Since I voted nearly two weeks ago, I basically just sat back and watched the antics of both campaigns as they each tried to find something to hang their hats on to move the victory into their column.
However, both camps in my opinion have failed to really set an agenda for the next four years. Fitzgerald did have the 15 points for Public Safety, the 10 Point Plans for both Fiscal Responsibility and Economics and the 10 Steps for a Stronger Lakewood.
Tom George had the recent complaints to the Ohio Elections Commission regarding misleading materials on Fitzgerald's literature.
Both campaigns did have some funny adverts, but the Edge goes to George with the use of the fake cop and the prop gun that had a "bang" flag coming out of it.
I also believe the camp followers really didn't help each other causes, so much so that I almost wrote in my name for mayor. I have been hearing from quite a few people that they might not vote for either candidate and only submit a ballot for the Ward Race.
I had said that its Fitzgerald race to lose and that based on the Primary Results Tom George would have an insurmountable lead to overcome.
But, that was 35 days ago and 10s of thousands of dollars later, I believe this race has tighten up to the point where some may call it a toss up.
When it comes right down to it Mayor George and Ed Fitzgerald are really the going to be the same type of leader, full of ideas but unable to fully implement them for various reasons, but mainly because of money and the lack of it.
Like I said it was a disappointing campaign, the people of Lakewood deserved to hear about possible answers to problems to face that city, but when it came down to it all we really got was mud slinging.
As to my prediction, I have been moving back and forth, 10 days ago I thought Fitzgerald had blown the insurmountable lead, but now maybe not.
Take Ed Fitzgerald with only 5 - 10% margin!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
TOSS IT UP - WARD RACES
The final day of voting for the 2007 Mayor's race is almost here. To most, its time to say THANK GOD!
As for the Ward races, I have not really been looking at the races very closely since the Primary, because I felt none of these races were going to be all that interesting and be overshadowed by the Mayor's race.
However, time and close proximity to election day, things change;
In a very short period of time, it looks like the Ward 2 race between Tom Bullock and Dan Shields as become as heated as the Mayor's race. The other three races are all but decided except for the tabulation of the margin of victory.
Kevin Butler will win in a walk, my guess he will garner 75% or above of the Ward 1 votes over Paul Conroy.
Ward 2 race will be a squeaker for Dan Shields over Tom Bullock, may even go into automatic recount since I believe that the numbers will be less than 3% difference.
In Ward 3, Mike Summers was all but anointed to be councilman as soon as he announced for the race. Joe Dangelo, who happens to be the challenger is slated to have a similar fate as Paul Conroy, but I think Dangelo will put up number near 30%.
Mary Louise Madigan is running opposed, so she has essentially been re-elected by acclimation.
So Here is the Ward Lineup:
WARD 1 - KEVIN BULTER
WARD 2 - DAN SHIELDS
WARD 3 - MIKE SUMMERS
WARD 4 - MARY LOUISE MADIGAN
So there will be 2 newcomers on the Council Bench in January, now that number could increase by one more if Ed Fitzgerald is able to win the Mayor's race.
As for the Ward races, I have not really been looking at the races very closely since the Primary, because I felt none of these races were going to be all that interesting and be overshadowed by the Mayor's race.
However, time and close proximity to election day, things change;
In a very short period of time, it looks like the Ward 2 race between Tom Bullock and Dan Shields as become as heated as the Mayor's race. The other three races are all but decided except for the tabulation of the margin of victory.
Kevin Butler will win in a walk, my guess he will garner 75% or above of the Ward 1 votes over Paul Conroy.
Ward 2 race will be a squeaker for Dan Shields over Tom Bullock, may even go into automatic recount since I believe that the numbers will be less than 3% difference.
In Ward 3, Mike Summers was all but anointed to be councilman as soon as he announced for the race. Joe Dangelo, who happens to be the challenger is slated to have a similar fate as Paul Conroy, but I think Dangelo will put up number near 30%.
Mary Louise Madigan is running opposed, so she has essentially been re-elected by acclimation.
