Hope 4 Lakewood

2008-11-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

Watching the orig Nutty Prof after day with hubby's kin.

2008-11-22T06:42:00.001-08:00

Today is a day for serious cleaning. Off we go!

2008-11-21T13:42:00.001-08:00

Off to see my pal Jackie and then Tom Kochheiser's art opening at Local Girl Gallery in Lakewood.

2008-11-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Ending a rather eventful day and getting ready to head to a reverse raffle with the in-laws. Always a ton o' fun!

Thank You

2007-10-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been out of touch. As you know by now, I did not make it through the primary. However, it was a great experience and I am thankful to all of the people who helped and supported me through the effort.

I've met a lot of really terrific people. I also believe that my work here is just beginning. We have things to do in Lakewood, and I'm not about to stop simply because of an election!

We are fortunate to have good people running for office. I can tell you that I am supporting Mike Summers for Ward 3. I believe he is the better, more informed candidate. I have nothing against Joe DAngelo. Just of the two, I think Mike is more qualified.

As We Near The Primary

2007-09-30T08:09:00.001-07:00

As we near the primary, I’d like to remind you of my reasons for running for city council, as well as the skills and experiences that I believe make me qualified to succeed at the job.

I am running for Lakewood City Council in Ward 3 because I believe Lakewood needs leaders who will work together – and I am that kind of leader. Throughout my career, I have succeeded because I listen, problem solve, empower others, and work as a team player. We are all in this together – and so, we must all work together.

As the Director of Operations for a service firm based in Michigan, I led multiple teams in several locations. My responsibilities included educating them on running their own piece of business and making good, profitable business decisions. Each team was responsible for their own P & L. Just as importantly, that company provides outsource services to corporations. I have seen firsthand the good and bad of privatization. I understand when it works and why it doesn’t. I possess over 20 years of business leadership experience. This history will serve me well as your councilperson in working with the budget (something I’m completely comfortable and familiar with), the distribution of resources, as well as navigating the challenges facing the infrastructure and services of the city. My years of successful sales and the launch of my own business have prepared me for working within the city structure. The listening, negotiating, consulting, coaching, and networking skills developed over the years are ideal for the position of Councilperson.

As a parent of school-age children, I have concerns about the safety and security of our streets, parks, and schools. I live in the midst of the challenges facing our city. My children attend the Lakewood City Schools. I am working with my community to take back our neighborhood. Something I will continue to work on as your Councilperson.

As a homeowner and member of the community, I realize the issues with our housing stock and believe there should be a standard of excellence in Lakewood that EVERYONE lives up to. The homeowners, landlords, and tenants are accountable to each other and to us to make sure they are maintaining their properties for the good of the whole community. The maintenance of the residences throughout Lakewood aids in the fiscal viability of the city. More people will stay, more people will move in and property values will go up.

To say I have skin in the game would be an understatement. While I don’t think someone needs to live south of Detroit and have children in the public schools, I do think it adds a valuable perspective on the issues facing the city.

I don’t enter into any venture lightly. And while I may not know everything – I am a quick study. More importantly, I do possess the skills and experience necessary to do the job of Councilperson. My father used to tell me that I could do anything I wanted to do – as long as I was willing to do the work to achieve it. Well, I’m willing – ready and able. I have succeeded at everything I have attempted. That’s because I made sure it was something I wanted to do, something I was qualified to do, and something I could master.

I am a possibilities thinker – and also a pragmatist. I am not beholden to anyone or any group. I believe in taking a good, critical look at all sides of a situation and then working with others to develop a workable plan. Implementation, of course, is key. A person can have all the good ideas in the world, but if they can’t execute, what good is it really?
Throughout my career I have excelled at plan implementation and execution.

Communication is also a key component of the job of councilperson. I’ve heard it said that the true role of councilperson is to pass the budget and legislate. Well, the way I see it, acting as a bridge between the citizens and the city is also a critical aspect of the job. The community depends on their councilpeople to be their voice. We need people on council who understand that it’s not only THEIR agenda that they are responsible for, but those of their constituents. I wouldn’t be a successful business and sales coach if I didn’t excel at listening to and assisting people with the issues they see as pertinent.

