5 hours ago, Pugu said:

I don't see that the PD even has a story on it!  But on their website under "Top Stories" they have:

 

Shaker Hts. looks at raising tree assessment fee

Today’s famous birthdays list for May 4, 2021 includes celebrities Will Arnett, Erin Andrews

 

If I didn't know better, I'd think the PD didn't like her, but I know that's not the case. They probably haven't heard the news yet or don't have enough staff to cover it when there are stories like suburban tree assessment fees to write about. @KJP - start a politics beat!

 

You mean like this article posted yesterday morning?

 

State Sen. Sandra Williams announces bid for Cleveland mayor

Updated May 03, 1:35 PM; Posted May 03, 8:56 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – State Sen. Sandra Williams, a Cleveland Democrat, on Monday launched her bid for Cleveland mayor in what is increasingly becoming a crowded race to succeed four-term Mayor Frank Jackson.

 

Williams, who has held positions in both the state House of Representatives and Senate since 2007, joins several other high-profile candidates seeking Jackson’s office. Jackson has not said he won’t run again, but has not raised any campaign money in the past year, indicating he plans on leaving.

 

Read More...

 

 

As far as the PD not liking her, well, there's plenty of reasons not to;

• In 2014, she pocketed the proceeds of the sale of Ohio State football tickets purchased with campaign funds and failed to report it to the state (was later fined & suspended for 180 days)
• She voted for House Bill 6 (the First Energy Bailout Bill
• Has received thousands of dollars in campaign donations from First Energy ($12,000 in 2020 alone)

 

I'm sure if there were more research into her past more corruption could be found, but she's definitely not someone I want leading Cleveland.

Edited May 4, 20214 yr by andrew0816
Missing link & typo

^Thanks. I looked for it, but didn't see anything.  As to her credentials, would you rather have Kevin Kelley? Zack Reed? Bibb can talk a smooth talk, but he is way too inexperienced to lead the city. I'd rather have Kelley or Sandra Williams over Bibb at this point. Knoth has practical insight on things, particularly police, but I'm not sure he'd be a good mayor either. Still doing my research on all the candidates.

^No problem! And not surprised it was hard to find, their website isn't user friendly and seems to suppress stories that weren't posted the day you're visiting the site.

 

As for the mayor's race, Bibb is still ahead of the pack for me. His past job experience is acceptable to me and I don't think not holding public office is a disqualification. In fact, I think Kevin Kelley's experience in public office is what has caused me to not support him at this point. I feel like he has not done much for this city and think he has accomplished very little for Cleveland given the amount of power and influence he currently holds. He also has upheld the corruption that has run rampant in this city. Jackson is guilty of the same and the reason why I think his time as mayor, in my opinion, is an overall failure. It seems to me that voting for Kelley would basically be voting for a 5th Jackson term.

 

But back to why I currently support Bibb...I think he is highly intelligent, determined, and passionate and that he can succeed as mayor. We also seem to have similar critiques of the city and I agree with most of the policy ideas he has mentioned/supported on the campaign trail (support for participatory budgeting, establishment of public comment period at city council meetings, updating city hall/improve and increase city services accessible online, his work in transit advocacy, etc.). I look forward to further development of his platform/policy ideas, but, to my knowledge, his platform is more fleshed out at this point than the other candidate's . Also, his comments/talking points in regards to public safety/CPD seem to be closer to what I would like to see (although I think so far my position on the matter is further left than any other candidate's).

 

Overall, I am more politically aligned with Bibb over every other candidate at this point and think I like that he is not a part of the Cleveland/NEO political machine that has been holding our city and region back for decades. This is Cleveland's opportunity to change the status quo and install a more progressive administration that can improve our city and help us realize our city's potential and I believe that Justin Bibb is the candidate who can help us accomplish that.

 

 

2 hours ago, andrew0816 said:

As for the mayor's race, Bibb is still ahead of the pack for me. His past job experience is acceptable to me and I don't think not holding public office is a disqualification.

 

Bibb's not holding public office is not what disqualifies him. Its his general inexperience. Its almost deafening when he talks and yes, he loves his grandma very much. (It sounds like she would probably make a better mayor.) He won't be able to stand up to a suburb as it steals away a company from the city or to the state as it implements a policy that is bad for the city. He has neither the general skills or experience to do that. I think he's smart and enthusiastic, but those are not sufficient skills to be mayor, especially after so many years of lackluster leadership in this town.

