For Immediate Release
June 10, 2009

Contact:
Aketa Marie Simmons
(202) 579-5571

Cuyahoga County has an unprecedented opportunity for growth and change. The current political environment affords County leaders and citizens the opportunity to rethink the structure of our government. We have the chance to redevelop Cuyahoga County into a system that generates efficiencies, equity, jobs, quality education, healthcare and economic growth for all of its citizens. These changes require a team approach.

We are in agreement that some reform of county government is needed. However, we cannot and should not allow the current corruption probes to be the propellant for long term change.

This is the right opportunity to rethink County government and change the way business is done, not just change the structure of government. In our opinion, the proposals now on the table fall short of that goal for the following reasons:

•    Neither of the proposals are the result of an inclusive process. Key stakeholders have been left out of the discussions. The groups below should have been involved in the discussion.:

1.    ALL CUYAHOGA COUNTY MAYORS;

2.    OTHER ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIALS;

3.    REPRESENTATIVE LEADERSHIP IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN, HISPANIC AND OTHER ETHNIC COMMUNITIES;

4.    A DIVERSE SEGMENT OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY;

5.    LABOR LEADERSHIP;

6.    FAITH-BASED LEADERS;

7.    EDUCATION LEADERS, AND

8.    HEALTHCARE LEADERS.
 
•    The proposals are premature.

•    A review of the executive summary, Cuyahoga County Charter Reform, reveals a concentration and dramatic increase in executive power and a decrease of public oversight.

What is needed is an inclusive and thoughtful process to create a government structure capable of addressing the challenges of Cuyahoga County citizens (i.e., economic development, job creation, quality education, an aging population, healthcare and diminishing resources).

Undoubtedly change should take place in our county government. However, the current proposals fail to acknowledge the critical issues our county faces and does not progress our region.

For the above reasons, the individuals listed below are opposed to any effort to restructure county government at this time and urge all county stakeholders to formulate a plan which is inclusive, transparent, comprehensive, and legal.


Honorable Marcia Fudge (OH-11), U.S. House of Representatives

Mayor Frank G. Jackson, City of Cleveland

Honorable Dennis Kucinich (OH-10), U.S. House of Representatives

State Senator Shirley Smith

State Representative Mike Foley

State Representative Michael DeBose

State Representative Sandra Williams

State Representative Barbara Boyd

Mayor Daniel Pocek, City of Bedford                        

Mayor Fletcher Berger, City of Bedford Heights

Mayor Bill Cervenik, City of Euclid

Mayor Thomas J. Longo, City of Garfield Heights

Mayor Joseph Cicero, City of Lyndhurst

Mayor Georgine Welo, City of South Euclid

Mayor Beryl Rothchild, City of University Heights

Mayor Clinton Hall, City of Warrensville Heights

Mayor Robert Nash, Village of Highland Hills

Mayor David Smith, Village of North Randall

Mayor Yolanda Broadie, Village of Woodmere

Rev. C.J. Matthews

Bishop F.E. Perry

Rev. E.T. Caviness, Sr.

Mr. Arnold Pinkney

Ms. Harriett Applegate

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