So the ethical issue? Did Jennifer Mahnic really need to bring copies of Tom Pavlica's Broadview Journal Ad?  But why not just ask Tom Pavilca – he is sitting right there! Simply ask, "Tom, are you using your City paid for and managed email account -- including server space, administrative efforts, virus software, etc, to run your campaign? Did you print your Broadview heights email address on any campaign material?" He did, for example see: Broadview Journal, October 2009 (Vol. 20 - No. 10) page 35.  Tom could have simply said, "Yes, I did publish that email address, I was not aware it was improper. I am no longer using it. I am sorry." That would have been the end of the story, But Tom Pavlica sat silent. Worse he, on behalf of the Sam Slate went on to attack Joe Price for ethics charges while he is being investigated for ethics charges!!!!! This hints to his lack of integrity, a lack of honesty! What else is Tom Pavlica not telling us?


October 5, 2009 - There are profound differences between candidates



9-8-2009 (11:45pm): Primary Election Results Reinforces the Vision… (revised 9-15-09)
I want to personally thank all who supported me in the Broadview Heights Ward 1 Primary Election on September 8, 2009.  I am deeply grateful and humbled for your confidence in my experience, knowledge and abilities.

Now that the primary campaign has passed, I will continue walking door to door discussing the issues affecting our neighborhoods; such as, the overwhelming number of gas/oil wells in Broadview Heights pitting neighbor against neighbor, the lack of spending oversight of city hall, the inability of current leadership to articulate a strategic vision for our City. 

Today, September 8, 2009, our City Council approved yet another of reapportionments of funds, moving an additional $80,000 from our road fund to the City's general fund.  The road fund that was used to relocate a driveway! Another requested reapportionment has been put before the Finance Committee (Council President Don Sopka, Ward 2 Councilman Roy Stewart, and Ward 4 Councilman Bob Boldt) asking that $160,000 of the "Storm Water Fund" to the general fund.  Besides the $4 per month each residential household contributes, 4% of income tax was once allocated to the "Storm Water Fund".  This administration has since lowered the 4% to 2% and with each reduction used to again bolster the general fund.  Is storm water no longer an issue?

With your support I will represent you in a manner you can trust... you have my word on it.  

8-28-2009: Broadview Heights Wells
Whether you are for or against wells drilled within the city of Broadview Heights, one fact you can’t argue, we already have sixty-six (66) wells and more are planned (per Broadview Heights City Hall listing, as of 8-18-09). The Plain Dealer reported that in 2007 that “1,176 well permits were issued and 1,296 in 2008.” Thus it appears we are trending towards more wells within our city. Regardless of your position, these wells are an eye sore, sound nuisance, possible a safety hazard, and a potential drag on property values – depending on the size, style, number, and location of these wells.  

In 2004, our Ohio legislature revoked a municipality’s right to regulate wells. However, our leadership can still craft an awareness plan to help educate our residents on the benefits, draw-backs, and long term ramification of wells. Then all residents can make informed decisions when the gas companies knock on your door holding a contract, claiming everyone else has already signed, and suggests if you do not sign today, they will drill anyhow and you won’t share in the proceeds.

Broadview Heights leadership needs to take an active unbiased role in helping its residents manage through this contentious issue. Wells drilled today, will likely be with us, producing or not, for decades.

8-17-2009 Campaign in Full Swing
Brian’s grassroots effort to knock on every door in Ward 1 is progressing. To date, he only has about 11 streets remaining, a quest he hopes to accomplish by the September 8^th Primary. The idea was not to spend a lot of money to have someone mail literature, or build a fancy web site, place 100’s of yards signs, and lots of advertisements. Yes, these are needed in limited quantities, but Brian’s approach is to reach out to our community, shake your hand, look you in the eye, and discuss the positives of our community and where we might improve. There are data points that Brian hopes to craft a strategic vision that can be communicated to all residents for additional input and refinement. So if you haven’t seen Brian at your house, received a hand written note indicating he stopped by while you were out, hopefully you will see him in the coming days.


Friends of Brian Dean for Council Deliver Literature (8-15-09)

2009 Memorial Day Parade -- Kiwanis


June 4, 2009 -- Doc's Fund-raiser (over 70 people participated)

5-12-2009: Shayne W. Bailey v. Samuel J. Alai as Mayor of City of Broadview Hts, Ohio
On May 12, 2009, 1:48pm in the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division a suit was against Mayor Alai and the City. The suit claims there are conflicts of interest regarding the Mayor who is the "Chief Executive Officer" of a municipality and who also presides over a Mayor's Court. This dual role may taint the Mayor's opinion, as revenue gleaned from court decisions, manifest themselves as City revenue, alleges the suit. The filing goes on to read, "Samuel J. Alai, as Administrative Officer responsible for the financial condition of the Municipality and the Chief Law Enforcement Officer responsible for enforcement of State Law and Municipal ordinances within the City of Broadview Hts, lacked jurisdiction to preside over the City of Broadview Hts." As such, the class action suit, pursuant to Civil Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,  seeks damages for the previous two years. In other words, if successful, all monies derived from Mayor's Court for which Mayor Alai presided and rendered a "guilty verdict" may have to be returned by the City, plus reasonable legal fees. Punitive damages were not mentioned. Court document indicated that the number of cases heard by Mayor Alai that fall into this category total at least 500, but could be as many as 2000. Similar cases appear to have favored the plaintiff (-1-). Attorneys for the plaintiff, Augustin F. O'Neil and Melissa Graham-Hurd, are seeking trial by jury.

-1- "In DePiero v. City of Macedonia, 180 F 3d 770 (6th Cir. 1999), the US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit held that a Mayor of a Ohio municipality who is Chief Executive Officer of the municipality with widespread executive powers and administrative responsibilities "lacked authority to preside over the Mayor's Court" because the powers with which the Mayor was vested put him in two practically and seriously inconsistent positions and denied Due Process of Law to those persons appearing in a Mayor's Court as defendants." The opinion goes on to say, "...by denying Due Process of law, the defendant was clearly denied the Constitutional Rights to have his case heard in a court of proper and lawful jurisdiction."

5-2-09: Committee for Brian Dean for Council Announces Fundraising Event
Doc's Bar and Grill, Broadview Heights (NW corner 176 & rt82)
Thursday, June 4, 2009 6-9pm, $25 donation
Tacos, nachos, wings, beer, well drinks, non-alcoholic drinks are included
RSVP by calling 440-546-7177 by May 28, 2009

4-15-09: Broadview Hts Summer Festival Canceled
Broadview Heights Journal (May 2009, Vol. 20 - No. 5)

4-1-09: Broadview Hts Unveils "Master Plan" for City's Future (target completion 2029 (or beyond))
Gazette, (4-8-09)

4-1-09: Broadview Center ground to move Driveway
Gazette, (4-8-09)
City unveils master plan for raising existing City buildings, constructing all new buildings, adding walking trails, green belts, etc.

First project, move the driveway at City Hall to line up with Akins
Per Sam Alai this will only costing the City $60,000. This doesn't include Alai's estimated $48,000 savings for the City staff performing much of the trucking. Sam estimates at $40-50 an hour savings his City workers can absorb 1066 hours of work between April and August without impacting the services they normally perform.