On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
Thanks Elon!
Check out these billboards around town! CVNP definitely has a sense of humor!!
SAVE Act!
SAVE Act (National Level):
Call Senator Moreno: DC (202-224-2315), Columbus office (614-469-2083), Cleveland office at (21- 522-7272), and Cincinnati office (513- 684-1021.
Call Senator Husted: DC (202-224-3353), Columbus office (614-369-4925), and Cleveland office at (216-539-7877).
Here is a 1-pager to share, and here is a SAVE Act fact sheet with specific details on how SAVE would impact Ohioans.
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
Ohio Senate Bill 153 and Ohio House Bill 233 are a pair of radical, massive, and unnecessary election bills now in the Ohio General Assembly. Not only would these bills make it harder for statewide initiatives, local issues, and candidates to make it onto the ballot, these bills would make it harder for Ohioans to cast a ballot and would add unacceptable, unfunded burdens to local Boards of Elections.
The power of the vote and the citizen initiatives are the strongest tools Ohioans have to push back on government overreach, hold politicians accountable, and allow us to play a real role in shaping policy in our communities. Once again, corrupt politicians are trying to limit the power of everyday Ohioans.
Here’s a snapshot of who these bills would hurt:
Ohio citizens trying to make changes that an out-of-touch Statehouse won’t make: These bills have new rules to make collecting signatures for citizen initiatives and referendums much harder and more expensive, and even tries to intimidate citizen organizers and volunteers with politically motivated investigations to make making it to the ballot even more challenging.
Local governments, businesses, and citizen groups in Ohio trying to put issues onto their community ballots: These strict rules would apply to everyone trying to get something on the ballot, like a liquor ordinance for a small business, proposed zoning change for affordable housing, or new charter amendments for better government.
Grassroots and independent candidates in Ohio who want to run for office: Candidates rely on volunteers to collect the signatures they need to qualify for the ballot, and grassroots and independent candidates who don’t have the funding and infrastructure support from party and corporate donors would be especially hurt by the rules in this bill that would needlessly invalidate signatures and create fear for volunteer organizers.
Ohio voters: This legislation would ban all drop boxes, which are a secure, direct method for voters to submit voter registration forms, absentee ballot request forms, and absentee ballots. Thousands of voters could also be forced to vote provisionally– even if they haven’t moved or changed their name.
Ohio county Boards of Elections, election officials, and election workers: These bills would bury our Boards of Elections with unwarranted and excessive busywork and take election officials and election workers away from their important work of supporting voters and keeping our elections secure. This bill is the definition of “unfunded mandate”: obligation without resources.
SB153 and HB 233 are a cynical attempt to rewrite election law and crush Ohio’s direct democracy. This attack on voters, our petition process, and our elections is just one more cynical ploy to rig the system in favor of powerful special interests, taking power away from Ohio citizens.
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Today is Election Day! Polls are open from 6:30 am-7:30 pm. There’s still time to get to the polls!!
Don’t know where to vote?? Go HERE to find your polling place!!
What you’ll see on the May 6 ballot:
There is one statewide issue, Issue 2.
Known as the Local Public Infrastructure Bond Amendment, it would authorize a $2.5 billion general obligation bond to fund the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). The money would go to local governments in the form of grants or loans for public infrastructure projects, including road repairs, updating storm water collection systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
Senate Bill 1!!
The radical voices in the Ohio House of Representatives passed SB1 in March, which, if it becomes law would substitutes governmental edicts for academic freedom, eliminates all diversity, equity, and inclusion activities on campuses, restricts how faculty teach, bans faculty strikes, and restructures the terms and the mission of each institution’s board of trustees. We need your help to fight back!!
Learn more HERE and HERE and sign the petition to voice your oppositionHERE!!
Support the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd Enhancements!!
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
A call to action has gone out for veterans to muster up in Washington DC on June 6th. We are calling out the over 20 billion in cuts to the VA and from the PACT Act. We are holding the Trump administration accountable for the firing of large amounts of veterans from the federal workforce. We are demanding a stop of the return to work site order that has resulted in disabled veterans who have to work from home to be able to work having to quit their job. This order has resulted in veterans healthcare privacy being violated because there isn’t enough office space. More information HERE!
UPDATE: Protect Our Libraries!!
Thank you for reaching out to your state representative and sharing why your library is important to you. Representatives across Ohio heard from tens of thousands of library supporters. Because of your advocacy, progress was made. After hearing from you, the House of Representatives made changes that mean CCPL is no longer in immediate danger of losing nearly seven million dollars. However, there is still work to be done. The Public Library Fund (PLF) that guaranteed libraries would receive 1.7% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund has been changed to a line item appropriation leaving it vulnerable to cuts or even elimination. The budget process now moves to the Senate. We will continue to advocate for the reliable funding that has allowed Ohio’s public libraries to be the best in the nation. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Tariffs and More from the News
Please read this insightful article HERE about Donald Trump’s dismantling of constitutional democracy.
Also, this article HERE about tariffs and Trump’s plan for the economy.
More information about the terrible Senate Bill 1 HERE, which seeks to overhaul public education in Ohio.
More Radical Legislation!
The SAVE Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank/shame your US House representative on their SAVE vote: Call your House member and let them know (politely!) what you think of their vote. Here‘s who voted and how; contact info is here.
Now it’s time to tell the Senate: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
As we have always known, the real fight will be in the Senate. This bill has a 60-vote threshold, so it is likely to be very close. This week’s action alert is to focus on Ohio’s two senators – Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act, which would make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Instead of undermining the freedom to vote, Congress should be expanding access to voting.
