Vote
May 4, 2010
Blog
-
Plain Dealer Letter to the Editor: The Ohio House needs Tom Bullock's fresh ideas
Posted Apr 21 at 1 PM
Thanks to Dennis Plank of the Northeast Ohio Sierra Club for this excellent letter to the editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
http://blog.cleveland.com/letters/2010/04/the_ohio_house_needs_tom_bullo.html
The Ohio House needs Tom Bullock's fresh ideas
By Other Voices
April 09, 2010, 4:01AM
I am a Sierra Club member and resident of Ohio House District 13. I was very disappointed in The Plain Dealer's endorsement of Nickie Antonio over Tom Bullock (Saturday). The endorsement made it fairly clear that you thought Bullock was more open to fresh ideas than Antonio, but that you support her because she is older and has spent more time in elected office. This is especially disappointing, as this newspaper has in the past taken up the mantra of "reform" by urging the adoption of Issue 6.I'm not actually convinced that Issue 6 really got to the heart of the leadership problems our region has faced, but I am quite certain that one such problem that does need to be cured is the wait-your-turn mentality common in this region, which The Plain Dealer seemingly endorses. It is time our region stopped holding back qualified and energetic candidates simply because they have not put in a certain amount of time in the local political structure. Time in office does not necessarily translate to success in that, or any other, office. Sometimes, it is quite the opposite, and fresh ideas and insights can be just what the system needs to perform more ably.
The Sierra Club endorsed Bullock because it was impressed by his knowledge of the issues and the leadership he was prepared to take in the Statehouse to make a change on these issues. That seems to be consistent with his attitude and approach on the other issues that will be important to voters in my district, such as growing jobs and bettering education. It's unfortunate that The Plain Dealer seems more interested in keeping track of the age of a candidate or his years in elected office than the fresh ideas or strong work ethic he would bring to the legislature.
Dennis Plank, Cleveland
Plank is co-chairman of the Northeast Ohio Sierra Group Conservation Committee. -
Bullock endorsed by major environmental organization!
Posted Mar 24 at 8 AM
Dear Friends,
Our momentum continues to build! I'm happy to announce the endorsement of Sierra Club, the nation's oldest and largest conservation organization! They recognized that our fight for clean energy jobs and making Lakewood and Cleveland into model green cities puts sustainability at the center of our campaign for change. It's an honor to work on behalf of these issues with Sierra Club's support.
Our momentum growing--and our work continues. Please help continue our progress! Click here to volunteer or to make a donation. Or email me at tom@tombullockforohio.com to find out how you can get involved!
Thanks for your friendship and support,Tom
Here is the press release announcing Sierra Club's endorsement:
Sierra Club Announces Endorsement of Tom Bullock for State Representative in Ohio's 13th House District
CLEVELAND - The Sierra Club announced today that it is endorsing Lakewood Councilman Tom Bullock for Ohio House of Representatives. Bullock, a Democrat, is running in the 13th House District, which includes Lakewood and parts of Cleveland's West side. Since Ohio has term limits, it is an open seat contest with no incumbent.
Northeast Ohio Sierra Club Chair Pat McKenna said the group decided to endorse Bullock because he is an "exceptionally strong" advocate for clean energy, fighting sprawl, strengthening parks and conservation areas, and improving the health and cleanliness of water and air, and because these issues are coming to a crucial crossroads at the state level.
"We need strong environmental champions leading our government, and we need leaders to stand up to industry special interest that too often dominate Columbus," said McKenna. "Sierra Club doesn't always make an endorsement for state representative this early, but our members felt strongly that with Tom Bullock, we have an exceptionally strong advocate for clean energy and for making our cities sustainable."
McKenna says Bullock has been a passionate advocate of environmental causes for years. He works full-time to develop clean energy industries for Ohio such as wind, solar, and energy efficiency, and is a founding member of a local foods group, Lakewood Earth and Food Community. He is also a Lakewood City Councilperson, where he has sponsored an initiative to create a citywide solar special improvement district to offer better-than-market rates for property owners to finance solar energy projects.
If elected to the state legislature, Bullock promises to sponsor legislation to strengthen solar special improvement districts in Ohio and to broaden them to include other renewable energy sources such as wind and geothermal. This would be a critical measure to help make Ohio a leader in developing and encouraging sustainable alternative energy resources. Tom also promises to work against the tide of anti-environmental actions that have been creeping up in our state, such as the livestock-related Issue 2, which passed last fall despite Sierra Club opposition, due to support from both political parties.
