New Cuyahoga

We need real change now. 80,000 citizen signatures prove Cuyahoga County residents know that. Why? Stronger leadership means a stronger economy with better jobs, more efficient services, tax-payer savings and restored trust in government. The structure is similar to a Mayor and Council in nearly every city. No city will lose power. It's similar to what has helped move Summit County and Akron forward for decades. An elected executive, eleven elected council people to represent every part of the county and hard and fast rules to prevent political hiring, ensure ethical safeguards, and save taxpayer money are part of the charter. We need change - now.

New Cuyahoga Now

Cuyahoga County needs change before it's too late, and it starts at the top.

A government of three commissioners and seven more totally independent elected officers - each with their own operations- does not coordinate job and economic development to meet fierce global competition. It does not give taxpayers real value. It does not work as a single entity to attract and create good jobs; provide equitable opportunity for all citizens; or offer checks, balances and real accountability.

County Reform is needed now. We need a county government that works for us in the 21st century, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. A reformed government can make Cuyahoga County more competitive in the global and national economy. It can spur jobs and growth across every community. It can encourage equity for all citizens and be responsive to every community. It can work collaboratively with the business, labor, education and community organizations to meet pressing local needs. And it can do it all in an easy to understand structure in the full light of day.

New Jobs
The County Charter for which a group of citizens and community leaders are now gathering petitions includes an elected county executive, who would function like a Mayor; and eleven council members who would represent every community in fairly drawn districts, like ward councilpersons. No longer would the three commissioners have both the executive and legislative powers, often out of public view.

New Accountability
Under the county charter, government would become much more accountable. Economic development would be a more important function of the county. Health and human services would improve via efficiencies. County council would decide the budget, and direct an independent auditor to review all spending by the county executive twice a year. You would have a representative in county government, because each of the eleven council members would be from a district.

New Efficiencies
The voters can choose a county charter and eliminate a set of outdated elected offices that have become political fiefdoms with too many hiring, purchasing, information technology and political patronage operations that breed more waste and duplication than we can afford.

The Prosecutor is still elected, but the Recorder's and Auditor's Offices would be consolidated under a single qualified fiscal officer, appointed by the executive and confirmed by council. The Coroner, Sheriff and Engineer would not be elected, but be qualified professionals reporting to the elected executive - again confirmed by the council.

New Effectiveness
Under the charter Cuyahoga County government will be open, effective and efficient. It will be more efficient and more accountable - less wasteful and less political. It provides:

Effective, accountable and focused leadership, with proper checks and balances;

Energetic job creation in partnership with business, labor, Cleveland and the suburbs;

Cost savings by eliminating unnecessary elected offices and streamlining operations;

Consolidated, professionally managed personnel, purchasing, and information systems;

Improved health, human and public services as a result of efficiency and transparency;

An improved focus on equity for all our communities and citizens; and

Built in separation of powers, sunshine, ethical standards and audit functions.

New Cuyahoga
The Charter does not change any powers or functions of city or village governments. It changes county government for the better, creating a better partner for our communities. The Charter will provide us with an updated, much more efficient and accessible government, better able to compete for jobs and make our county more attractive to residents, employers and families. It will provide a more responsive, open, and accountable process. It will make the county work for us.