Approval of 9/8/09 Minutes: MINUTES APPROVED AS SUBMITTED
Patriots for Change Election:
Nominating Committee: Slots to be filled thus far include PRESIDENT, President-elect and Secretary. NO MEMBERS FOR COMMITTEE CHOSEN AS OF YET.
Treasurers Report (Kolcaba):
Quarterly Report (deferred from September) BALANCE AT END OF QUARTER: $ 4826.76.
October report: ADD $200.00 TO QUARTERLY BALANCE (MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT). OCT. BANK STATEMENT NOT YET RECEIVED (FOR DEBITS).
Plan for year-end audit: DISCUSSION TABLED
Communication (Zaim): NO REPORT.
Membership (Lupone): NEXT MEETING OCT. 20, TUESDAY, 9:30 AM & ALL ARE INVITED.
Fund Raising (Fire/Kolcaba):
Football fundraiser November 21st : KATHY & RAY KOLCABA WILL PLAN WITH ADDITIONAL HELP. D. THOMAS VOLUNTEERED AND KATHY WILL CALL A FEW OTHERS
Football pool: RAY AND D. THOMAS WILL CONSTRUCT. GOAL IS TO CLEAR $500.00 OVERALL. AIM IS TO HAVE GOOD NATURED RIVALRY BETWEEN MICHIGAN & OSU FANS.
Education (Kramer):
The Great Debate
Future plans: DECISIONS IN PROGRESS ABOUT BOTH OF THESE ITEMS.
Advocacy Committee (Fire):
School Board visit: J. KRAMER ATTENDED AND REPORTED THAT THERE WAS LIMITED DISCUSSION.
Cuyahoga County Reform: STEERING COMMITTEE VOTED TO ASK MEMBERSHIP IF THEY WANTED TO SUPPORT THIS ISSUE.
Candidates’ Meeting at Hamlet: A FUTURE EVENT ON OCT. 21, 7-9 PM; ATTENDANCE REQUESTED.
Nazelli/Thomas “debate” – MEETING AT TOWNSHIP HALL WELL ATTENDED BUT OPPOSITION CANDIDATES DID NOT SHOW.
Visit to LaTourette’s office http://patriots4change.blogspot.com/2009/09/sept-16-2009-meeting-at-congressman.html STAFF MEMBER PLEASANT, BUT UNINFORMED
Visit to Voinovich’s office: STAFF MEMBER DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH
Nazelli/Thomas endorsement: UNANIMOUS DECISION TO ENDORSE; WILL BE SENT TO MEMBERSHIP FOR VOTE.
Voter registration: CONSENSUS WAS NOT TO PUT EFFORT IN FOR THIS YEAR, BUT INCREASE EFFORTS FOR 2110 ELECTION YEAR.
Health Care Reform (DiCarlo):
Senior presentation at Hamlet: ABILITY & KNOWLEDGE OF AUDIENCE VARIED. TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH SLIDES AS USED BY L. RUSTAD FOR PRESENTATION.
Xenia and Cleveland Mad as Hell Doctors rallies: WELL ATTENDED & INTERESTING DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND (PER J. KRAMER); LESS WELL ATTENDED IN XENIA (PER L. RUSTAD).
Current status of health reform negotiations: A MESS
Chagrin Valley Democratic Club presentation: WILL BE NOV. 10
Geauga Change Unitarian Church presentation: J. MALONEY WILL MODERATE DEBATE, NOV. 12.
Bylaws: DISCUSSED AND MINOR CHANGES MADE. IN PROGRESS.
New Business:
Chief Brosius re: Police Station issue: DID NOT SHOW.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
KATHY KOLCABA
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Patriots for Change 2009 Election Endorsements
NOVEMBER 3, 2009 GENERAL ELECTION
1. Vote on Endorsement of Cuyahoga County Charter Reform Issue #6
(The following endorsement is from the independent, non-partisan League of Women Voters.)
I. BALLOT QUESTION # 6 : "Shall a county charter be adopted, providing for an elected county executive, an elected county prosecutor, eleven county council members elected by district, and all other officers appointed by the county executive whose appointments are subject to the confirmation by council and who shall serve at the pleasure of the county executive...?"
The League of Women Voters recommends: VOTE YES! Here's why:
Separation of Legislative (policy-making) from Executive (administrative) powers permits numerous effective checks and balances to hinder or prevent overreaching by a single strong County leader, while providing Ohio's largest county with executive focus and visible, accountable leadership.
A Council of 11 will represent the county's diverse districts and have the power to pass ordinances, investigate wrongdoing in the bureaucracy, and debate County policies in the open.
Appointing rather than electing 7 of the 8 "row offices" (Recorder, Auditor, Sheriff, Coroner, Engineer, Clerk of Courts and Treasurer) leads to a unified, professionally administered executive branch that greatly reduces patronage, duplication and waste.