Hopefully you have a good idea of who I am and what you’ll get when you elect me to Lakewood City Council in Ward 3. I respectfully ask for that vote in the Primary on October 2nd and again in the election on November 6th.

Thank you.

Matters Of Principle

2007-09-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I just received this quote and wanted to share:

'In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.'
Thomas Jefferson

I Couldn't Say It Better

2007-09-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

"Coming together is a beginning;
keeping together is progress;
working together is success."
Henry Ford

Voting Locations Changed

2007-09-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Please check your voter registration card when you get it. Some of the polling locations have changed. In Ward 3 the Q and M precincts have moved from Roosevelt to Hayes. I'm sure that those people who voted at Horace Mann and Emerson now have a new voting location.

We are trying to pin it down exactly. Until then, please check your card.

More Words of Wisdom

2007-09-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

"Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not."
George Bernard Shaw

As Councilwoman . . .

2007-09-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am not a registered Democrat. Nor am I a registered Republican. Having said that, please know this – I am socially liberal, fiscally conservative, and don’t believe government should legislate everything.

I am running for City Council, Ward 3 because I believe I can make a difference. I am not a politician. But, please, don’t confuse that with being inexperienced or incapable. The skills that have made me a successful businessperson, leader, and professional coach are the same skills I will bring to the job of councilperson. As your councilwoman I will: listen, problem-solve, empower others to succeed, build relationships and network.

You’ve heard it said that the only constant is change. Lakewood is undergoing change, some contributing to its growth, some detracting from it.

The renovation of our library, the remodeling of our YMCA, the rebuilding of our schools, and the economic development of late are all things for which we should take pride.

The perception of an increase in crime, the removal of basketball hoops throughout the city, the concerns about the housing market, are examples of areas in need of improvement.

So, we have a choice. We can either succumb or we can take action. I believe that if we work together we can restore Lakewood to the dynamic, diverse, wonderful neighborhood we want. Lakewood is fortunate to have so many capable, committed people interested in her success. Working together we can accomplish extraordinary things.

Know that, as the council representative for Ward 3, I will work with my fellow councilpeople, city departments, businesses, schools, and citizens to not only resolve the issues facing Lakewood, but also celebrate our accomplishments.

I respectfully request your vote in the primary on October 2nd, and the election on November 6th.

Thank you.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you this evening. As many of you know, I am not a registered Democrat. Nor am I a registered Republican. Having said that, please know this – I am socially liberal, fiscally conservative, and don’t believe government should legislate everything.

I am running for City Council, Ward 3 because I believe I can make a difference. I am not a politician. But, please, don’t confuse that with being inexperienced or incapable. The skills that have made me a successful businessperson, leader, and professional coach are the same skills I will bring to the job of councilperson. As your council woman I will: listen, problem-solve, empower others to succeed, relationship build and network to …..

You’ve heard it said that the only constant is change. Lakewood is undergoing change, some contributing to its growth, some detracting from it. The renovation of our library, the remodeling of our YMCA, the rebuilding of our schools, and the economic development of late are all things for which we should take pride. The perception of an increase in crime, the removal of basketball hoops throughout the city, the concerns about the housing market, are examples of areas in need of improvement. So, we have a choice. We can either succumb to the unpleasant changes, or we can take action against them. I believe that if we work together we can restore Lakewood to the dynamic, diverse, wonderful neighborhood we want. Lakewood is fortunate to have so many capable, committed people interested in her success. Working together we can accomplish extraordinary things. Know that, as the council representative for Ward 3, I will work with my fellow councilpeople, city departments, businesses, schools, and citizens to not only resolve the issues facing Lakewood, but also celebrate our accomplishments.

I appreciate the chance to address all of you this evening and respectfully request your vote in the primary on October 2nd, and the election on November 6th.

Thank you.

