If you remember, nearly 2-months ago -- on the evening of Thursday, July 8, 2021 – from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. -- Jefferson Park welcomed the seven candidates for the office of Mayor of Cleveland to a discussion forum titled “West Park Mayoral Candidates Night" sponsored jointly by Cleveland City Councilmen Brian Kazy (Ward 16) and Charles Slife (Ward 17).

 

There was a light shower prior to start of the discussion – it freshened the air – and then the sun came out -- and brightened the evening with its golden rays.

 

The audience was well behaved and listened attentively to the wise words pouring out from the stage.

 

One would think that the candidates would have had some nice memories about our park – after having spent over 2-hours – meeting with voters prior to the discussion, 2-hour discussion in the forum, and then again meeting with voters after the discussion.

 

No way!

 

Here is what each of the candidates (only six were present – Ross DiBello was not) had to say in response to the question:

 

What's your favorite city park? posed by wkyc reporter Sara Shookman at a one-on-one interview at the Cleveland Public Theater organized by the TV station:

 

Justin Bibb: "Got to be Selma George Park. That's where I learned how to play ball like a man back in the day."

 

Basheer Jones: "You know, of course, The Fanny Lewis Park, right in Ward Seven. But I've been enjoying Lincoln Park."

 

Dennis Kucinich: "Oh, the Worthington Park. It's behind the First District. Okay, my wife and I walk there all the time. We love it."

 

Sandra Williams: "I would say Woodhill Park. It's my favorite because it was the closest to me. But then can I add a second one?"

 

Kevin Kelley: "Loew Park."

 

Zack Reed: "Luke Easter Park."

 

Here is a link to the wkyc site for the full interviews:

 

Our house faces Jefferson Park – I use it year-round (weather permitting) to play solo-tennis.

 

I love Jefferson Park!

 

The photograph shows the park as photographed on a very pleasant summer’s evening of Sunday September 5 – shortly before 6:00 p.m. – from across our house as I was on my way to the courts.

 

The primary is on Tuesday, September 14th.

 

Enjoy the summer!