I enjoy reading your intelligent, well written submissions, and I hope you continue to write often to this page. One of the nice things about Town Forum is that everyone who lives in Berea is a member. Town Forum is not a club; it is simply comprised of whoever wishes to attend any given gathering. There are nine trustees (I'm not one of them) who meet mostly to decide on agendas. However, the group's momentum is powered by the citizens who wish to attend and participate on any given month. Like the web site, it is as rich as our towns people make it. I have been delighted that most of the gatherings have been very active and inspiring.

I agree that my announcement of the Dec. 1 meeting with Joe Biddlecombe may have sounded somewhat effusive. My intent was not to endorse his campaign, but rather to motivate people to stay involved in our town by coming to this important event. I am glad Mr. Biddlecombe will come and talk with us now rather than later because this will give him a golden opportunity to immediately begin to bridge what had become a canyon between the previous administration and the towns people. I hope the tenor of the meeting will be neither of bitter retribution nor of blind adulation for the new mayor. Rather I hope, that like many of the previous BTF meetings, the discussion is inspiring. Please spread the word, and come and bring your friends. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your questions.

Cheers -- Fritz

I do not pretend to speak for BTF; I am not even a member. Of course, I DO appreciate the vehicle the group provides for public discourse. The web site affords Bereans (at least those with Internet access) a great opportunity to express themselves.

Additionally, while I have voiced public support for Audrey Carlo, I was not a member of her campaign team (I have yet to even meet her, though I look forward to doing so). I admire her stated goals, the way she conducted herself throughout the campaign, and the very real change she's helped effect with respect to Berea's political "balance of power."

That said, I must confess to confusion concerning the tone of BTF's announcement of its Dec. 1st meeting, which will feature new mayor Joseph Biddlecombe: "proud to welcome"; "inspiring discussion"; "celebrate the beginning of a new era," etc. That sounds a bit effusive, considering the kind of campaign Mr. Biddlecombe's people ran.

BTF should, of course, be a gracious host to all of its invitees. Still, I must question the invitation, itself. Unless I miss my guess, a majority of BTF's members likely were NOT Biddlecombe supporters in the last election. Further, his campaign staff used tactics that can generously be described as "questionable."

Does that mean that he shouldn't be permitted to speak at a BTF meeting? No. But it does mean, in my humble opinion, that, instead of being the group's first post-election invitee, BTF should have waited for Mr. Biddlecombe to extend an olive branch by requesting the opportunity to speak. And, instead of sharing his "Vision for Berea," perhaps Mr. Biddlecombe would better serve everyone (himself included) by explaining how he plans to help to bridge the chasm, widened by his campaign, that exists among Berea's electorate.

There are very real issues confronting our town, and we must all pull together to address them. Mr. Biddlecombe may prove able -- or better -- in his role as mayor. Time will tell. For the good of Berea, I sincerely hope he does well. And we should always, of course, treat elected officials (and every other citizen) with dignity and respect. I, for one, however, believe the "celebration" a bit premature.

[NOTE: my submissions tend to be a bit lengthy. In an attempt to avoid "hogging" the medium, I will likely write less often. Anyone wishing to communicate with me directly is encouraged to do so by sending me e-mail at: nospam000@ameritech.net. ]

--Michael (Mike) Murray  

Yes, Mr. Bob Z., the Triangle looks nice. However, it has now been made into the Trupo-Caprini-Blaze Triangle. They have added that Brook Park brick tower and a lot of pink concrete, and tried to minimize the historical aspect. Now; Trupo wants to place the bronze plaques honoring the Grindstone Award Winners, which include some of the founders of Berea, at Coe Lake instead of on the Triangle where they belong. I notice that he has placed bronze plaques with the names of himself, the city officials, and his friends in the construction business and the triangle committee on rocks on the Triangle though.

I have heard that the Ohio State University professor of architecture whose students came to Berea with their models of ideas for the riverfront project and triangle was in town recently. When he saw the triangle and riverfront, he just shook his head. Definitely not impressed.  

First of all as stated by the web master, I don't have to post a name on here. Secondly, who is anyone to question this, especially the person running this. And finally, the reason I don't post my name is because due to the nature of my job, which I will no disclose, I feel that by posting my name and the thousands of people who know me could find that I live in this city and could see my opinions which are none of their concern. By them seeing my opinions outside of the work environment, this could lead them to develop a different impression of me than what I present to them at work. Yes it sound like politics, smells like politics there fore .........

I will continue to post but still leave an e-mail as required in case you should wish to respond personally. And there is no way for the people I am worried about to track me through e-mail, its removed several times over and over.  

Dear Town Forum Viewers.

Although I did not win my campaigning for Council-at-Large I do not regret one moment of it. I have attending many Town Forum monthly meetings and because of that I was informed with up to date extensive information on almost every issue citizens were concerned about in Berea. If any one wants to know the issues The Berea Town Forum is the place to go.