Isn't It Interesting

2007-09-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

As I've been traveling the Ward I've noticed things that I find interesting.

For example, Joe Dangelo's latest handout says that he's the only Ward 3 candidate who's an assistant prosecutor. Why does that matter? Why does he find that a selling point? Does he think the only issue is crime?

At the Democrat Club endorsement meeting he said something I found very interesting. He said that as he'd walked through the Ward and talked with people he'd LEARNED what was going on. Doesn't this seem like a disconnect? Why did he decide to run if he didn't know what the issues were facing the residents? I found that odd.

Also, I noticed that Mike Summers is being supported by Bob Seelie. One consistent message I've received from the residents of Ward 3 is that Mr. Seelie was completely unresponsive to their needs and requests. They've been tremendously dissatisfied with Mr. Seelie for years. It seems to me that we may be getting the same old same old from Mike Summers.

I met someone at the Candidate night who told me that when they asked Mike why he was running he said that the time was right for him. They were left with the feeling that he was doing this for himself - not for the citizens.

Well, for those of you visiting this blog who don't know me, I'd like to fill you in on a few things about me:

1. I don't need to learn what the citizens of Ward 3 are concerned about because I'm living it with you. There is actual crime and quality of life crime on my street and surrounding streets. My children attend the Lakewood Public Schools. We work here, shop here, live here.

2. I'm not the same old same old. I'm a community builder. I work WITH others to resolve problems and reach goals. I'm a team player who knows that we all have to do our part to realize success.

3. I got into this race because I see the issues facing Lakewood and I believe that with effort and determination, we CAN fix the problems we face. I don't think things are dire. However, I do think the time is NOW to take action.

My next post will be excerpts of the speech I gave at the Dem club meeting. Enjoy.

Candidate Night A Success

2007-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Candidate Night at Sullivans on Tuesday. There was a really nice crowd, good conversation, and fun. I hope everyone got a chance to meet the candidates they wanted to and learn more.

I found myself in some interesting conversations. I learned a lot and hopefully shared a lot.

If you didn't get a chance to join us and have questions, feel free to contact me at dhelbig44107@yahoo.com. I'd be happy to answer anything on your mind.

Yard Signs Ready To Plant

2007-09-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

Interested in putting a sign in your yard showing your support for my campaign?

GREAT!

Just contact me at:
dhelbig44107@yahoo.com or 216-521-9162

We'll be sure to get one right over to you.

Watch them bloom all over Ward 3!!

Ohio State Buckeyes - Cohesiveness In Action

2007-09-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the privelege of attending the Ohio State football game with my family. Now that's a cohesive community. We could learn a few things from them. Consider this:
The coaching staff as the city council and administration.
The players as the city departments, schools, businesses.
The fans as the citizens.

Have you been to one of those home games? Everyone understands their role in helping the team win. When the players on the field motion to the fans - they respond and the noise is unbelievable. They understand their role in helping the team win the game.

Of course the players and the coaching staff understand their roles. Add in the band and the cheerleaders and you have a number of different groups contributing to one GOAL. It was beautiful to witness. And I saw so many parallels to our city and the cohesiveness I speak about.

When we all are working together and understanding how important we are to the outcome, we'll be winning.

Ward 3 Candidate Night

2007-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Come on out and meet the candidates for City Council, Ward 3.

We will be at Sullivans on Madison from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm on Tuesday, September 11th.

It's going to be a great chance to meet the 4 of us in one place at one time.
I look forward to meeting you. Make sure you introduce yourself to me. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

'Crime' Hits Close

2007-09-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Last night around 7:30 my son (11 years old) and a neighbor boy (10 years old) were allowed to ride their bikes up to Roosevelt. Within 15 minutes they were barreling home, upset because they were being chased by a group of 13-14 year olds.

I called the non-emergency number and an officer went over to the school. Unfortunately, the kids were gone. The officer then came over to our house to talk with the boys.

