Posted July 18, 2024Jul 18 Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that East Cleveland needs to pay out $38million to two men injured by East Cleveland police. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/07/ohio-supreme-court-orders-east-cleveland-to-pay-man-police-beat-locked-in-broom-closet-over-30-million.html This is ridiculous. The 13,352 poor residents in East Cleveland don't have $38million lying around. 45% of East Cleveland residents are under 18 or over 65, leaving 7,343 residents to foot that bill (only $5,174 each). With a median income of $23,000 that's only 22% of their already-insufficient income! https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/eastclevelandcityohio/PST045223 The state needs to step in. The state is the only entity with the resources to bring real change. If those men want any settlement, which they should get, they should accept less in exchange for the certainty of actually receiving some money. Then the state needs to take over and fix East Cleveland or find a way for East Cleveland to merge with another city without becoming a burden on that city.
July 18, 2024Jul 18 1 hour ago, Foraker said: Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that East Cleveland needs to pay out $38million to two men injured by East Cleveland police. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/07/ohio-supreme-court-orders-east-cleveland-to-pay-man-police-beat-locked-in-broom-closet-over-30-million.html This is ridiculous. The 13,352 poor residents in East Cleveland don't have $38million lying around. 45% of East Cleveland residents are under 18 or over 65, leaving 7,343 residents to foot that bill (only $5,174 each). With a median income of $23,000 that's only 22% of their already-insufficient income! https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/eastclevelandcityohio/PST045223 The state needs to step in. The state is the only entity with the resources to bring real change. If those men want any settlement, which they should get, they should accept less in exchange for the certainty of actually receiving some money. Then the state needs to take over and fix East Cleveland or find a way for East Cleveland to merge with another city without becoming a burden on that city. Yikes, seems like something like that can pretty much cripple an already poverty stricken city. I wonder what the police department and the city government has to say about this?
July 19, 2024Jul 19 23 hours ago, Foraker said: Then the state needs to take over and fix East Cleveland or find a way for East Cleveland to merge with another city without becoming a burden on that city. Don't think this is even possible. Maybe it can be taken over by the County and be an unincorporated area? No idea if that makes sense either.
July 19, 2024Jul 19 Author 50 minutes ago, Rustbelter said: Don't think this is even possible. Maybe it can be taken over by the County and be an unincorporated area? No idea if that makes sense either. The point is that if you're waiting for East Cleveland to pull itself up by its bootstraps in the face of such financial problems, East Cleveland will continue to be a source of problems for its citizens and neighbors for a long time.
July 19, 2024Jul 19 It’s just wild that the police in these situations are never personally held liable. The U.S. is something else.
July 20, 2024Jul 20 23 hours ago, Foraker said: The point is that if you're waiting for East Cleveland to pull itself up by its bootstraps in the face of such financial problems, East Cleveland will continue to be a source of problems for its citizens and neighbors for a long time. I've been reading up on Chapter 9 bankruptcy, which to me is EC's only rational choice. Declaration of bankruptcy for a municipality must be voluntary; the Feds and creditors cannot force the event. The State of Ohio may be able to; but Ohio has been reluctant to interfere. The beauty of Chapter 9 is it would afford EC the chance to fix its other indebtedness problems as well. The politicians can take cover saying the calamity was forced upon them by the evil, Republican Ohio Supreme Court; and a fiscally-sound EC could emerge from the process. A further outcome could be that EC would become a much less costly merger partner after Chapter 9. Will it happen? It's not clear the citizens of EC have the will or desire to go through Chapter 9; certainly their leaders don't. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
July 20, 2024Jul 20 Their leadership is completely oblivious to the the disfunction. They live on a fantasy world where they are very close to turning things around.
July 22, 2024Jul 22 Author On 7/20/2024 at 1:29 PM, Dougal said: I've been reading up on Chapter 9 bankruptcy, which to me is EC's only rational choice. Declaration of bankruptcy for a municipality must be voluntary; the Feds and creditors cannot force the event. The State of Ohio may be able to; but Ohio has been reluctant to interfere. The beauty of Chapter 9 is it would afford EC the chance to fix its other indebtedness problems as well. The politicians can take cover saying the calamity was forced upon them by the evil, Republican Ohio Supreme Court; and a fiscally-sound EC could emerge from the process. A further outcome could be that EC would become a much less costly merger partner after Chapter 9. Will it happen? It's not clear the citizens of EC have the will or desire to go through Chapter 9; certainly their leaders don't. I'm afraid that the cost of maintaining the infrastructure (roads, water lines, city hall, police station, fire houses), and funding the payroll for police and fire and administration -- just isn't feasible. It's not a matter of overspending in the past and now being unable to pay back the debts, there's not enough income and not enough wealth that can be taxed to support the essential city services. In those circumstances, you might be right that bankruptcy is a necessary step toward a solution, but bankruptcy itself won't solve the problem. That's why I think the state has to step in.
