bmartin's Blog

Bill,
Others have said it, but no one has said it better. Thank-you!

I agree as well!

Why not have the councilman write a similar letter to Mayor Jackson as was written to A.Winston!!!!!!!

I don't live in Cleveland but I do much of my business their. I am afraid to go their by myself. I loved what the councilman said and yes he put it in the way it should be put. I am so sick of people saying it was racist when it had nothing to do with race. I think they should put Mike Polensek in as mayor. Maybe he can clean up Cleveland.

First of all,Bill, I enjoy seeing you and Stacey everyday. Thank you for posting this, I agree. Polensek should run for mayor next time around, he is doing better in his ward than the mayor is for the whole city. I remember seeing Jackson on TV alot during the election, saying how things will be different. Where is he now? Even the other media outlets in Cleveland do not care as much as FOX8 does about this story. The only difference is things are worse now - more crime, more people leaving, things will only go downhill

Biii Martin is rignt on point on this issue as well as the tax increase.. This councilman should be applauded for his efforts to keep his ward free of crime, to bad others councilmen/women are not taking suit except for Fanny Lewis.

Cleveland is teethering on total bankrupt with a mayor who is more like missing in action Jackson.. Especially his ideal on tax increase for a new convention center when you cannot fill the old one and even if a new convention center emerge with the crime rate, nobody will book an event in fear of low turn out Duh mayor.

Clevland needs to revamp itself one is to bring crime down and perhaps you can bring new businesses or more progressive minded people into the city...Or people will continue to leave and you will be stuck with those who cannot afford to leave and the parasites who will leach of those stuck..

Cleveland will also be stuck with people who cannot pay taxes so meeting payroll will become a problem.

For atleast ex Mayor Michael White tried, unfortunately he was met with close minded people who fear change or do not know how to effect changes that comes with the time and circumstances.

Which is why I leaving the state, although Southern Ohio is doing well, if you think the downfall of Cleveland doesn't effect surrounding suburbs and counties....wrong it does...

I think Mayor Jackson doesn't have a clue and politics in Cleveland has always been brutal, it is a union minded town who feels it is benefits in remaining the same..And just like the unions of today, most are ineffective and walked their own people into total

Oh, and menyon huzza disno fekkette!

First let me say this, Reality, you are one of the most intelligent blogger I have seen. Your insight is right on point. The only people that will be left in Cleveland are the ones forced to stay here whether it be for financial reasons or because it is a requirement of their job to live in the city. Here's what really bugs me. Jackson wants the people of Cuyahoga County to fund or help fund this project. If you have ever been to any of the venue's downtown, Jacobs Field, Browns Stadium, Wolstein Center, Old Convention Center etc., you know that the average Joe can not afford to go if he/she has a family. Why do I want to fund something I can't use, visit, afford? Parking, concessions, ticket prices, add it up. Will it be just another pretty, empty building. We already have plenty of those! Its what Jackson deems as an easy out, and a diversion from the real issue. The city is broke and he is using this excuse to bring in tax dollars to keep the broken wheel turning. Clean up the drugs and thugs, work on the school system and sit back and watch how willing people are to pull together for a cause. Again, Bill Martin, Thank You for caring because Cleveland really is a beautiful city. Take a walk through the old Arcade if you want to see a touch of the promise this city once had.

Oops--"Thank God Councilman Polensek DECIDED that it's time to flush." (I'm not elevating his stature THAT much!)

You got it, Bill. Playing nicey-nice, professional and being silent just isn’t working. I’m more than thrilled that a city official finally had the guts to stand up and fight fire with fire. It’s about time. The drug culture and crime in the city of Cleveland is at an all time high and the thugs are in control. Most are juveniles who know they are protected by our judicial system, thus they have no respect for law enforcement or authority. They are empowered and it has to stop.

I grew up in Cleveland and am a graduate of Collinwood High School. I also put in 30 years as an educator with the Cleveland Public Schools and like you, Bill I now avoid the city- my home. How sad is that? I got out as did thousands of others but who’s there to support and protect those who can’t leave? And why should they have to leave anyway? What ever happened to “the best location in the nation”? Unless there is a drastic change in leadership, Cleveland will soon be considered the best location to flee.

I stand up and applaud Mike for confronting this issue head on and for fighting so passionately for the good citizens of the Collinwood community. I too would like to see him run for Mayor- before no one is left to turn out the lights.

My love to you, Judi and the girls. San