Kris,

Welcome to realneo!

To respond to your Q --

Yes.  I actually just met with the Mayor today in a follow-up to his endorsement of Councilman Santiago as well as other issues.  We discussed his endorsement decision and committed to continue building our relationship.

I've learned a lot in my first term in office.  I have and will continue to stand up for issues and be a strong independent voice for the Ward I represent as well as for City and regional issues.  But, I'm working on developing stronger and more respectful relationships with those whom I may disagree with.

Although Mayor Jackson endorsed Councilman Santiago, the Mayor to his credit, has never used political difference to play into the Administration's delivery of services to residents.  This has happened in the past, but Mayor Jackson does not work this way.  He is a straight shooter and the endorsement of my opponent is something he has decided to do. 

I will not hold that against him, nor will I be shy about voicing any differences I have with him in the future.  I will however, consult and inform him when disagreements arise

So yes, I will be able to work with the Mayor...I took steps today to do just that.

Sincerely,

Brian Cummins
Councilman Ward 15
Candidate, New Ward 14
www.briancummins.us
info [at] briancummins [dot] com
216-661-6821 Home/Campaign HQ

SINCERELY,

NELSON CINTRON JR.

CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL WARD 14

3032 VEGA AVENUE CLEVELAND, OHIO 44113

CALL: (216) 939-8101

EMAIL:FRIENDSOFNELSON [at] YAHOO [dot] COM

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER CLEVELAND

VOLUNTEER TO HELP ELECT NELSON CINTRON JR

RIck is running as a democrat. I am not sure what his past or current relationship with the communist party has to do with Ward 14 or to do with the City of Cleveland. I think that he is entitled to a question about his position on issues that he can impact, if elected.

respectfully, Debbie 

Yesterday, when I saw this post...I had decided to let the candidates answer for themselves and removed myself from this post....but in consideration of your post...I'll share with you the ACTIVE POSTINGS FROM THE Ohio Communist Party Website...where Rick Nagin is listed as the top contact!!!! 

Look, some brunettes dye their hair red...but they are still brunettes at the end of the day! 

Rick Nagin is an actively engaged communist party REPRESENTATIVE. Our citizens have an express right to be made aware of this...I don't care what ticket he's running on...and I am certain that if he's running on a DEMOCRATIC ticket....he's still a communist at the end of the day. Some folks may support that.... BUT I WILL NOT.

PLEASE TELL ME WHY IT'S NOT IMPORTANT THAT HE'S A COMMUNIST?????  IF HE'S SO PROUD OF IT, THEN WHY IS HE FORGETTING TO TELL FOLKS ABOUT IT? WHY ISN'T HE PUTTING IT ON HIS LITERATURE? WHY ISN'T HE PROMOTING IT???? YOU APPEAR TO BE ANSWERING FOR A CANDIDATE INSTEAD OF LETTING HIM ANSWER FOR HIMSELF HERE... SO, HERE WE GO...

THE BELOW IS INFO FROM THE OHIO COMMUNIST PARTY THAT RICK NAGIN IS ACTIVELY ENGAGED.

================================================================

ARTICLE I - Name

SECTION 1. The name of this organization shall be the Communist Party of the United States of America.

ARTICLE II - Principles of Organization

SECTION 1. The system of organization of the Communist Party is based upon the principle of democratic centralism, which means that decisions and policies are made through democratic procedures, and that once a final decision is made, all members are obligated to carry it out. Democratic centralism combines the maximum involvement of the membership in determining policy and in the democratic election of leading committees with responsible direction from one national center coordinating the activity of the entire Party along commonly agreed-upon lines of policy.

Unity is the strongest weapon working people have in the struggle to advance their interests. By making a commitment to unite around a program of action, members strengthen the Party and help unify the working class and peoples’ movements.

Collectivity is the basic style of work of the Party. Through group discussion and action, we seek to develop and apply the best possible plans to advance the interests of working people.

SECTION 2. Each Party body is subordinate to the next higher body, with central authority vested in the National Convention, the highest body of the Party, which not only has the authority to act on all aspects of Party policy and activity, but elects the national leadership to carry through its will and decisions between conventions.

SECTION 3. After a thorough discussion in any club, committee or convention, decisions are arrived at by majority vote. All members, including those who disagree, are duty bound to explain, fight for and carry out such decisions, as long as they do not conflict with national policies and decisions.

Decisions of leading committees on major questions shall be reported to all other Party bodies. Any member, club or committee, disagreeing with a decision, has the right to appeal the decision to the next higher body and request that the decision be reopened. While the appeal is pending, the decision must nevertheless be carried out by all members of the Party.

All appeals of decisions made to the next leading committee shall be heard by the respective body with 90 days or at the next regular meeting of the committee. Appeals may be made to successive leading committees up to and including the National Convention, provided that the appeals are made at least 30 days before the National Convention. Decisions of the National Convention are final. Once a final decision is made, no member, club, committee or leader has the right to violate the decision or to combine with others to conduct an organized struggle against the decision.

SECTION 4. Policies and decisions established by leading committees are open to review during the pre-convention discussion period set forth in Article V, Section 4, below. Members may express their views through the channels established for that purpose. All previous policies and decisions remain in full force until or unless they are changed by majority vote of the responsible committee or Convention.

SECTION 5. The principle of democratic centralism includes the obligation of all members and leaders to fulfill the decisions arrived at by the majority. Both leaders and members are bound by a common discipline.

Discipline is voluntarily assumed by members upon joining the Party and based on conviction, understanding and devotion to the cause to which the Party dedicates its efforts.

SECTION 6. The election of officers and leading committees at all levels shall be carried out with the fullest participation of the members of the elected Party bodies.

Elections shall be on the basis of a critical review and evaluation of the work of the elected body and of the individuals proposed for office. In elections to all Party committees, conventions and conferences steps shall be taken to maximize the representation of industrial workers, specially oppressed peoples and women.