July 22, 2024Jul 22 19 hours ago, Foraker said: I'm afraid that the cost of maintaining the infrastructure (roads, water lines, city hall, police station, fire houses), and funding the payroll for police and fire and administration -- just isn't feasible. It's not a matter of overspending in the past and now being unable to pay back the debts, there's not enough income and not enough wealth that can be taxed to support the essential city services. In those circumstances, you might be right that bankruptcy is a necessary step toward a solution, but bankruptcy itself won't solve the problem. That's why I think the state has to step in. My thought was that bankruptcy would reduce the EC's liabilities to the point that Cleveland wouldn't mind absorbing the remaining debt if development, such as Circle East, could close the gap in the near future. I really don't think EC is a viable entity no matter what happens. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
July 23, 2024Jul 23 Author 2 hours ago, Dougal said: My thought was that bankruptcy would reduce the EC's liabilities to the point that Cleveland wouldn't mind absorbing the remaining debt if development, such as Circle East, could close the gap in the near future. I really don't think EC us a viable entity no matter what happens. With all due apologies to the pride of East Clevelanders, I agree. East Cleveland could have more say if they were proactive in seeking bankruptcy and starting the conversation.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 There's part of me that thinks it has to only be a matter of time before East Cleveland is dissolved one way or another. But the problem is that there's been good reason to think that for decades and nothing has changed. The status quo has a lot of inertia, and there's very few incentives for the powers that be to intervene, and there's plenty of risk. The only real reasons for a politician to stick his/her neck out is dissolving East Cleveland is to do the right thing, so I'm not holding my breath. Some of the risk I mentioned above is that this seems like a logistics nightmare. How would this happen, and how should it? Is dissolving it into the county or the City of Cleveland preferable and/or more realistic? I don't know. Who can shoulder the load best? Does it make sense to split the burden, maybe between the City, County, and possibly Cleveland Heights? Part of the issue is that I don't think the best way to address the East Cleveland issue is the same as the easiest or most technically feasible solution. Unincorporating it into the County or annexing it into Cleveland are the simplest and would reduce the red tape, but either by themselves would be strained to handle the load. And while I doubt Cleveland Heights has the resources or will to engage on this issue, there are undoubtedly parts of East Cleveland (the triangle between Coventry, Forest Park, and the cemetery for sure) that will be better served as parts of Cleveland Heights than as part of Cleveland or unincorporated. If I were designing a post breakup plan without having to consider bureaucracy I'd split it into three zones, post war Germany style. I'd give the Southwest to Cleveland, the Southeast to Cleveland Heights, and the North to the County. The exact borders would follow roads or other logical boundaries. In the long term the County's section would probably go to Cleveland. Cleveland has a large vested interest in Southwest East Cleveland due to its effect on University Circle, ditto for Cleveland Heights around Coventry. Meaningful, rationally drawn borders are rare in the US, but do help in creating a sense of place; I think they would be best for all involved. All of that said, I don't see this happening unless those governing East Cleveland ask for it. Is it possible to force it? I don't know, regardless, I don't see anyone sticking their neck out on that issue. East Clevelanders don't seem to want this, though they probably should, and until that changes it's an interesting, but moot, conversation. Despite that, I am interested to see what others think the 'day after,' so to speak, might look like. Any thoughts?
