Cuyahoga County Executive Candidate Matt Dolan (R)


Biographical information on this page has been gathered from The Plain Dealer and  the candidate's Web site. It is provided solely as a service for visitors to our site. As such, the Greater Cleveland Partnership cannot and does not attempt to independently verify or make any claim to the accuracy or completeness of the information.

  • B.A., History, Boston College; J.D. Case Western Reserve University
  • Partner, Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan
  • Vice President, 7th Avenue Properties
  • Adjunct Professor, Kent State University-Geauga Campus
  • Ohio House of Representatives, 98th District
  • Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Geauga County
  • Former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio
  • Plain Dealer profile
  • Campaign Web site
  • 90.3 WCPN ideastream interview
  • The Dolan Plan 

Questions from the GCP


The GCP asked each of the County Executive candidates to respond to the questions below. The answers are posted as provided, without edits.

Economic development is important to the GCP. How would you forge better public/private relationships in moving the county forward?

It is essential that the public/private relationship in Cuyahoga County be restored. For too long the business and non-profit community has not been at the table when important decisions are made. I will invite in the private sector to lend their voice, creativity and innovation to the County’s decision making process. I intend to create Cuyahoga Forward, a one-stop-shop for businesses that will work in concert with entities currently conducting economic development activities to make it easier for businesses to start, expand and stay here. Furthermore, I will be open and transparent and continuously and proactively engage with the private sector.

What are your plans for implementing the recommendations offered by the County Government Reform transition teams?

My campaign has had a presence at almost all of the transition committee meetings to listen to the ideas of the more than a thousand volunteers that have taken part in the process. There are many great recommendations coming out of the transition that are innovative and increase efficiency and effectiveness, helping the County deliver better quality services to more people in need. I will take each and every recommendation under careful consideration.

How do you see the role of the County Executive in working with state and federal lawmakers?

My recent experience as a state legislator and as Chair of the House Finance Committee makes me uniquely qualified to work with the state and federal government to advocate on the County’s behalf. The County is a creature of state statute, which means the Executive must have an intricate understanding of the way in which the state operates and be a champion of the County’s issues in Columbus to make sure that we get what we need and get unnecessary mandates that hamper our ability to deliver quality services lifted. I will act as an advocate for Cuyahoga County both in Columbus and in Washington to make sure our voice is heard.

Did you support Issue 6? In 75 words or less, explain why or why not?

Yes, I strongly supported County Reform and Issue 6 as well as prior reform measures. The corruption that has become apparent in recent years is a symptom of the lack of leadership and vision that created stalemate in this County for 13 years. This reform is our opportunity for a fresh start.