KTM

Pigboy. I disagree. Locally, state wide, nationally, or world wide, minority refers to the segment of the population that is less represented in numbers. Even if the word "minority" is as you discribe, who do you think is at a "disadvantage in society" given all of the above listed?

There are a few reason. The City of Cleveland requires a certian percent of construction contracts to be awarded to minority contractors. Minorities are able to "jump the list" on a Civil Service test. In certian divisions of employment, minorities are permitted to have thier own clubs/social groups. The City of Cleveland has a Minority Recruitment office that is very active. The City of Cleveland has a Minority Business Enterprise office as well as a Minority Business Oppertunity Commitee.

I've wondered this for a few years,,,,, concerning employment (and only employment)........... so here it goes. Within the boundries of a big city, I would assume all ethnicities (or close too) are represented. Cities attempt to hire thier own qualified residents. As a matter of fact, a city like Cleveland will give 10 points to a Cleveland resident on an application for a Civil Service job. That is opposed to 5 points for a military veteran. A non-resident can apply and will recieve 0 residency points. If a non-resident is hired by the city, he/she has 6 months to move within the city boundries, or face termination. As of today, most big cities in Ohio require thier employees to live within the city limits. Non-compiance results in the employee being fired. In Cleveland, as of the 2000 census, blacks make up the majority of Cleveland's residents- 51%. All other races combine to make up the remaining 49%. Why then when a city gives out residency points, a city requires employees to live within the city boudries, and the makeup of the city does not resemble the national census, are the remaining 49% (including whites) not considered a minority----- when it comes to employment?

I would say Cleveland should be mentioned--- just look at the "black flag" flying atop of City Hall.

WOW. I can't belive someone took that literally. Pinkerington??? I guess I have to tell you that it was a joke. My main point is Cleveland can't host the Super Bowl.

I do not think Cleveland could hold the Super Bowl. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has taught the country this lesson. We have to be the only city in America that has a hall of fame but do not hold the induction cerimonies. Why? Hotel space------they say. If Cleveland can't handle a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, how would they handle the Super Bowl? So, I vote for CANTON---- At least they have the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction and a game,,,,,,, or Pinkerington---- they can hold the AMA Motorcycle inductions.

Oldmanladyluck----- I appaud your effort. Although, I hope your effort says in Cleveland. So many of our residents are born, raised, and college educated in the City of Cleveland. But, They find work elsewhere. Also, I can't blame those individuals who cannot find work here. I hope more can find quality jobs here.

I think there should be two polls. 1) East/West Cleveland--- for those who live in Cleveland. 2) Easy/West suburbs------ for everyone else in Northeast Ohio.

My wife and I have lived in several neighborhoods in Cleveland throughout our lives. East side -- Slavic Village, Collinwood, and E.33 & Payne. West side-- Old Brooklyn three seperate houses. My vote is for the west side.

Well there will be no debate when I say this--- Bob Taft did sign the bill (yesterday). In 89 days from today, it will be law. Now,,,,, we'll see what happens in court. Gentlemen,,,,,,,,,,,, start your engines!!!!!!!!!

No matter what point A brings up, B has a rebuttle. Whatever point B brings up, A has a rebuttle. These employees are attempting to better thier working conditions-- residency is a condition of employment. I assume every post comes from a working individual. I wonder how many of you have attempted to better your woking conditions---- faster computure, better uniforms, better wage, more powerful equiptment, bigger office, whatever it may be. That's all these folks are doing. Some folks are against residency lifting, but I would be willing to bet they have had conversations regarding improving thier working conditions and worked to achieve those changes. If not,,,, Please post an application for your job because I would love to work where nothing ever needs to be changed due to a perfect work enviornment.-------And I'm not joking, sign me up.

The ACLU came into play because there is case after case where they defend the rights of the worst kind of criminal (IMO- child molesters) stating "they have a Constitutional right" to live where they choose-- and they win the cases. Here is what I fully understand 1) Did the employees know what they were getting into?--Yes. 2) Were they forced to take the job?--No 3) Are there other jobs out there?--Yes. 4) Are there cities to work for who do not have residency requirement?--Yes. 5) Can an employee quit thier residency requiring job and find employment elsewhere?--Yes. My question still has absolutely nothing to do with that. My question is this-- Is a rule to force anyone to live in a certian area constitutional? Or if you don't like that word, does this rule follow the basic guidlines of American philosophy? I happen to think the rule itself is un-American.

I do understand that when the employee took the job, he/she understood that during thier employment, being a resident was a requirement. As of this date, I'm sure all of the employees have followed the rule or they would have been fired. But, the rule itself is what I question. We all have the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. How does one have liberty if they are told where to live and/or denied the freedom of choice? That, to me, is a basic right of evey American. If Ohio passes this law in favor of employees, then I say they did a good job. I am sick of hearing the ACLU and others go to bat when a convicted child molester is denied access into certian communities. It's about time some law abiding citizens get a bone thrown their way. Also, if you (KJP) think an endorsment from the International Association of Firefighters is that great, do your homework. Here are the last 4 mayoral elections in Cleveland. In reverse cronological order- F. Jackson, J. Campbell, M. White, M. White -------all elected. The firefighters endorsed the loosers in every election. Wow, what pull those firefighters have!!!!!!!

It seem to me the Constitution that our forefathers constructed stated we have the right to pusue life, liberty, and happiness. I understand the point made stating the emplyees took the job knowing they had to live in the city or a radius. But, I think the residency rule alone violates "liberty". Another thing that is ironic, it's strange to me to see many Democrates who are against residency lifting. These are the same folks who proclaim they are for the small guy, they're against big business, they're for union workers, they stand up for individual rights, they are pro-choice. Well, I guess not in this case.

By lifting residency, it does not mean the employees are being forced to move out of the city. They all still have the choice to remain residents. When it comes to a city like Cleveland, there are just under 500,000 residents. Out of those, approx. 9,000 (at least that's what the news reported) are employed by the City of Cleveland. Out of those 9,000 employees, many can't afford to live in a suburb due to the wage the city offers. There are approx. 1,500 police officers and approx. 700 firemen (my numbers may be slightly off-- but not by much). Those are the city emloyees that realistically can move outside of the city due to thier pay scale. Even if all 2,400 employees are willing, wanting, and in a finacial position to move, that's only .0048% of the cities population!!!!!!! A major city would be worried about .0048% of its population moving?? Second to that, what legally defines a resident? What if every city employee rents a cheap apartment in the city but has a house in a suburb? I guess the employee would be a resident because he/she has a "place" in the city. They would have the best of both worlds in this forum.