Empty Words

Simply because members of this Administration and City Council states that something is so, clearly does not make it fact. City officials make a calculated attempt to portray the image of fiscal strength, environmental stewardship and transparent representation. However, this means nothing if actions do not support the words.

Rarely is there ever any public debate among Council members prior to their virtually consistent unanimous votes. It’s a shame their commitment to each other doesn’t apply to their obligation for their constituents needs.

Please click on individual images below to view full size.

Green For A Day

Please click on image below to view full size.

Has the Sun Messenger editorial staff completely lost their minds? Changing over to compact fluorescent lighting at City Hall is commendable, but to make the statement that “South Euclid continues to be at the forefront in finding ways to save the environment "…is beyond laughable. Perhaps the Sun Messenger vicariously feels better by stroking the collective ego of South Euclid officials.

• Three cheers that—after some lengthy deliberation— the public has been deemed capable of installing a rain barrel on their own property. As for eco-beneficial practices, let us look to the future: It would be a dream come true if City Council would draft and unanimously pass legislation pertaining to commercial redevelopment. With Cedar Center not yet demolished, now is the time for a city attempting to portray itself as LEADING THE WAY on being GREEN, to change the charter and enter into the 21st Century.

• This same bunch was at the helm when City Hall overwhelmingly encouraged and approved the destruction of acres upon acres of wooded land. How wonderful it would have been for this land to end up in the land bank. Please see photographs below.

Please click on image below to view full size. Please click on image below to view full size.

Not to minimize the efforts of Dr. Russell for having donated the CFL bulbs, we certainly acknowledge her generosity and appreciate the need to save money and energy whenever possible. That being said, to create such fanfare out of this event is actually quite comical. So please forgive the sarcasm that is about to follow. It is not by any means directed at Dr. Russell or her intentions.

• By proclaiming the event the "SCREWING IN THE BULB CEREMONY" you are begging to be publicly mocked. Come on now, seriously....you set yourselves up for this one....it's like taking candy from a baby.....

• OK, so how many South Euclid City officials DOES it take to screw in a light bulb?
• With all these extra light bulbs you would think they could come up with a bright idea...
• They have to save on energy to pay off all the loans the City borrowed to buy property...

So sorry, we just couldn't resist.....

Fiscal Fiesta?

Northeast Ohio suburbs are being plagued by financial hardships, but apparently not in South Euclid where money grows on trees. Other suburbs are faced with eliminating positions and curtailing city services.

In South Euclid however, the atmosphere is an economic bonanza. In 2007 the Mayor was unanimously granted a 16% raise by the 7 members of City Council who also voted themselves a pay increase.

Simultaneously, nearly all of the Administration received a salary hike. $1.8 million and counting vanished instantly upon the harebrained scheme to purchase the 9 Greenvale Drive properties.

$18 million was spent on the Cedar Center debacle, plus the untold story of the actual amount yet to be tallied.

Most recently a new position was created for a "Housing Manager" at a starting annual salary of $63,000.

Is South Euclid the only suburb not enduring the economic strain of the times? Perhaps when the entire tale is finally revealed it will be too late. The community needs to ask the questions and demand the answers!

Please click on either image below to view full size.

Tax Advance

Was this necessary? If so, why?

Please click on image below to view full size. Please click on the link below to access information at this site pertaining to public records requests:

• http://southeuclidoversight.blogspot.com/2007/12/blog-post_18.html

Mixed Messages

Please click on article below to view full size.

As recently as June 2007, city officials claimed there were not sufficient funds to maintain the city ball fields. In March 2008, the Sun Messenger reported that South Euclid boasts of a hefty "cash reserve."

Which account are we to trust?

Is It Really A Surplus?

It is always admirable to achieve a surplus; but to hold onto so much mad money for a rainy day, while so many issues need to be addressed, is questionable. To consider this money a “cash reserve” seems absurd considering the amount of over $20 million in bond money plus interest owed for Cedar Center and the Greenvale 9.

Why did the Sun Messenger neglect to ask any follow up questions after they were handed this story; relegating this account to a small blurb?

Please click on image to view full size.