I work in Cleveland Heights in the Fire Department ["
Paradise Lost," March 21]. We have seen in just the past few years an increase in violence, drug overdoses, gang activity, and fires (from lack of upkeep of property and education on safety in the household). For us it is job security.
It is sad, but the city council seems to ignore or refuse to acknowledge there is a problem. Rather than talk about the growing problems, they debate other issues and pat themselves on the shoulder about ratifying the Kyoto Treaty or making Cleveland Heights a "Nuclear Free Zone."
Last year alone there were almost a dozen and a half shootings (several people are REALLY lucky to be alive) and we had over 20 stabbings, and over 200 assaults! We call the neighborhoods north of Mayfield Road "The NOM" (pronounced like the war). It stands for "North of Mayfield," and it describes the goings on there perfectly. A war zone every day, but you never hear or see about it in the news, so it goes ignored. The media tends to shy from REALLY looking at Cleveland Heights, andthey do a great job of PR at City Hall.
Good article. It's too bad that Cleveland Heights will ignore these issues still.
Liam
Cleveland Heights
