
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,
Good Morning Mr. Hough,
To begin,
We would like to thank you for your continued communication with our office.
Your insight and perspective is valuable and appreciated. We are lucky to have
such caring and interested citizens such as yourself in our Ward. We completely
agree with you about the use of a 'Ward Website' to keep our constituents
informed, involved and up to date on the local happenings in the Ward. We are
working on this and are happy to hear that our residents are interested in such
an initiative. Again, thank you for your time and dedication to Ward 3 and the
City of Cleveland .
(Also please note that this e mail address [ward3cleveland@gmail.com]
is the BEST way to communicate with us. It will ensure quicker response time.]
Many Thanks to you Sir
Rachael Sommer, LISW
 Executive Assistant to Councilman Joe Cimperman
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email to...February 4,
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email from...February 4,
Mr. Hough,
Again-
Thank you for your interest. We are more than happy to provide updates as they
arise. Thank you for your correspondence -we look forward to hearing from you in
the future.
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email to...February 4,
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But when I asked him for updates on his progress, silence turned a positive issue negative…but hopefully Cimperman will listen to what citizens have to say on this proposal and honor the "majority opinion". The emails are as follows... (NOTE - Cimperman did respond several days after the "Third Reminder" was sent.)
email to…April 1
Councilman Cimperman,
Can you provide any updates on the establishment of a Web site for Ward 3 citizens.
Kind regards...Len
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email to…April 5
Second Reminder...
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email to…April 10
Third and Final reminder...
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email from…April 10
Mr. Hough
Thank you again for writing us regarding the website. We are still working on
it and hope to have it up in the near future. Thank you for your continued
investment in our ward!
Sincerely,
Rachael Sommer, LISW
Executive Assistant to Councilman Joe Cimperman
================================================================
email received...September 7
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email sent...September 8
Communication with Councilpersons has always been by email only.
================================================================
September 13, 2010
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Issue: No. 4: (below)
Councilman Cimperman,
The Councilman’s Newsletters to ward citizens was discontinued, why?
Kind regards…Len
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email to... September 17
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email to... September 22
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September 30, 2010Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cimperman,
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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email from...September 30
Mr. Hough,
On behalf of Councilman Cimperman I would like to thank you for taking the
time to reach out and discuss your concerns with us. We are always thankful for
feedback from constituents. We would like to explore this matter further with
you. Could you provide some details on your concern? How can we be of
assistance? Can you also please identify the three other issues to which you
referred in your correspondence? Also, is there a phone number we may
contact you at to follow up on this issue?
Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day,
Rachael Sommer, LISW
Executive Assistant to Councilman Joe Cimperman
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email to...October 5
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email to...October 7 (PLEASE NOTE - The Issue No. 4 "The Councilman’s Newsletters to ward citizens was discontinued, why? The first email related to this question is placed below the following four)
================================================================
(PLEASE NOTE - 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 Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cimperman,
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 Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Issue: Are you having scheduled (Town Hall) meetings with citizens in the ward?
Councilman Cimperman,
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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email to... (PLEASE NOTE - The "Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools" email is placed below this one)
July 27, 2010
Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cimperman,
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 Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Subject: Who ordered "hands off" the Cleveland public schools?
Councilman Joe Cimperman,
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 3 Community Page.
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 Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Subject: Unresolved civic issues
Councilman Cimperman,
Unresolved civic issues have caused unnecessary perplexity in the lives of too many Ward 3 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 Cimperman 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 3 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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Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 3
Subject: Legal status of Traffic Cameras
Councilman Cimperman,
On March 9, 2009 you voted "Nay" on passage of the 413.013 Codified Ordinance (Traffic Cameras), but the reason needs clarification. 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 3be curious about consider your "Nay" vote? Am I wrong? I certainly hope so!
About a year before your "Nay" 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 "Nay" vote was cast. Citizens in Ward 3 are now waiting to hear if your Nay vote is in agreement.
With respect, on behalf of "Echoes" from thousands of Ward 3 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
"I’m thinking of Joe Cimperman, councilman for Ward 3 who already proved he wants to serve the civic elite (does it really include the poor folk?) from far off DC. He is a man who spends much of his time in two areas of concern. Catering to the civic elite’s wants and finding the right route to DC in efforts to oust Congressman Dennis Kucinich. He tried it once and with the right pull and greenback-strategy from his civic elite friends (the PD endorsed getting rid of Kucinich in favor of Cimperman) he will likely try it again. Carey most likely would cause an upset if he suddenly bought a home in Tremont. Because I know citizens (Echoes) have been working on ways to get rid of Cimpermam in favor of a leader willing to work for the people.
As stated there are many citizens who would like to see Cimperman run out of their neighborhood. Especially the ones who are helping Frank Gigleo, keep the land where his house stood before officials at City Hall bulldozed it down…illegally according to press reports. And what did Cimperman do to stop the controversial action? Next question! The land is needed for prime development, of the Cleveland Clinic speculation kind.
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