Bullock will also fight for stable, independent funding sources for transit and state parks, both of which have seen a steady decline in funding and face shortages and cut-backs. He will work against sprawl and to strengthen core communities such as Cleveland and Lakewood so they become model, green walking cities.
# # #
-
Bullock Receives Democratic Club Endorsement
Posted Mar 24 at 8 AM
Exciting news: I've won a major Democratic endorsement in my race for state representative! The Lakewood Democratic Club, one of the largest and most active grassroots Democratic organizations in the region, recently endorsed my candidacy at its March meeting. The support of this organization, which is inclusive and open to participation and membership by any Democrat, keeps our momentum growing and is further evidence that Democrats want change and new leadership to get Greater Cleveland back on the right track! -
Breaking News!
Posted Jan 24 at 3 PM
Senior Opponent Quits Race, Leaving Bullock in Strong Position With Growing Momentum
Friends,
I want to share an important development: our campaign is running so strong that my most senior opponent, former State Senator Dan Brady, has officially dropped out of our race for state representative in Ohio's 13th House District! Mr. Brady has opted instead to run instead for another office, County Council, as reported here. We wish him the best of luck.
This leaves us with a big head start and growing momentum over my only remaining opponent. We'll continue our door-to-door campaign to take our message directly to voters, and we continue meeting new friends and volunteers so we can fight to grow jobs, end corruption, and help Greater Cleveland get back on the right track.
Will you help make these changes possible? We need your support to keep the momentum going.
Click here to contribute today!
Sincerely,Tom
P.S. It's exciting that our most senior opponent dropped out of the race! Help keep our momentum going by clicking here to donate today -- $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can afford!
-
Making our community more walkable and dog-friendly
Posted Nov 04 at 9 AM
Recently, we took another step towards making Lakewood a more walkable and dog-friendly community by considering a 12-month pilot program I proposed to allow leashed dog-walking in some Lakewood parks, subject to safety rules and cleanliness requirements. Look for continued deliberation in the Public Safety Committee to refine and get public input on this proposal. Feel free to contact me with your thoughts by emailing tom@tombullockforohio.com. -
Polycultures: Tom Bullock Potluck and Screening
Posted Oct 13 at 11 AM
PolyCultures portrays the diverse communities around Northeast Ohio coming together to grow a more sustainable and local food system. Read more about the Tom Bullock Potluck on GoSustanio and the Polycultures blog!
-
Lakewood: St. James vows fight to save building
Posted Sep 16 at 2 PM
Read the full article online on wkyc.com here!
LAKEWOOD -- Lakewood City Council is drafting a new ordinance that would prohibit the Cleveland Catholic Diocese from tearing down St. James Church or destroying its beautiful interior.
For art lovers, St. James is considered an architectural jewel.
Copied from the classic 12th century Monreale Cathedral in Sicily, the church on Detroit Avenue took 10 years to build. The iconography is intricate.
The gold leaf used in the artwork is amazing. The Porta Santa marble used to make the pillars was quarried in Greece 2,000 years ago.
Bishop Richard Lennon has ordered St. James closed by next June as part of a downsizing plan.
"We are not going to let that happen," said Lakewood City Councilman Tom Bullock. He has teamed up with Mayor Ed FitzGerald to draft legislation to protect St. James.
The proposed ordinance would protect any structure that the city designates a historical or cultural landmark.
"We owe it to the congregation of St. James in recognition of all the good work they do in this community," added Bullock.
"And the building itself is an irreplaceable architectural jewel and a gem. Once you tear it down, you will never get it back."
Chris Trepal, a leader of the group "Friends of St. James" said, "That church was built by the sacrifice of our fathers and grandfathers. It's part of what makes Lakewood-Lakewood.
It's part of our culture, our history and our sense of place."The church interior has suffered water damage from a leaky roof. Parish finances are tight. The budget has been running a deficit of about $1,000 per week.
"Save St. James" signs have popped up all across Lakewood.
On Detroit Avenue, baker Laurie Patton paused as she made sugar ornaments for a cake."They've got to find a way to save that church", said Patton.
"People have been going there for years. That's what they know and that's what their parents knew. It goes back generations."
There are 4,000 members of St. James parish. 226 families have signed up to become part of the parish in the last 14 months.
