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Ohio: Jim Rokakis

February 18, 2009 - 01:57 pm
NEWS FEED: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ohio housing experts like Obama foreclosure reduction plan

By Sabrina Eaton

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's plan to reduce mortgage foreclosures and help some homewners obtain lower payments through refinancing was greeted enthusiastically by Ohio housing experts said it would ease local foreclosure problems.

While they applauded financial incentives to encourage lenders to refinance loans and reduce homeowners' monthly payments, they felt the plan relies too much on lenders' voluntary cooperation, and doesn't do enough to aid homeowners with loans that exceed the value of their property.

"Frankly, this is more than I thought we'd get," said East Side Organizing Project executive director Mark Seifert

Seifert said the roughly $4,000 in incentives the bill would provide to servicers who refinance loans will have a big impact in the Cleveland area, where many loans are in the $50,000 to $60,000 range.

Read More at Cleveland Plain Dealer >
There have been 23 comments posted in response to this story.

February 17, 2009 - 05:17 am
NEWS FEED: Cleveland Plain Dealer

A little outrage would be nice

By Mark Naymik, Plain Dealer Politics Writer

Cuyahoga County Democrats continue to lack outrage.

That's too bad. A little might ignite some needed reform.

The party's numbness is evident again this month as 74-year-old Sheriff Gerald McFaul proves that even the law isn't above cronyism, patronage and politics on the public dime.

Acknowledging that he has handed relatives county jobs, asked deputies to sell tickets to his campaign fund-raisers and passed out plum gigs to allies to appraise foreclosed homes, McFaul continues to make no apologies.

The pipe-fitter-turned-lawman insists it doesn't matter whom he hires, as long as his pals are qualified. (Plain Dealer reporter Mark Puente pointed out that, in fact, not all are qualified for their assignments.

Read More at Cleveland Plain Dealer >
There have been 26 comments posted in response to this story.

Tue, 12/02/2008 - 15:55

Gov's office wants African-American for treasurer, says official

By Justin Miller, PolitickerOH.com Reporter

The governor's office wants to appoint an African-American to become state treasurer, according to Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis.

Rokakis told PolitickerOH.com late Monday that he's not interested in being appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to replace Richard Cordray as treasurer. However, Rokakis heard from "somebody close" to Strickland that the appointee will be black.

Read More >
There have been 40 comments posted in response to this story.
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 09:30

Cuyahoga treasurer wants to run for county commissioner

By Justin Miller, PolitickerOH.com Reporter

Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis will run for county commissioner if current Commissioner Jimmy Dimora decides against running for re-election in 2010.

Commissioner Dimora and County Auditor Frank Russo are under federal investigation for allegedly offering jobs in exchange for favors, receiving personal work in exchange for public contracts, and trying to influence the outcome of judicial proceedings. Rokakis said he expects Dimora’s seat could become vacant prior to 2010 due to the federal investigation and that he'll definitely run for it if it opens.

There have been 36 comments posted in response to this story.