Proving citizenship may sound easy, but the reality is more than 140 million Americans do not have a passport; up to 69 million women and 4 million men who changed their names after getting married do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal names; and seniors, low-income families, young voters, and climate disaster survivors are less likely to have citizenship documents. This bill could shut them all out of our democracy.
Federal law alreadyrequires that only eligible citizens vote in federal elections, and non-citizen voting is extremely rare. The SAVE Act would create unnecessary hurdles, push voters off the rolls, and burden election officials at a time when resources are already stretched thin. Please reject this legislation!”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Help Stop Ohio’s SAVE Act There’s officially an Ohio version of the SAVE Act — and it would stop tens of thousands (potentially hundreds of thousands) of eligible Ohioans from voting.If passed, it would:Eliminate drop boxes;Require proof of citizenship to register to vote;Rely on inaccurate federal data to assess voters’ eligibility to vote; Impose cumbersome regulatory barriers to voting on an array of matters, including local zoning, county charters, candidates, statewide initiatives, and statewide referendum campaigns. A toolkit has been created that explains Ohio‘s SAVE Act (SB 153 & HB 233) and provides actions you can take to stop it. Download the toolkit!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Early voting started on April 8th–so get out and vote early!! More election info below!
April Meeting!!
Please RSVP HERE for our April meeting, which will be TONIGHT, April 29th, 6:30pm social time, 7pm PROMPT meeting start, at the Rocky River Library. We will be hosting Joe Graceffo, Legislative Political Coordinator for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3283, who will be speaking about Trump and Musk’s actions have affected federal employees and what they’re doing to fight back–please do not miss this!! Learn more about AFGE HERE!
We will also be hosting Graham Ball, the Outreach Coordinator for Americans Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS)–he will be discussing what is happening nationally and locally with immigration and what we can do about it! He has four years experience working with refugees and asylum seekers in Northeast Ohio and is currently pursing his masters degree in Forced Migration with the University of London–he will be providing us valuable and topical updates and information as we are currently living under ever-expanding authoritarian rule. Learn more about AMIS HERE!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
The radical voices in the Ohio House of Representatives passed SB1 in March, which, if it becomes law would substitutes governmental edicts for academic freedom, eliminates all diversity, equity, and inclusion activities on campuses, restricts how faculty teach, bans faculty strikes, and restructures the terms and the mission of each institution’s board of trustees. We need your help to fight back!!
Learn more HERE and HERE and sign the petition to voice your oppositionHERE!!
Help the Rocky River Green Team!!
If you are available on Saturday May 10th and want to help man the table for the Rocky River Green Team at the 2025 Earth Fest at the Rocky River Unitarian Universalist Church, please sign up HERE–thanks in advance for volunteering and promoting the Green Team!
Support the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd Enhancements!!
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
A call to action has gone out for veterans to muster up in Washington DC on June 6th. We are calling out the over 20 billion in cuts to the VA and from the PACT Act. We are holding the Trump administration accountable for the firing of large amounts of veterans from the federal workforce. We are demanding a stop of the return to work site order that has resulted in disabled veterans who have to work from home to be able to work having to quit their job. This order has resulted in veterans healthcare privacy being violated because there isn’t enough office space. More information HERE!
UPDATE: Protect Our Libraries!!
Thank you for reaching out to your state representative and sharing why your library is important to you. Representatives across Ohio heard from tens of thousands of library supporters. Because of your advocacy, progress was made. After hearing from you, the House of Representatives made changes that mean CCPL is no longer in immediate danger of losing nearly seven million dollars. However, there is still work to be done. The Public Library Fund (PLF) that guaranteed libraries would receive 1.7% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund has been changed to a line item appropriation leaving it vulnerable to cuts or even elimination. The budget process now moves to the Senate. We will continue to advocate for the reliable funding that has allowed Ohio’s public libraries to be the best in the nation. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Tariffs and More from the News
Please read this insightful article HERE about Donald Trump’s dismantling of constitutional democracy.
Also, this article HERE about tariffs and Trump’s plan for the economy.
More information about the terrible Senate Bill 1 HERE, which seeks to overhaul public education in Ohio.
2025 Primary Elections and More Radical Legislation!
Heading to Vote Early? Here’s Where to Park!
Early in-person voting is happening now at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Here’s what you need to know about parking: Free Voter Parking is available in the lot directly behind our building. Enter from E. 30th Street, just north of Euclid Ave. Need to drop off your ballot? Use our convenient Drop Box right in the lot — open 24/7! Plan ahead, park with ease, and make your voice heard!
Important dates to know for the May 6, 2025 Primary Election
Tues/April 8 – Early Voting Begins (Absentee & In-Person)
There is one statewide issue, Issue 2. Known as the Local Public Infrastructure Bond Amendment, it would authorize a $2.5 billion general obligation bond to fund the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). The money would go to local governments in the form of grants or loans for public infrastructure projects, including road repairs, updating storm water collection systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.
Many voters will have local levies and bond issues that ask voters to fund schools, libraries, public safety services, parks and recreations, and other local expenses
Some voters will have candidate primaries for local office-holders, including mayor, city and township managers, city and village councilors, city treasurers, and more
The SAVE Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank/shame your US House representative on their SAVE vote: Call your House member and let them know (politely!) what you think of their vote. Here‘s who voted and how; contact info is here.
Now it’s time to tell the Senate: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
As we have always known, the real fight will be in the Senate. This bill has a 60-vote threshold, so it is likely to be very close. This week’s action alert is to focus on Ohio’s two senators – Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act, which would make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Instead of undermining the freedom to vote, Congress should be expanding access to voting.
