(When I was in high school, we were reminded to take in the flag every night and to fold it according to national standards--is it too much to ask of our safety forces?)
The expression is thrown out, like a disease, you catch by stepping foot within the "City."
In Understanding Ohio's Land Bank Legislation by Thomas J. Fitzpatrick IV, he says: "The spread of urban decay is not bound by city limits." What does "urban decay" really imply to CDCs and now the CLRCs? Does it mean spending federal monies to rid ourselves of this "disease?" What constitutes "urban decay?" Underlying racism and elitism? Some one like Frank Giglio?
The shameful demolition in Tremont points to a breakdown in morality that would justify using the label of "urban decay" to abuse local and county administrative powers. And, state audits do not assure me--that the proposed county land bank agency, the County Land Reutilization Corporation, will not further abuse specific powers authorized by the legislation: "Because CLRCs are granted specific powers, immunities, and exemptions--they are not required, for instance, to engage in competitive bidding for either the sale of land or properties or for contracting services related to rehabbing or demolishing properties."
Those of us living with the "disease," urban decay, already know how well the system polices itself. Adding more bureaucracy to the burdened bureaucracy of cities only kills the patient sooner.
Start by shutting down the CDCs...afterall, soon we will have yet another layer of bureaucracy facilitating the transfer of property from the poor to the rich...in the Community Land Reinvestment Corporation.
But what about the raise burns me despite our crappy economic times? This is what burns me: CDC folks, unlike our safety forces, don't have to pretend to live here, so we pay their salary and their tax dollars go elsewhere.
As you know, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled against the City of Cleveland ’s requirement for employees to live within city limits. This is a decision with which I disagree; however, the City of Cleveland will abide by the decision and the state law that is now in effect.
Many people have raised concerns regarding the potential negative impact this ruling will have on the City of Cleveland . Even though the Supreme Court decision is a disappointment, it does not deliver a death blow to the City. While I hope that Cleveland ’s employees will continue to be Cleveland residents, the Court’s decision will not diminish the City of Cleveland . Cleveland is a great city with a great future, a city that has overcome many challenges.
As Mayor, I will continue to focus on providing high quality city services, investing in our neighborhoods, strengthening our schools and making Cleveland a city of choice, where people choose to live because of the quality of life and standard of living.
Over the past three and a half years as Mayor, I have worked, along with my employees, to improve service delivery and increase investment in our neighborhoods. Basic city services, including street sweeping, vacant lot clean-up and demolition, have increased significantly. I have increased programming at city recreation centers and restarted the summer job program for youth. We are also implementing a 311 system that will allow us to provide better customer service. Our five-year capital improvement program is funneling millions of dollars into our neighborhoods every year.
In addition, we have improved police deployment to help enhance public safety and more effectively combat crime. We have established strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies and with social service agencies to help not only address the problem of crime but the causes of it as well.
Finally, despite a global recession, the City of Cleveland is continuing to attract new business and make economic development deals. At a time when many major American cities have closed budget deficits by cutting services and laying off employees, the City of Cleveland has a balanced budget without layoffs and is maintaining service levels.
These are just a few indications of Cleveland ’s strength. I am committed to making sure that the city continues to move forward, continues to rebuild its neighborhoods and continues to strengthen its economy. With the commitment and continued hard work of Cleveland ’s employees, we will make Cleveland a city of choice.
Much has been written about the
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Corktown
Here is an idea....from Detroit. How about questioning the funding allocated to CDCs, reducing the number of CDCs and making our CDCs work for us, before adding another layer of bureaucracy?
And what happened to Cleveland Housing Network???
Urban decay
The expression is thrown out, like a disease, you catch by stepping foot within the "City."
In Understanding Ohio's Land Bank Legislation by Thomas J. Fitzpatrick IV, he says: "The spread of urban decay is not bound by city limits." What does "urban decay" really imply to CDCs and now the CLRCs? Does it mean spending federal monies to rid ourselves of this "disease?" What constitutes "urban decay?" Underlying racism and elitism? Some one like Frank Giglio?
The shameful demolition in Tremont points to a breakdown in morality that would justify using the label of "urban decay" to abuse local and county administrative powers. And, state audits do not assure me--that the proposed county land bank agency, the County Land Reutilization Corporation, will not further abuse specific powers authorized by the legislation: "Because CLRCs are granted specific powers, immunities, and exemptions--they are not required, for instance, to engage in competitive bidding for either the sale of land or properties or for contracting services related to rehabbing or demolishing properties."
Those of us living with the "disease," urban decay, already know how well the system polices itself. Adding more bureaucracy to the burdened bureaucracy of cities only kills the patient sooner.
Save money
Start by shutting down the CDCs...afterall, soon we will have yet another layer of bureaucracy facilitating the transfer of property from the poor to the rich...in the Community Land Reinvestment Corporation.
Spam
Okay...call this spam...I am linking to another site, where the author somehow makes a living from his writing...yes, I am linking to Tim Russo's site...he reports that Chris Garland at Tremont West Development Corporation just got a $5,000 raise to $66,000/year. I don't begrudge anyone who really works a living wage...and that kind of money barely supports a two-three person family in middle class comfort. Also, TWDC is not especially gouging especially when you consider that other CDC directors make upwards of $80,000+. Old Brooklyn Development Corp comes to mind.
But what about the raise burns me despite our crappy economic times? This is what burns me: CDC folks, unlike our safety forces, don't have to pretend to live here, so we pay their salary and their tax dollars go elsewhere.
Dear Friends