 

I agree that Kevin Kelley is part of the existing "system" and may not be ideal candidate. I feel moreso about Zach Reed in this regard. That's why I was very excited when Sandra Williams threw her hat in the ring. She's obviously done some inappropriate stuff--and she--like Bibb, Kelley, and Zach Reed--lacks the public executive experience--and only has--like Kelly and Zack Reed--the legislative side. But if the list you gave above is the extent of her misdoings, I'll still take that over the vacuum of experience of Bibb. Plus a black woman mayor would be a good role model to so many young women and girls in the city.

Have any of the candidates taken a position on regionalism?

23 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Have any of the candidates taken a position on regionalism?

 

d*ck Knoth talked of giving away Hopkins to a regional authority.

Edited May 5, 20214 yr by Pugu

24 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Have any of the candidates taken a position on regionalism?

Excellent question - while I'm just about signed, sealed, and delivered for Bibb at this point, I'd love to know what each candidate thinks about regionalization as a step towards fiscal responsibility

1 hour ago, YABO713 said:

Excellent question - while I'm just about signed, sealed, and delivered for Bibb at this point, I'd love to know what each candidate thinks about regionalization as a step towards fiscal responsibility

I truly think it should be the #1 issue. It not a panacea, but its close.

1 hour ago, Pugu said:

 

d*ck Knoth talked of giving away Hopkins to a regional authority.

I'm talking about the whole schmear.

3 hours ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Have any of the candidates taken a position on regionalism?

 

3 hours ago, Pugu said:

d*ck Knoth talked of giving away Hopkins to a regional authority.

 

1 hour ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

I truly think [regionalism] should be the #1 issue. It not a panacea, but its close.

 

 

We have bigger issues than "regionalism" that regionalism won't solve:  crime on the streets, shootings, quality of life, condition of streets, lead, social issues.   I mentioned Knoth's plan but I think that's atrocious. The airport must stay in the city's hands.

1 hour ago, Pugu said:

We have bigger issues than "regionalism" that regionalism won't solve:  crime on the streets, shootings, quality of life, condition of streets, lead, social issues. 

 

I would agree that regionalism is probably more relevant to the suburbs than Cleveland proper. 

 

The problems you raise -- quality of life being impacted by crime, street conditions, lead paint, social issues -- will be tough to solve with the city's finances.  More frequent street maintenance, implementation of complete streets programs, street tree planting and maintenance, park maintenance, a sidewalk repair program -- would improve street conditions.  Requirements for lead testing and subsidies for lead abatement (and more frequent housing inspections and programs to subsidize external maintenance and repairs), and training for lead abatement crews, would provide jobs and improve lives.  More social programs -- physical and mental health, optometry, dental health, housing assistance, job assistance, etc. -- also would help the community to prosper (although the county may be doing more of the heavy lifting on that front).   Policing reform and community-based mediators might help with some crimes and shootings, but most "crime fighting" involves dealing with the aftermath, not preventing crime. There are surely people with better ideas on how to reduce crime than anything I come up with. 

 

The successful mayor is going to have to find creative ways to raise $$ to deal with these issues.  You could say that East Cleveland would be far better off if these same issues were addressed, but again, there's no money.  So now what?

BasheerJones to announce he is entering the mayor's race as well....

 

 

Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones expected to enter mayoral race Thursday

 

Channel 3:  "As expected, Basheer Jones will throw his hat in the ring to become the next Mayor of Cleveland.

The Ward 7 city councilman will officially launch his campaign on Thursday, according to 3News' Mark Naymik. A Facebook page making Jones' intentions known actually went up on Wednesday before quickly being taken down, although a campaign website basheerforcleveland.com remains active...."

 

 

Jackson announced this evening that he will not seek a fifth term.  Let the wildness begin!

Sigh of relief. 

On 5/5/2021 at 2:21 PM, Foraker said:

 

I would agree that regionalism is probably more relevant to the suburbs than Cleveland proper. 

 

The problems you raise -- quality of life being impacted by crime, street conditions, lead paint, social issues -- will be tough to solve with the city's finances.  More frequent street maintenance, implementation of complete streets programs, street tree planting and maintenance, park maintenance, a sidewalk repair program -- would improve street conditions.  Requirements for lead testing and subsidies for lead abatement (and more frequent housing inspections and programs to subsidize external maintenance and repairs), and training for lead abatement crews, would provide jobs and improve lives.  More social programs -- physical and mental health, optometry, dental health, housing assistance, job assistance, etc. -- also would help the community to prosper (although the county may be doing more of the heavy lifting on that front).   Policing reform and community-based mediators might help with some crimes and shootings, but most "crime fighting" involves dealing with the aftermath, not preventing crime. There are surely people with better ideas on how to reduce crime than anything I come up with. 