"My family went to school and to church at St. James," said Tom Gilbert, who lives a few houses away from the church. "Besides the incredible architecture, if you tear it down, what are you going to put in its place?"
So far, the only official response from the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, "The diocese is taking the matter under advisement to determine how to interact with the city on this matter. "
Experts say the cost to build the church back in 1925 was about $500,000.
The cost to replace the building today would come to about $900 million.
In one of the many beautiful stained glass window panels, the artwork depicts St. James saving his people.
It's clear this parish now plans to save St. James before it is downsized into oblivion.
© 2009 WKYC-TV -
EcoLakewood Meeting
Posted Sep 16 at 2 PM
EcoLakewood is a citizen steering committee for greening Lakewood. Tom Bullock helped organize the committee and participates as part of his work to make core cities like Cleveland and Lakewood into model green communities. The meeting hosted Nature Friendly Products, a company located on the east side of Cleveland. The products introduced included biodegradable cups, containers, trays and more. Nature Friendly Products boosts clients such as The Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University. For more information, please visit www.nfpco.com.
-
End of Summer Happy Hour Fundraiser - Success!
Posted Sep 04 at 11 AM
Thanks to all who attended the hugely successful Happy Hour Fundraiser for Tom Bullock!
Attendees enjoyed all-you-can-eat pizza and beer to support Councilman Tom Bullock in his fight for the issues we care about:
Green Jobs: transforming the Rust Belt to the Green Energy Belt,
Reform: fighting for reform so we have leaner, cleaner, smarter government that more effectively grows jobs,
Service: answering President Obama's call to make an ongoing commitment to serve our communities.You don't want to miss out on the excitement! Check back for more events!
-
Bullock Raises Record Donations in Race for Ohio House District 13
Posted Aug 20 at 5 PM
Beats Incumbent in Fundraising; Opponent Fails to File Campaign Report
Lakewood, OH-- Democratic candidate Tom Bullock announced today that he raised record funds from a record amount of supporters in the open seat contest for Ohio House District 13 for the period ending July 31. Bullock, a Lakewood City Councilman, is running in the Democratic primary next May 2010 in the district that includes Lakewood and parts of Cleveland’s West side. Term limits prevent the incumbent, Rep. Mike Skindell, from running for reelection.
Bullock reported more than $22,000 cash-on-hand in his July 31 campaign finance report, the first of his campaign. Nearly 200 donors gave an average of less than $100 to reach this total, with no donation coming from a political action committee but instead from grassroots supporters, friends, family, and colleagues. Bullock says his strong grassroots support is good news for voters because he will not have to rely on
political insiders or special interests either in Cuyahoga County or Columbus to build a winning campaign.
“What struck me is the number of everyday people who want to get involved in their government. My average donation was less than one hundred dollars,” said Bullock. “Broad grassroots support means I can serve as an independent voice that answers to voters, not political insiders.”
Additionally, Bullock announced that:
• He both outraised and kept more cash-on-hand than incumbent Rep. Skindell.
• His opponent, Dan Brady, failed to file a campaign finance report electronically. State law requires any candidate for the general assembly raising more than $10,000 during the time period ending June 30 to file electronically with the Ohio Secretary of State by July 31. As of press time, neither the Secretary of State nor the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections had received a filing from the Brady campaign.
• According to available records from previous races, Bullock has raised more than all previous open seat House District 13 candidates had at this point in the calendar.
• As of press time, a record search indicates Bullock raised more than any other open seat candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives in the state for this period. It also indicated no other open seat candidate received donations from as many individuals.
Bullock said fundraising success is just a first step and pledged to work equally hard to meet people in the community and listen to residents’ concerns directly on their doorsteps.
“It’s not just about the money; it’s also about walking the neighborhoods to talk to voters directly,” said Bullock. “Too often our leaders assume they know the issues and don’t do a good job of listening. But if you are serious, as I am, about hearing residents’ concerns, you need to talk to people in their own neighborhoods. I’ve already begun door-knocking to allow ample time for walking this large district and
hearing from voters.”
Bullock’s campaign began in early summer to knock on doors, attend block club meetings, and build a network of civic leaders who can keep him in touch with community needs. Bullock has also sponsored several community service events, including a canned food drive and a litter pickup for Earth Day.
