Another Cleveland Crook

And here we have another Cleveland Cesspoolman, Robert White, resigning his seat for getting caught with his fat fingers in the cookie jar...

From the PD --

Cleveland City Councilman Robert J. White III resigned Tuesday, a day after being charged by federal prosecutors with accepting a $500 bribe.

White's lawyer, Edward LaRue, said Monday that the 12-year councilman from Ward 2 took the money in exchange for helping to get the city-owned power company to restore electricity to an unidentified business and that White was preparing a guilty plea.

If convicted, White is likely to face some time in prison. The maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. More...

Cuyahoga County Prosecut-Whore Bill Mason SHAMED into debating opponent

The disgraceful, male chauvinist, democrap hack - Cuyahoga County Prosecut-Whore Bill Mason has agreed to debate his opponent. Wow - we residents of Cuyahoga County are so lucky that we will be blessed with his attendance.

Mason, SoS Brunnehilda's winged monkey of Cuyahoga County, had to be shamed by the local rag into debating Republican opponent - Annette Butler. Mason had earlier decided for us voters that Butler was not a credible candidate - so he should not waste his time in debating her....

Mason said Wednesday that debating Butler, who he called a no-show on the campaign trail, is not worth his time. He said he has seen her on only three occasions -- at endorsement interviews -- since she filed for candidacy in January.

"I have no problem debating credible candidates, who have put in some time with the voters," Mason said. "However, this candidate has not run a credible campaign, and therefore I think it would be inappropriate to debate because it would give her free exposure that she was unwilling to earn through hard work."

And just like an over-rated, ambulance chasing political hack, Mason claims he is only doing this for the democratic process. Yeah right - a democratic process he has shown no respect for and routinely dismisses.

For those that are unaware - Mason's definition of hard work is having his employees campaign for him on county time by forcing people to put up his yard signs.

You see Billy-Boy is afraid to be confronted on his anti-open discovery views. The ambulance chaser needs all the help he can get to boost his dismal prosecution rate - so he condones denying a person the right to a fair trial. Some may even say he is weary of being exposed for sleeping at the wheel while he allowed his Cuy. Co. demacrook cronies to continue their assault on the voters he supposedly represented.

Mason is SO well-respected that the Feds purposely excluded him from their investigation into the largest corruption probe EVER conducted in Cuy. Co. because - A.) he is an incompetent boob, B.) he is the next victim in the investigation, C.) he has the integrity of a pissant and cannot be trusted, or D.) all of the above.

Annette Butler, a federal prosecutor for 24 yrs and Mason's first credible challenger, seems to be a throwing a monkey wrench in the gears of the sputtering "Mason Political Machine" and the indignant Billy-Boy is not happy...

"She has done nothing to reach out to voters in any kind of way," Mason said. "But if she wants a debate, I'll give her a debate."

When Mason was first elected - we were just looking for a competent, unbiased person who enforced the laws, respected the legal system and protected the rights of Cuyahoga County residents. Unfortunately for us - during his years as prosecut-whore, that was not part of Mason's definition of respecting the democratic process.

The Continuing Cuyahoga County Saga

I have long stated that the FBI investigation into the fiasco & corruption with the airport runway project, the Cleveland Water Dept. corruption probe, the NEORSD FBI investigation and the Nate Gray case, were far from over.

Many of my friends have heard me spout that these investigations were just the tip of the iceberg. I have regularly spouted, "that in the end - all the separate investigations and inquiries will be neatly tied together."

When the larger county corruption scandal emerged - for me - it was all elementary. The writing on the wall could not have been any more telling - it was only an extension of the initial investigations. There is no doubt in my mind, that when the feds first started the investigation into the airport, they had no clue as to just what they were getting into or how far this would go.

Cleveland street hustler and former Cleveland Mayor Mike White's best bud, Nate Gray, was one of the first to go down.

From the PD --

During the resentencing, Gwin revealed that U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster found Gray in contempt of a civil order for the refusal to testify.

The move stopped the clock on Gray's criminal sentence for 18 months, the length of the grand jury investigation. When the grand jury probe ended, his criminal sentence
started again. In the end, he will spend 16 1/2; years in prison.

It is unclear when Gray was to testify or appear before Polster, as the civil case and all of the filings are under seal because of the secrecy of the grand jury.

The fact that prosecutors wanted Gray to appear before the panel suggests that the FBI's probe of Cleveland City Hall and the city's water department -- where Gray's pay-to-play scam blossomed -- may not be over. More...

Though Gray is a crook - I respect him for not being a rat. However, his not rolling over has contributed to some of the hurdles in the Fed's investigative efforts. Gray spilling the beans would have made their jobs much easier, instead they are forced to piece things together.