Officers and leading committees are responsible both to the bodies which elected them and to the higher leading committees. All officers and members of leading committees may be released or removed from office by majority vote of the committees to which they are responsible.

SECTION 7. The Party as a whole, and each of its bodies including every club, shall plan and work for the mass circulation and use of our press and literature.

ARTICLE III – Membership

SECTION 1. Any person living in the United States, 18 years of age or over, regardless of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or religious belief, who subscribes to the principles and purposes of the Communist Party shall be eligible for membership. The age requirement for admission to membership may be waived in individual cases by a majority vote of the State or District Committee, when, in its judgment, special circumstances warrant.

SECTION 2. An application for membership may be received by any Party member, club, State (or District), or National body. The member or Party body receiving it shall promptly refer the application to the club (if known) and the State or District Committee where the applicant resides. The club and State or District leadership shall promptly confer about the application, and shall assign one or more members to meet or communicate with the applicant as soon as possible. Unless the club or State or District leadership have information indicating that the application was false, or that admitting the applicant would be harmful to the Party organization and its goals, the applicant shall be promptly notified that he/she has been admitted to Party membership, and he/she and shall be referred to a Party club where possible. In unorganized territory, in the absence of a club, the new member shall be referred to the next leading committee having jurisdiction. It shall be the responsibility of the club, if any, or the next leading body jurisdiction, to assist the new member in becoming involved in Party education, mass work and other activities.

If an applicant is not admitted to membership, the club and State or District leadership shall notify the club having jurisdiction (if any), the State or District Committee, and National Committee of the reasons why the applicant was not admitted.

SECTION 3. A Party member shall study and accept the Party Constitution and the Party Program as determined by the Convention, belong to a Party club where possible, be willing to carry out its decisions and pay dues. Membership in the Communist Party is a voluntary act of the individual.

SECTION 4. Party members three months in arrears in payment of dues cease to be members in good standing, and shall be so informed by their club (or district) leadership. Members who are six months in arrears shall be dropped from Party membership after effort has been made by the club (or district) leadership, through personal interviews to bring such members into good standing. They may, however, apply for readmission within six months, and upon approval of the club (or district) be permitted to pay back dues and regain their former standing.

SECTION 5. A member in good standing changing his or her place of residence from one state (or district) to another, shall request the state (or district) of origin to transfer his or her membership to the new state (or district). The request for transfer normally should be made before the member changes his or her place of residence, but in any event, not more than thirty (30) days after moving to the new state (or district). The transfer may be submitted by the state (or district) of origin through the National Committee office to the new state (or district), or it may be submitted simultaneously to the new state (or district) and National Committee.

The National Committee office and the states (or districts) involved shall process the transfer request as quickly as possible, and the new state (or district) shall promptly assist the member in getting situated in the new state (or district).

ARTICLE IV – Club and State (District) Organization

SECTION 1. The basic unit of the Communist Party shall be the club. The two basic forms of the Party club shall be based on: (1) place of work or industry, with shop clubs being the goal; and (2) place of residence, with the neighborhood clubs being the goal.

Each club shall have officers and an executive committee which shall be elected at the time of the annual club conference. Elections shall be by secret ballot if such method is requested by any member of the club.

The purpose of the annual club conference shall be to project the plan of work for the coming year based on: (1) policy as established by the national and state (or district) conventions, and further refined and developed by the National Committee and state (or district) committee; and (2) a thorough and critical examination of the club’s work in the previous year.

All clubs should have officers who fulfill the following functions, where possible: chairperson, financial secretary, educational director, labor secretary, press director, literature director, and a secretary who records all decisions. Two or more functions may be performed by one person. Additional officers and committees may be elected by the club.

Officers and committees are responsible to the club, and shall report on their work to the club from time to time. Financial reports shall be submitted to the club annually. Additional financial reports must be submitted when requested by a majority vote.

SECTION 2. State and district organizations may be established by the National Committee, and may cover one state, part of one state, or more than one state. They shall be known as the “----- State Committee, Communist Party USA”, the “----- District, Communist Party USA”, or the “Communist Party of -------, CPUSA”. Where there is more than one district in a state, the National Committee may establish such forms as are necessary to deal with questions of statewide importance.

The state (or district) organization shall comprise all clubs in one state (or district). The State (District) Committee shall have the power and duty to establish whatever subdivisions best fulfill the needs of Party work, such as state, county, city or section organizations.

The highest body of the state (or district) organization is the State (or District) Convention, which shall meet at least once every four years during the pre-convention discussion period prior to the National Convention. Each club in the state (or district) shall elect delegates to the convention in such number as the State (or District) Committee may determine, provided that the number of delegates to which each club is entitled shall be in proportion to its membership. Where there are members not attached to clubs due to geography, the State (or District) Committee may make special provisions for their representation at the State (or District) Convention. Class and national composition shall be considered in the election of delegates to the State (or District) Convention. To be eligible for election as a delegate, a member shall have been in good standing for at least six (6) months.

Members of the State (or District) Committee shall be elected in such manner and number as the State (or District) Convention may determine. All elections to the State (or District) Committee shall be by democratic process, including secret ballot.

To be eligible for election as a state or district officer or member of the State or District Committee, a member shall have been in good standing for at least one year preceding the date of the election.

The State or District Committee shall elect such officers as it deems necessary. Officers so elected shall be members of the State or District Committee by virtue of their offices, and shall be responsible to the State or District Committee. The State or District Committee may elect an executive committee and any other committees it deems necessary.

A vacancy among members of the State or District Committee may be filled until the next Convention by secret ballot and majority vote of the members of the State or District Committee.

Special State or District Conventions shall be called by a majority vote of the State or District Committee or upon the written request of clubs representing one-third of the membership.