Proving citizenship may sound easy, but the reality is more than 140 million Americans do not have a passport; up to 69 million women and 4 million men who changed their names after getting married do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal names; and seniors, low-income families, young voters, and climate disaster survivors are less likely to have citizenship documents. This bill could shut them all out of our democracy.
Federal law alreadyrequires that only eligible citizens vote in federal elections, and non-citizen voting is extremely rare. The SAVE Act would create unnecessary hurdles, push voters off the rolls, and burden election officials at a time when resources are already stretched thin. Please reject this legislation!”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Help Stop Ohio’s SAVE Act There’s officially an Ohio version of the SAVE Act — and it would stop tens of thousands (potentially hundreds of thousands) of eligible Ohioans from voting.If passed, it would:Eliminate drop boxes;Require proof of citizenship to register to vote;Rely on inaccurate federal data to assess voters’ eligibility to vote; Impose cumbersome regulatory barriers to voting on an array of matters, including local zoning, county charters, candidates, statewide initiatives, and statewide referendum campaigns. A toolkit has been created that explains Ohio‘s SAVE Act (SB 153 & HB 233) and provides actions you can take to stop it. Download the toolkit!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Early voting started on April 8th–so get out and vote early!! More election info below!
April Meeting!!
Please RSVP HERE for our April meeting, which will be TOMORROW, April 29th, 6:30pm social time, 7pm PROMPT meeting start, at the Rocky River Library. We will be hosting Joe Graceffo, Legislative Political Coordinator for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3283, who will be speaking about Trump and Musk’s actions have affected federal employees and what they’re doing to fight back–please do not miss this!! Learn more about AFGE HERE!
We will also be hosting Graham Ball, the Outreach Coordinator for Americans Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS)–he will be discussing what is happening nationally and locally with immigration and what we can do about it! He has four years experience working with refugees and asylum seekers in Northeast Ohio and is currently pursing his masters degree in Forced Migration with the University of London–he will be providing us valuable and topical updates and information as we are currently living under ever-expanding authoritarian rule. Learn more about AMIS HERE!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
The radical voices in the Ohio House of Representatives passed SB1 in March, which, if it becomes law would substitutes governmental edicts for academic freedom, eliminates all diversity, equity, and inclusion activities on campuses, restricts how faculty teach, bans faculty strikes, and restructures the terms and the mission of each institution’s board of trustees. We need your help to fight back!!
Learn more HERE and HERE and sign the petition to voice your oppositionHERE!!
Help the Rocky River Green Team!!
If you are available on Saturday May 10th and want to help man the table for the Rocky River Green Team at the 2025 Earth Fest at the Rocky River Unitarian Universalist Church, please sign up HERE–thanks in advance for volunteering and promoting the Green Team!
Support the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd Enhancements!!
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
A call to action has gone out for veterans to muster up in Washington DC on June 6th. We are calling out the over 20 billion in cuts to the VA and from the PACT Act. We are holding the Trump administration accountable for the firing of large amounts of veterans from the federal workforce. We are demanding a stop of the return to work site order that has resulted in disabled veterans who have to work from home to be able to work having to quit their job. This order has resulted in veterans healthcare privacy being violated because there isn’t enough office space. More information HERE!
UPDATE: Protect Our Libraries!!
Thank you for reaching out to your state representative and sharing why your library is important to you. Representatives across Ohio heard from tens of thousands of library supporters. Because of your advocacy, progress was made. After hearing from you, the House of Representatives made changes that mean CCPL is no longer in immediate danger of losing nearly seven million dollars. However, there is still work to be done. The Public Library Fund (PLF) that guaranteed libraries would receive 1.7% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund has been changed to a line item appropriation leaving it vulnerable to cuts or even elimination. The budget process now moves to the Senate. We will continue to advocate for the reliable funding that has allowed Ohio’s public libraries to be the best in the nation. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Tariffs and More from the News
Please read this insightful article HERE about Donald Trump’s dismantling of constitutional democracy.
Also, this article HERE about tariffs and Trump’s plan for the economy.
More information about the terrible Senate Bill 1 HERE, which seeks to overhaul public education in Ohio.
2025 Primary Elections and More Radical Legislation!
Heading to Vote Early? Here’s Where to Park!
Early in-person voting is happening now at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Here’s what you need to know about parking: Free Voter Parking is available in the lot directly behind our building. Enter from E. 30th Street, just north of Euclid Ave. Need to drop off your ballot? Use our convenient Drop Box right in the lot — open 24/7! Plan ahead, park with ease, and make your voice heard!
Important dates to know for the May 6, 2025 Primary Election
Tues/April 8 – Early Voting Begins (Absentee & In-Person)
A statewide issue that asks voters to approve billions of dollars for local government projects is now Issue 2.
“TO FUND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY PERMITTING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND”
Passage of Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds over the next 10 years, financed through tax revenues the state expects to bring in over that period. The monies from the sale of the bonds fund the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support to invest in public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sewer systems, and waste facilities.
Issue 2 is a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, initiated by the General Assembly. Our legislature passed the joint resolution needed to trigger the process of getting the issue in front of voters. If passed, the amendment would be a renewal to the amendment passed in 1987 that established SCIP and authorized the Ohio Public Works Commission to be program administrators; the 1987 initiative was written to be renewed by voters every ten years. Since then, voters have approved bond renewals three times (1995, 2005, and 2014). If voters reject this Issue 2, the original amendment would expire, taking funding for future capital projects with it.
