An ongoing theme in the coverage and debate around this year's presidential race has been the question of Barack Obama's patriotism. Conservative pundits seem to believe that recognizing a fault with your country is equivalent to hating it. I, on the other hand, would prefer someone who sees the imperfections and makes an effort to improve upon them. As early 20th century journalist H.L. Mencken said, "The notion that a radical is one who hates his country is naïve and usually idiotic. He is, more likely, one who likes his country more than the rest of us, and is thus more disturbed than the rest of us when he sees it debauched. He is not a bad citizen turning to crime; he is a good citizen driven to despair..."

Lately, whenever I tell someone that I live in Lakewood, and that I volunteer for the Lakewood Animal Shelter, I usually get blasted about the ban on pit bulls. I have heard many thoughts, rants and commentary concerning the law, from people both for and against it. Rarely have I been asked to voice my own opinions. I’d like to take the opportunity to do so now.

When it comes to pit bulls, I sit on a very broad fence. My fence does not have just two sides – rather, it sits at the juncture of several fields of thought, and from my perch, I can see each field. Let me tell you about them...

Steven Kaufman’s recent article (http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/121334585985950.xml&coll=2 ) in the Plain Dealer suggested changes in the structure of County government. He touted those changes as the solution to the County’s economic problems.

The economic decline of the County is blamed (in part) on corruption and the lack of transparency under the current system. As you might expect, Mr. Kaufman names no names, lists no specific projects, and details no dollar amounts. Who is corrupt? What projects spent money in a questionable fashion? Don’t ask. The County’s decline is attributed to some mysterious “they”...

The article entitled "Journy Back in Time with the Beck Center", which ran in our June 24 issue, was not atributed to the proper author. By my error, Fran Stroch's name was printed in place of the proper author, Kelly Kutler.

I apologize to Kelly and Fran for this oversight.

Best Regards,

Dan Slife

To date, there has been no data or statistics provided to Lakewood residents that would support the need for a ban on “pit bulls” in our city. Councilman Powers has not provided any evidence that there is a problem of any specific breed of dog in our city...

With the economy the way it is, and gas prices over $4.00 per gallon, Lakewood is uniquely positioned to be the city of choice for anyone interested in improving his or her standard of living. Close to downtown Cleveland, blessed with two Rapid stations, on the bus line, on Lake Erie, a walking community with excellent schools -- need I go on?

As a Lakewood resident for nearly 50 years serving as Prosecutor, Councilman at Large, Mayor, and State Senator, I support Councilman Brian Powers’ pit bull ban.

The issue here is not about dogs. It is about PEOPLE! People’s safety, children’s safety, and the unfortunate inability for pit bull owners to abide by the present law...

On May 25th, Councilman Brian Powers quoted Pit Bull Rescue Central’s website to show that pit bulls are dangerous and unpredictable. Unfortunately, he ignored the context of these quotations and much of the other information on our website. More than anything else, we stress that while aggression toward other animals is a normal trait in pit bulls, aggression toward humans is not. This is a point that most people miss, and we are disappointed that Councilman Powers used our information to mislead his readers. The quotations were mainly taken from an article on how to prevent dog fights, and it is quite clear that we are talking about pit bulls’ tendency for dog aggression while urging pit bull owners to be cautious around other dogs. By neglecting to mention anything about animal aggression, the councilman made it seem as if we were declaring that pit bulls are generally unstable in temperament. This is not true...

Dear Editor:

When I agreed to serve as a member of Lakewood City Council, I vowed to strive to do the right thing for our residents, not necessarily the popular thing. Since introducing legislation to ban those dogs know as “pit bulls” from Lakewood, all members of Council have been deluged with e-mails arguing against such a ban, mostly from out-of-towners. Sadly, the pit bull ban is receiving an inordinate amount of public attention, even though it is but a small part of the broader effort by the Mayor and Council to make Lakewood a safer place to live. We should be focusing on the recent decision to add four new full-time and ten part-time police officers, but we are instead flooded with advice from out-of-state special interest groups about dogs...

My purposes for writing this are twofold: it is intended first as a rebuttal to Councilman Brian Powers’ article from the May 27th Lakewood Observer; second, I write this as an open letter to all citizens of Lakewood, so that both sides of the issue may be understood.

 

 

Let me start by saying that I do truly believe that Councilman Powers has the best interest of Lakewood citizens at heart. I appreciate what he is trying to accomplish, specifically ensuring the safety of our residents. I wouldn’t wish it any other way. I do believe, however, that his proposal to ban “pit bulls” and other breeds, though well-intended, is misguided...

Mayor FitzGerald and Council Members:

I recently read that Lakewood will hold a council meeting next week to consider banning the Pit Bull breed in Lakewood, Ohio. As a citizen of Lakewood and an animal lover, I would like to voice my concern on the passing of this bill...

In response to the response: Seems like I hit a nerve with my thoughts on healthcare, I guess that means that someone is actually reading this column. First let me say that I do and will read any and all responses sent to me...

Steve Hoffert's article "The 2008 Budget Hearings: A Review and Conclusion", which was published in the April 1st issue of the LO, contains the following editorial mistake which was made by your's truly...

My impression of Thursday night’s Lakewood City Council meeting was that Lakewood needs to buckle down in the face of bankruptcy, strengthen an atmosphere for bringing new young families into the city, and to do this, we need to throw out the elderly and encourage them to die off more quickly so we can utilize their much needed space...

Mr. Callentine expresses some valid thoughts on Collective Health Care, but he misses the mark on some important points. He seems to categorize American citizens as being among the wealthy or the poor. This is not the case...

Dear Editor,

Was Bret Callentine just trying to stir up controversy when he wrote about the U.S. health care system in the March 4 Observer? I can't believe he was really serious. If so, he certainly doesn't accept the principle that a nation's status is best judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens...

I am appalled by the proposed cuts to our city services in Lakewood.

I have been a property owner in Lakewood for over thirty years. I have also owned property outside of Lakewood and had dealings with the county health and
building departments. On the city level I receive one on one contact, with the county I was lost in the crowd. It is comforting to have city inspectors to keep me informed and prevent health and safety issues before they occur...

When I first moved to this “City of Homes” some eighteen years ago, the prestige of and affection for living in Lakewood was something I was very proud of. The charm of lavish Victorian houses which dominate her tree lined streets was well known and celebrated far beyond her borders. The diversity and sense of community was cherished by her residents and envied by her neighboring suburbs. Lakewood was “The” place to arrive at. Settling here meant your children would have an outstanding education. Your family would have small town security and community coupled with big city conveniences and opportunity. Our seniors were revered and cherished members of our community. Lakewood was a mix of old time street gatherings and modern advances...

To the Lakewood Observer:

The Cliffs condo project on Sloane Ave. seems to have withered on the vine.

I don't understand why the LO has been cheerleading this project, as well as every politician, and every "Up With Lakewood" Group. The Foran Group's performance has been abysmal at best. I urge you all to reexamine your blind support...

A Plea to Hold On To What We Have and Need

As a proud citizen of Lakewood, I would like to thank everyone involved in the huge effort in keeping Lakewood a beautiful city. Nine years ago my wife and I decided to make Lakewood our home...

Mr. Fitzgerald, The Division Of AgingTransportation is s Necessary Service To Many Lakewood Residents

2008 Budget, you can’t squeeze blood from a turnip.

We are currently in the midst of an epic political battle for the Mayor of Lakewood, the likes of which only Homer could accurately portray through the written word.

According to the “Grow Lakewood" Committee Report, our city is at a tipping point when it comes to economic vitality