New safeguards against corruption and abuse of power include mandatory internal audits, centralized employment standards, a code of ethics covering conflicts of interest, a whistle-blower mandate, possible recall elections, and a charter amendment process.
Powerful new focus on both economic development and regional collaboration brings limited Home Rule flexibility that will enable new initiatives to reverse county decline.
This charter is backed by 53,000 petition signatures and a bipartisan group of political and civic leaders including the League of Women Voters. It is drawn from the best features of the Summit County charter, the 1996 Barber Commission draft, the Municipal League's Model County Charter, and suggestions by the drafting group, municipal law specialists, and other contributors. Diverse opinions were sought, respected and incorporated.
2. STATEMENT FROM DIANA NAZELLI, CANDIDATE FOR CHAGRIN FALLS TRUSTEE
As Township Trustee for the past eight years, I have protected the assets of the Township, including historic Falls Road and our historic Township Hall.
On completion of the Falls Rd project in 2005, the Trustees turned to the restoration of Township Hall. From the beginning, I have advocated a "do it right" approach. Prior to the time that I became a Trustee, the Township had not consulted with historic specialists and spent money on a handicapped access elevator that was not protected from the elements and collapsed in an ice storm. A handicapped access restroom was completed that does not adequately accommodate wheelchairs. In addition, well-meaning repairs to the exterior brick caused more problems than they solved because inappropriate materials were used.
I bring experience and knowledge regarding historic preservation to the office of Trustee. I have insisted upon a “do it right” approach to the restoration of the 1847 historic building that I feel it deserves. The building does not need any quick fixes; all maintenance is up to date. Together with other Trustees, I have consulted with contractors and historic architects. Their assessment is that, although the building needs restoration and updating, it will remain solid for the foreseeable future in its current condition.
Because of my work, a long-term plan has been put into place for the restoration of Township Hall. Several sources of funding will be needed in order to succeed but the plan will not burden taxpayers - even though it is a publicly owned building. The plan includes a private, not for profit fundraising foundation that will yield a tax benefit to donors. Federal funds from the Saving America's Treasure's Act will be sought along with grants from other sources. I favor this approach because the modest Township budget is not sufficient to provide for a capital project such as the restoration.
I would appreciate your support and your vote on November 3rd. It will allow me to continue working toward a fiscally responsible, "do it right" restoration of historic Township Hall.
Diana Nazelli
3. STATEMENT FROM STEVE THOMAS, CANDIDATE FOR CHAGRIN FALLS TRUSTEE
I am seeking re-election as a Township Trustee to save Township Hall as a community center and as a venue for arts and cultural events in a fully restored facility. While this task will require significant expenditures for proper planning and eventual construction, my past service demonstrates the capacity to accomplish these goals.
During my 20 years of service as a Trustee, the Township has generated in excess of $3.6 million from public and private sources - who do not pay real estate taxes in Chagrin Falls Village - to improve the community. Water lines, historic Falls Road, N. Main Street resurfacing and land for the MetroParks are lasting, major township-village collaborations of which I am proud and seek more. Our Township is the smallest unincorporated political subdivision in the State of Ohio. But while the Township is small, our accomplishments are large.
I embrace the opportunity for a public airing of the need to properly restore Township Hall. Our opponents’ emphasis on maintaining Township Hall sharpens the debate. But when they argue money for planning would have been better spent on repairs, I think it odd they are not better informed. Perhaps because they have never attended a single Trustees' meeting, they did not know the main floor of the hall was completely refinished and the cupola was restored and repainted this year.
And perhaps because they wish to ignore the most recent routine review of Township finances by the office of Ohio State Auditor Mary Taylor, they and their supporters fail to acknowledge her finding that Township expenditures of recent estate tax revenues were made "in furtherance of Township Hall renovation planning".
The current Trustees favor fixing Township Hall right, and doing it once. We maintain a modestly growing cash reserve for repairs that cannot be delayed, while deferring non-urgent repairs that would be duplicated by renovations. Our plans in preparation for a private fundraising campaign will be where the rubber meets the road in any long-term plan for a renovated Township Hall.
I pledge to taxpayers my best efforts to renovate the hall with maximum reliance on private fundraising, in accordance with a well-thought-out plan developed during four separate meetings of government and civic leaders in 2006 and 2007.
I ask for re-election because the current Trustees are best positioned to maintain the momentum and save Township Hall.
Steve Thomas
1. Vote on Endorsement of Cuyahoga County Charter Reform Issue #6
(The following endorsement is from the independent, non-partisan League of Women Voters.)
I. BALLOT QUESTION # 6 : "Shall a county charter be adopted, providing for an elected county executive, an elected county prosecutor, eleven county council members elected by district, and all other officers appointed by the county executive whose appointments are subject to the confirmation by council and who shall serve at the pleasure of the county executive...?"
The League of Women Voters recommends: VOTE YES! Here's why:
Separation of Legislative (policy-making) from Executive (administrative) powers permits numerous effective checks and balances to hinder or prevent overreaching by a single strong County leader, while providing Ohio's largest county with executive focus and visible, accountable leadership.