You can read the ballot language for Issue 2 here, its explanation here, written by a legislative committee, and arguments against here, written by the Ballot Board because that duty falls to them when there is no organized opposition to an issue.
SAVE Act!!
The SAVE Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank/shame your US House representative on their SAVE vote: Call your House member and let them know (politely!) what you think of their vote. Here‘s who voted and how; contact info is here.
Now it’s time to tell the Senate: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
As we have always known, the real fight will be in the Senate. This bill has a 60-vote threshold, so it is likely to be very close. This week’s action alert is to focus on Ohio’s two senators – Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act, which would make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Instead of undermining the freedom to vote, Congress should be expanding access to voting.
Proving citizenship may sound easy, but the reality is more than 140 million Americans do not have a passport; up to 69 million women and 4 million men who changed their names after getting married do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal names; and seniors, low-income families, young voters, and climate disaster survivors are less likely to have citizenship documents. This bill could shut them all out of our democracy.
Federal law alreadyrequires that only eligible citizens vote in federal elections, and non-citizen voting is extremely rare. The SAVE Act would create unnecessary hurdles, push voters off the rolls, and burden election officials at a time when resources are already stretched thin. Please reject this legislation!”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Early voting started on April 8th–so get out and vote early!! More election info below!
April Meeting!!
Please RSVP HERE for our April meeting, which will be April 29th, 6:30pm social time, 7pm PROMPT meeting start, at the Rocky River Library. We will be hosting Joe Graceffo, Legislative Political Coordinator for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3283, who will be speaking about Trump and Musk’s actions have affected federal employees and what they’re doing to fight back–please do not miss this!! Learn more about AFGE HERE!
We will also be hosting Graham Ball, the Outreach Coordinator for Americans Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS)–he will be discussing what is happening nationally and locally with immigration and what we can do about it! He has four years experience working with refugees and asylum seekers in Northeast Ohio and is currently pursing his masters degree in Forced Migration with the University of London–he will be providing us valuable and topical updates and information as we are currently living under ever-expanding authoritarian rule. Learn more about AMIS HERE!
Tesla Protest Saturday, April 19, 12:00-2:00 pmTesla Motors, 5180 Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst 44124 JoinTesla Takedownand Ohio 50501 to support the “The Rally Heard Round the World” on this local day of action! Bring signs, good spirits, loud voices, and be ready to enjoy participating in this peaceful rally! MORE INFO & SIGN-UP
Senate Bill 1!!
The radical voices in the Ohio House of Representatives passed SB1 in March, which, if it becomes law would substitutes governmental edicts for academic freedom, eliminates all diversity, equity, and inclusion activities on campuses, restricts how faculty teach, bans faculty strikes, and restructures the terms and the mission of each institution’s board of trustees. We need your help to fight back!!
Learn more HERE and HERE and sign the petition to voice your oppositionHERE!!
Westshore Spring Party!! Mark Your Calendars!!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
If you are available on Saturday May 10th and want to help man the table for the Rocky River Green Team at the 2025 Earth Fest at the Rocky River Unitarian Universalist Church, please sign up HERE–thanks in advance for volunteering and promoting the Green Team!
Support the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd Enhancements!!
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
A call to action has gone out for veterans to muster up in Washington DC on June 6th. We are calling out the over 20 billion in cuts to the VA and from the PACT Act. We are holding the Trump administration accountable for the firing of large amounts of veterans from the federal workforce. We are demanding a stop of the return to work site order that has resulted in disabled veterans who have to work from home to be able to work having to quit their job. This order has resulted in veterans healthcare privacy being violated because there isn’t enough office space. More information HERE!
UPDATE: Protect Our Libraries!!
Thank you for reaching out to your state representative and sharing why your library is important to you. Representatives across Ohio heard from tens of thousands of library supporters. Because of your advocacy, progress was made. After hearing from you, the House of Representatives made changes that mean CCPL is no longer in immediate danger of losing nearly seven million dollars. However, there is still work to be done. The Public Library Fund (PLF) that guaranteed libraries would receive 1.7% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund has been changed to a line item appropriation leaving it vulnerable to cuts or even elimination. The budget process now moves to the Senate. We will continue to advocate for the reliable funding that has allowed Ohio’s public libraries to be the best in the nation. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Tariffs and More from the News
Please read this insightful article HERE about Donald Trump’s dismantling of constitutional democracy.
Also, this article HERE about tariffs and Trump’s plan for the economy.
More information about the terrible Senate Bill 1 HERE, which seeks to overhaul public education in Ohio.
2025 Primary Elections and More Radical Legislation!
Heading to Vote Early? Here’s Where to Park!
Early in-person voting is happening now at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Here’s what you need to know about parking: Free Voter Parking is available in the lot directly behind our building. Enter from E. 30th Street, just north of Euclid Ave. Need to drop off your ballot? Use our convenient Drop Box right in the lot — open 24/7! Plan ahead, park with ease, and make your voice heard!
Important dates to know for the May 6, 2025 Primary Election
Tues/April 8 – Early Voting Begins (Absentee & In-Person)
A statewide issue that asks voters to approve billions of dollars for local government projects is now Issue 2.
“TO FUND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY PERMITTING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND”
Passage of Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds over the next 10 years, financed through tax revenues the state expects to bring in over that period. The monies from the sale of the bonds fund the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support to invest in public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sewer systems, and waste facilities.