So Here is the Ward Lineup:
WARD 1 - KEVIN BULTER
WARD 2 - DAN SHIELDS
WARD 3 - MIKE SUMMERS
WARD 4 - MARY LOUISE MADIGAN
So there will be 2 newcomers on the Council Bench in January, now that number could increase by one more if Ed Fitzgerald is able to win the Mayor's race.
Friday, October 26, 2007
LOWV Forum
Went to the League of Women Voters Forum last night at City Hall, as usual its well done and somewhat fast paced.
First up was the Ward races: Everybody was there, Butler and Madigan the incumbents and the open race for Ward 2 and 3.
Then it was the Mayoral Candidates
Finally it was the School Board Race; This provided the most interesting soap opera, Dawn Defreeze state that she was recruited to run for the School board, but since has received a letter indicating that she should withdraw from the race due to her "Evangelical position". Therefore she would not answer any questions.
Now I am putting the quotation marks in due to the fact I do not know if she is referring her position as maybe a minister or perhaps she had a staunch position to education based on faith based reasoning.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Michael Yon Meets CSM James Pippin
On several occasions I have linked to Michael Yon to give you a first hand look at what is going in the war. Once again here is another look through the words of Command Sergeant Major James Pippin.
Go read the entire thing.
I hear the concern about America’s sons and daughters being killed and I know the media drum rolls the daily death toll. There have been more than 3,000 service members who have died fighting this war. And every one of those deaths is a tragedy. I, myself have lost a close friend. Contrary to the media reports, this war should be gauged by what is at stake if we lose. I believe the stakes of this war are even higher than those we faced together in both World Wars combined. In the words of Darryl Worley, “I say there are some things worth fighting for. Our freedom and the piece of ground we call The United States of America.” Don’t think for a second that terrorists will stop attacking Americans and our way of life just because we pull out of Iraq.
Go read the entire thing.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
36 Hours
That is how long after the Primary election day ended with Fitzgerald beating the snot out of George and Demro, before the mud started to be slung!
Surprisingly, I had anticipated that Tom George would begin to sling it, but no, Fitzgerald had to go against conventional wisdom and bring out the personal attack.
Fitzgerald called out the Mayor to return a campaign contribution of $4,500.
George then attacked Fitzgerald about the money for the Lakewood Democratic Club!
Perhaps, Fitzgerald watching the various debates about the possible Kauffman Park redevelopment and saw it was stirring up passion with a small segment of the commenters, he felt he needed to step out in front of it.
To me this is a stupid for Fitzgerald to begin his engagement of the Mayor like this; he should be quiet about it right now or hit him about his record!
Fitzgerald had 30 point victory on Tuesday, but he is acting like he is behind!
Not that Ed Fitzgerald would listen to my opinion, but if I were in his camp, I would tell him to shut up and attack on the record, because this pitch in the dirt wins points with NOBODY
To Mayor George, although the question about the money for the Lakewood Democratic Club is valid one, they are weak questions and it shows that he needs to step up and defend his own record and dig up better negative stuff on Fitzgerald.
As far as the contribution of $4,500 from the Glitz, who cares Ed, you have two opportunities in which to make that contribution futile. One is being engaged in Council when anything even remotely to this plan comes in you knock it down. Second, this one is much easier for you right now, shut up and win the damn election, and then you can control the process and make the contribution seem like a donation to a lost cause.
Sometimes Politician just can't help themselves!
Surprisingly, I had anticipated that Tom George would begin to sling it, but no, Fitzgerald had to go against conventional wisdom and bring out the personal attack.
Fitzgerald called out the Mayor to return a campaign contribution of $4,500.
I'm sure I am not the only person who was disturbed by the Plain Dealer story this morning about the possible sale of Kauffman Park.
Whatever the merits of the plan are, which have continued to remain hidden, the contribution to Mayor George of $4,500 by the developers has cast a pall over the negotiations.
Mayor George, my request is that you return this $4,500 - the largest contribution you have received this year. As an alternative, I am requesting that you use those funds to help refurbish some of the facilities at Kauffman Park.