The Town Forum web page has over 5,000 hits since January 1999! That is the evidence that The Forum is doing a good job and people in Berea really do care about their city.

I love Berea and am greatly encouraged by how many other people feel the same way I do. I am grateful for all 896 people who voted for me and am delighted to see so many people getting involved with our community. It was fun. I am looking forward to the year 2000 and the Forum. Thank you Thereasa Reiland  

Mr. Murray,

That was well said and every point you make is valid and true to everyone in the city of Berea. I believe I live in one of those homes that may be lost if in fact this expansion goes through. If you should have any information on the city hall council meetings at Cleveland please e-mail them to me. I would like to attend and voice my concern. I have some friends that work in city hall( Cleveland) and I have heard that it is run by the snap of the fingers, if the mayor says jump, you do it and then ask how high? I believe that the mayor of Berea and Brook Park and Olmsted Falls/Township should all get together and inform their citizens of what could take place. I have received absolutely NOTHING in the mail about council meetings and expansion plans. Now if you look on your local cable stations, it says that all Sun News Subscribers should receive some info on these meetings and what they are about? Funny thing... I have NEVER received a thing in the mail. I challenge the new! mayor to inform the people of Berea about these meetings, rather than let us have to search it out. Communication is a two way street, from the top down and from the bottom up, I believe we are trying to do our part, now lets hope our NEW look in city hall will do theirs.

The point I like the most is that you are correct when you say Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. I am wondering who made Mr White my mayor and allowed him to decide to destroy my house. I don't live in Cleveland and i never voted for him.

When we bought our house, the people we sold it to were the children that grew up in this house, their parents had died and they decided to sell. One of the things that our real estate agent said was that the 'kids' that grew up in this house wanted to know who was going to buy it because they wanted to make sure it would be well taken care of. After all, this is where they were raised. We assured them we would, because in time, I will be in their shoe's. However, I no longer am able to assure them of that because of Planes, Trains and whatever else is yet to come.  

I agree with you Mr. Bennett. People should be willing to sign their names to their comments. However, we have said that we will post anything that is not, in our opinion, obscene or slanderous.

To those people who desire anonymity, why not let us know who you are? What are you afraid of? It would be more interesting to all if we knew with whom we were conversing.  

Copy of "Letter to the Editor," The Plain Dealer:

Once again, Berea is being asked to fall on its sword for "The Good of the Region." Just as other communities in Northeast Ohio sought -- successfully -- to avoid the worst of the train traffic increase (brought on by the recent mergers) by routing it through Berea, so too is Cleveland now seeking to spare itself hardship by asking its southwest "neighbor" to bear yet another burden. This time Bereans are being asked to accept the demolition of homes and the increase in air traffic and noise that airport expansion to the southwest would bring.

To quote Yogi Berra, it sounds like "deja vu all over again." Not only did other communities in Greater Cleveland successfully avoid an increase in train traffic, some -- notably those along the West Shore -- actually achieved a decrease in traffic, even as Berea's already-high level skyrocketed. At the time the issue was being debated, The Plain Dealer took the following two positions:

1) That Berea should think regionally, not locally. Translation: "Ask not what Northeast Ohio can do for you, ask what you can do for Northeast Ohio," and

2) "It is right for communities to consider Quality of Life issues." Translation: If you live in Cleveland or along the West Shore, it's OK to be concerned with your own welfare (as noted in item #1, however, disregard if you live in Berea).

It seems to me that "The Region" and The Plain Dealer are asking more of Bereans than to be good neighbors: you're asking us to be martyrs. No thanks.

The Plain Dealer clearly is not concerned at all with the welfare of Bereans (it's a pretty safe bet that none of the PD's senior executives live here). The Plain Dealer uses as rationale for the reasonableness of expanding south that more homes would be lost by expanding north. But Cleveland should be the community to accommodate the expansion...and any accompanying inconvenience.

The airport is, after all, named the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. I don't find the name Berea anywhere in that title. Further, profits from airport operations do not go into Berea coffers. They go, you guessed it, into Cleveland's. Why, then, should Berea sacrifice for Cleveland's gain? Cleveland mayor Michael White has, in the past, accused those who oppose airport expansion southwest (through the IX Center) of being "greedy suburbanites." That's despicable. And it rings false, when you consider that Cleveland seeks to profit at the expense and inconvenience of other communities. Which community is truly being greedy?

If management at The Plain Dealer really is sincere about this Regional Thinking thing, it should be responsible and propose a genuinely regional concept: moving the entire airport to a location central to Northeast Ohio. Someplace directly south, central to Cleveland and Akron. That would solve expansion problems and be a boost to the entire region. (Last time I checked, Akron was part of Northeast Ohio.)

