The election is less than a year away. Do we think Frank Jackson will run again? Assuming he does, do we want him to win? Jackson did a good job I think of keeping control of the schools from the state, but showed no (public) leadership during all the medical mart discussions, and more importantly, doesn't appear to be doing much on downtown development or bringing in new jobs. Ken Lanci is apparently considering a run. I don't know much about him, but this was in cleveland.com the other day:

 

"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ken Lanci, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who spent hundreds of thousands of his own dollars on a failed bid for Cuyahoga County executive in 2010, is considering a run against Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson...."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/12/businessman_ken_lanci_says_hes.html

Let me preface by saying that I don't live in Cleveland and thus cannot vote.  That said, I think Jackson needs to go.  His schools plan helped get a levy passed, but in the long-term the Transformation Plan is not going to work because it ignores reality and places emphasis on things that will backfire.  Other than that, his leadership has been mediocre, at best.  I do think he will win, though, no matter who he runs against.  The city appears to be rebounding (which I think has little to do with anything he's done) and that's all that will matter to the voters that remain within city limits.

I think that while Mayor Jackson has not been a visionary leader, he has provided stability at a time when the city needs it.  He has been a good mediator between the different populations in the city and has provided predictability that is crucial to get developers to put their money to work in the city.  After Frank is gone, Cleveland might be ready for a visionary leader but for the present he is what the city needs.

 

The election is less than a year away. Do we think Frank Jackson will run again? Assuming he does, do we want him to win? Jackson did a good job I think of keeping control of the schools from the state, but showed no (public) leadership during all the medical mart discussions, and more importantly, doesn't appear to be doing much on downtown development or bringing in new jobs. Ken Lanci is apparently considering a run. I don't know much about him, but this was in cleveland.com the other day:

 

"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ken Lanci, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who spent hundreds of thousands of his own dollars on a failed bid for Cuyahoga County executive in 2010, is considering a run against Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson...."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/12/businessman_ken_lanci_says_hes.html

 

As a resident of Cleveland, you mention what He hasn't done, but I'd like to know what you think he should have done?  What was Jackson suppose to do during the Medical Mart discussions, considering Cleveland wasn't the lead party? I'm not taking up for Jackson, just interested in hearing your points.

I think Jackson has done a good job, though he's quiet and seldom inspirational and I don't agree with many of the planning decisions he has pushed.  If the right candidate comes along, I would be happy to give them a serious look.

I second what X said. I also feel he's honest and genuinely cares for the city. You can't put a price tag on honesty in politics. We could certainly do worse but I too would be happy to give another candidate a serious look if the right candidate threw his hat in the ring.

 

 

Mayoral re-election time already?? I don't see a big challenger coming up against him, just as was the case last time. I think most people are satisfied with the way the city is being run, as I do not hear much griping. Now if the school levy and the district's "Cleveland Plan" doesn't produce meaningful progress by this time in 2016 and Jackson is still the mayor, then I think he'll have a serious challenge to his re-election -- assuming he'll want to run again by then. He'll be 70 years old in 2016. But he may be one of those guys who loves his job and does it well enough that he'll stick around.

As a resident of Cleveland' date=' you mention what He hasn't done, but I'd like to know what you think he should have done?  What was Jackson suppose to do during the Medical Mart discussions, considering Cleveland wasn't the lead party? I'm not taking up for Jackson, just interested in hearing your points.[/quote']

 

Precisely---Cleveland wasn't the lead party. The CC belonged to the city of cleveland as did/does public hall. The county---thanks to Fitzgerald--IS active in pushing the city forward. And we're lucky, because the county, just as easily could be pushing a suburban agenda leaving the city to the city. But Fitzgerald is a smart guy and truly sees the value of propping up downtown (take his casino tax plan, for example, which was to spend all the cash Downtown, while the council folks wanted it spent out in the burbs) and probably sees a lack of leadership by the city. Cleveland can spend all this money downtown, but will not see real growth without new companies and jobs downtown. yes, tourism and conventions will support some new restaurants, but without natural employment growth and resultant population growth, the city (and region) won't grow and the restaurants and cool districts will cannibalize each other. WHD took from the Flats, now E4 is taking from WHD. Where is the city in bringing in new jobs? Nowhere. Outside organizations are doing this for the region (like TeamNEO) who by their charter cannot sell Cleveland over Brecksville over Beachwood, or even over Akron or Fairlawn. Where is the City's Dept of Economic Development? American Greetings looked to the city for Downtown locations and were snubbed. Imagine 250-300 new creative folks downtown  plus many more corporate jobs with the higher taxable income.......