The State or District Committee shall name a committee to administer the finances of the organization, which shall be responsible to the State or District Committee. The State or District Committee shall make a financial report to all regular State or District Conventions.

The State or District Committee shall meet at least four times a year. In districts covering large geographic areas, this requirement may be met up to three times per year through teleconferencing. A request by one-third of the members of the State or District Committee, or by one-third of the clubs, for a review of a state or district policy or adoption of a new policy requires that such a discussion be held by the State or District Committee.

ARTICLE V – National Organization

SECTION 1. The highest authority of the Party is the National Convention, which is authorized to make political and organizational decisions binding upon the entire Party and its membership.

Regular National Conventions shall be held every four years. A National Convention may be postponed beyond the four-year limit due to extraordinary circumstances by a three-fourths vote of the National Committee.

SECTION 2. The National Convention shall be composed of delegates elected by each State and District Convention by democratic process, including secret ballot, and in such number, in approximate proportion to the membership it represents, as the National Committee may determine. To be eligible for election as a delegate, the member shall have been in good standing for at least one year prior to the date of the Convention.

SECTION 3. Special National Conventions shall be called when there is an affirmative vote of 40% of the members of the National Committee or a majority vote of all State and District Committees. The office of the National Committee shall circulate any official request from any State or District Committee for a special National Convention to all other State and District Committees for their action. The time and place of special conventions shall be fixed by the National Committee. The basis for representation shall be determined in the same way as that for regular conventions.

SECTION 4. Prior to regular National Conventions, at least four months shall be provided for a pre-convention discussion period in all Party clubs and leading committees on the problems, reports, resolutions and other documents coming before the convention. During this discussion all Party members and organizations have the right to express their views and propose changes, including changes to the Party Program and amendments to the Constitution, to adopt resolutions on all questions of policy and tactics and on the work and composition of leading committees for consideration by the Convention. All policies and decisions, however, remain in full force during the pre-convention discussion.

SECTION 5. Each National Convention shall determine the number of members of the National Committee. Election of the National Committee by the National Convention shall be by secret ballot.

In the election of the National Committee, in addition to individual merit, such factors as class and social composition, wide geographic representation and political importance of the state or district organizations shall be considered.

SECTION 6. Vacancies in the National Committee may be filled by majority vote of the National Committee. Members may be released or removed by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the National Committee.

SECTION 7. The National Committee shall elect from its own membership a National Board and such officers as it decides upon. The National Committee shall establish such other committees or commissions as it deems necessary.

All such officers, committees and commissions shall be responsible to the National Committee.

SECTION 8. To be eligible for election as a national officer or member of the National Committee, a member shall have been in good standing for at least the three years preceding the election.

SECTION 9. Between National Conventions, the National Committee is responsible for the enforcement of the Constitution and the execution of the general policies adopted by the National Convention. The decisions of the National Convention shall be binding on all Party organizations and members.

Between National Conventions, the National Committee is the highest authority of the Party, representing the Party as a whole, and as such has the authority to make decisions and take action necessary and incidental to the good and welfare of the entire Party, and to act upon all problems and developments occurring between conventions. In the fulfillment of its duties, and in the exercise of its responsibilities, the National Committee shall guide and direct all of the political, organizational and educational work of the Party and organize and supervise its various departments and committees. The National Committee shall organize and direct all undertakings of importance to the entire Party, and administer the national treasury. The National Committee shall submit a financial report to each National Convention.

The National Committee and the State and District Committees shall encourage the widest discussion by the membership on all questions of theory and general line of Party policy. The shall provide organs to facilitate such discussions, provided that in the opinion of the National Committee such discussions do not hinder or impede execution of Party policy and decisions or weaken the unity of the Party in action.

The National Committee shall not make any major policy change until it has submitted the proposed change in draft form to the Party organization for debate for specified periods and for recommendations thereon. In an emergency, which must be affirmed by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee, the National Committee may adopt another procedure for making a major policy change, including a referendum vote of the entire membership or the calling of special enlarged, delegated conferences on a national or regional basis.

In the discussion of such major policy changes, rules for pre-convention discussion shall apply in regard to the proposed policy change only, except that the period of discussion may be determined by the National Committee.

SECTION 10. The National Committee shall meet at least three times per year. The officers or one-third of the members of the National Committee may call additional meetings.

SECTION 11. Summaries and reports of National Committee meetings shall be made available to State and District Committees and shall appear in digest form in publications available to the Party membership. Such reports may be published when the National Committee so determines.

All departments and leading committees shall submit reports regularly to the National Committee.

SECTION 12. The officers of the National Committee shall make known to the members of the National Committee any request of any member of the National Committee for either a review of a policy or the introduction of a new major policy question.

A request by one-third of the members of the National Committee for review of a policy or for adoption of a new policy requires that such a discussion be held by the National Committee.

ARTICLE VI – Rights and Duties of Members

SECTION 1. Every member of the Party who is in good standing has the right and duty to participate in the making of its policies and in their execution, and to participate in the elections of the Party bodies to which he or she belongs.

A member has the right, within the Party organization, to express openly and uphold his or her opinion or differences on any question as long as the Party organization has not adopted a decision. This may be accomplished in meetings of the Party organizations and in authorized publications. After a decision, a Party member who disagrees has the right to appeal successively to the next higher body, including the National Convention. At the same time every member has the duty to carry out the majority decision.

Members may critically evaluate the work of all leading committees and individual leaders, irrespective of the positions they hold, provided it is done in appropriate Party meetings, conferences, conventions or other Party bodies. No one may interfere with this right of critical evaluation. Any member may address a question or statement to a leading committee at any level. Leading committees must respond as promptly as possible.

During pre-convention discussion members have the right and duty within Party organizations and publications designated for the purpose, to discuss any and all Party policies and tactics, and the right to critically evaluate the work and composition of all leading committees.

