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Welcome! This free speech community journal was created so the Maple Heights African American community could share videos, photos, events, articles, posts, ideas, thoughts, and information. We're now exclusively on Facebook, so don't forget to also check out our Facebook page. Have a fantastic day!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
MAPLE HEIGHTS SORRY TALE OF FISCAL WOE
Seriously don't know what to title this post, but we'll think of something.
Okay, let's proceed and we'll try to keep this simple:
Maple Heights has been in the red (various departments, fund accounts, whatever) and has taken the liberty of moving money around and kicking the money can (debt) down the road for some time.
So comes the day when Maple Heights can no longer kick the money can (debt) down the road.
The state of Ohio has rules and tells Maple Heights you've violated those rules and we're going to put you in fiscal watch.
Nobody at city hall wants to take the blame (for not balancing their own checkbooks) and starts pointing fingers at a certain bunch of people who for the most part, had little (to nothing) to do with Maple Heights financial predicament.
No matter ... Even though some of the people had city hall's fingers pointed at them, they stepped in and said "we want to help".
State representative calls president of the school board and asks if he can use one of the schools to hold an informational meeting to discuss Maple Heights fiscal watch status with members of Maple Heights council, the mayor, and residents of Maple Heights.
Now mind you, Maple Heights homeowners pay a hefty portion of their property taxes to the Maple Heights school district and thus pay for a lot of the upkeep, salaries, etc related to the running of Maple Heights schools.
From what we hear, the school board president says "no" you cannot use the schools to conduct an informational meeting to discuss Maple Heights fiscal watch status and try to come up with strategies to help Maple Heights. Say it with us ... "What the Hell!!"
What is even more intriguing, the school board president's husband was chosen in 2012 (yes we said chosen not elected) to represent district 5 as councilman after a very ill (ill before the election we're told) Richard Taylor (endorsed by the mayor no less) died before being sworn into office. Even juicier, the law director used a 1924 case law to declare the council seat vacant before the current council person's term expired (?). Shortly after Maple Heights council chose the school board president's husband to be the councilman for district 5, a resolution was passed which allowed money, that was in a special fund meant for certain people in district 5, to be thrown into the general fund (the chosen councilman voted "yes" to throw that money into the general fund). See what we mean about moving money around. [By the way, the present council person from district 5 was recently removed from a council meeting by the council president.]
We understand that this was not the only case where money from one fund was moved to another.
We digress. ... back to the business of "fiscal watch" and the denial of use of a Maple Heights school for the informational meeting.
Said Ohio representative who planned on bringing the Ohio auditor with him has to find another place to hold the meeting, ... a meeting (remember) that's supposed to help Maple Heights council, the mayor, residents. Not only that, said representative has to come out his own budget/pocket to do it!
Say it with us again ... "What the Hell!!"
Long story short ... The meeting was held at St. Andrews Church, and Maple Heights has till August 8th (?) to come up with a recovery plan so they can get out of fiscal watch and not slip into fiscal emergency.
We want you to check this story out. Call the state representative, the school board president, the state auditor and your council representative. Unfortunately, you may run into a little trouble getting public records to verify some of the story [just a little insider humor for those who follow this blog].
PART 1
Related articles regarding money circulation (something Maple Heights does not do and one reason why this city is in financial trouble):
Black buying power increases, but circulation of dollar within community remains low Nov 30, 2011
'Money is like blood – it needs to circulate for local economies to survive' Feb 20, 2013
Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy June 11, 2009
Group Economics
Where you spend your money is important | Business Connections July 29, 2013
Black Wall Street
Durham's "Black Wall Street"
Taking Care of Business by Lee Jenkins
Why local money flows matter
New Study: Spending locally generates four times more economic benefit Sept 3, 2012
Know Your Worth: If We Don't Know, We Can't Grow Our Community Sept. 24, 2012
PART 1
Related articles regarding money circulation (something Maple Heights does not do and one reason why this city is in financial trouble):
Black buying power increases, but circulation of dollar within community remains low Nov 30, 2011
'Money is like blood – it needs to circulate for local economies to survive' Feb 20, 2013
Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy June 11, 2009
Group Economics
Where you spend your money is important | Business Connections July 29, 2013
Black Wall Street
Durham's "Black Wall Street"
Taking Care of Business by Lee Jenkins
Why local money flows matter
New Study: Spending locally generates four times more economic benefit Sept 3, 2012
Know Your Worth: If We Don't Know, We Can't Grow Our Community Sept. 24, 2012
Saturday, June 21, 2014
ARE MAPLE HEIGHTS POLICE ENGAGED IN PUBLIC INTIMIDATION?
