I couldn't agree more with this. There are many things that need to change with city council, and the vacancy appointment process is just one of them.

 

 

Appointed Cleveland City Council members should have to face voters sooner: editorial

By Editorial Board

on January 14, 2016 at 10:14 AM, updated January 14, 2016 at 10:31 AM

 

Joe Cimperman plans to quit Cleveland City Council in March, but -- given council rules allowing him to choose his own successor -- that hardly makes him a lame duck.

 

As is tradition, Cimperman will be allowed to recommend his replacement and have that person approved by City Council without objection.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/01/un-elected_cleveland_city_coun.html

How about we just institute term limits for City Council instead?

 

Cleveland City Council president proposes increased caps for campaign contributions

 

By Leila Atassi, cleveland.com

on January 25, 2016 at 9:27 PM, updated January 25, 2016 at 9:28 PM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley wants to increase the city's caps on campaign contributions, in the hope that doing so would help challengers run more robust campaigns against incumbents with big war chests.

 

Kelley introduced legislation Monday night that would limit contributions to mayoral candidates -- either from individuals or political action committees -- to $10,000 per calendar year. That's up from maximums of $1,000 per individual and $2,000 per PAC set by ordinance in 1994.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2016/01/cleveland_city_council_preside_6.html

There shouldn't be "big war chests" involved, especially with the wards here being so numerous and small.  You can personally meet every likely voter.  You're not flying around and buying TV ads.

From the 'Cleveland: Mayor Frank Jackson' thread http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,6137.msg788691/topicseen.html

 

^why the constant obsession with council? There are only 17 members. For a city as big and diverse as ours, I think we should have MORE council districts, because a good council person can actually get things done for residents. Currently They make up 0.3% of all city workers and they, in general, work a lot harder than your typical city worker and are not paid that much more on average.

 

Washington DC has about 650,000 people now and has 8 council members. It somehow still manages to represent everyone in the city.

 

Never understood why Cleveland still needs 17 members for a city of 395,000. I'm assuming the large council was a product of when Cleveland used to have 900k+ people.

 

In 1981 there were 33 council members in Cleveland. As recently as 2013 there were 19 members. I understand that people think 17 is still too large, and it might be, but the council has been considerably reduced as the city has shrunk.

 

This is a few years old, as it still lists Cleveland as having 21 council members, but you can see that there are only a couple large cities that have a lower population/council person ratio than Cleveland. I personally think we should ditch the ward based system and move to an at-large one. Or, do a mix of ward and at-large like DC does, for example.

 

http://www.smartcitymemphis.com/2010/05/a-look-at-city-councils-around-the-country/

Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman names Kerry McCormack as successor

 

By Leila Atassi, cleveland.com

on March 18, 2016 at 11:58 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, who leaves council next month to head up the nonprofit agency Global Cleveland, has tapped political newcomer Kerry McCormack as his successor to represent Ward 3.

 

McCormack, the director of Community Affairs for Ohio City Inc., is the son of Ohio Court of Appeals Judge Tim McCormack. He served as his father's campaign manager in 2010 and his resume touts experience in politics and community organizing.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2016/03/cleveland_city_councilman_joe_5.html

Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman names Kerry McCormack as successor

 

By Leila Atassi, cleveland.com

on March 18, 2016 at 11:58 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, who leaves council next month to head up the nonprofit agency Global Cleveland, has tapped political newcomer Kerry McCormack as his successor to represent Ward 3.

 

McCormack, the director of Community Affairs for Ohio City Inc., is the son of Ohio Court of Appeals Judge Tim McCormack. He served as his father's campaign manager in 2010 and his resume touts experience in politics and community organizing.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2016/03/cleveland_city_councilman_joe_5.html

 

Really????

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/08/cleveland_councilman_joe_cimpe.html

 

The subpoena orders Ohio City Inc. to produce copies of its correspondence dating back to 2002 with Cimperman and his staff related to projects or services rendered to the city by LAND Studio, its predecessor ParkWorks, LAND Studio Executive Director Ann Zoller or Cimperman's wife, Nora Romanoff.

^plus he's in his 20's. No slight to the millennials, but more wisdom and world/life experience is sorely needed--beyond working on Daddy's campaign.

 

Regarding process, the PD article says:

 

"City Council will meet McCormack on April 4 and will take a preliminary vote on his appointment, according to a council news release Friday. During that evening's council meeting, Clerk Patricia Britt will officially read Cimperman's resignation into the record, and council will vote on his replacement."

