TAX LEVY TROUNCED: 7 TO 3!
15-MILL SCHOOL TAX LEVY WAS TROUNCED 7 TO 3 IN VOTE CAST BY AUDIENCE WHO WATCHED LIVELY DEBATE AT LIL AFRICA, 6816 SUPERIOR AVENUE, CLEVELAND, DURING THE EVENING OF AUG. 30, 2012!
The above shows how the results of the vote at the August 30, 2012 debate, organized by the Imperial Women Coalition, were reported on the Facebook page of the SAVE JOHN MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL campaign.
For the record, I was present, on behalf of the campaign, asked a question pertaining to the honesty and trustworthiness of Mayor Jackson and CEO Gordon, and distributed two pages of written comments.
Ward 8 Councilman Jeff Johnson spoke in support of the levy while activists Donna Walker Brown and Kimberly F. Brown. spoke against the levy. The vote was 27 against the levy and 12 for the levy.
Since July 17, 2012 – I have demonstrated in all kinds of weather -- carrying the sign: SAVE JOHN MARSHALL! VOTE NO TO TAX LEVY! for over 90 hours – the equivalent of walking over 270 miles – along the streets and avenues of Councilman Sweeney’s Ward 18 and beyond including downtown Cleveland and the East side.
The response from the residents has been a resounding thumbs up.
Demonstrations are continuing on an almost daily basis. WHY?
WHAT HAS VOTING NO TO TAX LEVY GOT TO DO WITH SAVING JOHN MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL?
A LOT!
Both Mayor Jackson and CEO Gordon want to be held accountable in 4-years for the 15-mill tax levy as part of Cleveland’s Transformation Plan.
In addition, the Plain Dealer editorial of August 4, 2012 (“Cleveland schools must be clear and honest about what levy will buy”), wants proponents of the 15-mill tax levy to be honest, trustworthy, accountable, clear, and transparent.
WHY?
Is it not a given that Mayor Jackson and CEO Gordon are honest, trustworthy, accountable, clear, and transparent with the voters of Cleveland?
ARE THEY? According to over 400-pages of correspondence dealing with the $50 million JMHS Construction Project -- the answer is a resounding: NO!
Over 2,400 petitioners want the School District to renovate 80-year old historic John Marshall High School located on West 140th Street -- similar to the renovation of landmarked 83-year old John Hay and 80-year old Rhodes High Schools. The School District wants to build a New School and destroy our 80-year old architectural gem, Auditorium, Underground Running Tracks, and Swimming Pool.
Mayor Jackson has said the proposed levy to cover the multi-million dollar deficit is for the kids – our kids. Then why is his honor permitting on the $50 million John Marshall High School Construction Project -- destruction of the auditorium, which our kids need; destruction of the underground tracks which our kids need; and destruction of the swimming pool which our kids need? The mayor has not provided a response -- pending since April 24, 2012 – despite multiple reminders.
The SAVE JOHN MARSHALL campaign has a presence on Facebook, YouTube, and monthly Board of Education meetings – and also publishes a monthly newsletter.