A Council of 11 will represent the county's diverse districts and have the power to pass ordinances, investigate wrongdoing in the bureaucracy, and debate County policies in the open.
Appointing rather than electing 7 of the 8 "row offices" (Recorder, Auditor, Sheriff, Coroner, Engineer, Clerk of Courts and Treasurer) leads to a unified, professionally administered executive branch that greatly reduces patronage, duplication and waste.
New safeguards against corruption and abuse of power include mandatory internal audits, centralized employment standards, a code of ethics covering conflicts of interest, a whistle-blower mandate, possible recall elections, and a charter amendment process.
Powerful new focus on both economic development and regional collaboration brings limited Home Rule flexibility that will enable new initiatives to reverse county decline.
This charter is backed by 53,000 petition signatures and a bipartisan group of political and civic leaders including the League of Women Voters. It is drawn from the best features of the Summit County charter, the 1996 Barber Commission draft, the Municipal League's Model County Charter, and suggestions by the drafting group, municipal law specialists, and other contributors. Diverse opinions were sought, respected and incorporated.
2. STATEMENT FROM DIANA NAZELLI, CANDIDATE FOR CHAGRIN FALLS TRUSTEE
As Township Trustee for the past eight years, I have protected the assets of the Township, including historic Falls Road and our historic Township Hall.
On completion of the Falls Rd project in 2005, the Trustees turned to the restoration of Township Hall. From the beginning, I have advocated a "do it right" approach. Prior to the time that I became a Trustee, the Township had not consulted with historic specialists and spent money on a handicapped access elevator that was not protected from the elements and collapsed in an ice storm. A handicapped access restroom was completed that does not adequately accommodate wheelchairs. In addition, well-meaning repairs to the exterior brick caused more problems than they solved because inappropriate materials were used.
I bring experience and knowledge regarding historic preservation to the office of Trustee. I have insisted upon a “do it right” approach to the restoration of the 1847 historic building that I feel it deserves. The building does not need any quick fixes; all maintenance is up to date. Together with other Trustees, I have consulted with contractors and historic architects. Their assessment is that, although the building needs restoration and updating, it will remain solid for the foreseeable future in its current condition.
Because of my work, a long-term plan has been put into place for the restoration of Township Hall. Several sources of funding will be needed in order to succeed but the plan will not burden taxpayers - even though it is a publicly owned building. The plan includes a private, not for profit fundraising foundation that will yield a tax benefit to donors. Federal funds from the Saving America's Treasure's Act will be sought along with grants from other sources. I favor this approach because the modest Township budget is not sufficient to provide for a capital project such as the restoration.
I would appreciate your support and your vote on November 3rd. It will allow me to continue working toward a fiscally responsible, "do it right" restoration of historic Township Hall.
Diana Nazelli
3. STATEMENT FROM STEVE THOMAS, CANDIDATE FOR CHAGRIN FALLS TRUSTEE
I am seeking re-election as a Township Trustee to save Township Hall as a community center and as a venue for arts and cultural events in a fully restored facility. While this task will require significant expenditures for proper planning and eventual construction, my past service demonstrates the capacity to accomplish these goals.
During my 20 years of service as a Trustee, the Township has generated in excess of $3.6 million from public and private sources - who do not pay real estate taxes in Chagrin Falls Village - to improve the community. Water lines, historic Falls Road, N. Main Street resurfacing and land for the MetroParks are lasting, major township-village collaborations of which I am proud and seek more. Our Township is the smallest unincorporated political subdivision in the State of Ohio. But while the Township is small, our accomplishments are large.
I embrace the opportunity for a public airing of the need to properly restore Township Hall. Our opponents’ emphasis on maintaining Township Hall sharpens the debate. But when they argue money for planning would have been better spent on repairs, I think it odd they are not better informed. Perhaps because they have never attended a single Trustees' meeting, they did not know the main floor of the hall was completely refinished and the cupola was restored and repainted this year.
And perhaps because they wish to ignore the most recent routine review of Township finances by the office of Ohio State Auditor Mary Taylor, they and their supporters fail to acknowledge her finding that Township expenditures of recent estate tax revenues were made "in furtherance of Township Hall renovation planning".
The current Trustees favor fixing Township Hall right, and doing it once. We maintain a modestly growing cash reserve for repairs that cannot be delayed, while deferring non-urgent repairs that would be duplicated by renovations. Our plans in preparation for a private fundraising campaign will be where the rubber meets the road in any long-term plan for a renovated Township Hall.
I pledge to taxpayers my best efforts to renovate the hall with maximum reliance on private fundraising, in accordance with a well-thought-out plan developed during four separate meetings of government and civic leaders in 2006 and 2007.
I ask for re-election because the current Trustees are best positioned to maintain the momentum and save Township Hall.
Steve Thomas