July 23, 2024Jul 23 As far as the feasibility of a Cleveland takeover goes, I don't think Cleveland is as broke as the tax-increase salesmen like to pretend. Income tax collections are booming and for the last few years the Mayor's Estimates (aka the annual budget) have consistently underestimated revenue. I feel Cleveland should take the risk and absorb the whole of EC. The Forest Hills section is probably self-supporting and the population elsewhere is evaporating. It won't be as big a risk as people think. Circle East and TOD around Windemere are coming. Edit: All the above contingent on EC discharging much of its debt in Chapter 9 bankruptcy. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
July 23, 2024Jul 23 17 minutes ago, Ethan said: There's part of me that thinks it has to only be a matter of time before East Cleveland is dissolved one way or another. But the problem is that there's been good reason to think that for decades and nothing has changed. The status quo has a lot of inertia, and there's very few incentives for the powers that be to intervene, and there's plenty of risk. The only real reasons for a politician to stick his/her neck out is dissolving East Cleveland is to do the right thing, so I'm not holding my breath. Fun fact - the first legal proceeding I handled after passing the bar was in East Cleveland in early 2018 (some social media influencers from out of town had been graffiti'ing the rapid and paid us to represent them). I walked into the court and asked if we could discuss a plea because it was their first offense and they offered to pay for the cost of cleaning/repairing the trains... I was told, directly, by the prosecutor, that a reduced plea would cost them $500, and $800 if they want a dismissal. My very first legal proceeding, someone openly told me they were open to a bribe. I told the judge shortly thereafter, and he said she must have been referring to "Processing fees." Reported her to the bar as well and never heard anything from it.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 I don't understand the point of giving a portion to the County, but I like the idea of splitting EC with the downhill portions going to Cleveland and the uphill portions going to Cleveland Heights. I don't think it would be a good idea to leave the uphill portions as a part of Cleveland because they are geographically disconnected, and I fear they would get forgotten for service and investment.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 I like the idea of Cleveland taking the whole thing. Why should Cleveland Heights get the nice part?
July 23, 2024Jul 23 30 minutes ago, freefourur said: I like the idea of Cleveland taking the whole thing. Why should Cleveland Heights get the nice part? I like the idea of Cleveland taking East Cleveland, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Richmond Heights, Linndale, Warrensville Heights, Euclid, Newburgh Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Garfield Heights.... Parma could then absorb Parma Heights, Broadview Heights, North Royalton..... Lakewood could absorb Rocky River, Fairview, and Bay... Strongsville could absorb Berea, Brook Park, and Middleburg... etc etc etc...
July 23, 2024Jul 23 58 minutes ago, freefourur said: I like the idea of Cleveland taking the whole thing. Why should Cleveland Heights get the nice part? It seems like it will have to happen eventually. It should have been done a long time ago.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 1 hour ago, X said: I don't understand the point of giving a portion to the County, but I like the idea of splitting EC with the downhill portions going to Cleveland and the uphill portions going to Cleveland Heights. I don't think it would be a good idea to leave the uphill portions as a part of Cleveland because they are geographically disconnected, and I fear they would get forgotten for service and investment. My thought with the County was purely distributing the burden across a wider, and on average better off, tax base. I guess that need not be done in explicitly geographic terms, but it seems like a project of this magnitude needs a wider tax base than just the City of Cleveland which is already disproportionately impoverished.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 22 hours ago, Foraker said: I'm afraid that the cost of maintaining the infrastructure (roads, water lines, city hall, police station, fire houses), and funding the payroll for police and fire and administration -- just isn't feasible. It's not a matter of overspending in the past and now being unable to pay back the debts, there's not enough income and not enough wealth that can be taxed to support the essential city services. In those circumstances, you might be right that bankruptcy is a necessary step toward a solution, but bankruptcy itself won't solve the problem. That's why I think the state has to step in. also, the population has dropped out. looks like it might be close 10k residents by the next census
July 23, 2024Jul 23 1 hour ago, freefourur said: I like the idea of Cleveland taking the whole thing. Why should Cleveland Heights get the nice part? Because I'd argue that will be better for the East Cleveland residents who will change municipality. For one, those areas already 'feel' like an extension of Cleveland Heights, but more concretely, as @X points out, investing in those particular parts of what is now East Cleveland will simply be more important to Cleveland Heights than it would be to Cleveland. Even more concretely still, there are real proximity based benefits such as the Cleveland Heights Community center that is within walking distance of many of these homes, if the municipal boundary moves they would immediately gain access to this. In general, I'd argue that municipal boundaries should be drawn as much as possible such that people able to walk to basic daily tasks don't have to cross municipal boundaries to do so. It's not generally a luxury that can be practically considered, but when given the choice I'd argue for that principle.