Great Lakes Green Pages

There are some real challenges that face this city and the entire state of Ohio. How are we going to face the challenges that lie ahead with the new economy. As manufacturing plants close, developers continue layoffs and projects that were meant to change the face of our downtown are shelved (like the East Bank Flats project), what we choose to do now will resonate for years to come. We are still trying to stop the elusive “brain drain” of college graduates. We are fighting poverty in some areas and still dealing with the mess left of our neighborhoods by the foreclosure crisis. We need a more inclusive recycling program. We need better public transportation. We need to fix the aging infrastructure of our sewers, roads and bridges. So why did city council take the time to worry about creating a domestic partnership registry when we have so many more challenging issues that stand in front of us?

As we stood on the steps of city hall last Thursday and listened to our city councilpersons speak, I began to realize just how important the registry is to the future of Cleveland. While the registry gives no tangible rights or benefits, it does allow people who are sharing everything in a household a way to document that fact. More importantly, it says something to the world. It says that Cleveland is a city who appreciates the diversity of its citizens and the multitude of ways in which they live. It says to the students of our colleges that Cleveland is a place they can be proud to settle in and use that degree they earned here. It says to industry that they can offer domestic partnership benefits if they choose, and we sill make it easier for them to administer by allowing documentation. It says to tourists that Cleveland wants all types of people to come and visit. It says to companies that they should think about locating here, as Cleveland will help make them attractive to potential employees. It says to revenue generating groups that they can feel comfortable scheduling a program or convention here, as Cleveland is a town for all kinds of attractions.

While I have never been active in the political machine, I have learned that politics plays a big role in how we shape our future. If we do not elect talented politicians who are going to produce quality legislation, then we cannot expect things to change for the better. I am proud of the choices that we have made in this town, by electing a city council that is thinking of ways to address our challenges. They are thinking of the future of the city when they pass legislation and not just their own personal careers or plans. I sat in on the public committee hearings for the registry, and this was not easy legislation to get through. It would have been easy at any time to just put it away for a later time. It would have been easy for the mayor to avoid controversy and not sign this bill into law. Instead, the officials that we elected chose to stand up to criticism and pass this registry, regardless of the consequences. This is exactly the type of leadership that this city needs. The type of city that passes this kind of legislation, is the same kind of city that supports the arts; keeps public services alive; plans for green sustainable projects and works to attract tourism.

I can stand tall knowing that our council will do what is best to make this a thriving metropolis. The type of leadership shown in this one instance has shown me that our city council is thinking of the future. I am proud to be a Clevelander. i am proud of the progressive stance we are taking-not just on this issue, but on issues of sustainability, job growth, talent retention and inclusiveness. This is an election year for our town. I urge each one of you to vote for those politicians who are truly striving to make this a vibrant, progressive region. So yes, Cleveland faces some tough challenges. But all our issues begin with the kind of leadership that has the courage to pass the registry.