Archive for February, 2010
Zanotti on Gambling Trips, Alternative Paper Says
Posted by Roldo Bartimole in Media, Politicians on February 26, 2010
February 26, 2010… Cuyahoga County reform Issue 6 leader Marty Zanotti took gambling trips with convicted County corrupter J. Kevin Kelly.
The story was broken by James Renner of the Independent.
Here’s how the article begins:
Independent Exclusive: Zanotti Gambled with J. Kevin Kelley
By James Renner
Contrary to his public denials, The Independent has learned that Issue 6 architect, former Mayor of Parma Heights, and county-transition executive committee member Martin Zanotti took trips north to gamble with county corruption figure J. Kevin Kelley and several other local politicians.
Zanotti watched from the sidelines at a public meeting for the government transition process held at CSU February 17. After several audience members lobbed softball questions at the group of Democrats in control of the meeting, I stepped to the mic and addressed Zanotti directly. I asked him to go on record to confirm or deny that he accompanied J. Kevin Kelley on gambling junkets to the Detroit/Windsor area. Zanotti’s response? “Come over here and ask me that.”
So I did.
But the audience never heard his response, which was, “Zero.”
I guess that depends on your definition of “junket”.
Reached by phone early this morning, Joe Tal, Parma Heights service director and brother-in-law of Zanotti, said that he was on at least two trips to casinos with Zanotti and J. Kevin Kelley. The feds insist J. Kevin Kelley’s limos, trips and chips were paid for by people seeking favors from Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo and commissioner Jimmy Dimora.
You can read the entire piece here:
http://www.clevelandindependent.com/2010/02/26/independent-exclusive-zanottikelley-gambled/
Silly Season Opens in Cuyahoga County Reform Campaign
Posted by Roldo Bartimole in Politicians on February 22, 2010
February 22, 2010… Okay, the nonsense begins. Cuyahoga County reform just took a bad turn with the report in Crain’s Cleveland Business that candidate for County chief executive Matt Dolan wants to cut the county sales tax after backing the quarter percent increase for the Medical Mart deal.
The report in Crain’s comes from a speech Dolan gave at the City Club of Cleveland. Apparently, Dolan didn’t say what he would cut if he reduced the tax by a quarter percent.
How convenient. Cut taxes but don’t say what you’ll cut to do it. That’s really reformist.
And he starts talking about cutting taxes before he even has an opportunity to know what he’s talking about. He just moved into the County. Already he knows best what we need.
Dolan, a newcomer to the County, apparently shoots before he thinks.
It doesn’t take much thinking to be a demagogue.
Dolan, a member of the wealthy family (billionaires) that owns the Cleveland Indians, Cablevision and much more in New York City, just moved over the border in into Cuyahoga County this year. Otherwise, of course, he couldn’t run for the job.
To make up revenue, I’d suggest that the County add a County admission tax on sporting events. Surely, a Dolan couldn’t oppose that.
Dolan moved from Russell Township in Geauga County over the border to Chagrin Falls, just an ordinary Cuyahoga County community where he could learn how the other half lives.
Dolan was once a Democrat now is a Republican, but likely won’t point that out very often. And the Plain Dealer isn’t likely to remind us of his shifty nature or his recent immigration to our home.
Talk about carpetbaggers.
The Crain’s piece by Jay Miller can be found here:
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20100222/FREE/100229975
County reform is going to be so much fun. But don’t count on any reform. Not any helpful reform, that is.