This is an example of the reason we're implementing the block watches. We ALL need to adopt Roosevelt. It isn't only the responsibility of the people who live on Bayes, Athens, and Lincoln. This is a community school and therefore, a community issue.

When we have our street meeting on Monday, this is one topic that will be addressed. I encourage any and every adult to adopt Roosevelt and start hanging out there in the evenings. Trade off times. Show an adult presence. Some people have already started and to them I say - Thank you. We will be doing more of it ourselves.

We're taking back this neighborhood. Join us, won't you?

Offender Update

2007-09-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

I received a prompt email back from the sheriff's office and called the officer. We had a great conversation. Apparently, of the 7 I mentioned, 3 live too close. In addition, there are others that they are aware of.

This information has been given to the City of Lakewood and is considered a civil matter. I've forwarded that email to the law department and am awaiting a response.

One thing the officer said was that if you take the emotion out of it, what's the difference between 1000 feet and 1001 feet? The other thing he told me is that the statistics show that 97% of child victim crimes are perpetrated by someone they know. He said the key is to watch the adults - if they are 'grooming' a child (giving them gifts, etc), then there's a problem.

I found the information valuable. In addition, I will update here once I've heard back from the the law department.

Offenders Close To Schools

2007-09-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

The sexual offender ordinance passed by Council is a good one. So, I got curious and wondered if there really are any sexual offenders whose crimes involved children living within 1000 feet of schools, parks, libraries, municipal rec facilities.

Guess what? I found 7.
4 near St. Eds
1 near Garfield
1 near Harrison (this one may not qualify)
1 near Madison Park

I have emailed the Lakewood Police and the County Sheriff requesting input on how this will be dealt with. As I am informed, I will share the info here.

This is an issue I believe we need to pay close attention to. We, as citizens and parents, need to make sure we don't let anyone slip through the cracks. We are the sponsors of our children.

The Good And The Bad

2007-08-31T17:14:00.000-07:00

I was asked today what I think are the good things about Lakewood and what I think the bad things are. I thought I'd share those with you here.

The good:
-diversity
-culture
-people
-schools
-Lake Erie
-walkability
-neighborhood-iness
-economic growth

The bad:
-thugs and punks
-disrespect for property and others
-deteriorating houses
-status quo mentality of some
-disconnect - people not working together

So much good, so little bad. And the bad is manageable in my view. Get people working together, as a community with a common goal and watch out! Take pride in your city, your street, your neighborhood, your home. Have the same expectations of your neighbors. Share your ideas and views. Think positively.

Believe it or not, there are a lot of good people living in Lakewood and moving into Lakewood. I met some tonight at the ice cream social at Roosevelt Elementary. They see the good in the city. I do too!

The True Role

2007-08-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I've been told by several people that the role of council is simply to create ordinances and approve the budget. HOWEVER, when you talk to the people of Lakewood, as I've been doing, you find that they believe the role of council is to be the bridge between them and the city.

Who do they go to when they need help? Their councilperson! Who do they count on to be their voice? Haven't you heard all the buzz about why people have been unhappy with Bob Seelie? Noone doubts that he's a nice guy, and probably a good politician. But he was unresponsive to his constituents.

I believe a big part of the responsibility of a councilperson is to help the citizens navigate the 'system' to get their problems solved. I don't see anything wrong with coming up with ideas and trying to get everyone working together to make them a reality.

It comes back to individual accountability. And, councilpersons are also citizens of the city! They have a voice as well.

If you are done with the status quo, and want someone on council who will be responsive and work with you, as well as others, then please support me for Ward 3. With me, you'll get a person of action who believes change is good - and not all that painful!

More Words of Wisdom

2007-08-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Albert Einstein said, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

To succumb to the negative is to give up. To be blinded to the opportunities that surround us is to admit defeat. Sometimes life gives us lemons - so we can make lemonade; or become a sourpuss. Our choice.

I believe a lot in personal choice and accountability. I believe we each have a choice regarding how we view our world, our role in it, and the possibilities before us. Frankly, I don't think things are so awful in Lakewood.