-
Bullock Team Update - June 2009
Posted Aug 19 at 2 AM
Friends,
June is upon us and summer is officially here! It's time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Northeast Ohio. However, because I'm running for State Representative, it also means that the fundraising reporting deadline is almost upon us. June 30th is the day when all of our hard work building a financial backbone for the campaign will become public.We want to show the world that we are serious about this campaign and right now, your donations means more than just money in the bank: they are the seeds that will help us grow throughout the rest of the year.Please donate today to help us show that investing in my campaign is an investment in bringing new green jobs to Ohio, standing up for reform, and developing leaders who give back to the community.
We have already gotten off to a great start:
- We had over 20 people come out to clean up the streets with my campaign for Earth Day as part of Keep Lakewood Beautiful. Volunteers hit the streets to pick up trash and make Lakewood greener.
- At the beginning of May, we had our first major fundraiser.The Cinco de Mayo-themed fiesta had homemade snacks, fine wine, and, of course, margaritas! Over 60 people joined in the festivities.
- We are maintaining our strong momentum and doing our official press announcement to coincide with a canned food drive for a local food bank. Please join us on June 13th.
Please consider being an "angel investor" in this campaign. New businesses need early believers, and so does a new type of politics.Please make a $50, $100, or $250 dollar donation before June 30th so we can continue to build the movement we need for victory.
Click Here to donate online or please send a check to "Tom Bullock for Ohio, 1256 Cook Ave, Lakewood 44107."
Thanks,
Tom Bullock -
Tom Bullock Team Update - May 2009
Posted Aug 19 at 2 AM
We are hitting the ground running! I hope you had a chance to join us for our Cinco de Mayo Kickoff fundraiser and our Keep Lakewood Beautiful day of service and house party. If not, no worries, there will be many opportunities to take part and I have included pictures to let you in on the action . . .
We had over 20 people come out to clean up the streets with Tom. As a surprise, we also got to join in for the unveiling of a unique new recycling program. Local artists came together for the unveiling of a dozen new public recycling barrels that were decorated by local artists. Talk about supporting our local streetscapes! This is exactly the type of innovation that makes Northeast Ohio great.
Check out the pics:
Also, at the beginning of this month we had our first major fundraiser. Running with the Cinco de Mayo theme, we had homemade fiesta goodies, fine wine, and, of course, margaritas! Over sixty people joined in the festivities! Early money is so important in this race -- it is the way to show the powers that be that not only is new progressive leadership needed in Northeast Ohio, but that we have the means to deliver it by sending Tom to Columbus.
Check out the pics of our kickoff fundraiser:
Speaking of early money, if you have been thinking about sending Tom a check, now is the time to do it. Tom and (Finance guru) Bernie are working non-stop for the next month to prepare for the June 30th fundraising reporting deadline. This is when all of our hard work building a financial backbone for the campaign will become public. We want to show the world that we are serious about this campaign and right now, your dollars mean more than just money in the bank, it is the seed that will help us grow throughout the rest of the year. Please, help us show that investing in Tom is the real deal for investing in new leadership in Columbus. Click Here to donate online or you can send a check to 1256 Cook Ave, Lakewood 44107.
To supplement our fundraising work - and to build the movement we will need for victory - we are trying to hold as many house parties as possible in the next six weeks. This is a great way to help out, bring more people in to the campaign, and have some good progressive fun with your friends, family, and coworkers. You know that neighbor you always wanted to invite over for dinner, that coworker who you chat politics with at the watercooler, and the folks who volunteer with you at the church picnic -- we want them to meet Tom! -- now is your excuse to invite them over for some great fellowship and a good cause. It can be coffee and cookies or goat cheese and crackers, it's up to you.
If you can hold a house party, or if you want to come along to check out a neighbor's, let us know! EmailTomBullockforOhio@gmail.com. We will set you up -- its fun and easy.
Also, we are beginning to build a data entry and letter writing teams, please sign up at http://tinyurl.com/bullockvol
Thanks,
Karolyn
P.S. We will be having our first canvass of the campaign -- helping out with Ask Cleveland -- and we will need your help. We are still pinning down the date, but it will be in the beginning of June. Sign up athttp://tinyurl.com/bullockvol
--
Tom Bullock for Ohio
Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives
OH-13: West-Cleveland and Lakewood
tombullockforohio@gmail.com
www.tombullockforohio.com
--
Volunteer Now: http://tinyurl.com/BullockVol
Donate Now: http://tinyurl.com/BullockDonate
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TomBullock4Ohio
