Pardon Me………..A Lorain Version

Every four years, when we elect a new president, the outgoing commander-in-chief has complete power to pardon convicted felons. From drug dealers and junk-bond sellers to convicted embezzelers and terrorist, the outgoing president can free felons from jail and can commute their sentences.

And nobody can change his decisions.

Now, even though Lorain’s mayoral elections fall one year before a presidential election, a what-if scenario has emerged with this item in the news of late.

What If Lorain’s mayor had the same powers as our president?

Who would he pardon ?

Could one be Dennis Flores?

Convictions: 3rd degree misdemeanor of Solicitation

1st degree misdemeanor of Physical Control

Or possibly William Desvari?

Conviction: 1st degree misdemeanor of Falsification

Or possibly Craig Miller?

Conviction: 5th degree felony of Obstruction of Justice

Or possibly Lorain Police Officer Stanley Marrero

Conviction: 1st degree misdemeanor of intimidating a Witness, 2nd degree misdemeanor of Dereliction of Duty and 3rd degree misdemeanor of Public Indecency

Or City of Lorain employee Edwin Heyduk Jr.

Conviction: Drug Possesion, Trafficking, Illegal Manufacturing/Cultivating of Marijuana and Possesion of Criminal Tools

Sadly, here in Lorain, we have a lot to pick from when it comes to pardons.

Who would you pardon if you had that power ?

This is my pick…….

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A Friend Is Down……Can You Help Pt. 2

On Sunday, November 9th, 2008 there will be a pasta dinner benefit for Firefighter John Volak to be held at The Knights of Columbus, 4720 Oberlin Ave in Lorain. John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident earlier this summer and the proceeds from this benefit will help defray the medical cost incurred by John in his recovery.

Hours for the benefit: 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Tickets are only $20.00 and are available at these locations:

Dimacchia’s on the Corner

770 Broadway Ave

(440) 244-2002

Jackalope Lakeside

301 Lakeside Ave

(440) 288-2051

Central Fire Station

1350 Broadway Ave

(440) 244-2217

Beer and other beverages will be available for Free

Dinners provided by Dimacchia’s On the Corner

and Jackalope Lakeside

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Anatomy of a Panic

From todays edition of the Morning Journal:

Former Head Start bus driver Nancy Smith might have a chance of being released from prison due to a technical error made when she was sentenced in 1994 to 30 to 90 years in prison for sexual molestation of several children.

I was fascinated by the story when I first received it, and I believe you will be too.

It’s somewhat long, but do take the time to read it in it’s entirety

Here’s the story

I hope like hell that justice will be served correctly and Nancy Smith gets a new trial.

“If You Love Somebody (set them free)”

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A Friend is down………An Update

Many people have been trying to access this site: johnvolak.info and have been unable to access this site. I called Fire Chief Thomas Brown this morning with concerns about John’s prognosis. Chief Brown stated that the site was taken down, at the family’s request, so they could concentrate on the recovery process that we all hope John is in now. John has been able to come out of the coma that was induced to alleviate the swelling of the brain, and that the doctors are monitoring his progress very closely. He is making progress, although baby steps are the game plan at this time. Chief Brown wanted to say Thank You to the many citizens that have expressed their thoughts and prayers towards John’s recovery, as does his family. And I ask all of you to continue with those thoughts and prayers, as I’m sure it will do wonders for his family, and his fellow brothers that serve Lorain.

What is a fireman

He’s the guy next door – a man’s man with the memory of a little boy.

He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger.

He’s a guy like you and me with warts and worries and unfulfilled dreams.

Yet he stands taller than most of us.

He’s a fireman.

He puts it all on the line when the bell rings.

A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.

He’s a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death.

He’s a gentle man because he has seen the awesome

power of violence out of control.

He’s responsive to a child’s laughter because his arms have held

too many small bodies that will never laugh again.

He’s a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life –

hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers – a warm bed for bone

and muscle compelled beyond feeling – the camaraderie of brave men –

the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men.

He doesn’t wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.

When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade.

He doesn’t preach the brotherhood of man.

He lives it.

-unknown author

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A Friend is Down…….Can You Help?

As most of you have heard or read,  veteran Lorain firefighter John Volak was seriously injured in a motorcycle/car accident on thursday, August 14 th. A web site has been set up for donations to help his family during this crisis. Your thoghts and prayers can be left at this site

www.johnvolak.info

h/t to tmc news

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