Issue 2 is a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, initiated by the General Assembly. Our legislature passed the joint resolution needed to trigger the process of getting the issue in front of voters. If passed, the amendment would be a renewal to the amendment passed in 1987 that established SCIP and authorized the Ohio Public Works Commission to be program administrators; the 1987 initiative was written to be renewed by voters every ten years. Since then, voters have approved bond renewals three times (1995, 2005, and 2014). If voters reject this Issue 2, the original amendment would expire, taking funding for future capital projects with it.
You can read the ballot language for Issue 2 here, its explanation here, written by a legislative committee, and arguments against here, written by the Ballot Board because that duty falls to them when there is no organized opposition to an issue.
SAVE Act!!
The SAVE Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank/shame your US House representative on their SAVE vote: Call your House member and let them know (politely!) what you think of their vote. Here‘s who voted and how; contact info is here.
Now it’s time to tell the Senate: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
As we have always known, the real fight will be in the Senate. This bill has a 60-vote threshold, so it is likely to be very close. This week’s action alert is to focus on Ohio’s two senators – Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act, which would make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Instead of undermining the freedom to vote, Congress should be expanding access to voting.
Proving citizenship may sound easy, but the reality is more than 140 million Americans do not have a passport; up to 69 million women and 4 million men who changed their names after getting married do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal names; and seniors, low-income families, young voters, and climate disaster survivors are less likely to have citizenship documents. This bill could shut them all out of our democracy.
Federal law alreadyrequires that only eligible citizens vote in federal elections, and non-citizen voting is extremely rare. The SAVE Act would create unnecessary hurdles, push voters off the rolls, and burden election officials at a time when resources are already stretched thin. Please reject this legislation!”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Early voting started on April 8th–so get out and vote early!! More election info below!
April Meeting!!
Please RSVP HERE for our April meeting, which will be April 29th, 6:30pm social time, 7pm meeting start, at the Rocky River Library. We will be hosting Joe Graceffo, Legislative Political Coordinator for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3283, who will be speaking about Trump and Musk’s actions have affected federal employees and what they’re doing to fight back–please do not miss this!! Learn more about AFGE HERE!
Tesla Protest Saturday, April 19, 12:00-2:00 pmTesla Motors, 5180 Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst 44124 JoinTesla Takedownand Ohio 50501 to support the “The Rally Heard Round the World” on this local day of action! Bring signs, good spirits, loud voices, and be ready to enjoy participating in this peaceful rally! MORE INFO & SIGN-UP
Westshore Spring Party!! Mark Your Calendars!!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
If you are available on Saturday May 10th and want to help man the table for the Rocky River Green Team at the 2025 Earth Fest at the Rocky River Unitarian Universalist Church, please sign up HERE–thanks in advance for volunteering and promoting the Green Team!
Support the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd Enhancements!!
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
A call to action has gone out for veterans to muster up in Washington DC on June 6th. We are calling out the over 20 billion in cuts to the VA and from the PACT Act. We are holding the Trump administration accountable for the firing of large amounts of veterans from the federal workforce. We are demanding a stop of the return to work site order that has resulted in disabled veterans who have to work from home to be able to work having to quit their job. This order has resulted in veterans healthcare privacy being violated because there isn’t enough office space. More information HERE!
UPDATE: Protect Our Libraries!!
Thank you for reaching out to your state representative and sharing why your library is important to you. Representatives across Ohio heard from tens of thousands of library supporters. Because of your advocacy, progress was made. After hearing from you, the House of Representatives made changes that mean CCPL is no longer in immediate danger of losing nearly seven million dollars. However, there is still work to be done. The Public Library Fund (PLF) that guaranteed libraries would receive 1.7% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund has been changed to a line item appropriation leaving it vulnerable to cuts or even elimination. The budget process now moves to the Senate. We will continue to advocate for the reliable funding that has allowed Ohio’s public libraries to be the best in the nation. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Tariffs and More from the News
Please read this insightful article HERE about Donald Trump’s dismantling of constitutional democracy.
Also, this article HERE about tariffs and Trump’s plan for the economy.
More information about the terrible Senate Bill 1 HERE, which seeks to overhaul public education in Ohio.
2025 Primary Elections and More Radical Legislation!
Heading to Vote Early? Here’s Where to Park!
Early in-person voting is happening now at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Here’s what you need to know about parking: Free Voter Parking is available in the lot directly behind our building. Enter from E. 30th Street, just north of Euclid Ave. Need to drop off your ballot? Use our convenient Drop Box right in the lot — open 24/7! Plan ahead, park with ease, and make your voice heard!
Important dates to know for the May 6, 2025 Primary Election
Tues/April 8 – Early Voting Begins (Absentee & In-Person)
A statewide issue that asks voters to approve billions of dollars for local government projects is now Issue 2.
“TO FUND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY PERMITTING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND”
Passage of Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds over the next 10 years, financed through tax revenues the state expects to bring in over that period. The monies from the sale of the bonds fund the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support to invest in public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sewer systems, and waste facilities.
Issue 2 is a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, initiated by the General Assembly. Our legislature passed the joint resolution needed to trigger the process of getting the issue in front of voters. If passed, the amendment would be a renewal to the amendment passed in 1987 that established SCIP and authorized the Ohio Public Works Commission to be program administrators; the 1987 initiative was written to be renewed by voters every ten years. Since then, voters have approved bond renewals three times (1995, 2005, and 2014). If voters reject this Issue 2, the original amendment would expire, taking funding for future capital projects with it.
You can read the ballot language for Issue 2 here, its explanation here, written by a legislative committee, and arguments against here, written by the Ballot Board because that duty falls to them when there is no organized opposition to an issue.
