RONN RICHARD – STRICKLAND’S OHIO INFRASTRUCTURE CZAR?

Here we go… If you were wondering about how federal stimulus dollars might be spent in Ohio, this should give you some idea. Gov. Strickland has appointed Ronn Richard of the Cleveland Foundation as infrastructure czar in which part-time position he will work “to ensure that the infrastructure component of the stimulus package is structured in a way that offers the greatest investment opportunities for Ohio, and collaborate with state leaders and local communities to prioritize projects based on their potential for sustainable economic growth” [1]. Strickland further said that the process led by RR will be “accountable and transparent”. The need for speed was mentioned more than once by the Governor. I am not reassured. The announcement lists the following organizations as examples of Richard as an “active community member” because he serves on their boards: the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Ohio Grantmakers Forum, the Ohio Business Development Coalition and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture. Do these organizations represent you or me? What does Mr. Richard know about civil infrastructure given his former corporate employment?