Jeff Johnson is gonna run himself right out of the race.  I understand his philosophy on neglected neighborhoods and fixing the quality of life in them.  I largely agree.  But in doing so, you cant stiff arm growth, development and business.  Managing all of that and be a proponent of that is part of the job.  His twitter account is unleashing dismay for high density developments.  Jeff, you WANT high density developments.

 

In total agreement.

 

Am not a fan of Jeff Johnson for Mayor, but am when it comes to saving Cleveland's neighborhoods. His thoughts are wrong on downtown though. It's been said many times "where downtown goes, so goes the neighborhoods". Look at what's happening in Downtown and UC. There is definitely outgrowth into the neighborhoods that border downtown and UC.

 

There are great things happening in the neighborhoods, even outside of OC, DS, LI, and Tremont. But it is harder to see the affects when they are spread out over an area of 80 miles in the neighborhoods, vs approximately 2 miles for the downtown area. And the things happening in the neighborhoods are on a much smaller scale; not because the neighborhoods don't deserve the same scale of development as downtown, but because the demographics are not the same.

 

And it is really hard to be able to tell if the city as a whole is really better off even with the popularity, investment and demographic shifts that Downtown as well as OC, DS, LI, and Tremont has seen as the majority of the other neighborhoods have gotten worse and continue to get worse as well as continue to lose population to the cheap suburbs.  This is where many cities murder rate at least goes down, but that also hasn't been the case.  In fact the murder rates keep going increasing in both these suburbs and the city of Cleveland. 

 

Of course Cleveland's buffoon Mayor, after all these years in office, has come out with a new neighborhood initiative that is on Cleveland.com.

 

I found a commenter on Cleveland.com that perfectly explained my longtime feelings for Mayor Jackson and the danger of when cities lack qualified leadership on so many levels. 

Yeah he's a nice guy but totally lacks the perspective to think that things should be any better than they are.     

 

"I like Frank Jackson. He is a nice man; a genuine man; a man not stealing from the people he represents; a man who really cares about people.  The problem I believe is his mentality.  He was raised in an awful neighborhood, lived in one his entire life and still does.  His frame of reference is different than the average person that lives in the city.  Homicide and crime are nothing new to him, nor are behaviors that are unacceptable to most, yet acceptable in certain neighborhoods as "normal" behavior.  He speaks of "culture" or "inclusion" as if everyone has a responsibility to accept abnormal behavior as normal. Most people just reach a level of intolerance and abandon the city, whether residents or businesses beset with this behavior.  And for those who think that "he should turn his police loose" on the bad guys you can forget it.  That ship has sailed. People can tolerate a lot, but when everyone wants them jailed for making a mistake they no longer put themselves in a position where mistakes can be made.  That will not change whether the mayor says get em or not."

 

 

I think that's exactly it, and he's not the only one.  George Forbes was sometimes guilty of this.

Frank Jackson has been the mayor for too long. We need fresh energy. I don't care what any of you Clevelanders say.

I also like the Edwin's guy, Brandon Chrostowski.

I criticize the hell out of Frank... but better him than any felon running. As it is, I'm not sure if a mayor is much more than a figurehead for a city, and while they can do a lot of damage, there are limits on how they can actually benefit a place. Better we have an ethical but somewhat ineffective person than parasites like Johnson and Reed. Cleveland doesn't need a Kilpatrick.

Frank Jackson has been the mayor for too long. We need fresh energy. I don't care what any of you Clevelanders say.

 

I'm not a Clevelander, I just play one on message boards, but I agree. I was hoping Jackson would lose the last election. It's time for him to go and to move away from anyone else closely associated with him. I realize that George Voinovich isn't walking through that door, but the city and region needs someone like him running things downtown.

I also like the Edwin's guy, Brandon Chrostowski.

 

Brandon is a really, really good guy and great for the community, esp Shaker Square.  His Edwins baby should be a role model for any entrepreneur looking to give offenders a 2nd chance to make useful, productive citizens of themselves.  And his rehab of south Shaker Square buildings, esp along the now decrepit Buckeye corridor is also a big plus.  Frank Jackson, or any of the mayoral candidates, would be smart to play up Brandon to the hilt.

I criticize the hell out of Frank... but better him than any felon running. As it is, I'm not sure if a mayor is much more than a figurehead for a city, and while they can do a lot of damage, there are limits on how they can actually benefit a place. Better we have an ethical but somewhat ineffective person than parasites like Johnson and Reed. Cleveland doesn't need a Kilpatrick.