 

so does that mean on April 4th, they will take a PRELIMINARY AND A FINAL VOTE all on the same day? what's the point of that? Also, what if they vote against him? Does Cimperman also suggest as backup candidate or does the seat then remain vacant til Cimperman picks a new person and the preliminary and final vote is taken at the next meeting?

 

 

 

 

^ At 27 years old, I'm sure Kerry is more capable than more than half of the other idiots that make up city council. As a fellow 27 year old, I welcome it (I do wish Joe had picked someone not from Cleveland or even an immigrant, and at least not someone with a politically connected father).

 

As for process, have you not heard of the "unit rule"? If anyone votes against his nomination, they are barred from the Democratic caucus in council.

As for process' date=' have you not heard of the "unit rule"? If anyone votes against his nomination, they are barred from the Democratic caucus in council.[/quote']

 

What?!? That doesn't make any sense. Then why vote at all? Or perhaps I'm misunderstanding--could you explain this in more detail?

 

As for process' date=' have you not heard of the "unit rule"? If anyone votes against his nomination, they are barred from the Democratic caucus in council.[/quote']

 

What?!? That doesn't make any sense. Then why vote at all? Or perhaps I'm misunderstanding--could you explain this in more detail?

 

 

The PD comes out with an editorial every now and then denouncing the practice. Here's one: http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/01/brian_kazy_appointment_illustr.html

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I have a crazy idea about an open council seat. Something called an election.

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

 

He's also city council's first Millennial member and, to my knowledge, first openly gay member.

Not the first gay member (that would be Joe Santiago) but still a fantastic choice. I also know Kerry personally and cannot say enough for his maturity and vision for the city. A born and bred Clevelander, with worldly experience, knowledge how the city works, that wants to commit his life to his hometown. I'm not sure how you can criticize that.  Implicating him in the ethics investigation is irresponsible and does not have any relation to the reality.

^ Ahh, right. Joe Santiago. Forgot about him.

 

 

While it's unfair to tie this individual to Cimperman's ethics investigation, his ties with the org at the center of it make him a very questionable choice.  I'm sure he has qualifications but this is a bit stinky.  When someone is stepping down due to corruption issues, they should not have this kind of power.  Council should not seat him and there should be an election held as soon as possible.  Of course that won't happen, because Cleveland is outrageously corrupt.

^How is OCI "at the center" of Cimperman's ethics investigation? Doesn't it concern a city contract with LAND?

The city tends to operate through these type of orgs, and this org has been ordered to turn over evidence.  Why would their records contain evidence if they weren't involved?  Don't let unnecessary layers of quasi-public admin confuse things-- that's one of their purposes, by the way.

 

Do we really want the next councilman to be tied in with the one stepping down in disgrace?  I'm sure there are other qualified people in this ward, who don't come from political families and who have nothing to do with the current mess. 

 

Cleveland's tolerance of corruption is like something from another era, or from another part of the world.  This sort of thing happens in countries that "hold elections" but nobody believes they're democratic.  Either you're in the establishment or you're not, from cradle to grave.

^I guess. Being asked to turn over documents isn't really very incriminating. It just means the investigator thinks that party has information relevant to an investigation, not that the party itself did anything untoward. Would be nice if the investigators would just wrap up their work to remove the cloud over everyone who touched this deal. Personally, I thought the allegations were weak tea, but we'll see what the investigation digs up.

 

In any case, I agree with you that letting resigning city council members appoint successors is pretty lame. It's not like council business will grind to a halt if it's short a member until the next election.

This ties in with the Upper Chester thread, but why does Cleveland even fund an entire council at this point. There is a unwritten rule that they have to approve the appointed successor. There is an unwritten rule they have to vote the same was as the councilman who's ward is affected by the decision.

 

The councilmen aren't even free to vote for who or what they want. Ugh.

^I guess. Being asked to turn over documents isn't really very incriminating. It just means the investigator thinks that party has information relevant to an investigation, not that the party itself did anything untoward. Would be nice if the investigators would just wrap up their work to remove the cloud over everyone who touched this deal. Personally, I thought the allegations were weak tea, but we'll see what the investigation digs up.

 

In any case, I agree with you that letting resigning city council members appoint successors is pretty lame. It's not like council business will grind to a halt if it's short a member until the next election.

 

It's not incriminating on OCI but it's also not pretty.  The allegations are that Cimperman steered a bunch of public funds toward himself.  LAND should never have been considered for city contracts while Cimperman served.  That's like something Boss Hogg or Sheriff Lobo would do.  It's corruption on the obvious and cartoonish scale of a 1970s TV show.

