Letters July 2009

I can’t see why it is admirable to run a contest in which most of the contestants cannot possibly win (“Rating the Suburbs,” June 2009). Why doesn’tCleveland Magazine simply rate the 20 wealthier, newer suburbs and leave it at that? Why throw a sop to the perpetual losers by declaring a few of them to be “best bargains” and by sprinkling in testimonials on their behalf? Income greatly affects education; education shapes the rankings.How about giving recognition (comparable to No. 1 in the top 20) to a suburb that is shouldering the burden that the top 20 want absolutely nothing to do with: the burden of children whose parents didn’t finish high school let alone college, who are low-income if not poor, who have a wobbly home life, etc.? Next year, let’s see, “The top rated suburb doing the heavy lifting is ... ”

Center for Housing Research and Policy
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Cleveland State University

Cover Flap

I was appalled by the chauvinistic comment in the June issue (Letters) ofCleveland Magazine. This is supposed to be a regional publication that appeals to a diverse audience: The covers are going to be different. People should stop worrying so much about what’s on the cover and start looking at what’s inside.

Whitney Foster
Cleveland

In our June 2009 Rating the Suburbs issue, we erroneously noted on our top 20 list that Brecksville did not finish in the top 20 the previous year. The city was ranked No. 8 in 2008.

 

Hi, Steve. This is Sarah from Ohio City. I’ve talked to you a couple times before, mostly to say that I think you have the best magazine in Ohio. I have never enjoyed your best suburbs article as much as this one. The interviews with the people — I just couldn’t put it down. I especially love that you interviewed the lady who fended off the robbers with her Emeril Lagasse pan! Thanks for just a wonderful, wonderful read.