As they go, some of the questions they have are getting answered, leading them deeper.You can be sure that former Cuyahoga County Recorder Pat O'Malley answered some of these questions.

New Location for City of Cleveland Red Light Cameras

Drivers in Cleveland Beware! The City of Cleveland is switching locations on some of their "fill the general fund" red light cameras...

From PD -- (emphasis added)

The newly installed cameras will not issue tickets for 30 days but will instead issue warnings. Warning notices will continue for about two weeks.

The cameras will be removed from Euclid Avenue at Chester Avenue in the eastbound lanes and at Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road in the westbound lanes.

Those cameras will be re-installed at:

Lakeshore Boulevard at East 159th Street in the westbound lanes.

Carnegie Avenue at East 30th Street in the westbound lanes.

Click here for a list of all the traffic camera locations.

Nate Gray having Racketeering sentences reviewed

Looks like one of our favorite crooks from Cuyahoga County may be getting resentenced. Nate Gray will have the sentences from 3 of his 37 convictions reviewed on appeal for his role in what may now be considered what "was" the largest corruption scandal in Cuyahoga County.

From the PD --

Convicted racketeer Nate Gray's 15-year prison sentence is being re-examined in light of a recent appeals court decision.

A federal appeals court this spring reversed convictions on three of the 37 counts on which Gray was found guilty in U.S. District Court in 2005. As a result, Gray is to be re-sentenced, but it's not clear if Gray's term behind bars will be reduced.

A hearing before U.S. District Judge James Gwin has been scheduled for Sept. 15. More...

I believe, the latest corruption probe in Cuyahoga County is just a continuation of the Nate Gray scandal and the investigations into the fiasco with airport contracts.

Cuyahoga County Democrats find Humor in Corruption Probe

At a time when most connected democrats from Cuyahoga County should be hanging their head, Prosecutor Bill Mason & his cronies find the corruption probe funny!

Mason first took offense at reporters being present at his annual golf outing...

Mason didn't take kindly, at first, to the unprecedented media attention to a golf outing that attracts staffers, politicians and labor leaders. He confronted a Plain Dealer team puttering around the course in a golf cart.

"Hey, come on, what are you doing?" Mason said. "People are trying to enjoy themselves and you're taking their pictures. This is bulls---."

Nor was Mason pleased when told the joke about the FBI.

"Yeah, real funny," Mason snapped. "How long are you guys going to be here?"

Mason eventually cooled down, but only after a club official had repossessed the golf cart and banned the newspaper team from the course "for insurance purposes."

Supplying his pals with bouncing boobs & flowing beer at his $150 per ticket fund raiser/golf outing, these area democrats had a time of their life laughing about what may be the largest corruption scandal in the history of Cuyahoga County.

From the PD -- (Italics added)

It was a beautiful day for golf, which was followed by a steak dinner with all the trimmings. Comely young women zipped around the course in golf carts bringing golfers all the ice cold beer and soft drinks they desired.

The clubhouse chatter at Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason's annual golf outing Friday brought an air of frivolity to one of the local Democratic Party's darkest weeks.

The appearance of a news photographer with a telephoto lens on the Ridgewood Golf Course in Parma tickled funny bones in the fairways.

"Hey, look! The FBI's here to take our pictures," called a member of a foursome on the 17th tee.

The jocular mood continued throughout the morning, fed by the appearance of Channel 19 investigative reporter Carl Monday in the parking lot to interview golfers as they unloaded their clubs.

Although Mason assured that Commissioner Jimmy Dimora and Auditor Frank Russo aren't golfers and never attended any of his 19 golf fundraisers, their legal predicament provided an undercurrent to much of the gallows humor at the event.

The course was packed with foursomes of Mason's friends, family and supporters, though Dean DePiero's group only had three golfers. That prompted the Parma mayor to jokingly inform anyone within earshot that the group's fourth golfer didn't cancel after FBI agents raided their homes and offices on Monday.

We will see how hard Mason's monkeys are laughing when HE becomes the next target in the probe! Doesn't speak too highly of his competence that all this alleged corruption went on under his watch.

All I have to say to Mason is... remember what I told your office & Asst. Prosecutor Dave Lambert! You were warned, now it is play time for me & you! Your Next!

One last thing... Billy Boy, if you want to construe my above remarks as a threat and charge me with a crime of some sort - I dare you!

George Forbes public reprimand rejected

Business as usual for another Cleveland/Cuyahoga democrook...

Back in the spotlight is former City of Cleveland Clowncilman and current Cleveland NAACP leader - George Forbes. It looks like the deal Forbes had so his troubles would go away with a slap on the wrist fell through.