Only buy doing this can you remove the pall which has been cast over these pending development negotiations.
George then attacked Fitzgerald about the money for the Lakewood Democratic Club!
Ed,
You and your campaign chair have refused numerous attempts to disclose the fund balance in the Lakewood Democratic Club.
Where is the money from the Club?
Why have you refused numerous requests to provide a treasurer's report to Club members?
As the Endorsed Democrat for Mayor and the endorsed candidate of the Lakewood Democratic Club, I demand answers.
Looking forward to a reply.
Mayor Tom George
Perhaps, Fitzgerald watching the various debates about the possible Kauffman Park redevelopment and saw it was stirring up passion with a small segment of the commenters, he felt he needed to step out in front of it.
To me this is a stupid for Fitzgerald to begin his engagement of the Mayor like this; he should be quiet about it right now or hit him about his record!
Fitzgerald had 30 point victory on Tuesday, but he is acting like he is behind!
Not that Ed Fitzgerald would listen to my opinion, but if I were in his camp, I would tell him to shut up and attack on the record, because this pitch in the dirt wins points with NOBODY
To Mayor George, although the question about the money for the Lakewood Democratic Club is valid one, they are weak questions and it shows that he needs to step up and defend his own record and dig up better negative stuff on Fitzgerald.
As far as the contribution of $4,500 from the Glitz, who cares Ed, you have two opportunities in which to make that contribution futile. One is being engaged in Council when anything even remotely to this plan comes in you knock it down. Second, this one is much easier for you right now, shut up and win the damn election, and then you can control the process and make the contribution seem like a donation to a lost cause.
Sometimes Politician just can't help themselves!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The Results from the Mayoral Race
Lets just say it wasn't pretty!
Congratulations to Ed Fitzgerald and Tom George!
Lakewood Mayor
65 of 65 precincts reported (may not include all absentee ballots)
RYAN PATRICK DEMRO 1161
EDWARD FITZGERALD 3735
THOMAS J GEORGE 1855
Lakewood Council Ward 02
17 of 17 precincts reported (may not include all absentee ballots)
THOMAS R BULLOCK 909
THOMAS E GALLAGHER 152
DAN SHIELDS 871
Lakewood Council Ward 03
17 of 17 precincts reported (may not include all absentee ballots)
JOSEPH P DANGELO 363
DIANE HOPE HELBIG 205
MICHAEL P SUMMERS 960
COLLEEN M WING 321
When you look at the total votes cast for Mayor its 6751 divide that by the number of precincts 65 and you get 103 votes per precinct. SAD
Lets look at the numbers even further, lets say there is 39,000 registered voters that equates to 600 per precinct. That is 17% percent of the registered voters are casting a ballot.
We must do better as an electorate to get people to the polls!
UPDATE:
Looking at the unofficial results, Fitzgerald did not lose a single precinct, he tied 2 one with George and one with Demro.
The largest turnout or votes cast was 158, the lowest was 18.
Just amazing to me again that people don't care about primaries!
Congratulations to Ed Fitzgerald and Tom George!
Lakewood Mayor
65 of 65 precincts reported (may not include all absentee ballots)
RYAN PATRICK DEMRO 1161
EDWARD FITZGERALD 3735
THOMAS J GEORGE 1855
Lakewood Council Ward 02
17 of 17 precincts reported (may not include all absentee ballots)
THOMAS R BULLOCK 909
THOMAS E GALLAGHER 152
DAN SHIELDS 871
Lakewood Council Ward 03
17 of 17 precincts reported (may not include all absentee ballots)
JOSEPH P DANGELO 363
DIANE HOPE HELBIG 205
MICHAEL P SUMMERS 960
COLLEEN M WING 321
When you look at the total votes cast for Mayor its 6751 divide that by the number of precincts 65 and you get 103 votes per precinct. SAD
Lets look at the numbers even further, lets say there is 39,000 registered voters that equates to 600 per precinct. That is 17% percent of the registered voters are casting a ballot.
