Question of the day--how does ~$23,000+ from developers (see inset article) in 2008, go to $ -162.00, to $6,800--when all of this time Mr. Rokakis has not had to run for a political office???

Oh, and what happened to Tony Sinagra--political fundraiser for the Hellenic Society in NEO??

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Executives at Forest City Enterprises, a powerful Cleveland developer, don't seem to mind solicitations.

Albert Ratner, the company's co-chairman, and family members contributed $10,000 to Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis in his last election cycle in 2008, and they gave $14,000 to Russo in his last election cycle in 2006, reports show.

Ideas abound on reform of campaign finance

Rokakis received at least $23,000 from developers during his 2008 election cycle. He said many of these contributors are simply longtime friends.

"When you lived in this town all your life, like I have, you get to know developers," he said.

Rokakis, who supports limiting the size of contributions, said he is less aggressive than his colleagues, holding fewer fund-raisers than they do.

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I would like the PD to perhaps clarify which politicos have received the war chest of monies from our "lame" duck, out-going "Democrat" party-machine figures. 

It would go a long way to provide the accountability we voted for with the Cuyahoga Reform transition.

I would also like a real examination of the developers who have bankrolled Rokakis' entire political career--perhaps, it would explain the hands-off, protection plan in place at the Plain Dealer, Scene and the set-up of the new position at CSU.

 

Cuyahoga County government overhaul puts focus on campaign finance reform

Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 8:51 PM     Updated: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 9:29 PM

By Mark Naymik, The Plain Dealer

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/10/cuyahoga_county_government_ove.html

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For the curious--must see reading:

http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2009/10/mayor_frank_jackson_seeks_citi.html

http://media.cleveland.com/cityhall_impact/other/City%20Council%20block%20grant%20allocations.pdf 

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/budget/budget09/

What constitutes NDA allocations???  Your tax dollar!

See also:

http://www.vacantproperties.org/resources/documents/CityofClevelandCodeEnforcementPartnership.pdf 

From February 08, 2009 article by Linda Chojnacki in the Real Estate section Plain Dealer ...beginning in April, the Land Bank will begin revitalizing our neighborhoods by addressing the foreclosure crisis.  Properties will be obtained, massive demolitions will begin, and land will be held for 15, 20 or even 30 years... See also:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/10/cuyahoga_county_government_ove.html

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The Goombas...Dimora and Russo-jobs and contracts for friends and family--OBVIOUS!!!!!!

Mason, McFaul, O'Malley, McCafferty and the Irish "legal" clan--the fixers--so OBVIOUS!

Rokakis, Frangos--the Greek Town/Forest City Real Estate Investment/Medical Mart/Gambling/Casino operations with a protection plan (presidential candidate Kucinich)--NOT SO OBVIOUS to everyone??

The saddest part of the machine--The street level politicos groveling at the feet of these characters and the local media that covers for the old WASP establishment in town--defending their "Opportunity Corridor" investment greed as largesse and saving the children.

How long can someone live as a carpetbagger in the witness protection plan? 

I suppose if you end up in Florida (Santiago/Kevin Kelley) or Hawaii (Eugene Sanders)...it looks pretty good.