Panelists Continue To Bicker Over County Reform

Friday, December 4, 2009
Topics: Politics
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About 200 people turned out for a panel discussion on the future of minority participation and inclusion in Cuyahoga county government, now that voters have approved a new charter that dramatically changes its structure.

About 200 people turned out to a panel discussion on the future of minority participation and inclusion in county government, now that voters have approved a new charter that dramatically changes its structure.  Ideastream’s Bill rice reports.

The forum at Cleveland State University sponsored by the Cleveland NAACP began as an assessment of the reform measure and reasons for its passage.  University Circle president Chris Ronayne, one of eight on the panel, chalked passage of Issue 6 up to people being frustration with ineffective county leadership, with examples like: 

Ronayne:  “They’re frustrated at seeing their county dollars used for a county administration building that never happened.  They’re hopeful that the medical capitol of the world that this can be should be if a medical center ever gets built.  But they’re not seeing it.”

Cleveland City Councilman Zachary Reed painted the reform effort as a suburban power play in Cleveland politics:

Reed:  “It is a way that the power structure from outside the city of Cleveland and outside the county, especially from the business community, that could not find a way to get in the front door to come through the back door.”

And Councilwoman Mamie Mitchell called it a successful propaganda campaign.

Mitchell:  “So if you hear something long enough sometimes you begin to believe it’s true.”

The Issue 6 charter replaces the current three-commissioner structure with a county executive and 11 member county council. 

Two hours of discussion and audience questions brought out a wide variety of views and concerns.  One audience member even questioned the legality of the vote – a matter that’s under review by the state attorney general and may wind up before the courts.  . 

For many though, bickering over the change grew tiresome, said Stanley Miller, Chairman of the NAASCP, prompting a shift in focus to how minorities can adapt to work with the new system.  On one point, all of the panelists – 2 whites, 5 African Americans and one Hispanic – agreed:  the new structure is just a structure, and – like any other - won’t serve those with a stake in the future of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County if they don’t get educated and get involved. 

Bill Rice, 90.3.