Several residents (who attended) stated that at the last Maple Hts city council meeting, the police were videotaping the meeting.
What does this mean if true? Well, police videotapes, we would think, constitute public record and are kept in police departments for various people to access (especially the police). Would you feel comfortable talking about police abuse/misconduct/racism/cutting police salary/benefits at a council meeting knowing the police had your name, face, address, your statements, etc. forever stored?
We don't have a problem with members of council videotaping for educational purposes, or council for public record; or even the general public videotaping a council meeting. There does appear to be a big problem when it is done by the police.
We don't have a problem with members of council videotaping for educational purposes, or council for public record; or even the general public videotaping a council meeting. There does appear to be a big problem when it is done by the police.
African Americans should be engaged in any discussion of the videotaping of any public meetings (in their community) by the police, and if found unconstitutional/violation of their civil rights/civil liberties then the videotaping by them (law enforcement) should be challenged, stopped and if necessary legal remedies sought.
As stated in another post, any predominantly African American community (city) where the legal/judicial system (which includes l aw director, council, safety director, law enforcement) is predominantly white, probably (but not always) means institutional racism is entrenched in your community (city).
The law enforcement community has already been faced with outrage over privacy rights violations, racial profiling, stop and frisk, murder, excessive force, and now they could possibly face a charge of public or racial intimidation by videotaping at public meetings (?)
African American communities have allowed institutional racism to continue in their communities sometimes for fear of retribution and/or intimidation by law enforcement and the legal/judicial system. Well, it seems Maple Heights police may have driven that point home.
UNEMPLOYMENT IN MAPLE HEIGHTS
@Kathlee35244437 NOW LET'S TALK OHIO!! Cleveland Unemployment 10.4%, East Cleveland 10.2%, Lorian 10.3%, Maple Heights 9.8%, Youngstown 9.2%
— Kathleen Gibson (@Kathlee35244437) June 21, 2014Friday, June 20, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Monday, June 16, 2014
INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON MAPLE HEIGHTS FISCAL WATCH STATUS
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
JOIN AUDITOR OF STATE DAVE YOST AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN BARNES TO DISCUSS THE CITY OF MAPLE HEIGHTS FISCAL WATCH STATUS
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
TIME: 7-9PM
WHERE: SAINT ANDREW'S EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 16029 MAPLE PARK DRIVE, MAPLE HTS, OH 44137
JOIN AUDITOR OF STATE DAVE YOST AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN BARNES TO DISCUSS THE CITY OF MAPLE HEIGHTS FISCAL WATCH STATUS
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
TIME: 7-9PM
WHERE: SAINT ANDREW'S EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 16029 MAPLE PARK DRIVE, MAPLE HTS, OH 44137
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Saturday, June 14, 2014
WHAT POLITICAL PARTY HAS THE POWER?
I have several questions to ask.
1. What political party controls the Ohio Senate, the Ohio House and the US House of Representatives?
2. What political party (in the above) has the majority to pass legislation and make cuts to programs, cities, etc?
I hope you said the Republican Party
Here's the stats:
Ohio House
Latest voting shares: Republicans 60.6%, Democrats 39.4%
Ohio Senate:
Latest voting shares: Republicans 69.7%, Democrats 30.3%
US House of Representatives
Republicans 233 Democrats 199
You've got some politicians in Maple Hts and other individuals running around pointing fingers at Black Democrats for some of the financial woes in Maple Hts.
Look at the figures (above) and tell me what political party has the power (the voting majority)?
Clearly it's not Democrats [which also means it's not Black Democrats] in the Ohio House, the Ohio Senate or the US House of Representatives.
Why aren't Maple Heights politicians and others asking for help from the politicians [Republicans] who have the power to perhaps do something? Sounds like a good question, ... right? Maybe they did. Don't know .. ask them.
