Rocky River Residents,

"The City of Cleveland is asking that you consider ... the principles of ... income tax sharing and regional cooperation in revitalizing our economy."

... So says Mayor Frank G. Jackson of Cleveland, Ohio in a letter to Pamela Bobst dated November 10, 2006.  (I requested and received a copy of this letter from Rocky River city government.  Feel free to call Rocky River city hall for a copy of 'said letter' as well.  It's public record and it's only 10 cents a copy.)

• If Rocky River elected city officials say yes to 'tax sharing', ‘regional cooperation’ and ‘another layer of government’ over us.

• Whoever will lead this 'tax sharing' and 'regional cooperation' can very well then, enmesh Rocky River into a 'Regional Configuration of Government'. 

• 'Another Layer' of government will bring even 'More Tax, More Government, Less Freedom' to Rocky River and residents. 

• Of course Rocky River elected officials will be held 'politically accountable' if it does happen.

• Even though all Rocky River City Government's elected official positions (four (4) ward and three (3) at-large council members and a mayor) are scheduled to be up for a vote in Rocky River's Municipal Elections for November 2007.

• Rocky River City Government’s Elected Official’s just may open the door to 'tax sharing' and Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Regional Cooperation - and without a vote of the people of Rocky River!

• Why should Rocky River share its ‘tax money’ with the City of Cleveland or any other community?  There are Rocky River residents I am one of them.  That support cutting taxes.  Not sharing Rocky River taxes with another community.

• Besides, Rocky River residents, who work and earn wages in Cleveland already pay and send their ‘city income tax money’ to Cleveland’s coffers.  For myself, I work, earn wages and pay taxes already to Cleveland for 39 years.

• Mayor Jackson writes in his letter that he wants from Rocky River a “… regional cooperation in revitalizing our economy.”  Whose economy will be revitalized?  Will it be The Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Megalopolis that is forming to gobble up Rocky River?  If that’s the case I am against this idea.

• “Regional Cooperation may mean ultimately - a ‘Regional Cleveland Megalopolis’ - that will absorb and take away the borders of Cleveland, the surrounding suburbs and Rocky River as well.  In my opinion, if Cleveland Area Regionalism is fully implemented - Rocky River will cease to exist as a city.   

   

  What could cause this to happen?

   

  ‘Collectivism’ – is a socio/economic practice and engine that ran the Soviet Union for over 60 years before it collapsed in the 1980’s.  Yah, that Collectivism is best what describes what may run this Cleveland Area Regionalism.

   

  Collectivism if fully implemented - will demand the individual community in the ‘Regional Cleveland Megalopolis’ to produce only for the betterment and advancement of the “Cleveland Megalopolis”.   The betterment and advancement of the individual community will be considered not important.   Individualism Dies – The Collective Body (collectivism) will live!" (Above excerpt from: "Welcome Comrade - To Rocky River The Neighborhood!" by Fred Sokol – December 2, 2005) To read this entire letter click onto Hyperlink Below: http://www.rockyriverfred.com/editorial%2012-2-2005.htm

   

• Rocky River is my town.  I, as a resident of Rocky River want to revitalize Rocky River First, Second and Last!   No other city. 

• Mayor Frank Jackson of Cleveland, Ohio also points out in his letter to Pamela Bobst, dated November 10, 2006 that, “In return, Cleveland is offering to … be responsible for the replacement or renewal of your local water mains.”  What, Water Mains for our tax money?  I say no!

• What’s next?  Will Rocky River one day be faced with the possibility that in order to get water pumped by Cleveland to Rocky River.  Rocky River will have to lose its identity as a city and become a part of a ‘Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Megalopolis'?

• Bay Village, “City Council Nov. 21 approved a resolution supporting the tax sharing principles approved by the Cuyahoga County Mayors and Managers Association in October, … ”  (“Council approves supporting tax sharing principles” West Life – November 29, 2006.)

• Also, “Parma Heights trades water lines for taxes” (Parma Sun Post – December 7, 2006).