Political

Opportunity. The reason families boarded ships to come to America; risk takers moved west across the country; African-Americans moved north after the Civil War, and even the reason Bill Gates left school before his Harvard education was complete.

It is by seizing our opportunities that we have been able to create independence, work, wealth and a future.

Cuyahoga County has the opportunity to reinvent its government. But more importantly, we have a chance to showcase the opportunities that our county holds for individuals. People who want to create, build, invest, serve and take risks need to know that Cuyahoga County can help them capitalize on this opportunity to achieve their goals.

Shore Cultural once again dodged the wrecking ball at the Sept. 7 Euclid City Council session. The mayor, in work sessions last week with the Coral Company management team, found some money in the 2010 capital budget excess and in the endowment fund. After subsequent conversations with several council members, they came into the meeting with a compromise proposal, a 15-month renewal with funding allowing Coral to hire a development director to raise funds and to put together a marketing plan. A new furnace and thermostat system and backup repair of the existing boiler were also included.

Apparently, no one had a chance against political pro Sunny Simon, who won a landslide victory in the recent Democratic primary for the County Council District 11 seat. She had the endorsement of the County Dems, lawn signs galore, and the ability to flash a friendly smile. She did so during an Election Day appearance in the parking lot of Our Lady of the Lake parish—which some might have considered to be Pat McLaughlin territory.

Work has begun on the replacement of the sound walls along Route 2 in Euclid.  All of the old panels have been removed and in a very short time the new red brick panels will be inserted.  This $3 million dollar project will greatly enhance the appearance and perception of our community for those that travel by on a daily basis.

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

My name is Rich Devor Jr. I am 26 years old and I currently live in the city of Euclid, where I have been a resident for 25 years. I make my living working full time as a manager at a automotive repair facility.

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

Rose M. Allen, 62 years old. I am a 34 year resident of Euclid, currently living at North Pointe. I am a semi-retired pharmacist. I review projects as an independent contractor for the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, on an as assigned basis.

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

Kathryn E. Gambatese, 68 years old. Lives in Richmond Heights. Current position, 21 years as councilwoman, city of Richmond Heights (compensated), volunteer.

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

Raymond J. Schmidlin Jr., 46 years old, Attorney.

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

Jim Joyner, 62 years old. Resides in University Heights. My current position is as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) and Internationally Certified Clinical Supervisor (ICCS). I have worked in the field of addiction treatment, prevention, education and intervention services for 39 years. I am in private practice providing counseling, consultation and formal intervention services for families and other individuals who are concerned about someone’s alcohol or other drug use. I also provide over 150 trainings each year for groups and organizations like MADD, the Society for the Prevention of Violence and the Northeast Ohio Carpenters’ Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program, to name a few.

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

Phillip Robinson, Jr., 29 years old. Resides in University Heights. I currently serve as a 2010 Cleveland Executive Fellow, where I have developed business growth plans and co-authored a study on improving local neighborhoods. Previously, I worked for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and later, for two Fortune 500 global communications firms.

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

Philip Fine, 65. I live in Beachwood. I am an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy, foreclosure defense and family law.

I know we are past the 4th of July but when it comes to our Declaration of Independence I guess it’s better late than never. Besides it is still July.

I have been thinking a lot lately about our Founding Fathers and our Constitution. These people were not only very brave but also very intelligent. When they established the federal government they knew things could get out of hand so they added some amendments. The most important one to me is the 10th Amendment. This one was put in place to protect us (we the people) and our individual states from a corrupt government.

I just picked up a copy of the new Euclid Observer. It was very nice and informative. I sent many letters over the years to the Sun Journal and old Observer, and hope to make good use of this one too.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections encourages voters to be prepared for the May 4 Primary Election. Voters will cast ballots for candidates running for US Senate, US House of Representatives, state offices, including Governor, and Judicial Candidates. 

On Tuesday, May 4, Cuyahoga County will have a primary election. Voters will be choosing candidates in the primary to be their party’s nominees for the general election in November. 

On May 4, the voters in Euclid will be deciding on changes to our charter. Three amendments are proposed. The ballot only has space for the proposed change. Without knowing the current language, a voter cannot make an intelligent choice.This article will attempt to provide information about these amendments. 

Euclid residents are visiting the library and using our services more than ever! Since 2006 circulation of library materials is up 18%, visits to the library are up 11%, and the use of computer workstations is up 26%. And 2009 was a record-breaking year as cardholders checked out over 1.5 million items!  

On May 4th, Euclid voters will be asked to approve two changes to the City's Charter. Issue 26 raises the minimum amount of signatures to 25% from 15% of voters voting in the last general election, and Issue 27 imposes a 45 day time-limit on the gathering of signatures.

I can’t remember if I read it in a book or heard it in a movie but the statement has never left my mind. “When democracy dies, the people will have voted it out.” On May 4, or sooner if you mail in your ballot, the people of Euclid will vote on Charter Issues 26 & 27.

Despite cold weather and the threat of rain, over 100 turned out on Saturday April 17th after the scheduled outdoor Tea Party rally at Surveyors Park was moved inside to the Shore Cultural Centre small gymnasium.