Yes, the list of city coucilmen who opposed the orignial deal and now oppose the new legislation.  It was in the PD online version this AM, now I can't find it. 

I was just reading some articles about Mayor Daley's leaving Chicago and what has happened under his reign since '89.  Comparing Frank to him is apples and oranges, but man oh man does it seem Daley was a lot more involved in his city than Frank be it response to crime, involvemt in the business community, helping the city go green, being exceptionally proactive in getting what he want, and basically converting a struggling city into a relative metropolis, at least the downtown area and northside. 

Don't get me wrong, I agree to a point but I believe the saying is "don't sit too close at the ballet, it ruins the magic."

Has Mayor Jackson's office said anything about the recent arrests?  I can't find anything online.

 

Is he even remotely aware of what's happening and how angry/scared/embarrassed Clevelanders are about this corruption scandal?  And it's not even corruption anymore - it's more like political terrorism!  How can he not have a major press conference addressing these real concerns.  Just acknowledge it for crying out loud!!!!!

Yeah.... Mayor Gorden too!!  Where are you in all this.

Thats funny the mayor thing....  People here in DC were asking what the reaction of the mayor was there..  I said "well there really hasnt been any, at least not public" .  They just couldnt believe that and thought it was, well bad. 

I just said, "well the people of Cleveland are used to it.... but hey he is supposedly a nice guy though...."

 

I'll stop there. :wink:

I've learned over the past two years that no one talks unless you harass them enough to get them to talk......  On the upside, I don't typically ever get mad at family or friends any more because I take all my anger out on people that have something to do with the city or developments.

Has Mayor Jackson's office said anything about the recent arrests?  I can't find anything online.

 

Is he even remotely aware of what's happening and how angry/scared/embarrassed Clevelanders are about this corruption scandal?  And it's not even corruption anymore - it's more like political terrorism!  How can he not have a major press conference addressing these real concerns.  Just acknowledge it for crying out loud!!!!!

 

I have to ask, why single out the Mayor of Cleveland? 

 

I dont want to hear, because it's the biggest city in the county.  That is not an excuse.

 

I really am interested in knowing why he should be upset and should say anything.

 

If anything, ALL of cuyahoga county should be outraged especially city residents who are always the brunt of "bad city government" jokes when the Mayor of Cleveland has balanced his budget and worked hard on economic stimulus, quality of life as well as build the best new housing in the region.

 

However, since most of the arrest have been of citizens of suburban cities, their cities should ashamed of housing crooks for so long.

^I thought my response was more concise.  Same point

All of Cuyahoga County should be upset and, from what I can tell, they are.  Many of the bad decisions by the county effected Cleveland more than the suburbs, so why shouldn't Mayor Jackson say something?

 

I would say Frank Jackson was singled out here because this is the "Cleveland: Mayor Frank Jackson" thread and not the "Cleveland: Suburban Mayors" thread.

All of Cuyahoga County should be upset and, from what I can tell, they are.  Many of the bad decisions by the county effected Cleveland more than the suburbs, so why shouldn't Mayor Jackson say something?

 

I would say Frank Jackson was singled out here because this is the "Cleveland: Mayor Frank Jackson" thread and not the "Cleveland: Suburban Mayors" thread.

 

If thats the case why not ask what all mayors and or elected officials think in the county corruption thread?

 

I'm still waiting for Tbideon to answer, put as the per usual I doubt he'll respond.

Don’t you think when things go unspoken and undefended (as much as they do by the current mayor) it only feeds into that negative psychology of the city and region? 

 

There needs to be a positive spokesman for the city/region when things seem dim and hopeless…..  Don’t we always say that Cleveland is the nucleus of the region, and without Cleveland the region is nothing???  It’s certainly the nucleus and very intertwined in the county mess no matter how anybody would like to paint it. 

 

Then I would think that anything negative that happens in the region negatively affects Cleveland (and Cleveland is certainly what people are thinking of that hear about the county’s troubles (people not from Cleveland certainly aren’t hearing areas that are not associated with Cleveland (my previous example)). 

 

I’m seeing over and over my facebook friends that left Cleveland say “that’s the culture and one of the reasons that I left Cleveland”…….   

 

Then why wouldn’t it be the mayor of Cleveland’s responsibility to let the people of the city and region know that things are not all “bad” in Cleveland and thus Northeast Ohio. 