SECTION 2. A member shall strive to attend all club meetings. Members shall continually strive to improve their political knowledge and their understanding of Marxism-Leninism, to take part in the discussion of Party policy, to initiate activities, to work of the aims and policies of the Party, and to seek to win new members to its ranks. They shall also read, circulate and help improve Party publications. All members shall circulate the press and make work with the press central to their mass activity.

Each member shall critically evaluate the work of Party collectives and his/her own activity, with the aim of improving the work of the Party, its bodies, and his or her own activity. The National Committee and leadership at all levels shall take the initiative and give the lead for the development of the fullest critical evaluation and self-evaluation in regard to improving its work.

SECTION 3: It shall be the obligation of all Party members to struggle for the unity of the working class, against all forms of national oppression, national chauvinism, discrimination and segregation, against all racist ideologies and practices, such as white chauvinism and anti-Semitism. It shall be the duty of all Party members to fight for the full social, political and economic equality of the African-American, Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, Native American Indians, Asian and Pacific Islanders, other oppressed minorities, immigrants and the foreign born, and to promote the unity of all people as essential to the advancement of their common interests.

It shall be the obligation of all Party members to struggle against all manifestations of male supremacy and discrimination against women, and to fight for the full social, political and economic equality for women.

It shall be the obligation of all Party members to struggle against homophobia and all manifestations of discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender people, and to fight for their full social and civil rights.

SECTION 4. All leading committees shall seek a maximum of consultation with other committees, Party clubs and the membership in policy formation, and especially with those comrades directly involved. In the period between conventions, the various Party organizations, from Section Committee to National Committee, may organize delegated conferences to evaluate Party work in a given field or to develop a position on new issues which may arise.

Other forms of consultation may include membership referendum.

SECTION 5. All Party members who are eligible must belong to their respective labor unions. If no union exists at a Party member’s place of employment, he or she shall strive to organize, or help to organize, a labor union whenever possible.

SECTION 6. All Party members working in coalitions and mass organizations (such as labor unions, farm, community, civil rights, fraternal, religious, etc.) shall promote and strengthen the unity and leading role of the working class, and fight for the broadest possible unity of the working class and its allies, in the course of fighting for their needs.

SECTION 7. All members who are eligible shall register and vote in all public elections, wherever possible.

SECTION 8. The Party shall give full aid in the acquisition of United States citizenship to those of its members who, because of unjust and undemocratic laws and practices, are deprived of this right.

ARTICLE VII – Disciplinary Procedures and Appeals

SECTION 1. Subject to the provisions of this Article, any member or officer of the Party may be reprimanded, put on probation, suspended for a specified period, removed from office, dropped or expelled from the Party for actions detrimental to the interests of the Party and the working class, for factionalism, for making false statements in an application for membership, for financial irregularities, or for advocacy or practice of racial, national or religious discrimination, or discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation.

No action, including dropping, may be taken against a member without notifying him or her of the action and the reason for it. Assistance should be given to help comrades to overcome weaknesses and shortcomings, when possible.

SECTION 2. Subject to the provisions of this Article, any member shall be expelled from the Party who is a strikebreaker, a provocateur, engaged in espionage, an informer, or who advocates force and violence or terrorism, or who participates in the activities of any group which acts to undermine or overthrow any democratic institutions through which the majority of the American people can express their right to determine their destiny.

SECTION 3. Charges against individual members or committees may be made by any member or Party committee to the club of which the accused is a member or to the appropriate higher committee having jurisdiction.

All such charges shall be handled expeditiously by an elected trial committee of the club or appropriate higher body. The trial committee shall hear charges, make recommendations and then disband.

SECTION 4. All accused persons concerned in disciplinary cases, except publicly self-admitted informers and provocateurs, must be notified of the charges against them, shall have the right to appear, to bring witnesses, including non-members if agreed to by the trial committee, and to testify. The burden of proof shall be on the accusers.

SECTION 5. After hearing the report of the trial committee, the club or leading committee having jurisdiction shall have the right to decide by a two-thirds vote upon any disciplinary measure, including expulsion. Disciplinary measures taken by leading committees shall be reported to the club of each accused member. Higher bodies must be informed of all disciplinary actions above a reprimand. There shall be an automatic review of all expulsions by the next higher body.

SECTION 6. Any member or committee that has been subject to disciplinary action has the right to appeal to the next higher body up to the National Convention, whose decision shall be final. The National, State (or District) or other leading committee shall set a hearing within 60 days from the date of receipt of the appeal and notify the appellant of the hearing date. When, however, the appeal is to a State, District or National Convention, the appeal shall be acted upon by the Convention following the filing of the appeal, provided that such appeal is made at least 30 days prior to the convention.

ARTICLE VIII – Initiation Fees, Dues and Assessments

SECTION 1. Initiation fees and dues shall be paid according to rates fixed by the National Convention. Between National Conventions, the National Committee may revise the rates of initiation fees and dues by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee.

SECTION 2. The income from dues and initiation fees shall be apportioned among the various subdivisions of the Party as determined by the National Convention, or by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee between conventions.

SECTION 3. Special assessments may be levied by the National Convention or by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee.

All local or state (or district) assessments are prohibited except by special permission of the National Committee.

ARTICLE IX – Amendment

SECTION 1. This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote of any regular or special National Convention, or by membership referendum initiated by the National Committee or one-third of the state and district organizations. It may also be amended by three-fourths vote of the National Committee and a majority vote of the majority of the State and District Committees. This vote must be preceded by a minimum of a two-month discussion period in the Party organization.

ARTICLE X – Authority

SECTION 1. The Communist Party is not responsible for any political document, policy, book, article, or any other statement of political opinion except such as are issued by authority of the National Conventions and the regularly constituted leadership of the Party.

