I have been critical of the way Village government has been working. There is lots of room for improvement but there is no criminal activity. That can not be said for Cuyahoga or even Lake County government. The Village admin/council are not making off with the money and seem to be keeping many expenses in check.
There is lots of arrogance and self importance and secret back room deals. There are jobs going to friends, and projects that happen because "I want it to". But that is all under the heading of ethics. Is there open government ... ABSOLUTELY NOT ! Some things are better than before and internally these indiviuals know they should do better keeping the public informed. Some of the documents released are sanitized, but in the past they never saw the light of day so that is all the right direction.
So the Village government is better than Washington DC better than Columbus, and better than the County. These are all good things. In general the public does not even notice the Village actions and the mayor and council knows that. Hopefully as time goes on things will continue to improve. Some day the Village may actually get business in the Village proper ( one comes in and 2 leave ) Maybe they will learn from the MLSD not to ask for more money ( read retreat minutes )
I guess I am saying It could be worse

I would have to agree, however I think the group of today is more intelligent then those of the past. I still believe the agendas continue, those elected continue to make back room deals and they now can provide a little information, giving the appearance of transparency, compared to the days gone by.

Personally, I am disappointed at how quickly our new members have turned into politicians, in some cases, moreso than those they replaced. Looking at the election results shows that many others see that too, as I believe Mr. Bartlett finished fourth, while Mr. Britton was first or second.

Unfortunately I have no clue what the answer is, apparently once elected, that passion for the community must just drain from the blood. Whether it is the presumption of power, arrogance of the position or some other egotistical feeling of self-importance, somehow the wagon veers down the same trail.

I for one would like a candidate who places the community first every time, who comes up with a means of true open communication (emails, internet, something) and who I can go to sleep at night knowing that he/she is looking out for me, my neighbors and our community. Unfortunately here I am when I should be in bed, wondering how their agenda is going to continue to impact my life.

Question: Who would you like to see run for Village Mayor or council? (just curious who's names will be brought up...)