From the PD --

Longtime Cleveland lawyer and political figure George Forbes faces an August disciplinary hearing after an Ohio Supreme Court panel rejected a deal that would have let him end his ethics problems with a public reprimand.

Forbes' legal troubles stem from gifts he received while serving on the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation oversight board.

He was convicted of misdemeanor charges a year ago and ordered to pay $12,000 in fines and restitution and perform 60 hours of community service.

In April, Forbes reached an agreement with the Ohio Supreme Court's chief disciplinary counsel to receive a public reprimand from the court, which licenses lawyers and polices their conduct.

A disciplinary panel rejected the agreement, saying it was "concerned" with the reprimand but not elaborating beyond that. More...

George is smart enough that he should be worried right now... he knows now is NOT the time for a Cleveland area Democrook to be in front of a disciplinary anything!

The Stuff of RPCC's Wildest Dreams

First, off I have very little time to do this post justice today...I have to get to bible study.  So, let me start the conversation and fire a few shots over the bow.

Frank Russo et al. have demonstrated to the RPCC how to run an effective County Party Organization.  Disclaimer:  the GC Young RINO does not and never will endorse bloated, wasteful, criminally run, etc. government.  However, I do endorse effective County PArty Organizations.  So, I will be taking the RPCC leadership to school this week.

Lesson one:  The Raw Dealer attributes Mr. (Ms.) Russo's success to a very well organized politcal machine that includes none other than FILLED Precinct Committee Seats, Ward leaders, etc. that can be dispatched at moments notice to...here is one for you guys...HELP CANDIDATES.

Webster's definition of help"

Help

verb

1.make it easier for (someone) to do something by offering one's services of financial or material aid

e.g. County Democrats Help their canidates with an effective county party organization that includes people with warm bodies and an IQ on the Central and Executive Committee.

e.g. County Republicans are too inept at the moment to be any help to their candidates because they have to raise money to pay for an expensive rent, party credit cards, etc.

I  am as certain about RPCC leadership whining about Russo this week as I am about the sun setting tonight.

Chairman Frost:

Please, please, please don't embarrass yourself this week.  I know.  Frank Russo and company are very wasteful, probably corrupt, and even indictable if the Feds looked hard enough.  But, you should take note at what an organized and effective County Party can accomplish.  Before you go off half cocked this week think about organizing the party...meeting at times when normal people can come...and asking for their help in hitting the streets to get some coherent message out.

Don't blow this opportunity.

More on Cuyahoga County Reform & The Plain Dealer

The following is part of a post by Roldo Bartimole at Cleveland Leader about the PD and the push for reform in Cuyahoga County.

If you are a Cuyahoga County resident you must click the link and read the whole story. it is by far, the best and most informative post I have read on this area and this issue.

From the Cleveland Leader --

Maybe the Plain Dealer should stick to reporting news and issuing editorial opinions and stop looking foolish by trying to be a state legislature instead of a newspaper.

The newspaper’s ill-advised attempt to get County Commissioner Tim Hagan to lead the charge on “reform” of county government stumbled clumsily with a rebuke from the elected state legislature.

The newspaper – with Hagan in the lead and a tag-along Republican Party – tried to get state legislation, as is needed, to change Cuyahoga County government. The Ohio Senate, however, felt differently and dumped a reform amendment hastily attached to other legislation.

The PD yowled, “The Ohio Senate is about to prove that it couldn’t care less about the democratic rights of Cuyahoga County residents.” More...

Roldo accurately points out that this ill-fated stab at reform would consolidate power for the commissioners, particularly Hagan. Trust me - the arrogant Hagan with more power - is the last thing this county needs!

I agree with Roldo that a county reform is sorely needed. I would personally opt for a county executive style of reform. It should be noted that Hagan was vehemently against a county reform measure in 1980 when he was head of the Cuyahoga County Democrat Party. He also refuses to look at a 1990 reform study conducted by Kathleen Barber, former political scientist at John Carroll University. Many would say both of these plans are better than the latest put forth by Hagan and the PD.

Back to the PD.... The Patronage Dealer (Plain Dealer), who has money & staffing problems of their own, has highlighted and recently taken issue with the patronage that takes place in our county offices. The misguided PD feels this patronage is one of the reasons our county is failing and that their version of reform will rid us of these questionable hiring tactics.

I would say objective and unbiased reporting would be the first place to start. It strikes me as ironic that all of a sudden the PD has an issue with this patronage in our county offices. They act as if this hiring practice just started last week. Much of the patronage they write about has been going on for many, many years. In fact, the PD has been party to it and should shoulder the blame for allowing it to happen.

Again, I agree with Roldo's statement of...

"This has been a part of the problem of poor local government here for years. Protection has taken place within the news media with the PD in the lead."