I think with a little effort, we can do remarkable things. Having a positive attitude is half the battle - it's contagious. (of course, so is a negative attitude). I'm no pollyanna. Quite the contrary - I'm a pragmatist. I tell my clients the following - 'I can only live in reality. Won't you join me here?'

So . . . won't you join me?

Real Estate Is Up

2007-08-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

I've had the opportunity to see some numbers and it looks like the real estate values in Lakewood are holding steady - and may even be going up. I know that a couple of houses sold near me for what they should have - not below.

The local real estate numbers also show that Lakewood is faring far better than neighboring cities like Rocky River and Westlake.

This, among other things, continues to fuel my hope for lakewood. We're on the verge of greatness!

Good Exists

2007-08-18T05:14:00.000-07:00

Over the past week I've heard and read some good news.

I spoke with Dottie over at the Dept of Human Services about the Youth Master Plan. They truly are moving in the right direction and really understand what needs to be done regarding kids and after school time. Dottie was kind enough to forward me some information about national initiatives in this regard. I am encouraged!

At the same time, I continue to learn about funding and volunteering opportunities - just by talking to people about the situation.

I hope we all got the news that Rosewood Place is at 100% occupancy. That's a great thing! It happened quickly and shows that Lakewood is a desirable neighborhood. People ARE moving in.

I've also noticed that some parts of town have gotten quieter; less rowdy. We just need to continue to have hope and belief in our progress. I know I do!

Mission Accomplished

2007-08-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Last night's event was great! We had beautiful weather and wonderful people at Around The Corner. I appreciate everyone's help in making it a successful, fun evening.

Soon I'll be hitting the streets to meet as many people as I can. As always, I appreciate your input and ideas. I see some great things starting to happen here. Let's keep sending Lakewood some positive energy.

Remember, working together we can accomplish extraordinary things!

Meet and Greet

2007-08-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, August 15th we will be having a Meet and Greet/Fundraiser at Around the Corner on Detroit. The event will be from 7:30 - 10:00 pm.

You, of course, are under no obligation to donate to my campaign.

If you are interested in meeting me and having the opportunity to find out who I am, please join us for a relaxed evening on the patio.

Hope to see you there!

Ward 3 Block Watch Start

2007-08-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the first meeting of the Ward 3 south of Madison Block Watch. Over 100 people sat through the remarkable heat of the elementary school gym to learn about the program from Officer Fiorilli and to sign up.

While there were, of course, people with continuing concerns, it was apparent that people are ready to take action. Sue and I were thrilled to see so many people come out for this meeting, ask questions, and sign up for their streets. Overall, the majority of people in attendance were glad to be able to do something organized and constructive to help improve their neighborhood.

Several people came up to me afterward to share their situation, sign up for their street, and thank us for getting the ball rolling. Sue and I will be contacting all of the wonderful people who offered to be street captains. We will coordinate a meeting to get them started pulling their street together.

Remember, together we can make extraordinary things happen. Thank you to everyone who joined us tonight.

Impact of Words

2007-08-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

We just returned home from a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit with family. We had a great time and saw a lot of sites. We visited the Einstein Memorial - my personal favorite - and I was so moved by one of his quotes that I took a picture of it. I share it here:

"As long as I have any choice in the matter, I shall live in a country where civil liberty, tolerance, and equality of all citizens before the law prevail." Albert Einstein

Have a great day in this great country!

Block Watch Meeting Reminder

2007-07-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

On August 8th, we will be having a block watch meeting at Roosevelt Elementary for Ward 3 south of Madison. This meeting is designed to be the starting point of the block watch for this area of Lakewood.

I've seen some postings on the Observation Deck at www.lakewoodobserver.com regarding this meeting. There seems to be some confusion. I'm not quite sure why. I posted a message about the meeting on the Candidate Forum several weeks ago. I wanted to let people know about it as soon as possible. We then distributed flyers to the residents of that neighborhood.

While I will try in the future to post information in as many places as I can think of, it is still up to others to read it.