 

The successful mayor is going to have to find creative ways to raise $$ to deal with these issues.  You could say that East Cleveland would be far better off if these same issues were addressed, but again, there's no money.  So now what?

 

Make regionalism about the suburbs helping out the city and they instantly become very skeptical.   Make it even somewhat about them joining the city and you've completely poisoned the concept for several years.  They will fight with everything they have and they will win at the state level.   The Democrats will support them because they can't afford to lose the limited support they have there, the Republicans will support them on general principles while instigating any possible exaggeration of the concept.   It's not the third rail of area politics, but it's walking on Lake Erie ice on a sunny day.

My most important criteria for a mayoral candidate is a willingness to be assertive about crime, especially juvenile crime.   That means taking on the juvenile court system as well as empowering the cops.   Not so much because it's dangerous, violent crime is not a direct risk for most people in Cleveland.   It's because the perception is otherwise, and because we're losing a lot of these kids to the criminal lifestyle that could be saved.   Intelligence about economic development is next.   

In a BW poll started weeks ago before all current candidates announced--including Basheer and likely Williams--Kucinich is at #1 and Basheer is #2. Wasn't expecting Kucinich to come in first.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2021/05/dennis-kucinich-is-no-1-and-basheer-jones-is-no-2-in-new-cleveland-mayoral-poll-the-wake-up-podcast.html

43 minutes ago, Pugu said:

In a BW poll started weeks ago before all current candidates announced--including Basheer and likely Williams--Kucinich is at #1 and Basheer is #2. Wasn't expecting Kucinich to come in first.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2021/05/dennis-kucinich-is-no-1-and-basheer-jones-is-no-2-in-new-cleveland-mayoral-poll-the-wake-up-podcast.html

 

He arguably has the highest name recognition. 

Anyone know, did Richard Knoth or Basheer officially announce yet? Basheer's announcement was supposed to be today or yesterday and Knoth's was supposed to be a while ago.

36 minutes ago, Pugu said:

Anyone know, did Richard Knoth or Basheer officially announce yet? Basheer's announcement was supposed to be today or yesterday and Knoth's was supposed to be a while ago.

Basheer has announced.

 

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/ward-7-city-councilman-basheer-jones-announces-hes-running-for-cleveland-mayor

Edited May 7, 20214 yr by freefourur

And Jackson is officially out.

https://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/2021/05/mayor-frank-jackson-announces-he-wont-seek-a-record-fifth-term-in-office.html

 

Edited May 7, 20214 yr by Foraker
q already answered re Basheer

Basheer is on team Bobby George

1 hour ago, GISguy said:

Basheer is on team Bobby George

 

Oh my.... guess he's now off the list of credible contenders.  

 

Here's my current list:

 

Need further investigation before deciding:

Kucinich, Sandra Williams, Kevin Kelley, d*ck Knoth

 

Definite no's:

Basheer Jones, Justin Bibb, Zack Reed

 

I know I'll get flack from UO for having Kucinich up there in the maybe list, but you have to view him in the existing candidate pool--there really is no shining lead here....

I wouldn't disqualify a candidate for appearing at a place like Town Hall anymore than I would one who gives a speech at some bulls-hit "church". If the guy has a good message, who cares where the podium is located. 

47 minutes ago, TBideon said:

I wouldn't disqualify a candidate for appearing at a place like Town Hall anymore than I would one who gives a speech at some bulls-hit "church". If the guy has a good message, who cares where the podium is located. 

 

Disqualify is a strong word. But generally when a candidate appears at a venue it is some sort of a symbolic gesture.  

1 hour ago, surfohio said:

 

Disqualify is a strong word. But generally when a candidate appears at a venue it is some sort of a symbolic gesture.  

I think Town Hall is an inexpensive place for a fundraiser.  I wouldn't disqualify Jones simply for this. Although, I can't vote in Cleveland so I'm just speaking hypothetically  

It either demonstrates a complete lack of sense, his inability to see/know/understand the issues around George, or where is preferences and future favoritism lies. Whichever of the three, its not someone we need in city hall. Regarding the comment "its an inexpensive place for a fundraiser" there are plenty of other places--and with covid--plenty of free outdoor spaces. I doubt his campaign is spending a dime---its likely a gift from George.

