He pulled upon community development advocates and international thought leaders on relevant issues for advice. He had national market research companies involved in helping to engage and poll residents here on so many plans, initiatives and proposals that not only did we feel respected but we understood that we had a stake and say in the future development of our city.

He also had relevant business experience. He was the founder of our regional technology association and stayed active in it as Mayor. Thanks to him Markham is now known as Canada’s Technology capital.

My community was abysmal for businesses and dreary for residents interested in a more culturally focused community.

New urbanist initiatives improved that situation as did an attitute that was open and supportive of new immigration and new technology companies and infrastructure.

It took 25 years for our initiatives to take shape (the community is over 200 years old). But I remember the protests regarding bad decisions that our city officials were going to make and I remember our community triumphs. Big kudos also go to our mayor who had a vision (and surrounded himself with good people). He was also very practical. He had the knowledge (former computer biz professional) and education to put in place a strong and ethical foundation for our city’s improvements.

Leadership is key…unfortunately that has been, at best, an inconsistent factor in Cleveland’s situation.

What’s wrong with this picture? Sometimes nothing. But for some, when the abatement period is up the payments go up higher than they can afford. Ten or fifteen yrs seemed a long way away. And we have the tax abatement ‘carrot’ here in Cleveland proper, for new town homes, new single family dwellings.

I think it’s pretty true that most of us would be hard pressed to know what we can afford ten or fifteen yrs down the road…heck most of us would be lucky to be working at the same place. I just urge caution.