We must do better as an electorate to get people to the polls!
UPDATE:
Looking at the unofficial results, Fitzgerald did not lose a single precinct, he tied 2 one with George and one with Demro.
The largest turnout or votes cast was 158, the lowest was 18.
Just amazing to me again that people don't care about primaries!
Monday, October 01, 2007
PRIMARY DAY - 2007
Well we are on the eve of the Mayoral Primary!
Thank God!
All the campaign claws are out, Fitzgerald dropped a piece today from Republicans for Fitzgerald. Demro went a little off, which sent Jim O'Bryan of the Lakewood Observer screaming (electronically speaking).
I probably would not have fallen for the bait, but who knows at this point of the race.
Tom George was seen driving around on Saturday, I am told he has only gone door to door on about 30 streets. Roughly speaking that is about 600 houses, not even 10% of the doors were knocked on.
I certainly would love to have been in the strategy session at the George campaign when they came up with his re-election plan. Just left me scratching my head as to his thoughts. Perhaps he felt that he would let Demro and Fitzgerald beat each other up and then he waltzes on the general, with a very heavy cash drawer.
If George does get knocked off tomorrow, I certainly would love to see the faces on certain people over on the Observation deck, they will just about bust a vein in anger.
The one real big question, I have right now is where the hell is Fitzgerald getting the money. His report lacked any major expenditures except for signs and postage and yet he has pumped out mailer upon mailer and drop literature and based on my calculation it has to total $12-15,000 and yet his report says nothing about it.
We shall see this time tomorrow night!
Thank God!
All the campaign claws are out, Fitzgerald dropped a piece today from Republicans for Fitzgerald. Demro went a little off, which sent Jim O'Bryan of the Lakewood Observer screaming (electronically speaking).
I probably would not have fallen for the bait, but who knows at this point of the race.
Tom George was seen driving around on Saturday, I am told he has only gone door to door on about 30 streets. Roughly speaking that is about 600 houses, not even 10% of the doors were knocked on.
I certainly would love to have been in the strategy session at the George campaign when they came up with his re-election plan. Just left me scratching my head as to his thoughts. Perhaps he felt that he would let Demro and Fitzgerald beat each other up and then he waltzes on the general, with a very heavy cash drawer.
If George does get knocked off tomorrow, I certainly would love to see the faces on certain people over on the Observation deck, they will just about bust a vein in anger.
The one real big question, I have right now is where the hell is Fitzgerald getting the money. His report lacked any major expenditures except for signs and postage and yet he has pumped out mailer upon mailer and drop literature and based on my calculation it has to total $12-15,000 and yet his report says nothing about it.
We shall see this time tomorrow night!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
BY GEORGE I THINK HE HAS GOT IT!
In just a few days the citizens of Lakewood will vote for a Mayoral Candidate.
Based on my conversations with various people across the spectrum and across the city, the one thing I have heard on a consistent basis is change will be good for the city. The people are tired of a city that doesn't listen to the residents.
The voters of Lakewood have Three Choices:
THOMAS GEORGE
EDWARD FITZGERALD
RYAN DEMRO
I began to write several days ago and here is what began to say:
It has been an amazing race for the mere fact that the Candidates themselves have not made each other the story.
This Mayoral Race may be know for the lack of real news, but it will the Independent Observers that may be the real story.
What is interesting is that the Incumbent Tom George has taken the strategy of not being apart of the dialogue with the residents!
In some cases that is the strategy of someone who is comfortable with his positions on the issues. Time will only tell if this was correct strategy.
But now that has all changed, the gloves have come off and everyone is attacking each candidate.
The latest blast from Tom George provides a side by side comparison of the record of Fitzgerald.
Earlier in the week Fitzgerald put out a piece on crime and public safety.
Of course both George and Fitzgerald went after Demro's record and vice versa.
I should have known better that the good stuff would come out now, since there is technically no way to combat any damage that might have been done.