 

Basheer has some potential--and I would have considered him before this--but like Bibb, he is fairly inexperienced and it comes glaring through with accepting this gift from Bobby George.

 

On 5/10/2021 at 6:47 PM, Pugu said:

It either demonstrates a complete lack of sense, his inability to see/know/understand the issues around George, or where is preferences and future favoritism lies. Whichever of the three, its not someone we need in city hall. Regarding the comment "its an inexpensive place for a fundraiser" there are plenty of other places--and with covid--plenty of free outdoor spaces. I doubt his campaign is spending a dime---its likely a gift from George.

 

Basheer has some potential--and I would have considered him before this--but like Bibb, he is fairly inexperienced and it comes glaring through with accepting this gift from Bobby George.

 

This, all of this. It doesn't take much googling to see what a terrible person Bobby G. is and to accept money and a venue from the bigot literally flies in the face of so many people in this city.

 

Per the second half, I'm still on Team Bibb just because I feel like for what he doesn't know, he'd bring in the right people that do know. I've seen evidence of this from his initial launch and going forward. Cleveland needs younger leaders, we need new blood, not this constant rehashing of Cuy Dem choices. A job of a mayor, county exec., etc. isn't to know everything, it's to be a good manager with vision- things that the region has been lacking for years.

 

We have an amazing city with great people and frankly, I don't think someone who's been part of the problem (Kelley, Kucinich, etc.) would do much to move us forward vs just treading water. 

1 hour ago, GISguy said:

This, all of this. It doesn't take much googling to see what a terrible person Bobby G. is and to accept money and a venue from the bigot literally flies in the face of so many people in this city.

 

Per the second half, I'm still on Team Bibb just because I feel like for what he doesn't know, he'd bring in the right people that do know. I've seen evidence of this from his initial launch and going forward. Cleveland needs younger leaders, we need new blood, not this constant rehashing of Cuy Dem choices. A job of a mayor, county exec., etc. isn't to know everything, it's to be a good manager with vision- things that the region has been lacking for years.

 

We have an amazing city with great people and frankly, I don't think someone who's been part of the problem (Kelley, Kucinich, etc.) would do much to move us forward vs just treading water. 

 

The issue with Bibb is not that there is a lot he doesn't know--one can surround him/her-self with good people for that. It's that he comes across as so inexperienced giving very little confidence as to how he would handle tough situations and be a decent leader, which, as the mayor he'd be confronted with regularly. I think he can talk a good talk and that he's bright, but he needs far more than that to be a viable candidate.  For the record, I'm not a Kevin Kelley fan either, though I think he's a better bet than Bibb. But given the list of candidates, the game is to pick the best of the bunch, so some homework is needed to determine who really is the best given that there is no clear, ideal candidate. Re Kucinich, he certainly won't take crap--and I think he'd be a far better wheeler-dealer for CLE than Bibb or the young lawyer from West Park (DiBella?). But, he comes with his own baggage. As does Sandra Williams. 

Edited May 12, 20214 yr by Pugu

. [delete]

Edited May 12, 20214 yr by Pugu

Here's the current list of those on the ballot from the Board of Elections. List is in alphabetical order. (https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/pdf_boe/en-US/2021/CPS/2021CandidateList.pdf)

 

I don't see see Sandra Williams name here. Is it because she publicly declared (so we know about it), but hasn't filed her papers yet with the Board of Elections?  Knoth and Kucinich have not yet declared.

 

James Jerome Bell  Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Justin Bibb Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Michael J. Chal Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Ross Dibello Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Basheer Jones Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Kevin Kelley Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Michael F. Kilbane Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Arthur O. Kostendt Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Zack Reed Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Landry McNord Simmons Jr Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Keyshawn Dwayne Varnado Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Anthony Lee Wilson Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Latorya Jean Witcher Nonpartisan | No Partidista

Mayor Jackson's and various council members' plans for spending the half-billion Covid relief money the city is in line for seem stunningly unimaginative.  Maybe a couple of the above candidates can come up with something attention-getting in the way of an investment in the future.

10 minutes ago, Dougal said:

Mayor Jackson's and various council members' plans for spending the half-billion Covid relief money the city is in line for seem stunningly unimaginative.  Maybe a couple of the above candidates can come up with something attention-getting in the way of an investment in the future.

 

"Jackson" and "imaginative" are not two terms that are generally thought of in the same breath. 