Why aren't Maple Heights politicians and others asking for help from the politicians [Republicans] who have the power to perhaps do something? Sounds like a good question, ... right? Maybe they did. Don't know .. ask them.
Okay, now that we know what political party has the majority of the votes to perhaps do something to help Maple Heights financial problems, what are the real motives of Maple Heights politicians and others for pointing fingers at Black Democrats in those seats who don't have the majority voting shares? Then you tell me how you feel about those people who pointed the fingers.
For clarity: Maple Heights has far more complex reasons for its financial woes than just some government cuts.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD ADVOCACY
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014
MAPLE HEIGHTS IGNORES KEY ISSUES REGARDING ITS RECENT DECISIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS
According to the Maple Heights News, senior housing development and speed cameras will be coming to Maple Heights.
Why would a city open itself up to a potential litany of lawsuits and other legal problems when it is already in fiscal watch?
The use of traffic enforcement (such as red light and speed) cameras (in many cities and states) is under fire for being unconstitutional. In addition to, and at issue 1. where the cameras are used (in too many instances, predominantly poor and/or heavily minority areas) 2. the fact the registered car owner (who may not be the driver) is cited 3. the appeal process (of appealing the traffic ticket) 4. Green Light Yellow Light Traps 5. *Harm to the local economy 6. Photo radar/red light/speed cameras where the speed changes abruptly, and then 7. there's the issue with speed and red light camera errors [see also***] [and also ****]
And of course there's the the whole safety vs revenue generation debate regarding the use of traffic enforcement cameras.
---- --- ---
Side notes REGARDING BUSINESSES AND CONTRACTORS (LIKE PHOTO ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT COMPANIES) HIRED BY MAPLE HEIGHTS:
[Maple Heights is a predominantly African American city with predominantly African American taxpayers (who pay sales taxes, income taxes, property taxes). Their money and other public (tax payer) monies go to hiring contractors, yet we see time and time again, African Americans being left out of the picture when it comes to hiring/training. It is felt that contractors are predominantly of European ancestry, most (it's) felt have no or very little" African American staff/workers, and (and it appears that) tend to get away with no insistence by city officials that the contractor show minority paid participation/labor or the willingness to provide training to minorities.]
Finally at issue is where private and public money circulates. It has been proven that communities/cities, where money circulates within the community/city, do better financially. Maple Heights has a high unemployment rate (9.8%), over burdened tax payers, not enough locally owned businesses, and to have a lot of money flowing outside the city is detrimental to Maple Heights local economy. [see: Related articles regarding money circulation below]
Unfortunately, it's felt that Maple Heights city council [and remember Maple Heights is under fiscal watch ] rarely if ever thinks about these facts when making decisions about the disbursement of money. Heck, do they even understand the principle of local money circulation?
Unfortunately, it's felt that Maple Heights city council [and remember Maple Heights is under fiscal watch ] rarely if ever thinks about these facts when making decisions about the disbursement of money. Heck, do they even understand the principle of local money circulation?
RELATED:
Traffic enforcement camera [Wiki]
Cleveland traffic camera case hits red light at Ohio Supreme Court while similar case is decided
Ohio Supreme Court to hear case on traffic cameras Wednesday
Ruling on traffic cameras rejects suit claiming they are saturated in black, poor neighborhoods (REJECTED FOR IMPROPER FILING NOT ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE), July 8, 2014
Are traffic cameras unconstitutional? Editorial Board Roundtable April 10, 2014 - great comments
*COUNTERPOINT: Proposed expansion of speed camera use in Illinois
NMA Objections To Red Light Cameras
***The New Miami Traffic Cameras: Sending over $1 million dollars to Optotraffic LLC of Lanham, Md.
****Surveillance systems warrant careful research March 17 2013
Cheverly Replaces OptoTraffic Speed Cameras January 19, 2012
AAA Clashes with City, Optotraffic Over Speed Cameras [2011]
Red-light cameras leaving a bad taste: Editorial March 28, 2014
Ruling on traffic cameras rejects suit claiming they are saturated in black, poor neighborhoods (REJECTED FOR IMPROPER FILING NOT ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE), July 8, 2014
Are traffic cameras unconstitutional? Editorial Board Roundtable April 10, 2014 - great comments
