The new charter for Cuyahoga County government enumerates specific oversight powers for the County Council.  As councilor for District 7, I will put this power to work for the citizens of Cuyahoga County to maximize transparency in county government, with specific emphasis on the following.

Investigations & Oversight

Section 3.12 authorizes Council to conduct investigations, and with 8 votes of Council, compel testimony and production of evidence, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and hold uncooperative witnesses in contempt.

I will work with all members of the Council to get the 8 votes necessary to compel testimony, under oath, on all oversight proceedings conducted under the charter.  In addition, I will seek to hold hearings and compel testimony under this section of the charter to investigate the drafting of the charter itself, the transition process, and any charter revisions.

Appointments

Section 2.03.2 authorizes Council to confirm appointments of the County Executive.

I will insist on public confirmation hearings for every appointment of the County Executive.

Establishing Procedures

Section 3.09.3, and 3.09.4 authorizes Council to establish procedures under which the County Executive may employ experts and consultants in connection with the administration of the affairs of the County, and to establish procedures governing the making of County contracts and the purchasing of County supplies and equipment pursuant to competitive bidding.

I will advocate for public hearings to determine procurement procedures for the new county government.

West Bank election observation mission, 2004

Attendance of County Employees

Section 3.09.10 authorizes Council to require, as necessary, the attendance of any County employee or officer at Council meetings to provide information as may be requested.

I will work with council to require county employees & officers to attend all Council meetings addressing their respective jobs, in public.

Code of Ethics

Section 3.09.12 authorizes Council to establish by ordinance a code of ethics.

I will insist that transparency & public accountability be a priority of the new government’s code of ethics, and will work with council to make sure the hearings to develop these ordinances are public.