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 6 minutes ago, Ethan said: Because I'd argue that will be better for the East Cleveland residents who will change municipality. For one, those areas already 'feel' like an extension of Cleveland Heights, but more concretely, as @X points out, investing in those particular parts of what is now East Cleveland will simply be more important to Cleveland Heights than it would be to Cleveland. Even more concretely still, there are real proximity based benefits such as the Cleveland Heights Community center that is within walking distance of many of these homes, if the municipal boundary moves they would immediately gain access to this. In general, I'd argue that municipal boundaries should be drawn as much as possible such that people able to walk to basic daily tasks don't have to cross municipal boundaries to do so. It's not generally a luxury that can be practically considered, but when given the choice I'd argue for that principle. Conversely, I'd argue that the "up the hill" portion is what would make the deal even close to attractive for Cleveland. There'd be a nice tax base for City of Cleveland. This plan would ask Cleveland to take the blight and give the nice part to the burbs.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 1 hour ago, YABO713 said: I like the idea of Cleveland taking East Cleveland, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Richmond Heights, Linndale, Warrensville Heights, Euclid, Newburgh Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Garfield Heights.... Parma could then absorb Parma Heights, Broadview Heights, North Royalton..... Lakewood could absorb Rocky River, Fairview, and Bay... Strongsville could absorb Berea, Brook Park, and Middleburg... etc etc etc... If one wanted to torpedo any and all regionalism in this area for a generation, make this a serious proposal. Politically impossible doesn't begin to cover it. The suburbs in question would immediately petition the state. The Republicans would support them in principle, the Democrats would have to or further become a minority party. If one wants regionalize services (which even I would consider a good idea in many cases), don't overreach and never ever say the A word.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 Author 2 hours ago, freefourur said: Conversely, I'd argue that the "up the hill" portion is what would make the deal even close to attractive for Cleveland. There'd be a nice tax base for City of Cleveland. This plan would ask Cleveland to take the blight and give the nice part to the burbs. Parts of East Cleveland have an industrial legacy -- Nela Park is just one piece, there are others, generally to the east and north of Euclid. Maybe that's not valuable to Cleveland, but it might be to Cleveland Heights, which is lacking in industrial space. If there was some help to get EC's infrastructure up to "C" and the debt is wiped out, EC might be attractive to CH. (But I don't think most of the residents of EC want to be part of CH.)
July 24, 2024Jul 24 17 hours ago, freefourur said: Conversely, I'd argue that the "up the hill" portion is what would make the deal even close to attractive for Cleveland. There'd be a nice tax base for City of Cleveland. This plan would ask Cleveland to take the blight and give the nice part to the burbs. I actually disagree with this. Single family areas aren't particularly great for the tax base- even moderately upscale ones like Forest Hill. The real value of East Cleveland is that the western portion (West East Cleveland) is within walking distance to University Circle, and therefore ripe for the sort of development we're seeing in the portions of Hough and Fairfax that are walking distance to University Circle.
August 13, 2024Aug 13 It's very hard for an incorporated municipality to be annexed, especially one with as much unmaintained, aging infrastructure and building stock as what East Cleveland has. There's more fiscal burden than tax base there, or even an opportunity for a tax base. I said as much in my opinion piece last August (https://neo-trans.blog/2023/08/23/the-fate-of-east-cleveland/), but if the demise of Central, Hough and Glenville that came before is a guide, East Cleveland is going to bottom out at about 10-15 percent of its peak population in the next decade or so. That's 4,000 to 6,000 people. Demolish entire sections of the abandoned city and start over. By that point, Cuyahoga County could petition the state for East Cleveland to become a township again and be eligible for annexation by Cleveland. Having dozens of acres of cleared, cleaned, developable land will be opportunity for Cleveland and no longer a burden as it is now. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 13, 2024Aug 13 Author 1 hour ago, KJP said: It's very hard for an incorporated municipality to be annexed, especially one with as much unmaintained, aging infrastructure and building stock as what East Cleveland has. There's more fiscal burden than tax base there, or even an opportunity for a tax base. I said as much in my opinion piece last August (https://neo-trans.blog/2023/08/23/the-fate-of-east-cleveland/), but if the demise of Central, Hough and Glenville that came before is a guide, East Cleveland is going to bottom out at about 10-15 percent of its peak population in the next decade or so. That's 4,000 to 6,000 people. Demolish entire sections of the abandoned city and start over. By that point, Cuyahoga County could petition the state for East Cleveland to become a township again and be eligible for annexation by Cleveland. Having dozens of acres of cleared, cleaned, developable land will be opportunity for Cleveland and no longer a burden as it is now. That would be ideal. But with the county stepping in to build on a couple of streets by University Circle, East Cleveland might yet revive itself just enough to remain independent for longer than we expect.