He could not be more on point! For those that have lived in Cuyahoga County for at least the last 15-20 years - when is the last time you remember reading the PD complain about any patronage in our county offices? How often have you read the PD heap praise on many of the offices & issues you hear them complain about now?

After enjoying a free pass from the PD, local Democrats that did not support their push for reform - were "outed," and the local Republicans that agree with them are now, all of a sudden, the good guys.

It sounds as the PD is crying over spilled milk from the cup they were holding!

Cuyahoga County "Bored of Elections" picks $13.4 million scanning system

From the PD --

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections picked a new voting system Friday, but it will be up to the county commissioners to approve the deal.

After meeting for six hours, most of that time behind closed doors, the four-member board selected Election Systems & Software's $13.4 million ballot-scanning system. That system was chosen over another scanning system offered by Hart InterCivic for $9.7 million.

The board voted 3-1, with Republican Chairman Jeff Hastings casting the dissenting vote because of the cost. He said he had confidence in the other system.

At one point, the board deadlocked 2-2. Then the board reconvened behind closed doors and Republican Rob Frost changed his vote and sided with Democrats Sandy McNair and Inajo Davis Chappell. More...

I have followed the fleecing of Cuyahoga County residents with the voting machine fiasco very closely - this comes as no suprise! The meeting was nothing more than the usual Cuyahoga County Dog & Pony Show. The decision to use ES&S as the supplier was dictated long ago by SOS Brunner.

The 'nadless Republicans, Frost & Hastings, on the Cuyahoga Co. Board of Erections have continually refused to resist Fuhrer Brunnehilda's strong arming of Cuyahoga County.

For the record - for the primary the BOE & Cuyahoga County Commissioners leased optical scan equipment from ES&S with a no-bid contract. This no-bid contract was awarded claiming ES&S was the sole provider of this equipment. At the time, I challenged the commissioners & the BOE's decision that ES&S was the sole provider of this equipment. Premier (Diebold) and Hart InterCivic offerd the same equipment and were not even considered at this time.

Per the ORC, a request was sent to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason's office requesting a special prosecutor be appointed to review the awarding of this contract - which he obviously refused. To date nothing has changed. Premier (Diebold) and Hart InterCivic have not had any equipment certified, recertified or decertified since that time.

SO.... if Premier (Diebold) & Hart InterCivic were refused in the bidding process for the primary election - why would they be allowed to bid or even be considered for this contract?

Cuyahoga County Commissioner Tim Hagan REFUSES to help local Village keep residents safe!

It looks like Cuyahoga County Commissioner Tim "The Hypocrite" Hagan has been proven for what he truly is - a political hack willing to say and or do anything for a vote.

Hagan the Hypocrite has recently been sounding off at the mouth about a county reform initiative. Hagan has been heard on local radio stations and in the PD talking about how cities need to pull together and help each other. Well it looks like Hagan the "Hollywood Husband" had his bluff called and he is showing his true colors!

The cash strapped Village of North Randall has asked Cuyahoga County for help patrolling their streets at night. Mayor David Smith has requested Cuyahoga County Sheriff Dept. help patrol their village at night until their financial status improves and more police can be hired.

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff, Gerald McFaul, has stated he would be more than happy to help, but the county needs to increase his budget. McFaul is elected, under Hagan's proposed reform plan the Sheriff would be appointed.

Guess what "My reform plan will save us" Hagan said? He told them to go pound salt!

From the PD --

"I have a legal and moral obligation to protect those residents," McFaul said.

Commissioner Tim Hagan said the county is in a financial crisis because of declining revenues and foreclosures and may not be able to increase McFaul's budget. Doing so might spur more cities to seek help, Hagan added.

"If we open it up to discussion, it could snowball," he said. More...

So much for integrity huh? Might spur other cities? Snowball?

What's wrong Timmy - the reality of reform & regionalization setting in? Does that moral obligation stuff the sheriff speaks about have you stumped? Being asked to back up your mouth sucks- huh?

So readers can get a better idea about the career politician who is also known as "Taxin Tim," I will

give a little run down on Hagan the Hypocrite --

• I believe it was 1979 when Hagan was Democrat Party Chairman of Cuyahoga County that he vehemently opposed a reform movement that was much better than the one he is trying to push on us now.

• Hagan was against placing the forced sales tax increase for the MedMart (MMPI) plan on the ballot so the voters could decide. Hagan is related to the Kennedy's through marriage.

  Chris Kennedy, president of MMPI, is the grandson of bootlegger Joe Kennedy and son of the late Robert F. Kennedy.

• Hagan was the driving force, at the county level, behind the scrapping of millions of dollars of voting equipment then voted to award an illegal contract to ES&S to lease more equipment for one election. The county is currently looking to purchase or lease equipment again. Hagan is friends with Tom Hayes - a lobbyist representing ES&S.