SAVE Act!!
The SAVE Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank/shame your US House representative on their SAVE vote: Call your House member and let them know (politely!) what you think of their vote. Here‘s who voted and how; contact info is here.
Now it’s time to tell the Senate: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
As we have always known, the real fight will be in the Senate. This bill has a 60-vote threshold, so it is likely to be very close. This week’s action alert is to focus on Ohio’s two senators – Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act, which would make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Instead of undermining the freedom to vote, Congress should be expanding access to voting.
Proving citizenship may sound easy, but the reality is more than 140 million Americans do not have a passport; up to 69 million women and 4 million men who changed their names after getting married do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal names; and seniors, low-income families, young voters, and climate disaster survivors are less likely to have citizenship documents. This bill could shut them all out of our democracy.
Federal law alreadyrequires that only eligible citizens vote in federal elections, and non-citizen voting is extremely rare. The SAVE Act would create unnecessary hurdles, push voters off the rolls, and burden election officials at a time when resources are already stretched thin. Please reject this legislation!”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Early voting started on April 8th–so get out and vote early!! More election info below!
April Meeting!!
Please RSVP HERE for our April meeting, which will be April 29th, 6:30pm social time, 7pm meeting start, at the Rocky River Library. We will be hosting Joe Graceffo, Legislative Political Coordinator for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3283, who will be speaking about Trump and Musk’s actions have affected federal employees and what they’re doing to fight back–please do not miss this!! Learn more about AFGE HERE!
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River. Please try to attend the city council meeting onMonday April 14th at 7pm at City Hall, which will be open to comments from citizens.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
Tesla Protest Saturday, April 19, 12:00-2:00 pmTesla Motors, 5180 Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst 44124 JoinTesla Takedownand Ohio 50501 to support the “The Rally Heard Round the World” on this local day of action! Bring signs, good spirits, loud voices, and be ready to enjoy participating in this peaceful rally! MORE INFO & SIGN-UP
Westshore Spring Party!! Mark Your Calendars!!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
Thank you for reaching out to your state representative and sharing why your library is important to you. Representatives across Ohio heard from tens of thousands of library supporters. Because of your advocacy, progress was made. After hearing from you, the House of Representatives made changes that mean CCPL is no longer in immediate danger of losing nearly seven million dollars. However, there is still work to be done. The Public Library Fund (PLF) that guaranteed libraries would receive 1.7% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund has been changed to a line item appropriation leaving it vulnerable to cuts or even elimination. The budget process now moves to the Senate. We will continue to advocate for the reliable funding that has allowed Ohio’s public libraries to be the best in the nation. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Tariffs and More from the News
Please read this insightful article HERE about Donald Trump’s dismantling of constitutional democracy.
Also, this article HERE about tariffs and Trump’s plan for the economy.
More information about the terrible Senate Bill 1 HERE, which seeks to overhaul public education in Ohio.
2025 Primary Elections and More Radical Legislation!
Heading to Vote Early? Here’s Where to Park!
Early in-person voting is happening now at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Here’s what you need to know about parking: Free Voter Parking is available in the lot directly behind our building. Enter from E. 30th Street, just north of Euclid Ave. Need to drop off your ballot? Use our convenient Drop Box right in the lot — open 24/7! Plan ahead, park with ease, and make your voice heard!
Important dates to know for the May 6, 2025 Primary Election
Tues/April 8 – Early Voting Begins (Absentee & In-Person)
A statewide issue that asks voters to approve billions of dollars for local government projects is now Issue 2.
“TO FUND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY PERMITTING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND”
Passage of Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds over the next 10 years, financed through tax revenues the state expects to bring in over that period. The monies from the sale of the bonds fund the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support to invest in public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sewer systems, and waste facilities.
Issue 2 is a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, initiated by the General Assembly. Our legislature passed the joint resolution needed to trigger the process of getting the issue in front of voters. If passed, the amendment would be a renewal to the amendment passed in 1987 that established SCIP and authorized the Ohio Public Works Commission to be program administrators; the 1987 initiative was written to be renewed by voters every ten years. Since then, voters have approved bond renewals three times (1995, 2005, and 2014). If voters reject this Issue 2, the original amendment would expire, taking funding for future capital projects with it.
You can read the ballot language for Issue 2 here, its explanation here, written by a legislative committee, and arguments against here, written by the Ballot Board because that duty falls to them when there is no organized opposition to an issue.
SAVE Act!!
The SAVE Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank/shame your US House representative on their SAVE vote: Call your House member and let them know (politely!) what you think of their vote. Here‘s who voted and how; contact info is here.
Now it’s time to tell the Senate: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
As we have always known, the real fight will be in the Senate. This bill has a 60-vote threshold, so it is likely to be very close. This week’s action alert is to focus on Ohio’s two senators – Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act, which would make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Instead of undermining the freedom to vote, Congress should be expanding access to voting.
Proving citizenship may sound easy, but the reality is more than 140 million Americans do not have a passport; up to 69 million women and 4 million men who changed their names after getting married do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal names; and seniors, low-income families, young voters, and climate disaster survivors are less likely to have citizenship documents. This bill could shut them all out of our democracy.
Federal law alreadyrequires that only eligible citizens vote in federal elections, and non-citizen voting is extremely rare. The SAVE Act would create unnecessary hurdles, push voters off the rolls, and burden election officials at a time when resources are already stretched thin. Please reject this legislation!”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
You may have heard of this guy, I’m told he’s pretty friendly. We should probably help get him re-elected. Please come out and support Mike in his run for law director of Rocky River, Thursday April 10th from 5:30-8pm at Tartine Bistro (19110 Old Detroit Rd, Rocky River).