October 11, 2024Oct 11 Brandon King got indicted on charges of theft in office. At what point does East Cleveland throw in the towel and just merge? There is too much greed and power struggle in a city that has done nothing but continuously mess up.
October 16, 2024Oct 16 That would require them (council and precinct committee members) to admit their own failure and to relinquish what little power they have left. They seem to feel that if they still live in a nice house and hold power over the ashes that surround them, that's better than nothing. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 16, 2024Oct 16 Author 55 minutes ago, KJP said: That would require them (council and precinct committee members) to admit their own failure and to relinquish what little power they have left. They seem to feel that if they still live in a nice house and hold power over the ashes that surround them, that's better than nothing. East Cleveland's city council is not about to throw in the towel any time soon. They're "optimistic" about the future. https://www.clevescene.com/news/east-cleveland-city-council-optimistic-indictment-of-mayor-brandon-king-signals-opportunity-for-turnaround-45294372
October 16, 2024Oct 16 12 minutes ago, Foraker said: East Cleveland's city council is not about to throw in the towel any time soon. They're "optimistic" about the future. https://www.clevescene.com/news/east-cleveland-city-council-optimistic-indictment-of-mayor-brandon-king-signals-opportunity-for-turnaround-45294372 they spelled delusional wrong.
October 16, 2024Oct 16 On 8/13/2024 at 10:23 AM, KJP said: It's very hard for an incorporated municipality to be annexed, especially one with as much unmaintained, aging infrastructure and building stock as what East Cleveland has. There's more fiscal burden than tax base there, or even an opportunity for a tax base. I said as much in my opinion piece last August (https://neo-trans.blog/2023/08/23/the-fate-of-east-cleveland/), but if the demise of Central, Hough and Glenville that came before is a guide, East Cleveland is going to bottom out at about 10-15 percent of its peak population in the next decade or so. That's 4,000 to 6,000 people. Demolish entire sections of the abandoned city and start over. By that point, Cuyahoga County could petition the state for East Cleveland to become a township again and be eligible for annexation by Cleveland. Having dozens of acres of cleared, cleaned, developable land will be opportunity for Cleveland and no longer a burden as it is now. This has to be on Ronayne's county wish list given his prior roles with Clev and UCI? Edited October 17, 2024Oct 17 by Willo
November 4, 2024Nov 4 Ohio Supreme Court to decide whether the recently indicted mayor of EC will be suspended from office. A 3-judge panel of retired judges will recommend whether to proceed or not in two weeks time. The full court will then have about 6 weeks to reach a decision. It's interesting that the petition to suspend was filed by the county; Ronayne must want action on EC's future sooner rather than later. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/11/ohio-supreme-court-appoints-judges-to-decide-whether-to-suspend-east-cleveland-mayor-brandon-king.html Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
November 4, 2024Nov 4 Author 1 hour ago, Dougal said: It's interesting that the petition to suspend was filed by the county; Ronayne must want action on EC's future sooner rather than later. That's very good news -- maybe the world will stop kicking the EC-problems down the road to the future and actually deal with them. Everyone benefits from an improved EC-community, whether EC remains independent, dissolves, merges, whatever.
November 4, 2024Nov 4 40 minutes ago, Foraker said: That's very good news -- maybe the world will stop kicking the EC-problems down the road to the future and actually deal with them. Everyone benefits from an improved EC-community, whether EC remains independent, dissolves, merges, whatever. It is so sad for the remaining citizens who can’t move to a safer area or get the leadership they deserve. Too bad Mayorkas didn’t resettle the 25,000 Haitians in East Cleveland or Cleveland where they would be welcomed unlike southern Ohio. What a way a restore the population with eager newcomers who would likely embrace good government in EC and school the current regime there on the American dream. We could use a Little Haiti or Port-au-Prince enclave.
November 5, 2024Nov 5 On 10/16/2024 at 6:15 PM, Foraker said: East Cleveland's city council is not about to throw in the towel any time soon. They're "optimistic" about the future. https://www.clevescene.com/news/east-cleveland-city-council-optimistic-indictment-of-mayor-brandon-king-signals-opportunity-for-turnaround-45294372 Lol it's only their what? 2nd out of 3 previous mayors committing a crime? Alot of optimism to have.