• Hagan, after being elected, allowed the Port Authority to commission their own study on relocation after the previous commissioners and City of Cleveland demanded an outside third party conduct the study. Developer John Carney stands to benefit most from this.

  Hagan is his brother in law and cast the tie breaking vote having Carney reappointed on the Port Authority Board.

In everyone of the above items Hagan claimed he was doing what is best for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County - it looks more like he has been doing what is best for himself!

Hagan the Hypocrite is selling this reform movement, the first misstep towards regionalization, as what is best for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. If passed, will we all get the same answer given to the Village of North Randall - go pound salt!?!

And why is this guy running unopposed this year?

Content of O'Malley's computer still a big question

Speculation is rampant as to exactly what kind of pictures former Cuyahoga County Recorder Pat O'Malley had on his personal computer. O'Malley entered a plea of guilty on obscenity charges after being charged by the FBI.

O'Malley will be sentenced in August - he is facing up to 6 months in jail. During O'Malley's sentencing prosecutors have stated they will go in to detail on the content of their find.

From the PD --

The charge said "O'Malley did knowingly use an interactive computer service for the carriage in interstate and foreign commerce of numerous obscene, lewd, lascivious and filthy pictures, writings and other matters of indecent character."

Adult obscenity statutes focus on the dissemination of obscene materials, either by mail or through computers, said Richard Lillie, a Cleveland defense lawyer and former Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judge and federal prosecutor with expertise in obscenity laws.

Lillie... said federal prosecutors are targeting those who profit from questionably obscene material, either by producing it, importing it, broadcasting it or mailing it. They are not looking for Regular Joes with dirty pictures on their computer, he said.

"Somebody with a small collection of [pornography] would obviously not be a target of a federal prosecution," Lillie said. "The mere receipt or viewing of obscenity is not going to be illegal." More...

The charges and O'Malley's plea are raising many questions in the so-called inner circle of Cuyahoga County politics. Some are questioning if O'Malley really downloaded the pictures or was he set up.

If the pics were kiddie porn it is wondered if O'Malley struck a deal for reduced charges by rolling over on other Cuyahoga County Democrat officials. One scenario being floated is that O'Malley realized he was pretty much screwed and offered up Mason for the reduced charges.

The scuttlebutt, though not confirmed, is that the feds have been interviewing people in Mason's office the last few days. The allegations are that they are looking for employees being used to campaign on county time and questionable fund raising tactics. Whether O'Malley is guilty or not and whether the above rumors are true remains to be seen. Regardless, most elected officials are staying away from remarking on the O'Malley incident.

One person smiling is Cuyahoga County Commissioner and Cuy. Co. Democrat Chairman Jimmy Dimora. When O'Malley's computers were initially seized by the feds in 2004, Dimora told TV reporters it was time for O'Malley to leave...

"My suggestion's gonna be is, if he, and he'll know what's going on with his particular situation, is this the time to cut the strings and be done with it," Dimora told Channel 3 News.

"I'm going to ask him to make that decision about his political career, is it time to step down?"

But never fear - O'Malley does have a supporter - a convicted sex offender who is accusing Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason of misconduct over this case.

While Mason may soon have his own issues to deal with - he is not prosecuting this case. O'Malley was charged in federal court and not county court - so they case is being tried by federal prosecutors.

Cleveland & Paris = Another Fleecing of the Residents

Residents of Cleveland - please assume the position.... lean forward slightly and exhale - this won't hurt one bit! This latest public fleecing is a trip to France by Mayor Jackson and 4 of his City of Cleveland flunkies.

Being sold as an attempt to lure business & tourism, Cleveland officials have accepted an invitation to France from Continental Airlines.

While they are calling the trip a public/private partnership to grow this opportunity, Jackson and his Parisian Clown Posse will be staying in a $581 per night hotel. City officials will be using public money to fund this phony vacation.

They will also be joined by the "Cuyahoga County Corporate Crooks" of the - The Greater Cleveland Partnership (aka The Cleveland Illuminati).

From the PD --

Cleveland will pay more than $14,000 so five city officials can travel next week aboard Continental Airlines' first nonstop flight from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Paris.

Mayor Frank Jackson will make the trip with his communications chief Maureen Harper and airport Director Ricky Smith. City Council President Martin J. Sweeney and Councilman Kevin Kelley, who heads council's Aviation and Transportation Committee, will be going too.

Harper, said the group will spend its time in Paris marketing the city to French business and political leaders. Continental invited them on the trip, Harper said, to help promote the carrier's new, seasonal service, which will run daily from late May until September. More...