THE ABOVE ARE REFERENCES FROM THE COMMUNIST WEBSITES THAT RICK NAGIN IS ASSOCIATED WITH!

THE BELOW IS FROM ANGELNWARD14 FOR OUR CITIZENS! 

I SALUTE THE AMERICAN FLAG, I SAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, I SERVED OUR NATION PROUDLY SO YOU COULD SUPPORT YOUR BELIEFS..BUT DESPITE ALL THAT-I FIND IT INSULTING THAT YOU REFUSE TO RESPECT THAT FLAG OR THE FREEDOMS IT REPRESENTS, MR. RICK NAGIN! 

ATTENTION WARD 14 RESIDENTS, ELECT NELSON CINTRON JR. FOR WARD 14 CITY COUNCIL, VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 08, 2009... VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO'LL DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS, THE CONSTITUTION, AND SUPPORT THE CITIZENS CONSENSUS! VOTE FOR NELSON CINTRON JR. BECAUSE HE PROMOTES UNIFICATION, EMPOWERMENT, AND CITIZENS RIGHTS! 

THESE ARE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF ANGELNWARD14!!! 

Sick & tired, I shouldn't speak for Debbie but I don't believe her remarks were directed to you.  You should talk to Rick Nagin yourself - find his web page or candidates information for phone number.    He's a lovely person and would be willing to answer any of your questions.  I've discussed his status as a communist with him several times. 

He was Nelson Cintron's right hand for eight years, handling all constituent services.  As a matter of fact, I've heard numerous people  say they always felt Rick was their Councilperson.  He did a superb job too.  

This isn't personal campaign propaganda as I am not voting for Rick.  Regards,  Kate

Sorry that I missed your post eariler. On my computer is appears before a lengthy posting that was put on before yours. Just to be clear you have not offended me and hopefully I have not offended you. I do think that all the candidates will be pro labor so think about asking all of them about this. When it comes to public dollars, there are things written into the bids about this from the city so even if you have a council rep who isn't pro labor, it won't matter.

I also will agree with Kate that Rick Nagin was Nelson' right hand man and is a nice person. He resigned as chair of the Ohio CP before taking the position with the City. I have no idea what his affilation is now, but it doesn't matter to me. He is a very hard worker, a dedicated family person, and very intellegent. He served Ward 14 as Cintron's assistant quite well. 

Debbie

 but gee-

yes i lived in the ward 14 that cintron was council rep of when nagin was his right hand man.

so angel IF you are so thoroughly offended that nagin is a communist AND if i am following the implied logic, seemingly, that ought to somehow disqualify him as being suitable to serve, then what of your man cintron who was all too happy to use nagin when convenient?  

Yes, it was acceptable to watch Cintron to hire a person to delegate the administrative duties within the Ward office while he attended to City Hall business. While Cintron was working on committees and attending to meetings at City Hall that brought funding and services into our community, his assistant attended to the daily routine of the office.

As the Vice Chair of Public Service, Nelson Cintron Jr. negotiated enumerable repairs and services be brought into Ward 14. While Nelson Cintron Jr. was lobbying for our best interests, and while he was reacting effectively at various committees, he needed a person in that office and I commend him for hiring a dedicated civil servant to complete that task.

As a member of the Community and Economic Development, which brought HUD funds to the old Ward 14, Nelson Cintron Jr. fought for our Ward. As a second year councilmember, Nelson Cintron Jr. was elected a member of the Finance Committee where he made sure that other funding was coming into Ward 14. As a third year councilman, Nelson Cintron Jr. was elected the Majority Leader of City Council. Nelson Cintron's experience in City Hall and as a LEADER collectively outweigh the experience of Rick Nagin as an assistant.

Again and again, understanding the role of a leader and delegation are imperative.

It's the  role of a leader to delegate, to unite and to empower our citizens. Moreover, Rick Nagin was not alone, as Bob Woodworth was also a staff member during Nelson Cintron Jr.'s 8 year term. (RIP: 2007). Does that mean that Rick Nagin only did half the work he claims? 

When did Rick Nagin sit on committee meetings? Never. When did Rick Nagin have a position to vote for legislation at City Council? Never. What power did he have in the office without Nelson Cintron Jr's approval? None. He was an office administrator, not an elected official.

Rick is riding on the coattails of Nelson Cintron Jr.'s years of leadership. Rick was not a leader, he was a supervised laborer. Nothing more, nothing less.

Could the same thing be said about the entire City Council by their office assistants? Why do we need elected leaders/councilmembers if we have thier assistants? (Let's save that money too if this be the case!) 

Rick's got years of experience as an Executive Assistant. If Rick Nagin was so great at his job, why did the entire City Council work to FIRE HIM out from underneath Nelson Cintron Jr.? Was he being ineffective, abusing his position, and violating rules? Even when Nelson Cintron Jr. tried fighting for him, Rick gave up the fight.  On the principles of caring about his assistant and his family, Nelson Cintron Jr. then came back and hired Rick's wife to fill that position so as not to leave them unemployed.

Yes, Rick worked for the Councilman.

Nelson Cintron Jr. is a loyal leader who fights for his people. Elect Nelson Cintron Jr. to be the councilman of Ward 14 on September 08, 2009 because he does have the skills to execute the job we need done while fighting corruption at City Hall! We don't need a pipsqueek in that job who'll back down at the sight of fighting for folks' rights... We need a tenacious and dedicated leader to represent the people of Ward 14, so Elect Nelson Cintron Jr.

Have a blessed day! 

   Hello Jb

   I'm glad your hesitataion did not stop you from posting! 

   I think you bring up a valid point. 

   However their is a difference between making policy and advising and carring out policy. 