While it's unfair to tie this individual to Cimperman's ethics investigation' date=' his ties with the org at the center of it make him a very questionable choice.  I'm sure he has qualifications but this is a bit stinky.  When someone is stepping down due to corruption issues, they should not have this kind of power.  Council should not seat him and there should be an election held as soon as possible.  Of course that won't happen, because Cleveland is outrageously corrupt.[/quote']

 

I agree with this, especially that its stinky and "Council should not seat him and there should be an election held as soon as possible."  Though, I'm sure his dad will make calls and trade favors to make sure he gets council approval. So much for being his own man. Given his dad's connections, he probably could get elected in his own right. But now, his entire political career will always be tied to the OCI-LAND-Cimperman scandal and questionable ethics. And if the investigation turns up with real evidence, it will be even harder for him, especially as he will always be "Cimperman's boy."

The allegations are that Cimperman steered a bunch of public funds toward himself.  LAND should never have been considered for city contracts while Cimperman served.  That's like something Boss Hogg or Sheriff Lobo would do.  It's corruption on the obvious and cartoonish scale of a 1970s TV show.

 

This is way overstated. From the PD reporting, the allegation is that Cimperman sponsored and didn't recuse himself from a council-wide decision to award a contract to the non-profit where his wife has a non-executive staff position. I'm aware of no allegation that his household had any direct financial interest, beyond the notional financial stability the incremental cash flow provided the organization- and it was a small increment ($200K for an org with a budget over $2.8M as of 2013, the last year I can fund public info). I absolutely think he acted improperly and should be investigated, but violating the prophylactic rules of ethics isn't per se corruption.

 

We'll know more when the investigation wraps up. It's possible I'm being terribly naive. I have no dog in this fight (Cimperman didn't wow me), but I'm skeptical this is really much of a scandal. And the idea that the city can't do business with any firm where a council member has a spouse working seems like overkill.

^ I understand your point, and I like Joe Cimperman. But in a town like Cleveland, and with the County's history...I would much rather be overly strict with ethics rules than the other way around.

^I don't disagree. No matter what, I think he messed up. I'm just distinguishing between violating ethics rules (evidence of poor judgment; degrades public confidence; worthy of punishment, maybe resignation) and substantive corruption (demands prison time; wider implications for the other involved parties). I think it's unfair to conflate the two, at least before we know more.

 

For all we know, LAND may have kept the wife on board because of her connections to the flowing money--so you can't say for sure that she (and Cimperman) didn't directly financially benefit from the $200k from City Hall.

 

...evidence of poor judgment

 

yes--and it hasn't ended with steering money to his wife's organization--he now appoints a guy whose only experience with the Ward is from an agency potentially implicated with his corruption (or whatever term you want to use). Why not just appoint his wife to the position? Or maybe some relatives of Dimora? ...talk about continuing to tarnish the reputation of city...

 

 

Ah, I understand.

Hopefully we can have a civil conversation here about Councilman Dow's many alleged transgressions without resorting to stereotypes...

 

MANSFIELD: Councilman TJ Dow Is Twisting the Truth

http://coolcleveland.com/blog/2016/03/mansfield-councilman-tj-dow-is-twisting-the-truth/

Hopefully we can have a civil conversation here about Councilman Dow's many alleged transgressions without resorting to stereotypes...

 

MANSFIELD: Councilman TJ Dow Is Twisting the Truth

http://coolcleveland.com/blog/2016/03/mansfield-councilman-tj-dow-is-twisting-the-truth/

 

404ed.  This one works:

 

http://coolcleveland.com/blog/2016/03/mansfield-tj-dow-is-twisting-the-truth/

 

When Naymik and Frazier are saying the same thing, that smoke has at least a tinge of orange to it.

 

Frazier coming out immediately with his own gripe about Dow adds to his credibility, IMO.

This comment from Dow: "The community bought into residential; they never bought into commercial,"

 

Yes, why would you want businesses in your neighborhood! :/

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/03/cleveland_city_councilman_tj_d.html

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

 

He's also city council's first Millennial member and, to my knowledge, first openly gay member.

 

Wow, Maple Heights is more progressive than Cleveland?  :-)

Cleveland City council is in full authority overreach mode. Pass laws, answer constituent questions & shut the f--- up.

 

@wtam1100 Cleveland City Councilman Zack Reed says The Cleveland Indians don't have permits to put banners on public poles; wants them taken down.

