Ed Hauser-Citizen activist-Thanks Again!!
Despite a somber mood, with everyone still in shock that Ed Hauser of all people should suddenly die unexpectedly at 47, nobody at his standing-room-only funeral November 16 could possibly think it was the end of the noblest of causes. No, Ed Hauser had taught us all that a little tenacity goes a long way, to not be intimidated by developers and politicians who have their minds made up. Cleveland Waterfront Coalition has always advocated that the citizens have a right to be heard. But sometimes that's a little easier said than done when closed-door meetings, fast-talking politicians and slick pie-in-the-sky presentations practically steamroller over any potential alternatives. But Ed Hauser wasn't the kind of guy to be fooled by that, and it was clear a number of people were ready to pick up where he left off.
Did he have an impact? Look what a Google search under his name will bring up. There are a few articles, some online tributes, even a Wikipedia entry. Back in 2006, the 23 minute documentary "Citizen Hauser" (http://www.blueholeproductions.org/) was released. You couldn't tell him his concerns weren't worth the effort, yet his stubborn pursuit was never vicious. He very simply had First Amendment rights, and he patiently attended every public meeting he could, challenging without yelling. Even his last appearance, a CWC forum with Bob Brown (see accompanying story), prompted an annoyed participant to try to interrupt his comments, which only brought a slightly sharp response from him that he had a right to speak.
The best example of not turning away when the powers-that-be have their minds made up was his refusal to allow Whiskey Island to be gobbled up by the Port Authority. An undiscovered gem to a lot of people, discovering its potential would inspire practically anybody. But the Port insisted it needed more room and it was determined Whiskey Island was the space it was going to take. That became Ed's mission, to speak out, to gather countless petition signatures, to exhaustively research and challenge the Port's claims, to insist that destroying Whiskey Island and the new Wendy Park would be a horrible mistake. The repaved road leading from Edgewater into Whiskey Island was renamed "Ed Hauser Way" on May 2. Also, with all the time he was spending at Whiskey Island, he climbed the fence to explore the old Coast Guard Station, an art deco landmark that was falling apart and needed protection, especially from several years of winter snows only speeding up its falling apart. He never seemed unreasonable bringing up the issue, asking why simple precautions couldn't be made.
We can mourn his untimely death, yet he will always be with us as we monitor waterfront development and express our concerns. His physical body may have been limited to 1961-2008, but a heart attack cannot stop that kind of energy. Thank you Ed Hauser for your passion, for your attitude, for your inspiration. We are better because of you.
Frank Barnett
