Kotora Way Could Be on 2013 Ballot

Despite setbacks and confusion, Mike Cook plans to take his vision to the ballot.

The 1989 graduate still wants to rename Inwood Drive as Kotora Way and believes residents should vote on the issue.

"I figured, what's an alternative? It could be keep going to meetings and begging people to do things, or pursue putting it on the ballot," he said. "That's where we are right now."

Cook realizes the November election is a long shot, so he's planning on bringing the name change to the ballot in September 2013. That way, his mission to honor former principal E. James Kotora won't lose attention to presidential and state elections.

Cook first brought to Solon City Council last fall. The city, which owns the street, recommended Cook talk to the school board. School officials then told him they didn't have authority to rename the city-owned street. Cook and the district seemed to name the high school auditorium after Kotora, but those plans stalled.

Councilman Edward Kraus on Monday said the city "had some questions" about whether a street name change should or could be a ballot issue. The city's charter does not directly address such changes, but it grants legal advice to anybody who wishes to purse a ballot issue. Kraus also said the change could possibly be handled as a referendum item.

"It's a small street, the only three addresses there are owned by the school," Cook said after Monday's meeting. "It's not like you're affecting any home owners."

Cook believes he needs 2,000 signatures for ballot placement, but is awaiting word from the Cuyahoga County Board of elections and an extended meeting with Solon Law Director Thomas Lobe.

Cook acknowledged it's been a long road to honor a man he said left no child behind as principal. He's willing to wait it out and give himself and partners time to gather campaign funds and propaganda.

"We're not frustrated," he said. "This happens when you're dealing with two different bodies.

"We'll put it on the ballot if it needs to go that far."