I am confused... Jackson & his clown posse were invited by Continental to help them promote their new service - but Cleveland must pay their own way? Huh - some partnership! This sounds like the MedMart partnership!

While the whole damn thing is a joke - the best is Clowncil President Martin Sweeney has to bring his wife! Yeah like she is going to let him go to Paris alone after he tried boning the former Clerk of Council.

Since we have so much to offer the foo-foo's in France, officials justify the costs of this trip and lavish hotel claiming - its convenience and opening Cleveland to the global marketplace.

This bag of crap doesn't smell so good to everyone though --

David Williams, vice president of policy for the Citizens Against Government Waste watchdog group in Washington, D.C., said such trips often prove to be irresponsible. That's especially so, he said, for government bodies that are facing tough financial times.

"When a household is in dire financial straits, they don't take a vacation to Paris," he said. Williams also questioned whether the trip's benefits will outweigh the costs.

"It would be shocking to see them justify this on a cost-benefit analysis," he said. "Is the mayor willing to say that if it doesn't pay dividends, he'll pay the money back?"

Well Frank - are ya?

Here's your chance to waste a perfectly good evening - The Public forum on the Convention Center/MedMart plans

If anyone is sitting home doing nothing on May 22 at 5:30pm, has a desire to be completely ignored and has a couple hours of their life to waste you can go to the public hearings on the ill-fated Convention Center / MedMart.

The KuyaHOGa Kounty Kommissioners will be hosting a dog & pony show so residents can voice their opinion on the site selection for the next silver butt bullet being rammed up the residents a**.

After ignoring requests to have the forced sales tax increase for the project be put on the ballot, The Greater Cleveland Partnership (The Cleveland Illuminati), The Plain Dealer (The Propaganda Dealer) and Kommissioners want our input.

From The Propaganda Dealer --

A committee appointed by the partnership, the region's largest chamber of commerce, plans to recommend a location to Cuyahoga County Commissioners by early June.

The commissioners have the final say on location, but will consider recommendations from MMPI, the partnership and the public, Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones said.

A public forum has been scheduled for May 22.

Four sites are under consideration including the current Lakeside Avenue convention center site next to and under downtown's park-like malls and a riverfront center connected with a Medical Mart in Tower City Center.

Commissioner Jimmy Dimora also has asked the partnership to consider a lakefront site just west of Cleveland Browns Stadium. And Jones added a site on the edge of the Warehouse District. More...

Notice how they make the public forum at 5:30pm - I wonder is it to keep most working people away? Or maybe they figure most people are unemployed from their other failed projects to bring in jobs.

• What: Public forum on Cleveland's convention center/Medical Mart
• When: May 22, 5:30 p.m.
• Where: Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

I would rather watch paint dry!

Cleveland Residents get Dogged!

Once again residents of Cleveland are subjected to more asinine antics from the democrat leaders they have elected.

From the PD --

A Cleveland municipal judge accused presiding Judge Larry Jones of trying to pressure her to withdraw an arrest warrant for the wife of City Councilman Roosevelt Coats, a political ally of Jones'.

Judge Angela Stokes made the accusation Friday at a hearing for Shirley Coats... Stokes said Jones confronted her Monday, soon after she ordered police to arrest Coats for failing to appear in court on the charge.

"It was a pretty hostile situation because he [Jones] was upset," Stokes said from the bench.

Jones, a former Ward 10 councilman who appointed Coats as his successor in 1987, later acknowledged having a "passionate" conversation with Stokes about the warrant. But in an interview with reporters, Jones denied ordering her to withdraw the warrant.

He said that Shirley Coats called him for help Monday and that he went to Stokes' courtroom and relayed Coats' excuse: her attorney told her to stay home because he intended - but failed - to file for a continuance. More...

Shirley Coats was jailed briefly by Stokes for falure to appear on charges concerning their vicious dog. The charges, the latest of several against the animal stem from four women being terrorized and kept holed up in a local beauty salon by this friendly frothing at the mouth Pit Bull named Diamond.

It is noted by PD columnist Phillip Morris that around election time Councilman Coats can usually be heard barking about dogs being the biggest problem in his ward has dismissed his dogged problems as a personal family issue. Morris states that this is not about Shirley Coats or the behavior of their cuddly tooth baring canine - but about the behavior of Counciman Coats...

It's a story of (you have to give me this) doggone hypocrisy.

It's a story about a veteran councilman who has constantly said he wants to attract small business to his ward, but shares a home with a dog committed to keeping them out.

But this much should be clear to him by now: A story about a councilman's dog scaring a neighborhood isn't personal.

If Coats truly believes that denizens of Ward 10 are in an uproar over Diamond getting Shirley busted, he's sorely mistaken.