November 5, 2024Nov 5 4 hours ago, Willo said: It is so sad for the remaining citizens who can’t move to a safer area or get the leadership they deserve. Too bad Mayorkas didn’t resettle the 25,000 Haitians in East Cleveland or Cleveland where they would be welcomed unlike southern Ohio. What a way a restore the population with eager newcomers who would likely embrace good government in EC and school the current regime there on the American dream. We could use a Little Haiti or Port-au-Prince enclave. You kinda need jobs and support for the relocation of 25,000 Haitians. East Cleveland and Cleveland aint going to provide it. There is a reason why Ukranian refugees completely bypassed Cleveland and settled in the burbs. No one, including desperate refugees, don't deserve to have to live in fear of the frequent shootings and carjackings East Cleveland or Cleveland provides.
November 5, 2024Nov 5 14 hours ago, Willo said: It is so sad for the remaining citizens who can’t move to a safer area or get the leadership they deserve. Too bad Mayorkas didn’t resettle the 25,000 Haitians in East Cleveland or Cleveland where they would be welcomed unlike southern Ohio. What a way a restore the population with eager newcomers who would likely embrace good government in EC and school the current regime there on the American dream. We could use a Little Haiti or Port-au-Prince enclave. Umm....Haitians are used to grossly corrupt government and would likely expect it.
November 5, 2024Nov 5 1 hour ago, E Rocc said: Umm....Haitians are used to grossly corrupt government and would likely expect it. Yes talk to the Miami Haitian community and they will tell you all about it - not just corrupt locals we have propped up but the UN and others-where did the $13 billion plus go. Edited November 5, 2024Nov 5 by Willo
November 8, 2024Nov 8 On 11/4/2024 at 5:31 PM, Willo said: It is so sad for the remaining citizens who can’t move to a safer area or get the leadership they deserve. The citizens of EC elected and reelected King and twice defeated recall attempts which were based on similar corruption charges. My heart doesn't break for them. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
November 8, 2024Nov 8 On 11/4/2024 at 10:14 PM, AsDustinFoxWouldSay said: here is a reason why Ukranian refugees completely bypassed Cleveland and settled in the burbs. Sending this off topic, but that's where the Ukrainian communities are within the region and have been since white flight of the '60s, it's nothing recent. Same goes for most if not all European immigrants that originally called Cleveland home. https://case.edu/ech/articles/u/ukrainians Sidenote, I bought the physical copy of the Cleveland Encyclopedia and phew is it fun flipping through the thing and finding little factoids - the web version doesn't do it justice. Edited November 8, 2024Nov 8 by GISguy
November 27, 2024Nov 27 A small city in Kentucky has voted to dissolve itself. A model for East Cleveland? https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/frustrated-with-their-small-city-s-government-residents-voted-to-end-it/ar-AA1uQlzV Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
December 2, 2024Dec 2 On 11/27/2024 at 11:17 AM, Dougal said: A small city in Kentucky has voted to dissolve itself. A model for East Cleveland? https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/frustrated-with-their-small-city-s-government-residents-voted-to-end-it/ar-AA1uQlzV I doubt we'll see that unless East Cleveland drops below 5,000 people. Even so, if past actions are predictors of future ones, the city council will never admit to the city's demise. They seem to act as if they are rulers of the great city of Wakanda and not some abandoned, hollowed-out slum. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 2, 2024Dec 2 Author On 11/8/2024 at 11:16 AM, Dougal said: The citizens of EC elected and reelected King and twice defeated recall attempts which were based on similar corruption charges. My heart doesn't break for them. Were there better options running for the position?
February 21Feb 21 Superseding Indictment Charges Two Brothers and a City Mayor’s Assistant with Tax Fraud, Public Corruption, and Money Laundering https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/superseding-indictment-charges-two-brothers-and-city-mayors-assistant-tax-fraud-public "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 21Feb 21 1 hour ago, KJP said: Superseding Indictment Charges Two Brothers and a City Mayor’s Assistant with Tax Fraud, Public Corruption, and Money Laundering https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/superseding-indictment-charges-two-brothers-and-city-mayors-assistant-tax-fraud-public So sad. The corruption stories seem to keep coming year after year. I am sure ther are other scams undetected that would not trigger the attention of the Feds as in this case. If the county can't do anything after all this time, then DeWine needs to do another listening tour to EC before he retires. Would be a great if the State would focus on helping the trapped remaininig citizens there vs the white glove treatment given to Jimmy and Dee. Maybe drop an Ohio DOGE-like task force on that city with the State Auditor, BCI, AG, Secretary of State...
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