 

Jeff Johnson is a former prisoner.  The Ohio Supreme Court fully restored his law license, so calling him a felon misses the mark.

^They should run regardless.  If they aren't elected, at least their name is out there and they gave it a shot.  I'm still waiting on Chris Ronayne to throw his name in.  His contract with UCI should be up soon.

 

I would wholeheartedly throw my support behind Ronayne if he announced a run (especially considering our current crappy field of candidates). But what are the odds he'll actually throw his name in the ring, especially with only a few months left in the race?

^^ Calling him a felon may miss the mark, splitting hairs.  Interesting that having a felony AUTOMATICALLY disqualifies a candidate (along with a few misdemeanors) from even applying to become a firefighter in the City of Cleveland, but it doesn't apply for the highest position of Mayor.  Does that make sense?

 

I'm actually curious as to why both Reed and Johnson are running.  They have been allies, more often than not.

^^ Calling him a felon may miss the mark, splitting hairs.  Interesting that having a felony AUTOMATICALLY disqualifies a candidate (along with a few misdemeanors) from even applying to become a firefighter in the City of Cleveland, but it doesn't apply for the highest position of Mayor.  Does that make sense?

 

 

That's ridiculous. There's far less at stake by having a felon firefighter. What are they going to do? Steal the keys and run off with a fire truck? I don't like the idea of a felon mayor but I like the idea of everyone being given a shot to win. Prohibiting felons from running, sort of undermines the whole concept of democracy.

Just an FYI...fire trucks don't have keys...in case you were looking to run off with one.  :)

 

^^ Calling him a felon may miss the mark, splitting hairs.  Interesting that having a felony AUTOMATICALLY disqualifies a candidate (along with a few misdemeanors) from even applying to become a firefighter in the City of Cleveland, but it doesn't apply for the highest position of Mayor.  Does that make sense?

 

 

That's ridiculous. There's far less at stake by having a felon firefighter. What are they going to do? Steal the keys and run off with a fire truck? I don't like the idea of a felon mayor but I like the idea of everyone being given a shot to win. Prohibiting felons from running, sort of undermines the whole concept of democracy.

 

Just ask Detroit....

I think the mayor, really any political leader, should be held to a higher standard than the average Joe, which means those with proclivities for driving drunk and endangering countless people and those convicted of EXTORTION probably have no business representing a mid size American city.

^ what about people that scam others with fake universities?

 

So Jackson literally called Zack Reed a "pimp" today for criticizing his approach to the dirt bikes issue.  This during a press conference which of course fell short of anything concrete other than the likely-counterproductive "track".

 

Zack called into the Triv show briefly and was fuming. 

 

I know most here hate MT, I often find him unlistenable myself.  But he's worth at least keeping up with during this election.  Reed, Polensek, and Loomis are regular guests, sometimes simultaneously.  Plus, he talks a lot about "Cleveland One" and "Cleveland Two", the latter being the neighborhoods.

So Jackson literally called Zack Reed a "pimp" today for criticizing his approach to the dirt bikes issue.  This during a press conference which of course fell short of anything concrete other than the likely-counterproductive "track".

 

Zack called into the Triv show briefly and was fuming. 

 

I know most here hate MT, I often find him unlistenable myself.  But he's worth at least keeping up with during this election.  Reed, Polensek, and Loomis are regular guests, sometimes simultaneously.  Plus, he talks a lot about "Cleveland One" and "Cleveland Two", the latter being the neighborhoods.

 

Triv at least deserves credit for longevity. He's like 200 in radio years old.

 

If I had to guess, I'd posit that most of WTAM's listeners can't vote in Cleveland. Do you think his show can sway the election?

You know, other cities actually do something about the crime in the city (crossposting to the crime section):

 

D.C. cracked down on the dirt bike incidents that were plaguing the city last year; no one was killed or injured during the arrests

 

Baltimore is actively curbing the activity amid reports of local shops and residents of the nearby counties having dirt bikes stolen

 

At this point, it's a leadership problem. Jackson is calling out Reed for being a pimp? How about Jackson take some initiative to rid the city of one of its bigger quality-of-life and crime issues?

This whole conversation and controversy is bizarre. Frank pandering to a bunch of criminals does not better his chances of being mayor. Frank insulting that drunk idiot by calling him a pimp is beneath his usual polite and refined standards. It's all very strange.