Diamond has done us all a big favor. She has exposed him.

Also no strangers to the dog wardens is another Cleveland council person - Sabra Pierce Scott. It sounds like she needs a muzzle more than her dog!

From the PD --

City kennel workers have served Councilwoman Sabra Pierce Scott seven notices since 2006 that one or more neighbors have accused her dog of raising a ruckus.

Scott has never been ticketed or charged with any crime relating to her dog.

Scott's neighbor, David Dusek, alerted The Plain Dealer of the complaints against Scott after reading about Councilman Coats' wife being arrested Monday because she skipped a Cleveland Municipal Court hearing.

Dusek said he may be responsible for all seven complaints about Scott's pet.

He said he tried talking to Scott before calling the kennels, but he said she tore into him: "She screamed, 'Don't you know who I am? Don't you know what I can do to you?' " More...

Arf, Arf!

Cuyahoga County Voters - Furhrer Brunnehilda LIED, your vote may not have counted!

How can this be? We just threw away $23 million in voting equipment so this did not happen!

I thought Furhrer Brunnehilda said her switch to optical scanners would assure all our votes were counted in Cuyahoga County. The day I voted, I was told my vote would count. When asked what if when it goes downtown there is a problem with it - how will I know? They said - don't worry every vote will count! This was reaffirmed by a poll judge at two locations.

All the voting guru's and studies recommended that scanners be present at EACH polling location when using this method of voting, the arrogant and ignorant hack Brunnehilda chose to ignore this advice - because she is smarter than everyone.

From Ohio.com --

Elections officials in Ohio's most populous county say about 1 percent of the 406,450 votes cast in the March 4 presidential primary couldn't be scanned because of rips or imprecise marks that might invalidate the ballot.

The Cuyahoga County board of elections voted today to accept its staff report on ballots that were kicked out of vote-counting scanners and had to be checked individually.

The report said that most of the 4,371 votes kicked out by scanners and requiring ''remake'' reviews had been damaged, or had votes for multiple candidates for the same office.

Director Jane Platten says the bipartisan staff reviews determined ''voter intent'' in almost all cases and sent about one dozen cases to the full board for a final resolution.

Boy I can't wait until November! Go ahead and give her another (JFK) Just Fooled Kuyahoga Award!

Vacationing Cuyahoga County Judge ignores Chief Justice Moyer

Being accused of not doing his job doesn't seem to bother head gavel wacker of Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court - Judge Timothy Foolagain.

Due to excessive complaints about the Domestic Relations Court judges not doing their job in a timely manner, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, has ordered a review of the courts practices.

Ignoring this request for 7 weeks, Judge Timmy decided now would be a good time for a vacation...

From the PD --

Timothy Flanagan, administrative judge for the Domestic Relations Court, has for seven weeks refused to be interviewed by the Supreme Court's lead investigator, Moyer told The Plain Dealer.

"We've never had this problem before," Moyer said in a telephone interview.

The chief justice complained publicly after The Plain Dealer reported that the court routinely misses state-recommended guidelines for granting divorces. A newspaper analysis of court records also found that the five judges spent an average of seven hours or less at the courthouse each workday.

Supreme Court spokesman Chris Davey said Flanagan balked at being interviewed until after The Plain Dealer published its stories. But by the time the stories ran on Tuesday, Flanagan was jetting toward Jamaica for a one-week vacation. More...

Facing no democrat opposition in his recent primary & as expected - no Republican in the general election - upon his return from Jamaica, Judge Flanagan will be continuing his vacation in Cuyahoga Domestic Relations Court.

Democrat Board members on Cuyahoga County BOE will see they were pawns for Furher Brunnehilda

You would think the democrats on the Cuyahoga County Bored of Elections would be more worried about all the provisional ballots that were thrown around on the floor and not counted on election night - but NO they want to blame local Republicans for the fix Furher Brunner had in for Hillary.

From the PD --

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has launched an investigation that could lead to criminal charges against voters who maliciously switched parties for the March 4 presidential primary.

Elections workers will look for evidence that voters lied when they signed affidavits pledging allegiance to their new party. And at least one board member, Sandy McNair, a Democrat, wants the county prosecutor to review the findings.

Mason has ignored a request to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the illegal contract given to ES&S and that BOE Director Platten illegally removed county equipement (electronic voting machines) a week before Brunnehilda issued her tie breaking vote - I am sure he will ignore this.

Chappell & McNair are going to finally see Furher Brunner pulled the wool over their eyes too. They will see they too were only pawns in the Furher's quest to rig the Ohio vote for Hillary.

Furher Brunnehilda won't touch this fight with a 10' pole or the broom she rides on.