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

 

He's also city council's first Millennial member and, to my knowledge, first openly gay member.

 

Fun Cleveland City Council Facts:

 

14 councilmen, 3 councilwomen.

1 Millennial councilperson.

 

To become fully representative of Cleveland's voting age population, the city needs 4.67 Millennial members younger than 35 to replace current office holders. It needs 6 councilwomen to replace men currently in office. Additionally, the population is underrepresented by one African American and two additional persons of color or Hispanic ethnicity. There are so many white male Democrats in City Hall . . .

 

Millennials makeup 1/3 of Cleveland's voting-age population according to 2014 ACS data. Is this 4.67 gap in Millennial representatives something we should accept? Or are there opportunities for change?

 

 

 

 

 

Cleveland City council is in full authority overreach mode. Pass laws, answer constituent questions & shut the f--- up.

 

@wtam1100 Cleveland City Councilman Zack Reed says The Cleveland Indians don't have permits to put banners on public poles; wants them taken down.

 

This has been an ongoing thing for the esteemed councilman from Ward 2

 

http://legacy.wkyc.com/story/news/politics/2014/03/04/cleveland--councilman-calls-for-removing-wahoo-banners/6038833/

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

 

He's also city council's first Millennial member and, to my knowledge, first openly gay member.

 

Fun Cleveland City Council Facts:

 

14 councilmen, 3 councilwomen.

1 Millennial councilperson.

 

To become fully representative of Cleveland's voting age population, the city needs 4.67 Millennial members younger than 35 to replace current office holders. It needs 6 councilwomen to replace men currently in office. Additionally, the population is underrepresented by one African American and two additional persons of color or Hispanic ethnicity. There are so many white male Democrats in City Hall . . .

 

Millennials makeup 1/3 of Cleveland's voting-age population according to 2014 ACS data. Is this 4.67 gap in Millennial representatives something we should accept? Or are there opportunities for change?

 

You'll find a similar gap in any electorate, I suspect.

You'd think with all these little wards there would be more age diversity.  How long till we see a millennial mayoral candidate?  Let alone mayor. 

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

 

He's also city council's first Millennial member and, to my knowledge, first openly gay member.

 

Fun Cleveland City Council Facts:

 

14 councilmen, 3 councilwomen.

1 Millennial councilperson.

 

To become fully representative of Cleveland's voting age population, the city needs 4.67 Millennial members younger than 35 to replace current office holders. It needs 6 councilwomen to replace men currently in office. Additionally, the population is underrepresented by one African American and two additional persons of color or Hispanic ethnicity. There are so many white male Democrats in City Hall . . .

 

Millennials makeup 1/3 of Cleveland's voting-age population according to 2014 ACS data. Is this 4.67 gap in Millennial representatives something we should accept? Or are there opportunities for change?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividing by skin color and age cohorts are great and all but Cleveland should have leaders that recognize that the city needs jobs and economic growth. Right now, I don't think the Council cares about that. Out of the top 30 metros, Cleveland's job growth rate is 29th according to BLS stats. Looking at the recent actions of Councilpeople, I don't think that stat is going to change anytime soon. There are many, many other places where businesses can start and expand without the Cleveland BS.

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

 

He's also city council's first Millennial member and, to my knowledge, first openly gay member.

 

Fun Cleveland City Council Facts:

 

14 councilmen, 3 councilwomen.

1 Millennial councilperson.

 

To become fully representative of Cleveland's voting age population, the city needs 4.67 Millennial members younger than 35 to replace current office holders. It needs 6 councilwomen to replace men currently in office. Additionally, the population is underrepresented by one African American and two additional persons of color or Hispanic ethnicity. There are so many white male Democrats in City Hall . . .

 

Millennials makeup 1/3 of Cleveland's voting-age population according to 2014 ACS data. Is this 4.67 gap in Millennial representatives something we should accept? Or are there opportunities for change?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividing by skin color and age cohorts are great and all but Cleveland should have leaders that recognize that the city needs jobs and economic growth. Right now, I don't think the Council cares about that. Out of the top 30 metros, Cleveland's job growth rate is 29th according to BLS stats. Looking at the recent actions of Councilpeople, I don't think that stat is going to change anytime soon. There are many, many other places where businesses can start and expand without the Cleveland BS.

 

Agreed. Would an at-large council be more likely to focus on the economic and development issues facing the whole city? Would a mix of ward and at-large council be a good compromise between residents' desires for direct representation and the need for representatives who would look out for the city as a whole? 

