Cleveland Heights City Council Candidate Lee Barbee II
Lee Barbee
Age: 56
Email: leebarbee4clevehts@yahoo.com
Website: leebarbee4clevelandhtscouncil.com/
Facebook: Lee E Barbee for Cleveland Heights City Council
Biographical Information:
Education: B.A., Political Science, Kent State University
Current Occupation: Social Worker, Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services
Qualifications: Retired Army Officer with two tours in Iraq and Kuwait; member, 1746 local labor management team; member, Cleveland Heights Citizen Advisory Committee; Board Member of the Forest Hills Homeowners Organization; volunteer, 1988 Get out the Vote Campaign with the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.
Do you think our business districts are healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that? Please discuss specific districts, such as Noble and Severance.
I believe the Noble area and the North Coventry Area have been neglected for a long time. I believe due to diverse citizens not being at the decision making process. I believe steps are now being taken due to diversity and inequity awareness to address this issue. I would be that sounding board to bring diversity to this type of issue that have been overlooked in the past to bring about change for the future
What role should environmental considerations play in the city’s policies and actions?
One of my three main concerns is sustainability and green space. I believe that there is a balance that needs to address development but also keep at the forefront of Cleveland hts Logo which is the Tree as Leading the nation in environmental issues.
How, and in what time frame, should a vacancy on city council be filled?
I believe that there should be a time frame for vacancy on city council to be filled, but anything within an election window should be left to the voters to decide.
What opportunities, if any, do you see for regional collaboration between Cleveland Heights and other local governments to provide services or facilities?
I see opportunities for local governments to collaborate in services. Local governments are faced with limited budgets which often duplicate services. Cleveland Heights and University Heights have shared interest in education. I don't see why as local governments we can't collaborate on other services as well.
What are your thoughts about the responsiveness of the city’s elected officials and staff to citizens' concerns?
I am facing those issues as we speak about the staff not following through with residents’ concerns. I think our council and staff should have some type of tracking to residents’ concerns and have answers to them in a timely manner. I have yet to hear back on my issues as a resident on a pothole that damaged my motorcycle and the sinkhole that located on my tree lawn.