Lively and informative community forum for District 9 County Council - special thanks to all of the candidates and to Kimberly Brown and Eric J. Brewer for making this happen.
Credit to the four candidates who did show up for this forum - Lloyd Anderson, Leah Lewis, Lynn Ruffner, and Donald Saunders - all are extremely well-qualified as noted in the introduction by forum organizer Kimberly F. Brown and reiterated by moderator Eric J. Brewer, who was delayed in arriving. Once the forum got underway, it was apparent that any one of these candidates have the intelligence and experience to make a difference. Though, Eric J. Brewer hammered away at their ability to actually make a difference, once elected-given their overall slim record of legislative experience in each of their respective municipalities.
First question addressed familiarity with Open Government rules and commitment to Public Accountability - all of the candidates are required to attend 3 hrs of training per each term in office - https://ohioauditor.gov/open/trainings.html [1] - all are familiar with the law, and all, except Leah Lewis have completed the training at least once - though there seemed to be confusion about staying current w/the requirement. Eric J. Brewer discussed the transparency and failings of the various municipalities in terms of posting their council notes on line.
Given reported problems in all of the municipalities represented - Eric J. Brewer also asked whether any of the candidates had initiated investigation from their positions in council during each candidate's term of office. No one has directly introduced legislation or ordinance. In capacity as council members - Eric J. Brewer also noted that these candidates have to make sure that their municipality (and if elected County) has adequate insurance to cover unexpected costs (Bedford Heights loss of equipment in fire was cited). [2]
Eric J. Brewer addressed all candidates with query on whether they would support an elected public defender and legislated process for reporting/whistleblower process - both of these elements were removed from Cuyahoga County's charter in the reform process - though the original charter contained these elements by recommendation of former Congressman Louis Stokes. All candidates support changes to the charter to provide for elected public defender and whistleblower protection.
Eric J. Brewer asked each candidate to address how they would insure that Cuyahoga County would operate with a balanced budget. He noted that Cuyahoga County is predicted to have a significant budget deficit. Lloyd Anderson noted that it is important to get realistic estimates for projects - Ruffner noted that budget adjustments need to be made before end of the fiscal year. Saunders noted that council has to make noise and be heard when there are irregularities - but Bedford finances are in good order despite on-going investigation of the law director in Bedford. Saunders also mentioned need to make County Fiscal Officer and Sheriff office-elected position as current County Charter allows CE to fire these positions, when in disagreement. Leah Lewis recently became council person and discussed attempt to address fiscal problems and audit recommendations due to extremely poor state of financial affairs in Highland Hills - past finance director was blamed.
Finally (and I was most grateful for this question) - Eric J. Brewer addressed question of impropriety in third party tax lien sales. All candidates claimed they would repeal and stop the practice.
During the forum - Candidates for County Executive were present -State Representative Armond Budish arrived midway - made a sweep of the room and then left. A representative for State Senator Shirley Smith and former North Olmsted Mayor Thomas O' Grady - also arrived mid-way, but stayed and listened to the forum and gave short presentations after the forum.
NOTE - I take full responsibility if my notes are inaccurate - please feel free to contact me to change any information at lmcshane23 at yahoo dot com. The forum was recorded by the organizers and I hope to make this available soon -
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Links:
[1] https://ohioauditor.gov/open/trainings.html
[2] http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/bedford-heights-service-garage-fire-destroys-two-of-their-five-plow-trucks-late-thursday
[3] http://smtp.realneo.us/system/files/IMG_2346_800x424.jpg
[4] http://smtp.realneo.us/system/files/IMG_2347_800x354.jpg
[5] http://smtp.realneo.us/system/files/IMG_2348_800x310.jpg
[6] http://smtp.realneo.us/system/files/IMG_2349_800x532.jpg