 

You really can’t underestimate what a positive, outspoken mayor can do.  A voice that if nothing else helps to balance the negative press this city and region seem to continually have dumped on it.  Though, I realize that’s not what you have in your mayor there. 

 

But you cant just pick and choose when you think something should be associated with the city of Cleveland (especially when its just in defense of the mayor), I know people outside the region dont care.  (they are not going to go through the trouble of differentiating what is and isnt associated with Cleveland but see the whole negative)

 

I agree with willyboy on this one. Jackson doesn't have to defend himself, as this isn't his mess. But here is a clear opportunity to differentiate the city, positively, from the issues of the county. He's not obligated to make a statement, but, as my wife's grandfather might have said "It couldn't hoit...."

Did anyone hear Mayor Jackson's State of the City yesterday?

 

He was a different man. A man with a vision.I've cringed each time I've heard the man speak, but yesterday was different. I used to listen to the man and think that he didn't understand half of what he was saying. But he's turned a corner. He had some of his biggest skeptics tearing up (truly). He had the sense of a man who doesn't care about the election cycle or about his potential political obstacles. His answers regarding education policy were energizing, enlightening and inspiring. And I'm someone who follows this portion of the city's agenda and is connected to it.

^Agreed; I was pleasantly surprised.

I watched it - I think Jackson might be a good honest man who's avoided scandal, but he's hardly a strong leader.  It seems like all the progress the city is making is more in spite of Jackson's efforts than due to his efforts. 

And unfortunately he has also been an on the job learner (and thus he comes across much better today than a few years ago), but for city the size of Cleveland, isn't a good thing, and has resulted in a lot of wasted time.  But at this point he has certainly grown and likely the best candidate in any future campaign. 

Breathtaking incompetence at city hall, on the issue of taxing small music venues.  A foolish and destructive policy choice that needs to end today.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/07/an_encore_for_admission_tax_fi.html

 

 

"Breathtaking incompetence"?  I'd agree that it might not be the best policy, although I think I understand what the end goal is (which the op-ed sort of hints at) a negotiated resolution in which the City can collect some of what should have been paid and the business owners won't lose their shirt in the process.

This policy should not be pursued to any extent whatsoever.  No negotiation is needed.  Nothing should have been paid and nothing should be paid.

The law required them to pay.  Even the one-sided article you posted acknowledged that the failure to collect was an oversight.  You may disagree and view it as bad policy, but it is a far cry from any inflammatory language like "breathtaking incompetence"....... unless you were referring to the oversight which would at least allow an argument for the use of that descriptor.

 

And while I love these types of venues and would welcome efforts to subsidize their operations, let's be realistic.  They don't operate on quite the "guitar-string budgets" the author of the article relates..... at least not before they skim off the top the cash they collect for admissions and liquor.

Yes, we are talking about a legal requirement, but it's a foolish and destructive legal requirement.  It simply cannot be justified.  I don't think it's possible to "be realistic" and allow it to stand.  The reality is that we need these businesses to thrive and multiply.  This policy works directly against a crucial goal.  It needs to go away, period. 

 

If nothing else, consider the callous disregard it displays toward "the young people" and anything that might interest them.  This administration is culturally lost in the woods.  Protecting and cultivating our live music scene should be a top priority, and here we go attacking it instead.  Unbelievable.

Get rid of the admission tax altogether or just for these venues?  What about HOB, the Toby Keith joint opening in FEB, and other similar non-locally owned music venues?  What about sporting events?  What does this have to do with Mayor Jackson "breathtaking incompetence"?..... he couldn't unilaterally eliminate the tax even if he wanted to.

Get rid of the admission tax altogether or just for these venues?  What about HOB, the Toby Keith joint opening in FEB, and other similar non-locally owned music venues?  What about sporting events?  What does this have to do with Mayor Jackson "breathtaking incompetence"?..... he couldn't unilaterally eliminate the tax even if he wanted to.

 

HOB and Toby Keith have corporate backing.

 

I'm not saying corporations are bad, but this isn't even close to a level playing field. The Beachland and Happy Dog do not have the same resources; they're vastly different kinds of places.

 

Here's hoping that something acceptable can be worked out!

Here's hoping that something acceptable can be worked out!

 

Agreed and I trust that is exactly what will happen

Reform didn't take too long, thankfully... though I still strongly believe the tax should be eliminated.