But here is the thing, the supporters are on the Lakewood Buzz and the Lakewood Observer bashing the candidates. To make it even more fun a blog has been started to monitor Ryan Demro and the LRO, its called LROWATCH. This site is hoot and half because the individual who writes for essentially parrots her entries from the Observer on the blog or vice versa. No real need to visit the site since it doesn't really add anything to the discussion. But I digress.
Let's face it, this race comes down to Tom George, can he survive the slings and arrows being lobbed in his direction.
My answer is NO
Tom George has failed to lead this city the last four years, he has managed it well, but has not lead.
He still firmly believes that there are no real increase in crime and that the Citizens of Lakewood are content with his Leadership and will provide him with another 4 year term.
I not sure Tom George is living in the same City as I do, people are scared of the direction that the city is going in. I have been talking to people independent of the campaigns and those in the campaign are hearing the same things I have heard.
Ladies and gentlemen, his inability to listen to the people is shown in his comments in this weeks Lakewood Sun Post, to the point that his comments come across either arrogant or cocky.
Mr. George come Wednesday morning, I believe the voters will revoke you building permit.
The City of Lakewood needs a Leader, not a Manager.
I say in November, you the voters will have a choice between
Ryan Demro
Edward Fitzgerald
I think the percentages will pretty close to the the snap poll that had been on this site since earlier this summer.
Fitzgerald 45+%
Demro 40+%
George <20%
Others 5%
Now get out and get to the polls on OCT. 2
Based on my conversations with various people across the spectrum and across the city, the one thing I have heard on a consistent basis is change will be good for the city. The people are tired of a city that doesn't listen to the residents.
The voters of Lakewood have Three Choices:
THOMAS GEORGE
EDWARD FITZGERALD
RYAN DEMRO
I began to write several days ago and here is what began to say:
It has been an amazing race for the mere fact that the Candidates themselves have not made each other the story.
This Mayoral Race may be know for the lack of real news, but it will the Independent Observers that may be the real story.
What is interesting is that the Incumbent Tom George has taken the strategy of not being apart of the dialogue with the residents!
In some cases that is the strategy of someone who is comfortable with his positions on the issues. Time will only tell if this was correct strategy.
But now that has all changed, the gloves have come off and everyone is attacking each candidate.
The latest blast from Tom George provides a side by side comparison of the record of Fitzgerald.
Earlier in the week Fitzgerald put out a piece on crime and public safety.
Of course both George and Fitzgerald went after Demro's record and vice versa.
I should have known better that the good stuff would come out now, since there is technically no way to combat any damage that might have been done.
But here is the thing, the supporters are on the Lakewood Buzz and the Lakewood Observer bashing the candidates. To make it even more fun a blog has been started to monitor Ryan Demro and the LRO, its called LROWATCH. This site is hoot and half because the individual who writes for essentially parrots her entries from the Observer on the blog or vice versa. No real need to visit the site since it doesn't really add anything to the discussion. But I digress.
Let's face it, this race comes down to Tom George, can he survive the slings and arrows being lobbed in his direction.
My answer is NO
Tom George has failed to lead this city the last four years, he has managed it well, but has not lead.
He still firmly believes that there are no real increase in crime and that the Citizens of Lakewood are content with his Leadership and will provide him with another 4 year term.
I not sure Tom George is living in the same City as I do, people are scared of the direction that the city is going in. I have been talking to people independent of the campaigns and those in the campaign are hearing the same things I have heard.
Ladies and gentlemen, his inability to listen to the people is shown in his comments in this weeks Lakewood Sun Post, to the point that his comments come across either arrogant or cocky.
Mr. George come Wednesday morning, I believe the voters will revoke you building permit.
The City of Lakewood needs a Leader, not a Manager.
I say in November, you the voters will have a choice between
Ryan Demro
Edward Fitzgerald
I think the percentages will pretty close to the the snap poll that had been on this site since earlier this summer.
Fitzgerald 45+%
Demro 40+%
George <20%
Others 5%
Now get out and get to the polls on OCT. 2
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