Cleveland Police Union Faults City, Prosecutors & Judges for Officers Death

Cleveland Police union leader Stephen Loomis, (President / CPPA) took time today to hold a news conference calling out city leader, county prosecutors and county judges.

From the PD --

Loomis said the city has enough money to put 100 more cops on the street immediately.

Loomis also took issue with Councilman Kevin Conwell, who last month said he would oppose a proposal to buy more powerful weapons for officers. Conwell said then that the move would come "Over my dead body."

Loomis referred to Conwell's statement today and said it looked like the move would come "over Derek Owens' dead body."

Union officials also faulted local prosecutors and judges who they said are too willing to plea-bargain with hardened criminals and agree to light sentences for serious crimes.

Loomis noted that the last five Cleveland police officers killed in the line of duty were killed by repeat criminals. He said that the man arrested in Owens' death, Willie Wheeler, was sentenced to time served last year after he pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon. More....

.... if his accusations on the money being there for more officers is true - Cleveland Mayor Frank Johnson has some explaining to do.

Regarding the accusations about Bill Mason and his prosecutors being inept, lazy, and unwilling to do their jobs of keeping criminals off the street - I could not agree more. Mason being a political hack is only concerned about conviction rates and clearing cases.

The judges being lenient - well that is what the residents get for continuing to elect liberal judges that would give Ted Bundy probation or time served.

Stronger firepower and more police would not have stopped the killing of Officer Owens. All the policeman in the world armed with grenade launchers will not stop the crime in Cleveland. The tragedy of this senseless killing is that prosecutors and judges could have possibly stopped this killing by simply doing their jobs.

Prosecution to the fullest extent & judges sending the message with strong sentences on repeat or violent offenders would be a start and may save the next officers life!

Here we sit broken hearted, they taxed us higher and the MedMart is still not started....

With the deadline for the failed MedMart/Convention Center looming, one of our county commissioners is again thinking about doing the right thing. Or better put - trying to "right" a "wrong."

Having originally voted against the forced sales tax increase imposed on the residents of Cuyahoga County to fund the MedMart/CC, Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones has suggested the commissioners' work out a plan to "pay back" the residents if the deal does not go through.

From the PD --

If plans for a new Cleveland convention center and medical mart collapse, what would happen with the pot of sales tax money collected for the project?

One Cuyahoga County commissioner said he's researching the possibility of reimbursing residents through a temporary sales tax reduction or a sales tax holiday.

"I hope for this community's sake that we can reach a deal," Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones said. "But if we can't, we've got to give the money back."

In my opinion, this is truly a first! An elected official in the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County area is being forward thinking when it comes to doing the right thing for residents. More....

The forced sales tax increase to "help" fund the MedMart has collected approx. $3.3 million a month since October which bringing us to a total of about $16 million to date. In collusion with the PD propaganda machine when this "silver bullet" of a plan was forced down our throats by the Cuyahoga County Commissioners we were led to believe - if we didn't act now, we will lose the MedMart! They threatened - somebody else will take it!

Commissioner Mouth - (Taxin' Tim - The Hollywood Husband Hagan), was one of the biggest blowhard's of the bunch on this fleecing of the residents, as he usually is. With his usual arrogance of - "you guy's are dumb - and needs us to think for you" along with his elitist attitude, he helped perpetuate the illusion that the MedMart was a done deal, except for the funding.

Now over 5 months later and several broken deadlines we understand they were never in the same ball park as MMPI, the would be developers of the MedMart/Convention Center. The more that details come out it seems as if the forced sales tax increase was more of a "carrot" for MMPI or "corporate welfare," if you will. There was never an agreed to site, a funding agreement was never made in principle, & MMPI wants profit assurances before the commit to any deal.

Hagan continues blowing smoke out of his mouth and his ass by now spouting tough talk. Hagan, after imposing this sales tax against the wishes of most of the working-class residents, is now acting as if HE is looking out for our best interest. Or is he really trying to save his own ass. I'd bet neither... his record shows he could care a less about Cuyahoga County residents and he is running unopposed this year so I doubt he is trying to save his own ass. I'd say he is trying to save his over inflated ego and the checkbooks of his corporate Cleveland buddies?

With another deadline looming, the deal for the MedMart is no closer today than when this attempt to fleece the residents started. If the MedMart deal with MMPI falls through, which appears to be the case, county officials feel with more time, "other" investors will surface and make their pipe dream a reality.

Once again trying to make the best out of something he disagreed with, Commissioner Jones is clearly seeing reality and preparing for quite possibly the inevitable - the deal won't happen. Being responsible to the residents and honoring the Commissioners previous promise, Commissioner Jones realizes the county, at a minimum, has to act in good faith and have avenues ready to at least try repaying us OUR money from the increased sales tax.