 

I agree Jackson is a predictable guy and there's a benefit to that. He also did a great job managing the city's budget over the recession. But we also need a mayor that will have a little dazzle---at least some---that can leverage the current momentum downtown and keep it going, unlike the 90's boom of Gateway and then nothing. Bringing new business in, making the city attractive to businesses with innovative, competitive programs is what we need.

 

Regarding the Lanci article, I have a question. The article says:

 

Lanci, 62, has a home in suburban Brecksville but said he is leasing an apartment in downtown Cleveland to fulfill residency requirements if he goes through with a mayoral run.

 

Obviously the mayor has to be a resident. but what qualifies as a resident, simply signing a lease within the city's borders? spending one night per week at the location? spending just a few hours there?

As a resident of Cleveland' date=' you mention what He hasn't done, but I'd like to know what you think he should have done?  What was Jackson suppose to do during the Medical Mart discussions, considering Cleveland wasn't the lead party? I'm not taking up for Jackson, just interested in hearing your points.[/quote']

 

Precisely---Cleveland wasn't the lead party. The CC belonged to the city of cleveland as did/does public hall. The county---thanks to Fitzgerald--IS active in pushing the city forward. And we're lucky, because the county, just as easily could be pushing a suburban agenda leaving the city to the city. But Fitzgerald is a smart guy and truly sees the value of propping up downtown (take his casino tax plan, for example, which was to spend all the cash Downtown, while the council folks wanted it spent out in the burbs) and probably sees a lack of leadership by the city. Cleveland can spend all this money downtown, but will not see real growth without new companies and jobs downtown.

We'll we're going to disagree.  The County is pushing the city forward? I believe that our city, for so many years concentrating spending on downtown has hurt the neighborhoods.  Now we have people that want to live in the city, yet many neighborhoods do not have the housing stock to accept them without major financial undertakings.  A downtown agenda only goes so far and now downtown has organic energy to grow.  The time has come to focus on the neighborhoods. 

 

Fitzgerald doesn't run Cleveland and he should step on toes.  He needs to work with the Mayor of Cleveland more the Mayor needs to work with him.  I don't agree with Fitzgeralds plan to spend all/majority of casino money downtown, I want Shaker Square to get a piece of the pie.

 

Where is the city in bringing in new jobs? Nowhere. Outside organizations are doing this for the region (like TeamNEO) who by their charter cannot sell Cleveland over Brecksville over Beachwood, or even over Akron or Fairlawn. Where is the City's Dept of Economic Development? American Greetings looked to the city for Downtown locations and were snubbed. Imagine 250-300 new creative folks downtown  plus many more corporate jobs with the higher taxable income.......

 

Really?  Have you read UrbanOhio lately? There are companyies relocating downtown or into the city proper.  American Greetings looked downtown?  Downtown Cleveland was never seriously in the mix.  Show me the "snub".  However, white collar tech jobs are only a small percentage, we need a matrix of jobs across the board, mixed incomes is best, not just rich jobs with the "thought" of a trickle down finances.

 

 

From my inside connections Jackson will run again and will likely win since no real challenger will come forth. The people that may have a chance are all going to sit this race out until the next election: Cimperman, Ronayne, and a couple of other possibles

That may be best for the time being, at least until Ronayne can run. 

 

Jackson has finally gotten some of his most basic of mayoral sea legs which should carry the city through alright until that time.

 

In the meantime the city should be able to count on Haslam as its spokesman and pep talker/cheerleader.   

So the mayoral race is warming up.  Seeing Frank Jackson signs popping up around the area, saw the Mayor himself out campaigning & shaking hands this weekend at Taste of Tremont.  He has zero personality.  Cimperman totally upstaged him without meaning to.