You know, other cities actually do something about the crime in the city (crossposting to the crime section):

 

D.C. cracked down on the dirt bike incidents that were plaguing the city last year; no one was killed or injured during the arrests

 

Baltimore is actively curbing the activity amid reports of local shops and residents of the nearby counties having dirt bikes stolen

 

At this point, it's a leadership problem. Jackson is calling out Reed for being a pimp? How about Jackson take some initiative to rid the city of one of its bigger quality-of-life and crime issues?

 

Jackson's working on it; he's wanting to waste tax payer money on that damn Dirt Bike Park so the biker's/four wheelers have a place to "picnic". So, how will they get to this park if built, ride through the streets of Cleveland, of course. What an idiotic idea.

 

That two plus million dollars Jackson has set aside for this boondoggle of an idea should be spent on other parks in the city with needed improvements.

^I have to agree; logicaly that's the first thing anyone should think of when considering this park.  How many riders will actually tow their bikes/four wheelers to the park, who live nearby?  I can't say none, but it's probably close to none.

 

I will say that Jackson was the best mayor the city could have elected during the financial crisis.  He managed city funds beautifully.  However I think it's time for a change, and there HAVE to be other candidates who are just holding out for whatever reason.  The folks who have announced their candidacy can't be all the city has as far as potential mayoral leadership is concerned.

And Jackson failed to notify neighbors (and neighborhood) what they actually thought of the track. Having been near similar facilities in West Virginia and Kentucky (e.g. Hatfield-McCoy trail network), these vehicles are loud and disruptive, best suited for rural areas. Not urban parks.

 

So Jackson literally called Zack Reed a "pimp" today for criticizing his approach to the dirt bikes issue.  This during a press conference which of course fell short of anything concrete other than the likely-counterproductive "track".

 

Zack called into the Triv show briefly and was fuming. 

 

I know most here hate MT, I often find him unlistenable myself.  But he's worth at least keeping up with during this election.  Reed, Polensek, and Loomis are regular guests, sometimes simultaneously.  Plus, he talks a lot about "Cleveland One" and "Cleveland Two", the latter being the neighborhoods.

 

Triv at least deserves credit for longevity. He's like 200 in radio years old.

 

If I had to guess, I'd posit that most of WTAM's listeners can't vote in Cleveland. Do you think his show can sway the election?

 

No.  But it will give you a first hand view of events that the pro-Jackson PeeDee won't.

So Jackson literally called Zack Reed a "pimp" today for criticizing his approach to the dirt bikes issue.  This during a press conference which of course fell short of anything concrete other than the likely-counterproductive "track".

 

Zack called into the Triv show briefly and was fuming. 

 

I know most here hate MT, I often find him unlistenable myself.  But he's worth at least keeping up with during this election.  Reed, Polensek, and Loomis are regular guests, sometimes simultaneously.  Plus, he talks a lot about "Cleveland One" and "Cleveland Two", the latter being the neighborhoods.

 

Triv at least deserves credit for longevity. He's like 200 in radio years old.

 

If I had to guess, I'd posit that most of WTAM's listeners can't vote in Cleveland. Do you think his show can sway the election?

 

No.  But it will give you a first hand view of events that the pro-Jackson PeeDee won't.

 

The elephant in this thread is the Cleveland voters. I am not sure anyone has a clear idea of who is going to get elected. Status quo, or being a known commodity has to have some value for Jackson, I suppose. But is anyone here going to be truly surprised to see Mayor Z. Reed getting sworn in? 

So Jackson literally called Zack Reed a "pimp" today for criticizing his approach to the dirt bikes issue.  This during a press conference which of course fell short of anything concrete other than the likely-counterproductive "track".

 

Zack called into the Triv show briefly and was fuming. 

 

I know most here hate MT, I often find him unlistenable myself.  But he's worth at least keeping up with during this election.  Reed, Polensek, and Loomis are regular guests, sometimes simultaneously.  Plus, he talks a lot about "Cleveland One" and "Cleveland Two", the latter being the neighborhoods.

 

Triv at least deserves credit for longevity. He's like 200 in radio years old.

 

If I had to guess, I'd posit that most of WTAM's listeners can't vote in Cleveland. Do you think his show can sway the election?

 

No.  But it will give you a first hand view of events that the pro-Jackson PeeDee won't.

