6.29-7.06.05
Excerpt from Cool Cleveland www.coolcleveland.com

Will Regionalism benefit African-Americans? Observers of the concept of Regionalism (and you know those of us at Cool Cleveland are) soon realize that two key issues stand in its way: suburban residents who don't want to face the problems of the city, especially the Cleveland Municipal School District; and urban residents, mainly black, who don't want to give up their majority political base. More than 100 business and political leaders gathered last Sat 6/24 at the Warrensville Heights Civic and Senior Center for a summit on Regionalism and its effects on the African-American community. Several speakers from across the country shared their views and experience with Regionalism and its impact on their communities at the summit. The event was sponsored by Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, who senses the critical nature of this conundrum. A major concern was the need to address political leaders’ apprehension about relinquishing a power base that they have struggled long and hard to achieve and residents’ fear of a possible “uni-government”. Read the article here and find out why everyone needs to learn more about Regionalism. What barriers might prevent the African-American community from embracing Regionalism? Share your thoughts at Letters@CoolCleveland.com.

--Thomas Mulready
Letters@CoolCleveland.com
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