 

So what can anyone tell me about Ken Lanci?  What's his obsession with running for office?  Why is he so tan?  Is he legitimate?

Agreed on Jackson's personality.  But what can you expect from someone who runs the City like an accountant would.  I'm just surprised the fiscal conservatives are not touting him more considering the miracles he has worked with the budget year after year in office.

 

I like Lanci.  But I fear that he may cater to the old boys club here in the City much the same way Dimora and Co. did.  Does Lanci even live in Cleveland?

Agreed on Jackson's personality.  But what can you expect from someone who runs the City like an accountant would.  I'm just surprised the fiscal conservatives are not touting him more considering the miracles he has worked with the budget year after year in office.

 

I like Lanci.  But I fear that he may cater to the old boys club here in the City much the same way Dimora and Co. did.  Does Lanci even live in Cleveland?

 

Agreed, he's run the city like a business and kept a low profile.  He visible when needed.  I'd rather have that that a photo bomb or photo op media whoring Mayor with a city in ruins.  A la Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, DC, place where people claim life is soooooo much better!

Agreed on Jackson's personality.  But what can you expect from someone who runs the City like an accountant would.  I'm just surprised the fiscal conservatives are not touting him more considering the miracles he has worked with the budget year after year in office.

 

I like Lanci.  But I fear that he may cater to the old boys club here in the City much the same way Dimora and Co. did.  Does Lanci even live in Cleveland?

 

Agreed, he's run the city like a business and kept a low profile.  He visible when needed.  I'd rather have that that a photo bomb or photo op media whoring Mayor with a city in ruins.  A la Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, DC, place where people claim life is soooooo much better!

 

We need a hip hop mayor!

Agreed, he's run the city like a business and kept a low profile.  He visible when needed.  I'd rather have that that a photo bomb or photo op media whoring Mayor with a city in ruins.  A la Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, DC, place where people claim life is soooooo much better!

 

Didn't Ralph Perk have near-daily press conferences?

 

Does Lanci even live in Cleveland?

 

He doesn't, though I think he said he would rent an apt. downtown. Is this sufficient to be a 'resident'?

According to Lanci's website, he "resides at East 12th and St. Clair Ave," so the Avenue District.

 

 

At this point, Jackson & his staff are predictable.  They have set a course for issues on crime, development, business attraction, etc and seem to be consistent.

 

I'm still intrigued by what Lanci might bring to the table, or more importantly, why he's even interested in the race.

He doesn't, though I think he said he would rent an apt. downtown. Is this sufficient to be a 'resident'?

 

I believe (but have not confirmed) that it is not as easy as simply renting an apartment in the City.  I think you have to be a "bona fide resident".  That means your Cleveland home has to be your true residence..... your domicile.  Its not a 'domicile' if you have dual residency.  When the residency law for municipal workers was still in effect, the City used to fire its employees when they would move their families to the burbs and 'rent' a third floor of a house or some tiny apartment in the City as their 'official' residence but not really live there.  I also think that there is a requirement that your bona fide resident be legitimate for some period of time (2 years?) before you can be certified for the ballot.  Employees used to have to move to the City within 6 months of hire, but I believe officials have to live in the City for some contiguous period of time before seeking office.  It prevents outsiders from seeking office and then only moving to the City if they are elected.

According to Lanci's website, he "resides at East 12th and St. Clair Ave," so the Avenue District.

 

...interesting.

 

who else is running?  The primary is September 10th and filing for running was due by June 27th.   

 

Nobody else. Which means the mayor ticket will not be on the primary

Just looking at his site now. not very professional--typos and all. and interesting tidbits like this:

 

An event to support Ken Lanci,

Democratic candidate for mayor.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 // 5:30 – 7:30pm (Doors Open at 5pm)

Embassy Suites // 5800 Rockside Woods, Independence, OH 44131

Suggested Donation of $175

 

What better place to hold an event than outside of city limits?

 

Seems to have opportunist written all over him.  When do we start hearing about policy proposals?  I would prefer someone with more vision than Jackson, though do I applaud his fiscal accomplishments.  I just don't know if Lanci is the right replacement.