As you get to know me, you'll realize one thing - I'm an action kind of person. I believe in talking about the issue and then implementing a solution. I'm not big on rehashing because it doesn't get us anywhere. We all know what issues face Lakewood. It's time to do something about them - before we get to a place where we can't.

I believe we can be successful with a lot of commitment and a little effort. Please join me.

Campaign Help

2007-07-29T07:05:00.001-07:00

What a great planning meeting we had! Thank you to everyone who offered their thoughts and ideas. We're already scheduling our next one. If you are interested in joining the effort, please contact me at dhelbig44107@yahoo.com.

Thanks.

Why Hope Matters To Me

2007-07-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

When I was born, my father chose Hope as my middle name. Partly as a tribute to his father, Harry, who died two years before I was born. Also because at the time, my parents were experiencing some hardships. My father thought it might bring them better days.

I like to believe that the glass is half full. I believe that together we can accomplish great things. I am hopeful for the future - for my community, my family, and my friends.

Mohandas Gandhi said, "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving. You lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all."

I could not say it better. I have hope that we can move Lakewood to be the city we wish it to be.

CARE

2007-07-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Civility

Accountability

Respect

Enthusiasm

Lakewood

As long as we CARE for Lakewood, we can accomplish anything.

Human Family

2007-07-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

Human Family by Maya Angelou

I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived
as true profundity,
and others claim they really live
the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple,
tan and blue and white.

I've sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I've seen the wonders of the world,
not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I've not seen any two
who really are the same.

Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,
we weep on England's moors,
and laugh and moan in Guinea,
and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we're the same.

I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.

Lakewood Community Conference

2007-07-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, July 24th at 7pm there will be a Community Conference on Building Neighborhoods. This conference was scheduled by Tom Bullock. It will be held at the Woman's Pavilion and should receive a good turnout.

I, unfortunately, have a previous engagement that evening. However, I encourage you to attend and learn more about what you can do to improve your neighborhood. It doesn't take a lot - sometimes, mere attention fixes things.

You can rsvp at 216-337-1318 or email Tom@TomBullockforLakewood.com

Curfew Changes

2007-07-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Please note the following changes to the Curfew Ordinance:

Pursuant to Section 509.12 of the Lakewood Codified Ordinances, children ages 14 and under are not permitted on streets, sidewalks, or any public property between the hours of 9:30 pm and 6:00 am. Children age 15 are not permitted on streets, sidewalks, or any public property between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Children ages 16 and 17 are not permitted on streets, sidewalks, or any public property between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am.

Children out during these restricted hours will be subject to citation for curfew violation. Parents are also subject to be cited for allowing their children to be out during restricted times.

Neighborhood Block Watch

2007-07-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

A number of concerned citizens in our ward have expressed interest in forming a neighborhood "Block Watch." Come spend an hour with your neighbors and TAKE A STAND AGAINST CRIME.

Block Watch doesn't require you to perform any special tasks, go to a lot of meetings, or take on extra responsibilities. Block Watch just involves being alert as a part of your everyday life.

This Block Watch involves Ward 3 south of Madison.

When: Wednesday, August 8th

Time: 7:00 pm

Where: Roosevelt School Gym - corner of Athens and Lincoln

Throwing My Hat In

2007-07-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I filed to run for Lakewood City Council - Ward 3. Lakewood has been experiencing change over the past few years - some good and some not so good. As I explained to my husband, I feel that I owe it to my children to try to make a difference in our community.

Lakewood has so many good things going for it. We just need to recapture our neighborhood. I really don't think it's a difficult proposition. It requires attention, commitment, caring. If you've read The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, you have an idea of my belief system. I truly believe that small changes can make big differences.

In the days and weeks to come, I'll be fine-tuning my platform and sharing it. Please visit regularly to see what's going on. If you'd like to help me help Lakewood, just let me know. Or if you have issues with our community that you'd like me to know about, contact me. I can be reached at 216-334-4226 or email me at dhelbig44107@yahoo.com.