I have had several interactions with Kerry while he was with OCI.  Very well spoken, intelligent individual.  He is also extremely proactive--doesn't seem afraid of angering a small sect of constituents for the common good.  I'd like to see where he takes this.

I second this. I'd also add that he is very emotionally mature. He's a great choice.

 

He's also city council's first Millennial member and, to my knowledge, first openly gay member.

 

Fun Cleveland City Council Facts:

 

14 councilmen, 3 councilwomen.

1 Millennial councilperson.

 

To become fully representative of Cleveland's voting age population, the city needs 4.67 Millennial members younger than 35 to replace current office holders. It needs 6 councilwomen to replace men currently in office. Additionally, the population is underrepresented by one African American and two additional persons of color or Hispanic ethnicity. There are so many white male Democrats in City Hall . . .

 

Millennials makeup 1/3 of Cleveland's voting-age population according to 2014 ACS data. Is this 4.67 gap in Millennial representatives something we should accept? Or are there opportunities for change?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividing by skin color and age cohorts are great and all but Cleveland should have leaders that recognize that the city needs jobs and economic growth. Right now, I don't think the Council cares about that. Out of the top 30 metros, Cleveland's job growth rate is 29th according to BLS stats. Looking at the recent actions of Councilpeople, I don't think that stat is going to change anytime soon. There are many, many other places where businesses can start and expand without the Cleveland BS.

 

Agreed. Would an at-large council be more likely to focus on the economic and development issues facing the whole city? Would a mix of ward and at-large council be a good compromise between residents' desires for direct representation and the need for representatives who would look out for the city as a whole? 

 

I totally agree with the at-large idea and I know it's been mentioned before. Also, the council is still too large. DC has almost twice the population of Cleveland now and it has half the council members. The problem is many of the people with power in Cleveland would rather have the city wither away to nothing than be open to that type of change.

Well good. Props to Naymik for raising a public stink and for the rest of council for being willing to steamroll Dow (if true):

 

Vote on $100 million project near Cleveland Clinic set for Monday with Councilman TJ Dow's blessing: Mark Naymik

Cleveland City Council is expected to approve a land swap Monday that would allow a $100 million apartment and hotel project near Cleveland Clinic to move forward.

.......

But Kelley worked behind the scenes to alleviate the concerns of Dow and other council members who questioned the motives of the developers and CWRU and the Cleveland Clinic. Kelley was also preparing to push for a vote on the land swap with or without Dow's backing, which could have generated a rift on the 17-member council. The fact that the vote on the land swap has been scheduled signals that Kelley has enough support for the legislation.

 

Also possible there was some kind of side deal struck that we may or may not ever hear about.  In any case, good to see this moving forward.

I had a long-running spat with Councilman Johnson about all of this on Twitter. Johnson, Dow and others do not trust these businesses and other private investors to do the right thing. I tried to explain to him that if he wants jobs in his ward, he doesn't have any choice but to get out of their way. It's not their job as lawmakers to be law/code enforcers as well.

^ Unfortuantely, the way our city council system works, that's how they see themselves

I had a long-running spat with Councilman Johnson about all of this on Twitter. Johnson, Dow and others do not trust these businesses and other private investors to do the right thing. I tried to explain to him that if he wants jobs in his ward, he doesn't have any choice but to get out of their way. It's not their job as lawmakers to be law/code enforcers as well.

 

Unfortunately, their view on the situation is one of the reasons their wards will probably look similar, if not worse, for the next 30+ years.  They really can't get out of their own way.

How is building a hotel in his ward different from "doing the right thing?"  How is that not a plus for everyone?  For half the cost of maintaining a "community center" you could just book meetings at the hotel.  Because now there's a hotel.

I'm glad it's moving forward. Dow sounds like he wants to be important. It's time to reduce the number of council members and eliminate wards. Just have 8 members represent the city as a whole.

I'm totally opposed to representation at large.  Councilmen need to be intimately familiar with streets, businesses, issues in their ward.  But given Cleveland's low density, two members could be dropped easily

In my opinion, a hybrid system of ward and at-large members is the way to go for Cleveland

I think a blended system would be great maybe 6 wards and 5 at-large.  That way you have some members who are familiar with and look after needs of a neighborhood and others members looking out for the city as a whole.

A hybrid council is probably more feasible at this point since it's a 'lesser' change. But what exactly has having councilmen with intimate knowledge of their wards gotten us?