 

The web filter where I work won't let me look at his website, believing it to be "Games or Gaming Media."  The only significant quote I've seen from him is that he wants to eliminate the traffic cameras.  That's a policy I can get behind.  But I wonder if he has a plan to deal with the lost revenue.

The debate between Mayor Frank Jackson and Ken Lanci is on 90.3 WCPN right now

Jackson is a known commodity. I was looking for a compelling reason to vote for Lanci. This debate did not provide that reason. He lost me when he started talking about pairing up the youth of cleveland with Hell's Angels as an alternative to 'gangbanging'. Well, that's much better.

I believe the context was that he wanted the Hell's Angels to run city-wide boxing outfits, and provide mentorship for trouble youth. (no joke)

 

So basically he wants the 'gang-bangers' (his words) to be able to fight better and have a Hell's Angel to turn to when they're in need of a parental figure?

 

Every time this guy said something half-way smart he would immediately follow it up with something bat shit crazy.

I believe the context was that he wanted the Hell's Angels to run city-wide boxing outfits, and provide mentorship for trouble youth. (no joke)

 

So basically he wants the 'gang-bangers' (his words) to be able to fight better and have a Hell's Angel to turn to when they're in need of a parental figure?

 

Every time this guy said something half-way smart he would immediately follow it up with something bat shit crazy.

 

Is it possible he meant "Guardian" Angels and just slipped up?

 

^ No, he kept saying 'motorcycle club'. He means the Hells Angels. How does that make it past the brain filter? What's next, have the Latin Kings run Salsa dancing studios?

I could not watch the debate live (whether at the City Club or on TV/web). Is there a website where I can watch the entire debate?

Lanci was intriguing and then bewildering.  He perked my ears up several times, but probably made me shake my head more.  But what really killed him as a candidate for me (if I actually had a vote in this thing) was what seemed to be a plan to rely heavily on the City's clergy, as if that is the key group to work closely with to take on the role of some magical silver bullet which will propel the City forward.  He didn't mention race, but it was clear he meant the black clergy.  Personally, I don't want a Mayor that is going to pander to that group.  Too many wolves in sheep's clothing.

From another thread:

 

Quote from: archangel on Yesterday at 09:07:03 AM

"It's a federal law problem more than a local problem. Jackson isn't helpful, but I don't think he's an obstacle."

 

"The best summation of the Jackson Administration in general I've ever seen. 

 

Even the part about the federal law problem.  The ability of most older cities to fix their own problems is greatly hampered by the feds."

 

 

Jackson's a cipher, not any kind of leader.  That said, he was far better than Calamity Jane.

 

Ken Lanci could be that leader.  But I suspect he's a little too off the wall at times.  That Hell's Angels thing had me saying WTF, and we come from very similar roots.  I think he talks over the heads of people he needs on his team.  CJ did that too.

 

Cimperman would be the worst kind of disaster.  He's the kind of paternalistic liberal that thinks the government should regulate bedtime.

 

Jeff Johnson has potential, unless he's completely changed since I knew him in college. 

From another thread:

Jeff Johnson has potential, unless he's completely changed since I knew him in college.  [/color]

 

You mean the guy who's a convicted felon?

From another thread:

Jeff Johnson has potential, unless he's completely changed since I knew him in college.  [/color]

 

You mean the guy who's a convicted felon?

 

Yep.  I was quite honestly shocked by that, though pretty much aware how commonplace such things were in Cuyahoga County.  It's possible someone threw him under the proverbial bus.  Which excuses nothing.

 

He's a seriously sharp guy and, at least in college thirty years ago, didn't seem to buy into that racialist politics that a certain "community organizer" did.  He could have just known to "hide it from the white guy", but I was pretty good at sensing that then and I didn't sense it with him. :shrug:

nm

No news here, I guess. Jackson wins in a landslide.

Lanci can run for governor now in 2014. He tried County Executive, then mayor, may as well sport that tan on the state-wide stage. He's probably thinking of it!

^Did i miss it, or was there absolutely no mention of Lanci's brother, Tom, and the connection (and conviction of) to Danny Green's murder?

 

And everything else that was shady in his past... the real shady stuff