 

The elephant in this thread is the Cleveland voters. I am not sure anyone has a clear idea of who is going to get elected. Status quo, or being a known commodity has to have some value for Jackson, I suppose. But is anyone here going to be truly surprised to see Mayor Z. Reed getting sworn in? 

 

Reed and Johnson have been allies more often than not, along with Polensek.  It will be interesting to see who MP endorses.  That could carry some weight.

Another one: http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2017/05/24/the-fresh-brewed-tees-guy-is-running-for-mayor

Another one: http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2017/05/24/the-fresh-brewed-tees-guy-is-running-for-mayor

 

Finally somebody with some intelligence is putting their hat in the ring (Chrostowski is intelligent enough, but doesn't likely have a brought enough understanding of what It takes to run the city).

If the city continues to re-elect the current clown or elect a different east side clown the neighborhoods will just continue to sink. 

I don't know anything about the guy, but the fact that he says this gives me hope, as most people, or at least not until very recently realize how important this is:  The Ohio City resident, originally from Lorain, argues that "a new mindset" is necessary at City Hall.

 

   

Tony Madalone could do great things for the city, if he builds the right team around him. Johnson and Reed have proven incapable of handling their own affairs and Jackson seems to be Luke warm, at best, with all segments of Cleveland.

 

I am going to do my best to get backing together for him. Oftentimes we have to pick either "youth and forward thinking ideology" or "experienced in private sector", Madalone has both. Unfortunately, the only way I see Madalone getting the nod is through union support, because I do not see him doing particularly well in some Northeast neighborhoods where Reed and Johnson have surrogates.

He's a pro-transit guy, so I like him. ;)

 

Fresh Brewed Tees founder Tony Madalone announces Cleveland mayoral candidacy

http://www.wkyc.com/mb/news/local/cleveland/fresh-brewed-tees-founder-tony-madalone-announces-cleveland-mayoral-candidacy/442453614

Madalone is a young white male Republican running in a majority black Democratic city.

 

He should seek out advice from a guy named Bill Brownlee, who did the same in Maple Heights.  Bill was in council for several years and made it through the primary to the general election runoff where he did pretty well.  I suspect he might have beaten the incumbent, had he run.

 

Right now I'm pretty much Anyone But Jackson.

It may sound odd coming from a liberal like me but I'd like to see more Republicans and/or Independents in local elections.  One party rule is never good.

It may sound odd coming from a liberal like me but I'd like to see more Republicans and/or Independents in local elections.  One party rule is never good.

 

Not odd, both parties need viable opposition, otherwise we get results like last year's Presidential election.

It may sound odd coming from a liberal like me but I'd like to see more Republicans and/or Independents in local elections.  One party rule is never good.

 

Agreed, I often say it's a shame that people switch to Dem before running locally.

 

Don't sleep on Madelone though. He isn't exactly a "leftist" and seems to have a lot of support from the 18-30 crowd.

It may sound odd coming from a liberal like me but I'd like to see more Republicans and/or Independents in local elections.  One party rule is never good.

 

Agreed, I often say it's a shame that people switch to Dem before running locally.

 

Don't sleep on Madelone though. He isn't exactly a "leftist" and seems to have a lot of support from the 18-30 crowd.

 

He'd have to outpoll both Reed and Johnson, but the fact that they are both running makes that more possible.

I think you are right.  Reed and Johnson will likely split and could provide an opportunity for someone else.  The runoff will be real challenge though if all of the Reed and Johnson voters support Jackson.  I don't think it is a given though.  There are a lot of frustrated people in neighborhoods who might want to give the outsider a chance.

Madalone has been quiet. You'd think after an announcement to run, he'd be backing that up with appearances or at least content. Is it a serious run or just exploratory that raises his company's profile in the meantime?

Madalone has been quiet. You'd think after an announcement to run, he'd be backing that up with appearances or at least content. Is it a serious run or just exploratory that raises his company's profile in the meantime?

 

He's been making appearances all around the city.  From the NAACP event this past weekend to various neighborhood events (even on the east side).  He seems to be all the right things thus far (aside from presenting a more concise message which I hope he is working on).     

It may sound odd coming from a liberal like me but I'd like to see more Republicans and/or Independents in local elections.  One party rule is never good.

 

Agreed, I often say it's a shame that people switch to Dem before running locally.

 

Don't sleep on Madelone though. He isn't exactly a "leftist" and seems to have a lot of support from the 18-30 crowd.