    Kris

  BJ: I am going to bat here, not for Angel, but my own misgivings about Nagin and, yes, Cintron's association to Kucinich's operation in NEO.  I belong to a union.  I am glad to have a union, but at the same time--very annoyed that umbrella of union organization has been so abused and manipulated by local politicians.  It's a conundrum/paradox...whatever you want to call it.  In Ward 14, we have the demographics that warrants socialism, but at the same time, many of the residents are refugees/emigrants from countries that practised the corrupt form of socialism--communism.  We also have the largely invisible GLBT community, who has established a foothold of representation.  Any criticism of either faction whether valid or not, will be taken as a smear campaign, because both groups are so intentionally marginalized by our society. (interesting sidenote: the majority of recent posters at this site are women--another group of intentionally marginalized voices).

So--you may want to consider Angel's comments extreme and label them gaybaiting/redbaiting, but it is more complex and confusing than easy derogatory labelling.

Please remember this is a discussion.  We can agree to disagree, but we are lucky to have this forum available to us. 

Since Nelson Cintron Jr. has been lauded for bringing funds into Ward 14, I decided to check out Nelson Cintron Jr's record.

Nelson Cintron, Jr's  Record of Distribution of Community Block  Development Grant Funds in 2004

7/27/04    #30-718-Flats Oxbow Association - $10,000

7/28/04   #30-733-Ohio City Near West - $25,000

8/4/04      #30-730-Stockyard Redevelopment - $30,000

10/5/04    #30-730-Stockyard Redevelopment - $10,600

10/14/04   #30-289-Merrick House - $10,000

10/18/04   #30-718-Flats Oxbow Association - $10,000

11/17/04   #30-114-Ward 14 Street Improvements - $75,000 

1/27/05   #30-435-AACCESS-Ohio - $20,000

5/2/05   #30-511-Lorain Cross Time Cultural Project - $1,500

12/14/05    #12/14/05-AACCESS-Ohio - $70,000

What is AACESS-Ohio?  Arab American Community Center for Economic and Social Services on West 115th and Lorain in Cleveland.  What does that have to do with Ward 14? 

Why did Nelson Cintron, Jr contributed $90,000 to the Arab American Community Center rather than distribute these funds in our ward? 

Kate

Regarding Nelson Cintron, Jr's record for distrubtion of CBDG funds (previous psot), should have included year 2005.  Error in organization, not in facts.  Kate

 The point that Nelson Cintron makes here is very valid and CDBG contributions to ACCESS show he recognizes and is sensitive to the diversity of the community. 

There is a very strong and unrecognized community presence from the Arab multi-ethnic community in the current Ward 14 and Ward 15--residents, as well as business owners.

In my line of work, I meet children who share amazing combined cultures. Nelson--thank you, too, for mentioning the minority of Asian--Chinese, Pacific islanders, Phillippine, and also not to be forgotten American Indian families on the near west side.  There is not some homogeneous block of voters here.  This is why it is especially a community worth cultivating and building upon. 
 

 I don't know if we disagree on the importance of CDC's. I do accept that they are going to be around, will being undergoing some big changes, and why not try to make it better?

I think that it is real interesting that issues get laid out then when info comes along that is supportive if that position, suddenly the issues and positions are "redefined".

I do think that some postings have been down right nasty. When people disagree, it can be done without name calling and personal attacks. 

Each of these candidates have family and friends that care about them and maybe read this stuff.

I also do not think that this forum is really about laying out the baggage or even positions of the candidates themselves.

It is us posting opinion and thoughts. Hopefully, having the candidate themselves chime in helps.

I don't see this forum winning or losing an election for anyone. 

Debbie

 Debbie, the two years I researched ('04 and '5) showed $10,000 to Clark Metro, 8/9/05.  I did find an interesting item.  In '07, United Labor Agency returned $79,045 (6/5/07 Project #27-086) and $52,927 (same date and Project #).  $131,972 is a chunk of money. 

The amount given them could have  been more.  I found only the returned sum which did not go back into the Ward.  Not sure how it works - whether returned funds go back into City General Fund or to the originating Feds.  I researched Santiago's CBDG distribution and could  not find a carry over of this money.

It seemed odd to me.  I'm sure Nelson Cintron, Jr. will respond with some sort of explaination.  Kate

  Let's move away for awhile from the discussion of Ward 14 and consider the apparatus already in place with the Sweeney council and Jackson's control of said council. Any one care to discuss how we can change up that game?  

Do we even agree that Sweeney is bad representation?

I am still out on Jackson, because city services have marginally improved over the Campbell administration, but the tangled CDC web, B&H machinations and how it all relates to the larger corruption as part of the Cuyahoga County machine...this greatly concerns me. 
 

without valid facts?

Public records? 

It is Debbie, or Deborah, not Debra.

Drama is not something I particpate in. 

Debbie

 That is a lot, skd. It had to go back to the general fund since it did not go back to the ward. Any idea of what the money to the United Labor Agency was for to begin with?

Debbie

 here is a link to find out more about this agency set up by unions to serve the area

http://www.ula-ohio.org/

Hi Kate can you scan the documents, I would like to see the format they are in, when the Plain Press asked in 2006/2007 for the breakdown of all the CDBG distributions for the seven years, that they by law have to retain then, they sent a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. I would have to ask Chuck he wanted to do a comparison. But Community Development added years together insoforth and bla bla.

What also needs to be discussed is each Councilman has the availability to spend $1200.00 a month on the City Council Exp. account.  I reviewed and have copies on this from like 2007. Santiago maxed out the cash for $400.00 a month for rent of the ward office and $800.00 to Employ Linda Litto before she was put into the Executive assistant job.

Ward 14 residents should ask all the folks running if they will commit to a Ward office, and what they will use their Exp. account for. Half of council does not use this.

