Plain Press

  • Can Brook Park collect enough new taxes to support its investment in a new stadium?

    NO, AND TAXPAYERS SHOULD PREPARE FOR HIGHER TAXES by Alex Calder    (Plain Press July 2026) The NFL is America’s most successful sports league. Since 2020, franchise values have increased in many cases by more than 100 percent. The Seattle Seahawks are expected to sell for more than $9 billion. Players also benefit from the…

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  • Schools have a deficit while many experience property tax increases – Residents ask, “Why?”

    by Chuck Hoven    (Plain Press May 2026) Many Clevelanders are wondering why the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is laying off teachers and other staff members during a time when many residents are complaining about property taxes that have increased substantially.    A September 30, 2024, commentary by Zach Schiller of Policy Matters Ohio…

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  • Board of Education and citizens tasked with reviewing plan calling for massive change in the school system

    by Chuck Hoven    (Plain Press December 2025) The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Board of Education and the citizens of Cleveland are tasked with reviewing a plan for the future of the school district that will have a profound impact on the future of the City of Cleveland. The plan is titled Building Brighter…

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  • TRUTH IS: WE CAN NO LONGER AFFORD PRO SPORTS

    Truth is: We can no longer afford pro sports by Roldo Bartimole    If the Browns domed stadium in Brook Park tiff tells anything it says loudly that Cleveland and Cuyahoga County taxpayers can no longer afford the rapacious desires of billionaire sports owners.    We simply cannot pay their tab any longer.    It…

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  • GATEWAY PROMISED 28,000 JOBS;

    THREE YEARS LATER – 35,000 JOBS LOST GATEWAY PROMISED 28,000 JOBS; THREE YEARS LATER – 35,000 JOBS LOST by Roldo Bartimole   In 1990 when Cleveland politicians and top business & legal leaders were preparing to sell the first sales “sin” tax for our sports team owners, they promised 28,000 “good paying jobs for the…

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  • History says Browns stay put

      by Roldo Bartimole (Plain Press June 2025) Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne is trying to save Cleveland.    He has put his foot down on rejecting a get-out-of-town demand from Browns owners – the Haslam family.    They’re asking for a $600 million input from County residents. Borrowed, the cost will likely double for Cuyahoga County…

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  • Cleveland residents urged to address school district’s funding crisis

    by Chuck Hoven      (Plain Press April 2025) At the March Board of Education meeting, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Warren Morgan reached out to school staff and community members to help the CMSD find $160 million in savings in over the next three years. Current projections show school district facing…

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  • Despite passage of the levy, Cleveland schools face “tough work ahead”

    by Chuck Hoven      (Plain Press December 2024) At the November 6, 2024, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Board of Education Business meeting Cleveland School Board Chair Sara Elaqad praised the efforts of the Cleveland Teachers Union, CMSD staff and Board members, endorsers, businesses and supporters that helped to pass the Issue 49 levy and…

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  • Time to tote the score in city of corporate welfare

    By Roldo Bartimole (Plain Press October 2024) In sports we keep records to see who is ahead and who is behind. It’s simple. Get the scores. It tells the story. I thought it was time to put up a scoreboard that gives us some feel for what the tally is on downtown public subsidies. Where the…

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  • Cuyahoga County determination of property values called arbitrary and capricious

    To the editor:    (Plain Press September 2024) As someone who worked for 25 years in the mortgage industry {the last 10 years in underwriting} I find it appalling that Cuyahoga County determines property values in such an arbitrary and capricious manner. LETTER    Part of my responsibility was reviewing appraisals whether it be for…

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