 

He'd have to outpoll both Reed and Johnson, but the fact that they are both running makes that more possible.

 

So Madalone isn't running as a Republican?

Cleveland has nonpartisan primary.  Everyone in the primary and top 2 runoff.

Cleveland has nonpartisan primary.  Everyone in the primary and top 2 runoff.

 

Huh, didn't realize that. Thanks.

^Interestingly, it was a Republican (Perk) who made it non-partisan. Otherwise, a Republican would always have a 50-50 chance.

^Interestingly, it was a Republican (Perk) who made it non-partisan. Otherwise, a Republican would always have a 50-50 chance.

 

The partisan primaries were in effect for only a short time. They were non-partisan from the passing of the city charter in 1913 until 1958, when a charter amendment was passed to make them partisan. Perk's supporters led the charge to restore non-partisan primaries in 1971. I believe the reason Perk was in favor of this is that it would require the mayor to get a majority vote in the November election, since it would only be among the top two vote getters, thus making it easier to beat an incumbent.

I think you are right.  Reed and Johnson will likely split and could provide an opportunity for someone else.  The runoff will be real challenge though if all of the Reed and Johnson voters support Jackson.  I don't think it is a given though.  There are a lot of frustrated people in neighborhoods who might want to give the outsider a chance.

 

I don't see either of those two supporting Jackson.  Reed in particular despises him, I suspect Jeff does too. 

 

They'll back the second candidate in part because they see them as more beatable in four years.

I think you are right.  Reed and Johnson will likely split and could provide an opportunity for someone else.  The runoff will be real challenge though if all of the Reed and Johnson voters support Jackson.  I don't think it is a given though.  There are a lot of frustrated people in neighborhoods who might want to give the outsider a chance.

 

I don't see either of those two supporting Jackson.  Reed in particular despises him, I suspect Jeff does too. 

 

They'll back the second candidate in part because they see them as more beatable in four years.

 

Plus they are both buddies with Madalone.

 

 

 

I think you are right.  Reed and Johnson will likely split and could provide an opportunity for someone else.  The runoff will be real challenge though if all of the Reed and Johnson voters support Jackson.  I don't think it is a given though.  There are a lot of frustrated people in neighborhoods who might want to give the outsider a chance.

 

I don't see either of those two supporting Jackson.  Reed in particular despises him, I suspect Jeff does too. 

 

They'll back the second candidate in part because they see them as more beatable in four years.

 

Plus they are both buddies with Madalone.

 

 

 

 

I think that was a standard shot, the three candidates at the event. 

 

Liked his page though, and Jeff's as well.  Don't know if Zack has one.

 

I'm leaning towards Jeff  for personal reasons but any of the three could convince me. 

I think you are right.  Reed and Johnson will likely split and could provide an opportunity for someone else.  The runoff will be real challenge though if all of the Reed and Johnson voters support Jackson.  I don't think it is a given though.  There are a lot of frustrated people in neighborhoods who might want to give the outsider a chance.

 

I don't see either of those two supporting Jackson.  Reed in particular despises him, I suspect Jeff does too. 

 

They'll back the second candidate in part because they see them as more beatable in four years.

 

Plus they are both buddies with Madalone.

 

 

 

 

I think that was a standard shot, the three candidates at the event. 

 

Liked his page though, and Jeff's as well.  Don't know if Zack has one.

 

I'm leaning towards Jeff  for personal reasons but any of the three could convince me. 

 

Really! You would vote for a candidate (Jeff) who is a convicted criminal, or (Zak), an alcoholic. How sad for the city of Cleveland.

^ I'm not sure why alcoholism is a deal breaker for a candidate TBH.  I could see some hesitance to Johnson due to his past but he paid his debt to society and I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. 

^ I'm not sure why alcoholism is a deal breaker for a candidate TBH.  I could see some hesitance to Johnson due to his past but he paid his debt to society and I believe that everyone deserves a second chance.

 

Everyone does deserve a second chance, and more. But at the same time, there are consequences to ones past; and for me I would not take the chance on Jeff. But not knowing enough about Zak and what he has done to win the battle over his alcoholism, I could possibly change my mind on possibly voting for him.

^ His consequences are that he served time in prison.  He has served on council since then.  I think he has proven himself rehabilitated.

^ His consequences are that he served time in prison.  He has served on council since then.  I think he has proven himself rehabilitated.

 

From what I have read he sounds like he believes he was unjustly prosecuted.