MR. ANDREW BEMER – DIRECTOR OF LAW

In regards to the Rocky River City Council Ordinance (Amended) No. 154-06 An emergency ordinance to make appropriations for the current expenses of the City of Rocky River, Ohio, during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.   (In other words, The Rocky River City Government Proposed Spending Budget of 2007).

‘Who gets paid what and why’ from this 2007 city budget of $51,233,199?   As a non-attorney, I invoke State of Ohio Law, to compel The City of Rocky River to answer my questions (below) about the 2007 city budget.  Why? 

• On December 27, 2006 and before council passed Rocky River’s 2007 city budget of $51,233,199. 

• I asked council and the administration to answer my questions of 'who got what and why’ regarding ‘specific 2007 city budget funds’.  That totaled more than $18 million dollars – and is just, a portion of the total $51,233,199 city budget.  That was passed later that night by council. 

• Yet, neither Rocky River city government’s ‘Administration nor Council Members’ bothered to answer the questions I asked them.  About, 'who is getting what and why’ from the '2007 Rocky River Budget’ that totaled $51,233,199.  

• Each council person just said how happy they were with the city budget.  Instead of trying to answer my questions about the city budget spending.  

• Then council seemingly tired from talking, ‘arrogantly and unanimously’ passed the city budget - while ignoring my questions.  It appears to me council is afraid to answer my questions about the city budget.

That Mr. Bemer, is why my request for public information to Rocky River city government - is as follows:  

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 149.43 (B), I respectfully request all ‘public record’ maintained by the Municipal Corporation of the City of Rocky River, of the County of Cuyahoga, and of the State of Ohio that shows why, (1.) $5,598,700 is being proposed for “General Government” why is this amount needed (2.) $3,239,456 is being proposed for “Recreation Center” and why is this amount needed, Use the $3,239,456 to establish a ‘Quiet/Safety Zone’ for trains that travel through Rocky River – instead of using it for the Rocky River Recreation Center, (3.) $1,225,775 is being proposed for “Equipment Purchase” why is this amount needed, (4.) $1,676,000 is being proposed for “General Bond Retirement” why is this amount needed, is this, an attempt by Rocky River City Government to pay off Rocky River City Government Debt in order to make new loans and new debt, (5.)  $2,950,000 is being proposed for “Permanent Improvement” why is this amount needed, who is getting this money and for what, (6.)  $4,085,550 is being proposed for “Capital Improvement” why is this amount needed, who is getting this money and for what, (7.)  Why is Rocky River City Government’s Proposed Spending Budget of $51,233,199 that was passed on Wednesday December 27, 2006 - when people are celebrating in the middle of the Christmas and New Year Holiday Season?  

FINALLY, IN MY OPINION!

I see a day, when Rocky River taxpayers will be able to access 'city financial information' immediately!  Resident’s will just go to the 'city's website' or visit Rocky River city hall.  To see and know - just who is getting what and why, of city money!  Why?  It’s because it's the ‘taxpayers’ money’ that's being spent - and the taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent!

IN CLOSING:

Fred I. Sokol  Resident – Rocky River, Ohio - 440-521-5452 + scrdhrt2@cox.net  + www.rockyriverfred.com

CC: Rocky River City School District, Rocky River City Government, Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, WestLife , Sun Herald, Plain Dealer Newspaper. Westlaker Times, Fred Sokol’s Weekly E-Mail Recipients + www.rockyriverfred.com