Secondarily I want to clarify all the back and forth over Clark-Metro and CDBG. I think what everyone must understand is Nelson didn't really fund them much, did ask the city to hold the City's CDBG portion over some issues, but he eventually had it restored.  Joe never gave Clark-Metro a cent of his discretionary funding, and along with Emily Lipovan and Martin Sweeney convinced the City to strip all the City's portion too. (60k to 70k a year)

I see this as a big difference you are talking apples and oranges. But Lipovan and Sweeney had just as much to do as Joe with Clark Metro. Those figures from the link a few days ago from Debbie were staggering 12k residents in Clark-Metro, 6K Tremont, 6k Ohio City. CDBG is supposed to be awarded and spent per the neediest census tracts. Clark-Fulton is really getting boned.

My personal opinion right now, and I know it will tick some people off is that the State of Ohio needs to come in and padlock Clark-Metro, they even had their phone lines cut off, Why?

This organization has provided fuel to the fire of why most people feel that Ward 14 is a laughing stock. What we need is every person running in the Ward 14 race to all sign a document that the first agenda item in office is to assemble a team of Ward 14 residents from Tremont, Clark-Fulton, Stockyards, and Brooklyn Centre. Create a understanding that a CDC in Ward 14 must happen.

It may take the closure of Stockyards too. But thier are some great people employeed their. Robert Rodgers does a great job at TWDC for Ward 14. The peices are there. We need a unifier to lead us and make this happen.

I do not want to hear about Eseranza, or Span Am. Show me their track record of Community Development? I do not want a penny of our CDBG money going to organizations that will only provide assistance to one Race or Creed.

You know Nelson was not far off in his last years not give them any money. Put in into paving infrastucture. But with the state of the economy the condition of the Ward presently we need to come up with a plan or it will look like bombed out streets be ran by drug dealers.

Pull the plug on Clark Metro, thank all who tried, including Randy and start fresh.  Start talking about platforms versus sniping each other.

would be a refreshing change.

Debbie

Henry, I will contact you via email.  I couldn't agree with you more - for once, we are on same side of issues.  Hooray! Kate

I’m still undecided however my choice will be either Cintron or Cummins.

  SickandTired:  Did you register to vote by mail?  I did.  I received one pro-active request for my vote today.  From Nelson Cintron.  I will post it later.

Let's see if anything else shows up in my mail box this week. 
 

 don't forget to click on the "reply" tab to preserve a comment you are responding to...

otherwise they can (and obviously do) go back and change it and you can appear ludicrous.

not very REAl... but whatever... who's pickin' the bone?

  Debra: you know that you can edit your comments, too...as long as someone does not reply to a direct comment.  All's fair in love and war :)
 

Hello,

I just joined this group as I was prompted to this page by a comment to the article in cleveland.com about Rick Nagin.  I am a Rick Nagin supporter.  Cintron has had his chance to work on the problems that plague Ward 14 and so has Santiago.  I don't know Torres but from what I witnessed during a recent Take Back Our Street walk the supporters seem to be focused on the needs of the Hispanic residents of the community.  I also don't know Horvath.  I have been a resident of Ward 14 in the past until the boundaries were changed and I was shifted to Ward 15 only to now be shifted back to Ward 14.  I voted for Cummins as a Ward 15 resident but I was disappointed as he seemed to all but ignore the streets that were North of I71.  He may well be a good councilman for the areas he is working to represent but I was not pleased with his lack of attention to the streets that were not in the traditional Ward 15 area.  Anyway that leaves Nagin as my choice right now unless one of the other candidates comes up with a good reason why they would be a better choice.  If Nagin does not get into the run than I would prefer Cummins over the other candidates.  But this is based only on my current knowledge.  I am still listening and deciding. 

Any idea what is used in other cities? Yes, it probably seemed like a good idea to build houses around roads for easy access many years ago and then those  forward thinkers got carried away and built freeways through the popluated areas to access those roads. I live close to 90. When I first moved year, the traffic buzz and whine really bothered me. Trees that were planted have grown and have helped in the summer, but when the leaves fall, it is still there. It never goes away and it always noticable.

Debbie

Debbie

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise_health_effects

This links you to the health effects of noise.

  Interesting to note, that in 2004 ODOT did not have the millions to construct noise walls--now they do?

Hello all --

I'm glad to join this forum that was recently brought to my attention.  As a candidate for Council in Ward 14 I want to give my positions on some of the issues that have been raised.

Sound barriers: The situation may differ from street to street.  On Smith Ave. the houses face I-71 and the people there do not want to face a wall.  They have signed a petition opposing any kind of barrier which I gave to Tom Sorge of ODOT.  They support greenery and beautification of the space.  On the other hand on Poe Ave. it is the rear of the houses and garages that face the highway.  The people there may be supportive of the barriers to reduce noise and possibly enhance security.  In my understanding ODOT is flexible and willing to adjust to the views of the residents in each area.  The wishes of the residents are the bottom line.  Everyone seems in favor of maximum use of the funds for greenery.

CDC: I am inclined to agree with Debbie and Henry that we should look at establishing a new CDC focused on Ward 14 that is based on input from each neighborhood and draws on the best of the existing CDCs including those employees who committed to Ward 14.

Political beliefs:  I am a lifelong Democrat.  I have been involved with Democratic campaigns since I worked for Lyndon Johnson in 1964.  I worked on the campaigns of Gore, Kerry and, as a virtually full time volunteer in Labor 2008, on the campaign of Barack Obama.  I was also labor coordinator for Dennis Kucinich's campaign in last year's Congressional primary.  I was an active member of the Ward 14 Democratic club when it functionned.

Recently a poll was done by Rasmussen that found that 30% of Democrats believe in socialism.  I am one of those.  I believe corporate greed is the root of the problems we face in our country and that it would be better is working people, rather than corporations, were running things.  I belong to a number of organizations, including my union -- the Communications Workers of America -- Jobs With Justice and the Communist Party that work for the rights of labor and seek to shift resources and power towards working people.  I am a delegate to the North Shore (Cleveland) AFL-CIO and, if elected, intend to remain active with the labor movement as well as be an advocate for the people of Ward 14. 