 

"The legislation, which passed unanimously, rolls back the tax rate on ticket sales from 8 percent to 4 percent and exempts venues that accommodate 150 people or fewer.  The measure takes a step toward resolving a yearlong feud between Mayor Frank Jackson’s administration, which has pushed for more-rigorous tax collections, and proprietors of the local music scene, who said the higher tax could have destroyed owners of small clubs in what is already a break-even business.

 

The legislation does not, however, address the concerns of club owners who owe years of back taxes. City officials declined to comment Wednesday on what will happen with those cases."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_city_council_signs_o.html

327... 'breathtaking incompetence'? Not only is that irresponsible hyperbole, it's just...wrong. The Jackson administration, with barely a handful of people to staff on issues like this, inherited a messed up tax code with all these various taxes (such as the admissions tax) that had been selectively enforced or just sloppily administrated. If they grant a blanket amnesty, that's totally unfair to the venues that did pay the tax (and some of those are major players in the city), and it also, frankly, lets some people off the hook who deliberately held back money for years and years. That doesn't paint city government in a positive light; it makes them a dishonest broker. The musicians, patrons, and club owners will cheer, sure, but the business owners who paid are going to be livid, and such actions create contempt for the law. THAT would be 'breathtaking incompetence', or at least close to it.

 

And I totally agree the rate was far too high, places like the Beachland/Peabody's can't sustain that, and I am fairly certain that they will not pay the amounts that are claimed, only a small portion thereof. And that is a reasonable, equitable solution that ends in lower taxes. Smells like competent government to me. Credit where credit's due.

Competent government would offer a competitive environment for these important businesses.  As the article points out, competitive would mean no tax on live music at all.  I expect our leaders to be aware of best practices and to follow them.  I also expect our leaders to recognize the importance of these businesses in promoting neighborhood growth.  Their actions to this point suggest failure to grasp these concepts.  Competent leadership does not allow such a law to stand, period.

 

As for taxes already paid under this ridiculous policy... they should all be refunded.  The mere existence of the policy is ample evidence of incompetence.  Jackson has been in office for quite some time, so blaming predecessors doesn't work.  Especially when his administration "has pushed for more rigorous tax collections" instead of reform.  Jackson is not the victim here.  He's the chief executive.  The buck has to stop somewhere, and Jackson hasn't exactly been neutral on this, has he?  No, he's been on the wrong side of it.  To me that constitutes breathtaking incompetence.

Mayor Jackson..... he really is breathtaking

Just recapping here, Jackson's defense on this issue has two prongs:

 

1) He's so powerless that his actions cannot be judged, and

 

2) 327 likes adverbs

Some national love.....

 

Black professionals honor Cleveland mayor

Published 6:38 a.m., Sunday, November 11, 2012

 

CLEVELAND (AP) — A group of black professionals has honored the Cleveland mayor, who is coming off a big election win for a tax increase meant to improve city schools.

 

Mayor Frank Jackson was recognized Saturday evening by the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation. The organization has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships since 1985.

 

The group says it honored Jackson for his leadership on behalf of city schools, which are controlled by a mayor-appointed board.

 

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Black-professionals-honor-Cleveland-mayor-4027612.php#ixzz2Bw2zoLex

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson could face recall election, group cites mayor's attitude on police use of force

 

A group of citizens and minority contractors is contemplating a recall of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, citing the mayor's defensive posture against the U.S. Justice Department's recent findings that Cleveland police too often use excessive force...

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2015/02/group_mobilizing_for_recall_of.html

Waste of time and money.  This is most likely a thinly veiled pre emptive strike against a judicial consent decree the DOJ wants, and the Mayor is eager to sign, requiring an overhaul of the City's use of force policies and practices

Waste of time and money.  This is most likely a thinly veiled pre emptive strike against a judicial consent decree the DOJ wants, and the Mayor is eager to sign, requiring an overhaul of the City's use of force policies and practices

Agreed on point one.  But it sounds like this is coming from the DOJ's allies.

I don't think we're ever going to get the Mayor's true feelings on the subject. He's basically walking a political tightrope, at least it's the way it seems. Behind the scenes it could very much be like the Wire...lots of power plays going on.

