Mapleheightspress.com - Letter: Thinks more info needed

I read that Garfield Heights Council President Frank J. Wagner has taken up the task of addressing foreclosures in his city with seminars. My question to Maple Heights residents is, where does our Council president, Jackie Albers, stand on these foreclosure issues?

I think foreclosures are the biggest and most destructive issue to hit this county. It is my understanding Maple Heights already has 200 filings in the first four months of 2008, and this is on pace to surpass the total amount from 2007 by 25 percent.

In Maple Heights, District 2 Councilwoman Toni Jones publicizes foreclosure seminars at the Maple Heights Library every month. While I have seen a few Councilors making great efforts to get the information to people on their own, I feel our Council president has done nothing in terms of support, not even an acknowledgment of our foreclosure issues.

Tackling them head-on like Ms. Jones and Mr. Wagner are doing is the right thing to do, and I respect them for their efforts. They are trying to get the information to all residents in need so they can get free help in trying to save their homes. Foreclosures affect every homeowner by reducing the value of each and every home.

Does the community garden idea trump a major issue like foreclosures? I think this is a clear lack of leadership, again. The reality is Maple Heights City Council needs a leader that faces issues head-on, not one that I feel if you ignore it, the problem will disappear.

What ever happened to committee of the whole meetings?

Kudos to District 7 Councilor Joe Szumski, who actually puts out a newsletter every couple of months to keep his district informed.

B. Lee Miami

Maple Heights