Citizenship/Legislative Report

 by Dan Dombek

    Cuyahoga County’s realigned government will be in place in January of next year. Party candidates must file petitions with the Board of Elections by June 24 (Independent candidates have until September 6). The primary election will take place on September 7. Our UAW CAP Council traditionally endorses candidates after the primary.

    Approximately seventy (70) petitions have been withdrawn, with only a few having been filed. Several individuals have stated their intentions to run for the County Executive position. The winner of this race will be the leader of the new government structure. The county will be divided into eleven (11) council districts. Alcoa is located in District Six (6). Contact me (x 4687) if you need help identifying your district.

    This change in county government is, obviously, a major shift for Cuyahoga County. Only one (1) other county in our state (Summit) has operated in this format. The representatives we elect must have the interests of our region as their top priority. Our economy, job retention, and job creation are important concerns to this area.

    Everyone must be keenly aware of the initiatives the respective applicants bring to the table. What is their plan to help our region grow? How will they address the economy, our educational needs, and the retention of our college grads? Far too many young people are exiting our region…people who are valuable to northeast Ohio. What about Burke Airport and the land it occupies? We need cooperative vision, passionate involvement, and concrete planning.

    Recently, The Plain Dealer reported concerns regarding the amount of compensation members of council are to receive. The pay is set at $45,000. By comparison, Summit County has set wages at about one half of that amount. Remember, this is part of what was approved by voters with the previous passing of Issue six (6). Many voters were unaware of what that total package included. It called for the creation of the amount of districts, as well as, how they would be aligned, and the amount of annual salary for the Executive Director ($175,000).

    Please keep in mind the council seats are considered PART TIME. The compensation would appear a bit lofty. I submit that the newly elected officials need to be MORE than part time. There is too much at stake! They must immerse themselves with this endeavor.

    I’ll will keep you updated more frequently as election day draws near.

    REMEMBER, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF AN ELECTION IN THE STATE OF OHIO. CONTACT ME (x 4687) IF YOU NEED REGISTRATION FORMS FOR YOU OR FOR MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY.

    GOVERNOR’S VISIT:

    I’M UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING THE VISIT TO CLEVELAND WORKS BY THE GOVERNOR. THE DECISION WAS MADE NOT TO INCLUDE YOUR VICE PRESIDENT/CITIZENSHIP & LEGISLATIVE OFFICIAL. WHY SHOULD I BE SURPRISED?