^^I probably should have read the article.  I'm surprised by this because last I heard the administration was eager to work with the DOJ on the concerns over the departments use of force

^^I probably should have read the article.  I'm surprised by this because last I heard the administration was eager to work with the DOJ on the concerns over the departments use of force

 

He's not a decisive man on a policy level.  The fact that Holder (and by extension, Obama) threw him under the bus compounds the matter as well.  On a personal level, he's gotta be livid and wanting to tell all of them to bleep off, and he has enough contacts on the right that have to be egging this on.  Plus there's the "it sounds easy to those who don't have to do it" factor.    On the other hand, his ideological side isn't that much different from the administration.

 

I'm no Jackson fan, but I don't see anyone electable who would do a better job right now.  Jeff Johnson, perhaps, but I have no clue about his administrative abilities.

^jeff johnson the convicted felon?  I can't believe he's even allowed to be a councilman let alone mayor.  If he is Cleveland's most electable candidate, we have some real issues.  What about Cimperman?  What about Chris Ronayne?

^jeff johnson the convicted felon?  I can't believe he's even allowed to be a councilman let alone mayor.  If he is Cleveland's most electable candidate, we have some real issues.  What about Cimperman?  What about Chris Ronayne?

 

I would be out fighting tooth and nail for his opponent if Jeff Johnson ever ran for mayor. I can't imagine the type of damage he would do to the city.

It's disappointing the lack of political leaders in Cleveland, specifically mayoral candidates. The city seems to be 'bouncing back' in spite of the politicians, not because of them. :/

 

 

The fact that Holder (and by extension, Obama) threw him under the bus compounds the matter as well.

 

Holder (and by extension, Obama) have had very little or nothing to do with the Cleveland use of force issue.  That is a continuation/extension of the DOJ's scrutiny of the City's PD, which was recently ramped up in 2001 by that DOJ (and by extension, Bush).  Cleveland is one of two cities which has been investigated by the DOJ twice since the turn of the century.  The other being New Orleans.

While we are speculating on potential future mayoral leadership, what do people here think of Nina Turner?

While we are speculating on potential future mayoral leadership, what do people here think of Nina Turner?

 

HELL NO!

While we are speculating on potential future mayoral leadership, what do people here think of Nina Turner?

 

"Vote early, vote often......"

lol well I was hoping for more of a discussion instead of a loud NO proclamation and a quote that is often copied and pasted in the Cleveland.com comments section.

 

I grew up in the Youngstown metro, and just moved to Cleveland recently, so I would like to know more about the local politics. I know that Nina Turner has name recognition and she was polling pretty much neck-and-neck with Husted before the blowout election, so she must have some support somewhere. I always enjoyed her trolling the Republicans when they presented terrible legislation in the Ohio Senate, and she at least sticks to her values (perhaps in an overly partisan way), but I don't know anything about her administrative capabilities. I've noticed that pretty much all the people who are predicted to run for mayor are from the City Council. I'm just trying to look a little more outside the box.

^at this point in her career, would mayor of Cleveland even be considered a step up?  I think she's certainly qualified.  Heck, Frank Jackson doesn't even have a college degree...  Nina Turner has a masters.  In all seriousness, she's been involved in politics a long time, started out in Mayor Mike White's administration, so she's experienced in Cleveland business.  Her connections at the state level could certainly help Cleveland as well.

Frank Jackson has a Master's Degree and a Law Degree.

I'd prefer Turner or Johnson or Ronayne over Frank Jackson.  I'd prefer Cimperman over anyone else on council, but a broader range of candidates would be nice.  I liked how Bill Patmon campaigned at Rapid stations, despite its questionable effectiveness as a tactic. 

 

In a city of this size, there ought to be several quality candidates each cycle.  Why doesn't that happen? 

^Ronayne, perhaps.  But not the other two.  Jackson is not that "personalbe"..... in fact, he doesn't have much of a personality at all.  But he seems to be a good fit for this City at this time.

I'd prefer Turner or Johnson or Ronayne over Frank Jackson.  I'd prefer Cimperman over anyone else on council, but a broader range of candidates would be nice.  I liked how Bill Patmon campaigned at Rapid stations, despite its questionable effectiveness as a tactic. 

 

In a city of this size, there ought to be several quality candidates each cycle.  Why doesn't that happen?

 

The reason there are "not many quality candidates" each cycle is because this city is so bent on only electing "demon rats" into office each cycle. I, and many other people I know who live in the Cleveland city limits would prefer a non-democrat, but that is not likely to happen with NE Ohio being so far left.

 

IMO the last great mayor the city of Cleveland had was George Voinovich.