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Fred Sokol Editorial > 12-2-2005

 

 

"Welcome Comrade - To Rocky River The Neighborhood!" 

Dear Rocky River Resident,

 

“In my opinion – in this Socio-Economic structure we call the city of Rocky River.  … we may even see (now Cleveland has a new mayor) a ‘Cleveland Area Regionalism’ – that could make Rocky River just a nice neighborhood – absorbed by a ‘Cleveland Area Megalopolis’.

That my fellow residents – in my opinion is when Rocky River finally dies!”  (by Fred Sokol - November 18, 2005 - “Rocky River’s Failure of

Will?”)  

Is Rocky River going to be sold out?

 

As I predicted on November 18th, 2005 (see above) that Cleveland Area Regionalism may happen.  On November 18th, 2005 (on the very same day) - Cleveland Mayor elect Jackson met with suburban mayors.  One of the subjects discussed was - Cleveland/ Cuyahoga County/ Suburban Regionalism. 

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported, “Cleveland Mayor-elect Frank Jackson said Wednesday that he will appoint the city’s first point person for regional issues, a promise that has made many suburban mayors ecstatic …”

“Regional cooperation was one of the hot topics at the Nov. 18 meeting.  Jackson said it was his conversations with these mayors that motivated him to create the position.” (“Jackson will create post to oversee regionalism – Suburban mayors are thrilled.”- Cleveland Plain Dealer

– 12-1-2005)

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 – A FAILED SOCIO/ECONOMIC PRACTICE

‘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! 

Below are just three examples of what we may see in this ‘Collectivist Regional Cleveland Megalopolis’.  Where the Region Wins and the Individual Community Loses!

  1. Regional Sharing of Tax Revenue:  As an example.  Rocky River as an individual community within the megalopolis - attracts a business to come to Rocky River.  Yet Rocky River must split the taxes that this new business generates, to other cities – that have nothing to do with this new business.   (I promised “Individualism” in my mayoral campaign to bring Tax Cuts, Community Partnership and Economic Success to only Rocky River.  Yet I was voted down 4981 to 2150.  I also had a blow-horn blown in my face at the “Rocky River Chamber of Commerce – Meet the Candidates 2005 Luncheon”.  Yet before the ‘blow horn blast happened’ - I told the local businessmen and businesswomen at the luncheon as Mayor I wanted to help them be financially successful in Rocky River.  The ‘blow horn blast’ was their answer to me on my offer of financial assistance for their businesses.)  Cleveland Area Regionalism may not be so accommodating.

 

  1. Regional Schools:  As an example.  Rocky River as an individual community within the megalopolis – will have their financial ability to finance their local schools siphoned off to other city’s local schools.  Eventually as Rocky River school money continues to be siphoned off to other cities – so will the quality of the education for Rocky River school children be siphoned off as well.  (I promised “Individualism” in my mayoral campaign to cut city income tax so voters would be more inclined to continue to support Rocky River school levies.  Yet I was voted down 4981 to 2150.)  Cleveland Area Regionalism may not be so accommodating.

 

  1. Regional Community Based Correctional Facility: (You may have thought that a Wal-Mart was unacceptable in or near Rocky River?)  Yet consider the following bad boy.  As an example.  How about a Regional Minimum Security Jail in Rocky River?  This Jail Facility could allow its prisoners to be released for “work release” to walk Rocky River’s “unlucky” streets from 6:00 a.m. in the morning to 11:00 P.M. in the evening?  These prisoners could possibly – go into the homes of our 'defenseless and unsuspecting' residents.  These prisoners could make their way to any Rocky River neighborhood in the time they are allowed out on the streets in one day!  Cuyahoga County is the only county in The State of Ohio that does not have one of these (moonbeam facilities).  (Come on Rocky River - I campaigned that as Mayor I would not allow this type of prison built in Rocky River.  Yet I was voted down 4981 to 2150.  Some people because of the Rocky River election results of November 8th, 2005 for Mayor could possibly assume that Rocky River Voters don’t care if a minimum security prison could again be considered built in one of Rocky River’s residential areas?   (Why would I say that?   In 1993 Rocky River City Hall wanted to build a Regional Minimum Security Jail in Rocky River.  I was the lead man and helped stop the jail – and I also helped to get an issue on the November, 1993 Rocky River ballot as well.   It would have required any new Rocky River jail construction to be automatically voted on by the Rocky River Public.  Yet we lost by only 350 votes.  Because the vote count numbers were so close – I was told by a “Political Official” from Cuyahoga County after the election – that because you (meaning myself) got so close to winning – they decided they would not build the Regional Minimum Security Jail in Rocky River.  Those with other intentions pay attention to election results.)  Of course I helped stop the last ‘regional minimum security jail’ from being built in Rocky River.   I even helped stop two (2) other “minimum security jails’ from being built in Cuyahoga County.  Yet if this jail is again proposed for Rocky River - I can’t help stop it as mayor. 

Finally, what will happen to the ‘individual communities’ like Rocky River as they are absorbed into this ‘Cleveland Regional Megalopolis’?

South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo answers that question as she describes the intent at absorbing 59 communities under “one” Cleveland/ Cuyahoga County Regional Community - beautifully by her quote in this same article as she says, “This is about erasing the borders,” (“Jackson will create post to oversee regionalism – Suburban mayors are thrilled.”- Cleveland Plain Dealer – 12-1-2005) 

Mayor Welo, I couldn’t have described it better – as I campaigned for each and every Rocky River resident and business and for Rocky River Individualism - and against Area Regionalism - in my Rocky River mayoral campaign of 2005.  (Yet I was voted down 4981 to 2150.)

In closing, Hey Rocky River lets welcome the “Regional Cleveland Megalopolis” to the city – I’m sure Regionalism doesn’t bite (much). 

Oh I forgot to mention, we won’t be welcoming them to Rocky River anymore – it will be one of the “Regional Cleveland Megalopolis’s” Neighborhoods!

 

Remember, as Mayor Welo said, “This is about erasing the borders,” (“Jackson will create post to oversee regionalism – Suburban mayors are thrilled.”- Cleveland Plain Dealer – 12-1-2005)

Remember also, I predicted this.

 

Fred Sokol – Resident – Rocky River, Ohio