Support the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd Enhancements!!
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River. Please try to attend the city council meeting onMonday April 7th at 7pm at City Hall.This is a “non-participation” meeting, but we hope you can observe and show our support for this important project–the April 14th City Council meeting at 7pm will be open to comments from citizens.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
The Ohio House of Representative’s proposed budget will dismantle the Public Library Fund – replacing it with an unstable funding structure that could severely impact the ability of public libraries in Cuyahoga County to offer programming, resources, services and spaces – just as the demand for these services is growing. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Westshore Spring Party!! Mark Your Calendars!!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
A statewide issue that asks voters to approve billions of dollars for local government projects is now Issue 2.
“TO FUND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY PERMITTING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND”
Passage of Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds over the next 10 years, financed through tax revenues the state expects to bring in over that period. The monies from the sale of the bonds fund the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support to invest in public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sewer systems, and waste facilities.
Issue 2 is a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, initiated by the General Assembly. Our legislature passed the joint resolution needed to trigger the process of getting the issue in front of voters. If passed, the amendment would be a renewal to the amendment passed in 1987 that established SCIP and authorized the Ohio Public Works Commission to be program administrators; the 1987 initiative was written to be renewed by voters every ten years. Since then, voters have approved bond renewals three times (1995, 2005, and 2014). If voters reject this Issue 2, the original amendment would expire, taking funding for future capital projects with it.
You can read the ballot language for Issue 2 here, its explanation here, written by a legislative committee, and arguments against here, written by the Ballot Board because that duty falls to them when there is no organized opposition to an issue.
SAVE Act!!
Last week, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson had planned to hold the vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would not only require proof of citizenship to vote, it would require voters to have their present ID match the name on their birth certificate. But after nine Republican Representatives voted with Democrats to allow proxy voting for new parents in the House, he cancelled business for the rest of the week. This means we have more time to urge NO votes!
Tell Congress: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. House Republicans want to make voting harder. Call your representative and urge them to reject the “SAVE” Act and actually protect voters.
It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections. The bill’s requirement of a document to prove American citizenship to register to vote in federal elections is unnecessary and would waste state and federal resources that could be better spent on effective election security.
But most importantly, the SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters.
What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
SAVE is expected to pass in the House, but this pause gives us another opportunity to shout our opposition to our Congressional representatives, so this week’s action alert is another push to U.S. House members and Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
If SAVE does pass out of the House, it will head to the Senate; the Senate companion bill is waiting in the Rules and Administration Committee. Because the threshold for passage is 60 votes, we believe we can win, but it will be close, and we need everyone to continue being active in our opposition.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act because it would scare newly naturalized citizens out of voting and make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Please reject this legislation.”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River. Please try to attend the city council meeting onMonday April 7th at 7pm at City Hall.This is a “non-participation” meeting, but we hope you can observe and show our support for this important project–the April 14th City Council meeting at 7pm will be open to comments from citizens.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
Please come out to support our friend Tom Kelly as he runs for Rocky River Municipal Court Judge! This fundraiser will be at Fatheads in North Olmsted (24581 Lorain Rd) on Wednesday April 9th from 5:30-7:30pm. He was narrowly defeated in the last election and he needs all of our support to show that we need good people on the bench!! Please visit the link HERE to donate!
Mike O’Shea Fundraiser!!
You may have heard of this guy, I’m told he’s pretty friendly. We should probably help get him re-elected. Please come out and support Mike in his run for law director of Rocky River, Thursday April 10th from 5:30-8pm at Tartine Bistro (19110 Old Detroit Rd, Rocky River).
Protect Our Libraries!!
The Ohio House of Representative’s proposed budget will dismantle the Public Library Fund – replacing it with an unstable funding structure that could severely impact the ability of public libraries in Cuyahoga County to offer programming, resources, services and spaces – just as the demand for these services is growing. Learn more and take action HERE and HERE!!
Westshore Spring Party!! Mark Your Calendars!!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
A statewide issue that asks voters to approve billions of dollars for local government projects is now Issue 2.
“TO FUND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY PERMITTING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND”
Passage of Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds over the next 10 years, financed through tax revenues the state expects to bring in over that period. The monies from the sale of the bonds fund the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support to invest in public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sewer systems, and waste facilities.
Issue 2 is a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, initiated by the General Assembly. Our legislature passed the joint resolution needed to trigger the process of getting the issue in front of voters. If passed, the amendment would be a renewal to the amendment passed in 1987 that established SCIP and authorized the Ohio Public Works Commission to be program administrators; the 1987 initiative was written to be renewed by voters every ten years. Since then, voters have approved bond renewals three times (1995, 2005, and 2014). If voters reject this Issue 2, the original amendment would expire, taking funding for future capital projects with it.
You can read the ballot language for Issue 2 here, its explanation here, written by a legislative committee, and arguments against here, written by the Ballot Board because that duty falls to them when there is no organized opposition to an issue.
SAVE Act!!
Last week, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson had planned to hold the vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would not only require proof of citizenship to vote, it would require voters to have their present ID match the name on their birth certificate. But after nine Republican Representatives voted with Democrats to allow proxy voting for new parents in the House, he cancelled business for the rest of the week. This means we have more time to urge NO votes!
Tell Congress: REJECT the “SAVE” Act
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. House Republicans want to make voting harder. Call your representative and urge them to reject the “SAVE” Act and actually protect voters.
