Democratic Lawmakers Announce State Support For Key Community Projects

Capital budget bill to allocate funds for economic, cultural improvements

House Minority Whip Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and State Senator Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) today announced several important community projects will receive state support through the recently introduced capital budget. The Variety Theatre, the Lake Link Trail and Wendy Park, and the Irish Town Bend are some of the major projects in the Lakewood area expected to receive state funds.

“We will continue the hard work of securing resources that add to the economic health and well-being of our district,” said Antonio. “It is an honor to be a part of this capital budget process, and I will continue to insist that these funds stay committed to necessary projects that ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for the region.”

The capital budget bill currently includes $1.65 million to finance hard construction and demolition costs to transform the Variety Theatre into a new town center for the Westown neighborhood in Cleveland. In addition, a new $1 million bridge will link the 1.3 mile urban multi-purpose path Lake Link Trail to Wendy Park thanks to state funds, creating lakefront access to the residents of Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties. The Irish Town bend is also slated to receive $2.5 million to install steel reinforcement bulkheads.

“I am thrilled to see the preservation of the historic integrity of the west side of Cleveland included in the capital budget,” said Skindell. “These projects contribute to important assets in our community, whether they are cultural, recreational, or economic. I will continue to advocate for these projects to make sure they are included in the final budget.”

The capital budget bill is currently under consideration in the Senate.

Nickie Antonio

State Representative Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) is honored to be serving her third term in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she was elected by her collegaues as Minority Whip for the 131st General Assembly. House District 13 includes the city of Lakewood in its entirety and parts of Cleveland’s West Side including the Detroit Shoreway (Gordon Square Arts District), the Stockyards, West Boulevard, Cuddell, the Village of Linndale, and a section of Ohio City neighborhoods. Representative Antonio is a civic minded public servant who is concerned with the quality of life of those around her and has been a social justice advocate working for human rights and equality for all people for more than two decades. Antonio began her public policy service when she was elected to Lakewood City Council in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009. During her tenure on Lakewood City Council she chaired the Economic Development, Housing, and Human Services committees and served on the Public Works and Finance Committees and was the council representative for the Lakewood Hospital Board and Community Relations Boards. She brought successful strategies for economic development through proactive policies such as the first ever sidewalk dining legislation, the results of which can be seen today in the vibrant outdoor dining scene throughout the city. Ever concerned about environmental policy and practice, Antonio also shepherded through legislation to reduce toxic emissions through a reduced idling ordinance. Antonio also exercised leadership by developing opportunities for diversity appreciation and understanding and civic engagement through the Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission of which she was a founder and promoted citizen human rights by expanding protections in the existing municipal intimidation laws. She also championed the push to retain funding for senior programs and services. Antonio is an alumni of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior and Executive Leadership program for State and Local governments. The first in her family to graduate from college, Antonio holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Maxine Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, also from CSU. She is a graduate of Lutheran West High School located in Rocky River, Ohio. A former Special Education teacher and non-profit Executive Director for a women’s outpatient drug/alcohol treatment program, she also served for nearly two decades as a consultant to non-profits and governmental agencies throughout Northeast Ohio and served as administrator for a multi-County HIV/AIDS regional planning group. During this same period she was an Adjunct Professor at CSU teaching courses in Women’s Studies and Public Administration policies and practice. She continues her civic involvement through membership in numerous community groups and serves in an advisory capacity for Spaces Art Gallery and on the board of the non-profit Cleveland Tenants Organization. Antonio currently serves as Ranking Member of the Health and Aging Committee. She also serves on the Finance and Appropriations Committee, Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee, and the Joint Legislative Committee for Unified Long-Term Servics and Supports. Rep. Antonio is a member of the Ohio House Democratic Women's Caucus. Because of her social justice advocacy and activity, Antonio is known as a collaborative community builder and organizer. She is an enthusiastic proponent of the arts and civic engagement as some of the best tools available to develop local and statewide viability and economic success. She is also a certified coach and advocates the benefits to the world when people are valued and encouraged to rise to their highest potential and purpose. Daughters Ariel and Stacey, both Lakewood High School graduates, have made Rep. Antonio and partner Jean Kosmac very proud as the girls engage in their post-secondary pursuits.

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Volume 12, Issue 9, Posted 3:24 PM, 04.26.2016