2 hours ago, Pugu said:

 

"Jackson" and "imaginative" are not two terms that are generally thought of in the same breath. 

lol hear hear

 

btw, thanks for your nuanced response above, I appreciate your views/insight into Bibb and other folks

2 hours ago, Dougal said:

Mayor Jackson's and various council members' plans for spending the half-billion Covid relief money the city is in line for seem stunningly unimaginative.  Maybe a couple of the above candidates can come up with something attention-getting in the way of an investment in the future.

 

2 hours ago, Pugu said:

 

"Jackson" and "imaginative" are not two terms that are generally thought of in the same breath. 

Maybe Jackson is trying to find ways to fit in funding multiple dirt bike parks.  West side, southwest side, southeast side, east side and northeast side to make them all conveniently available for all of the law-abiding individuals who want them.  

 

Speaking of projects, whatever happened to his grand plans that he unveiled while campaigning four years ago?  Didn't he have some super community projects he wanted to implement? 

1 hour ago, LifeLongClevelander said:

Speaking of projects, whatever happened to his grand plans that he unveiled while campaigning four years ago?  Didn't he have some super community projects he wanted to implement? 

He also promised an increase in city services with the 1/2% tax increase in 2017.   I don't think I'm alone in saying I haven't seen much of an uptick....

On 5/10/2021 at 6:32 PM, freefourur said:

I think Town Hall is an inexpensive place for a fundraiser.  I wouldn't disqualify Jones simply for this. Although, I can't vote in Cleveland so I'm just speaking hypothetically  

 

It is, for very good reason.   That's one of the ways the Georges ingratiate themselves.   We did the same.  If I'm not mistaken, Basheer is originally from Bedford where that was common.

Edited May 14, 20214 yr by E Rocc

Just got the email - Justin Bibb is officially on the ballot. 6/16 is the deadline for petitions so it'll be interesting how things shake out.

 

 

9 minutes ago, GISguy said:

Just got the email - Justin Bibb is officially on the ballot. 6/16 is the deadline for petitions so it'll be interesting how things shake out.

 

 

There is some guy outside the Starbucks on Clifton trying to get signatures almost daily.   Will see if he makes his goal.  

3 minutes ago, Cleburger said:

There is some guy outside the Starbucks on Clifton trying to get signatures almost daily.   Will see if he makes his goal.  

Dennis! ? lol

9 minutes ago, GISguy said:

Dennis! ? lol

Well he's wearing a mask, but also appears to be about 40 years younger than Dennis!  

 

I'll ask him tomorrow when i see him.  I've been dodging him thus far but will try to get to know him.  

6 minutes ago, Cleburger said:

Well he's wearing a mask, but also appears to be about 40 years younger than Dennis!  

 

I'll ask him tomorrow when i see him.  I've been dodging him thus far but will try to get to know him.  

 

I'll be down there tomorrow for a haircut, hope he's there lol.

I see the race funneling down to Bibb and Kelley.  Kelley is the safe/status quo option.  Bibb is the exciting new option.  Both have a lot of support already.   

 

39 minutes ago, gottaplan said:

I see the race funneling down to Bibb and Kelley.  Kelley is the safe/status quo option.  Bibb is the exciting new option.  Both have a lot of support already.   

I wouldn't completely write off Zack Reed either.  

Its Official: 

‘Never quit:’ Former Cleveland Mayor Dennis Kucinich running for mayor again

Robert Higgs - Cleveland.com - June 14, 2021

 

 

good god Dennis....just go away

I was just thinking Kucinich does have the distinct advantage of having been mayor before. Anyhow it's going to be very interesting to see which issues each candidate prioritizes and how they perform in the debates. 

14 minutes ago, surfohio said:

I was just thinking Kucinich does have the distinct advantage of having been mayor before. Anyhow it's going to be very interesting to see which issues each candidate prioritizes and how they perform in the debates. 

I’m not sure that’s considered an advantage by anyone who was around back then.

26 minutes ago, mack34 said:

good god Dennis....just go away

He did for a couple decades.  Didn't even live here.   For that reason alone, I echo your statement.   Go away Dennis!  

4 hours ago, gottaplan said:

I see the race funneling down to Bibb and Kelley.  Kelley is the safe/status quo option.  Bibb is the exciting new option.  Both have a lot of support already.   

Kucinich changes everything.  He could run away with it.  Cleveland voters are so dumb they vote for any name they recognize

Just now, bjk said:

I’m not sure that’s considered an advantage by anyone who was around back then.

 

True, but that's also ancient history. I mean, what other candidates have any executive experience?