When I was the Ward 14 Councilman's Assistant, I was able to assist on a number of issues affecting working people.  This included supporting the union organizing drives at Dreisen and Peterson Nut, representing the Councilman on the Living Wage Committee and on Congressman Kucinich's Steel Summit which succeeded in keeping Cleveland's steel mill.  If elected, I would continue efforts to support justice, dignity and economic security for working people.

Because of my long commitment to the labor movement I am endorsed by the AFL-CIO, Laborers Local 310, the Postal Workers Union and AFSCME 3360 representing workers at MetroHealth, the largest employer in Ward 14.  Further information about my campaign can be found on my website: naginforcouncil.com

Rick Nagin

 The fact that Nelson Cintron gave $90,000 dollars to an organization so far out of the ward is appalling. 

I would even go so far as to say it's suspicious, since the last disbursment was well after he lost the election.

I would never defend the use of CDBG on fireworks, but the fact that more hasn't been made of this transaction 

is questionable at best.  I'm all for supporting diversity, but last time I checked Ward 14 WASN'T  40% Arab and West 115th St.

WAS five miles outside the ward.

This has not gone unnoticed, trashman, and it isn't about diversity. It is about sending funds out of one of the poorest wards in the City instead of giving it to an social service agency that benefits the people in Ward 14.  Fair is fair, and this wasn't fair to us that live here. 

  Dwebb and the new guy...whatever you want to hide behind...yes, Nelson fell into the same game going down during the Mike White administration, but to his credit he did not take the bait and fall for it like Jeff Johnson (I had my own run in and experience with the Community Relations department during my stint at TWDC...intimidation and lies...the whole food stamp/indentured servant/corner store racket). 

Mike White managed to make the old boy network work for him, and to not get caught at it.  He also managed to fix our streets, get city employees to get off their asses and work for us, and fix things.  Rec centers were clean and swimming pools had swim teams, baseball fields were groomed and kids had the opportunity to go to baseball camps...I can live with that kind of corruption.

But, the game has changed and the rules have totally changed. The CDCs are completely controlled by outside interests with no accountability to residents.  Gambling, drugs, demolition/construction contracts and real estate are a larger part of the new game.  Nelson Cintron can not be blamed for this machine, but Santiago,Torres, and unfortunately, Nagin and Cummins are affected by this machine, because it involves federal dollars. 

Nelson Cintron has nothing to do with the new game.  His kids went to Lincoln West High School and he lives here.  He lost the last election and he didn't move.  His eldest daughter is staying here and fighting, too, even though she has a long shot race against Matt Zone.  I voted for Nelson Cintron and I hope everyone else in Ward 14 does too, because frankly he's the best choice we have got right. 

I hope that he gets elected and is given the chance to reinvent local government to use his discretionary funds to support a staff that works for us, a staff that lives HERE-- with accountability to residents. 

Nationality does not play into this game.  If he wants to call the staff working for him a CDC, then it will have to be redefined, because, right now, that system is completely broken and completely unworthy of our trust.

  Is no saint, but his sins pale in comparison to the hell ride we live with since his time in office.

And, if you want to examine and criticize Nelson Cintron's record, then you have to examine it in the context of the entire administration at the time. 

I am not sure of the spelling of his name...but who is he and why is he not campaigning, or did I just miss him when he came to my area? 

I still want to know why, other than the money, would anyone want to be a councilperson in Ward 14?  The area is rife with problems.  It gets a little better and then it backslides again...and this repeats.   This is an election year so everyone is on their best behavior offering all kinds of service to the community...bu after they are elected then what actually get accomplished?  I am jaded.  I am disappointed.  I will not give my vote to anyone who has had the opportunity to lead Ward 14 in the past as their lack of accomplishments speaks louder than all their promises. 

  DWebb--given the slate, the history, the politics and the game...who's left? Who gets your vote?
 

No Debbie, I didn't change my mind.  I have mailed in my ballot already.  I was just wondering who Gary is.  I also woud really like to know why anyone would want to be the councilperson for Ward 14, except for the money.   What motivates a person to run for political office?  Is it the money?  Or is there another more altruistic reason?

 what a relief... lets hope the numbers hold.

So far all we have are the mail in ballots, but, yes, let's hope that does hold. Counting the votes in the percints close to the BOE are always last. I am watching on the BOE website. Hope that it is final before bedtime.

it is a slow tally of votes. 2 1/2 hours after the polls close 0 of 17 precincts counted in 14.

 i've worked the polls many times - let me tell you the stories!

they could elect fricking king kong - i just want new blood in my hood.

action jackson's numbers are disappointing... lets hope everyone voting his opponents collectively go for the one who comes out on top come November.

 it already is judging from the comments popping up on Cleveland.com and the ignorance demonstrated above. 

we watched Bill Maher the other day and here's some interesting data he shared:

With humor, Bill Maher recently pointed out some serious problems with the intelligence of the American electorate.

Humor aside, these statistics are quite disturbing:

• 34% of Americans still believe that Saddam Hussein was responsible for 9-11.
• A majority of Americans cannot name a single branch of government.
• A majority of Americans cannot explain what the Bill of Rights is.
• 24% of Americans could not name the country America fought in the Revolutionary War.
• More than two-thirds of Americans do not know what is in Roe v. Wade.
• Approximately two-thirds of Americans do not know what the Food and Drug Administration does.
• Nearly half of Americans do not know that states have two senators.
• More than half of Americans cannot name their congressmen.
• The average voter has no idea what government spends money on … less than 1% is on foreign aid, which most do not know.
• 18% of Americans think the sun revolves around the earth.
• Only about 1/2 of Americans are aware that Judaism is an older religion than Christianity.
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