It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections. The bill’s requirement of a document to prove American citizenship to register to vote in federal elections is unnecessary and would waste state and federal resources that could be better spent on effective election security.
But most importantly, the SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters.
What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted. Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would not make voting more secure; it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote.
SAVE is expected to pass in the House, but this pause gives us another opportunity to shout our opposition to our Congressional representatives, so this week’s action alert is another push to U.S. House members and Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
If SAVE does pass out of the House, it will head to the Senate; the Senate companion bill is waiting in the Rules and Administration Committee. Because the threshold for passage is 60 votes, we believe we can win, but it will be close, and we need everyone to continue being active in our opposition.
When you call, you could say something like this: “My name is ____ and I’m one of your constituents from [CITY]. I urge you to oppose the anti-voter “SAVE” Act because it would scare newly naturalized citizens out of voting and make it harder for millions of eligible voters to cast a ballot. Please reject this legislation.”
If no one answers, be sure to leave a message!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
Our friend Patrick O’Connor shared some great information about how the Lake Road/Clifton Blvd bridge enhancements, a project that would decrease Lake Road between Linda Street and the Rocky River Line from four lanes to two, adding bike/walking lanes, which has been deemed “not a priority” by our city administration. Please engage your Rocky River City Council and make sure they know it IS a priority–City Council will be discussing this project and the feasibility for our citizens. Lakewood’s City Council has already passed their portion and now it is in the hands of Rocky River. Please try to attend the city council meeting onMonday April 7th at 7pm at City Hall.This is a “non-participation” meeting, but we hope you can observe and show our support for this important project–the April 14th City Council meeting at 7pm will be open to comments from citizens.
Patrick’s message:
“Dear Neighbor, the Clifton Boulevard/Lake Road Enhancement is a once in a three-generation opportunity. The project would expand opportunities for non-vehicular traffic. All parties agree that it will dramatically improve the city’s multi-modal infrastructure, creating a safer, more connected and more pedestrian and bike friendly community.The estimated cost of this improvement project is $13.6 million. The City of Rocky River’s investment responsibility is only about $540,000. Although the city has identified funding sources it has yet to secure its funding. Time is of the essence. The project should go out to bid in August 2025 and work could begin March 2026. However, Mayor Bobst declared that right now this project is not a priority. I am urging you to write and call our city leaders and urge them to move quickly to secure our share of the funding, $540,000. Contact info is attached. Please reach out to the Mayor, Council President, the three Council-At-Large Members and your Ward Representative. Thank you for your participation. And please share this message with your friends and neighbors.“
Please see the attached presentation below from Trevor Hunt, Senior Project Manager for the Clifton-Lake Rd Project, that he presented at last week’s Rocky River Green Team.
Find your ward and contact your councilperson HERE!!
Please reach out to us with any further questions or concerns!
Please come out to support our friend Tom Kelly as he runs for Rocky River Municipal Court Judge! This fundraiser will be at Fatheads in North Olmsted (24581 Lorain Rd) on Wednesday April 9th from 5:30-7:30pm. He was narrowly defeated in the last election and he needs all of our support to show that we need good people on the bench!! Please visit the link HERE to donate!
Mike O’Shea Fundraiser!!
You may have heard of this guy, I’m told he’s pretty friendly. We should probably help get him re-elected. Please come out and support Mike in his run for law director of Rocky River, Thursday April 10th from 5:30-8pm at Tartine Bistro (19110 Old Detroit Rd, Rocky River).
Westshore Spring Party!! Mark Your Calendars!!
On Monday, May 19th, we, along with our friends in Bay Village, Westlake, Fairview Park, and North Olmsted, will be holding a Spring Event at the Rocky River Civic Center (21016 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, Ohio). The event will be from 6pm-9pm in the Memorial Hall.
Our featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s first female Director of the Department of Health, who helped guide Ohio through the COVID Pandemic, and candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. You will not want to miss this event!!
A statewide issue that asks voters to approve billions of dollars for local government projects is now Issue 2.
“TO FUND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY PERMITTING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND”
Passage of Issue 2 would allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds over the next 10 years, financed through tax revenues the state expects to bring in over that period. The monies from the sale of the bonds fund the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides local governments with grants, loans, loan assistance, and local debt support to invest in public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, sewer systems, and waste facilities.
Issue 2 is a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, initiated by the General Assembly. Our legislature passed the joint resolution needed to trigger the process of getting the issue in front of voters. If passed, the amendment would be a renewal to the amendment passed in 1987 that established SCIP and authorized the Ohio Public Works Commission to be program administrators; the 1987 initiative was written to be renewed by voters every ten years. Since then, voters have approved bond renewals three times (1995, 2005, and 2014). If voters reject this Issue 2, the original amendment would expire, taking funding for future capital projects with it.
You can read the ballot language for Issue 2 here, its explanation here, written by a legislative committee, and arguments against here, written by the Ballot Board because that duty falls to them when there is no organized opposition to an issue.
Congress has reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require all Americans to provide citizenship documentation when registering to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for noncitizens to register and vote in federal or state elections so this a waste of valuable federal, state, and local resources that do nothing to keep voting secure.
Worse, it would disenfranchise millions of voters. Here’s how: The SAVE Act would effectively ban registering to vote by mail or online since it would require in-person registrationThe Save Act would ban the use of state driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veteran’s ID in voter registration.Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced.The Save Act does nothing to voting more secure, it would just make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. Our democracy works best when all eligible Americans can vote: tell your members of Congress to oppose the SAVE Act.
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