*COUNTERPOINT: Proposed expansion of speed camera use in Illinois
NMA Objections To Red Light Cameras
***The New Miami Traffic Cameras: Sending over $1 million dollars to Optotraffic LLC of Lanham, Md.
****Surveillance systems warrant careful research March 17 2013
Cheverly Replaces OptoTraffic Speed Cameras January 19, 2012
AAA Clashes with City, Optotraffic Over Speed Cameras [2011]
Red-light cameras leaving a bad taste: Editorial March 28, 2014
Judge raises issues with speed camera citation enforcement
The Arguments Against Red Light Cameras
Red light camera traps: Does science prove our yellow lights are too short?
Palm Coast Getting Fleeced of Red-Light Camera Dollars, Harming Local Economy Nov 1, 2013
The Arguments Against Red Light Cameras
Red light camera traps: Does science prove our yellow lights are too short?
Palm Coast Getting Fleeced of Red-Light Camera Dollars, Harming Local Economy Nov 1, 2013
Black Wall Street
Related articles regarding money circulation (something Maple Heights does not do and one reason why this city is in financial trouble):
Black buying power increases, but circulation of dollar within community remains low Nov 30, 2011
'Money is like blood – it needs to circulate for local economies to survive' Feb 20, 2013
Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy June 11, 2009
Group Economics
Where you spend your money is important | Business Connections July 29, 2013
Black Wall Street
Durham's "Black Wall Street"
Taking Care of Business by Lee Jenkins
Why local money flows matter
New Study: Spending locally generates four times more economic benefit Sept 3, 2012
Know Your Worth: If We Don't Know, We Can't Grow Our Community Sept. 24, 2012
Related articles regarding money circulation (something Maple Heights does not do and one reason why this city is in financial trouble):
Black buying power increases, but circulation of dollar within community remains low Nov 30, 2011
'Money is like blood – it needs to circulate for local economies to survive' Feb 20, 2013
Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy June 11, 2009
Group Economics
Where you spend your money is important | Business Connections July 29, 2013
Black Wall Street
Durham's "Black Wall Street"
Taking Care of Business by Lee Jenkins
Why local money flows matter
New Study: Spending locally generates four times more economic benefit Sept 3, 2012
Know Your Worth: If We Don't Know, We Can't Grow Our Community Sept. 24, 2012
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Sunday, June 8, 2014
WHEN IS ENOUGH... ENOUGH IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY?
THIS [SEE PICTURE] AND WORSE HAPPENED EVERY DAY IN THE SOUTH NOT THAT LONG AGO
BLACKS HAD NO LEGAL RECOURSE FOR WRONGDOING (TO THEM BY OTHERS) IN THE SOUTH AND ARE STILL DEALING WITH THAT IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH TODAY
BLACK MEN ARE STOPPED AND FRISKED AND SUBJECTED TO EXCESSIVE FORCE EVERY DAY NOW
THERE'S A TRAYVON MARTIN ALMOST EVERY DAY
THERE'S A TIMOTHY RUSSELL AND MALISSA WILLIAMS RIDDLED WITH BULLETS BY POLICE STILL
LAWS ARE IN PLACE AND STILL BEING CRAFTED TO DENY BLACKS VOTING RIGHTS.
BLACKS ARE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST IN HIRING EVERY DAY
WHITE SUPREMACY IS EMBEDDED IN MANY POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND ELSEWHERE IN GOVERNMENT (AT ALL LEVELS)
And yet they say NO REPARATIONS!
And yet they say NO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION!
And yet they say NO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION!
Any yet they say NO TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT!
And yet they say, that in a predominantly African American community there should be NO BLACKS IN THE FIRE DEPT OR ONLY 2 BLACKS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT even though these very same people are paid by the predominantly African American community
And yet they say, that in a predominantly African American community there should be NO BLACKS IN THE FIRE DEPT OR ONLY 2 BLACKS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT even though these very same people are paid by the predominantly African American community
SHAME!!! SHAME!! SHAME!!!
NOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Related:
The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Friday, June 6, 2014
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
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