The Plain Dealer's reasons for opposing such a move are specious. People wouldn't drive to such a location? Ask those who live in Greater Cleveland's Eastern suburbs...or anyone east of the Cuyahoga River, for that matter. I suspect the PD's objection to such a genuinely regional air facility has less to do with concern for driving times than it does with revenue sharing.

I must say, too, that I am deeply disappointed in The Plain Dealer's naked "homer" attitude when it comes to issues that concern Cleveland. The PD some time ago changed its name from The Cleveland Plain Dealer to simply: The Plain Dealer. It proclaims its status as "Ohio's Largest Newspaper" and professes to represent all of Northeast Ohio. (If you don't believe that, check with the businesses it solicits for advertising space within the seven-county region). When it comes down to brass tacks, however, the PD clearly has a Cleveland-centric view. That's OK, but we readers shouldn't, then, look to its editorial board for advice on regional matters.

That Berea's elected officials have rolled over for Greater Cleveland in the past should not give anyone a false sense of security now. I -- and I suspect many other Bereans -- intend to fight hard for our town this time around. I'm tired of my community playing patsy to Northeast Ohio.

Not too long ago, a regional trash transfer station was proposed for Berea. Residents shot that idea down (although many believe that Cuyahoga County is still quietly working to build one here). It seems that if Cleveland and The Plain Dealer have their way, Berea will truly be the town of "Planes, Trains, and Trash."

Don't bet on it.

--Michael F. Murray (P.S. to Bereans): What do you say we get together on this one for the good of our town?  

While I cannot know how you feel today, I do know that there have been happier days for you. I'm a little depressed, myself.

When the cloud lifts, however, I hope you will be able to take some solace in knowing that you have markedly changed the political landscape in Berea. Before your efforts over the past several years, an entrenched group controlled pretty much everything in this town.

Thanks in large measure to your "heavy lifting," that crowd is largely gone. No longer does one group have a stranglehold on the city government offices of mayor, council president, and a majority of council wards. That there is now some semblance of balance is almost entirely a result of your work. Your courage and your commitment -- while not benefitting you directly -- have made Berea better.

You know, my initial support of you was basic: you were not Stanley Trupo, or one of his kind. As I watched your campaign progress, I developed genuine admiration for you, yourself. Your motives were honorable and your tactics were clean.

I hope you will not give up on politics in Berea. When you are involved, Berea is the big winner.

--Michael Murray  

RTA - General Manager Ronald Tober, 1240 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113.

RTA - President of the Board of Trustees George Dixon, 1240 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

NOACA - Executive Director Howard R. Maier, 1299 Superior Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, (Lakewood Office) 14400 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107.

Senator George Voinovich, (Cleveland Office) 1240 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44199.

The last two would probably be concerned with voting for the federal funds if NOACA and RTA approve the project.  

message: Hello, I find it difficult to believe that your local government would try to shut down a site such as this. Is this still the USA ? I wonder if they realize they just opened Pandora's Box? Hang in there folks , we're with you. - M. B - Member American Civil Liberties Union

message: I fully support your efforts to involve your local citizens in the decision forming process. To stand firm in the face of threats by your elected officials is as American as moms' apple pie.Your courage is commendable. M. F. A., Springfield MO

message: Although not a citizen of your city (or state) I applaud your efforts and support your mission.. I heard of your web site via the American Civil Liberties Union Newsletter and was shocked at the response your public officials displayed towards your 1st Amendment rights to disagree with them. It's obvious that your forum is needed. All cities and towns across the US would benefit from a forum of this nature. Please continue your dedicated hard work and know that there is a constitution and many people who stand behind you.. - Good luck and best wishes to you.. K. C.

message: Just read an article about your mayor's displeasure with the public forum of your site....and his efforts at intimidation... I don't know where Berea town is, and certainly can't comment on it's local politics.......but I despise anyone who attempts to quash free speech, especially when criticism of government is the subject....even a cursory knowledge of history will reveal that this is one of the main reasons our constitutions framers included freedom of speech in the first amendment.. - good luck J. M., New Jersey

message: Dear fellow citizens, I just wanted you to know that there are others throughout these United States that believe you have the right to continue your discussions, whether pro OR con, as to the efficacy of our local elected officials. Wishing you life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, D. S. - Texas

message: I recently read about your problem and the ACLU's intervention. As you are well aware of, the web is an electronic form of the soap box in the town square. Fight all efforts to let "them" close you down! Down here in Akron, I'm just waiting for the police department to complain about my web site - parts of which go against the grain. T. E. - Akron

message: My sincere thanks for the opportunity to find out what's going on in Berea, and a chance to voice our concern about our fine city! B. J. - Berea

message: Hi! > I'm a 1960 BHS grad now living in Seattle, and a Libertarian. I just saw word of your free speech victory on the Freedom Forum Online, felt so proud, and had to visit your site. Mike Hihn - Seattle, Wash.