GCP responds to Call and Post editorial on county govt. reform

Wednesday, September 23, 2009


COUNTY GOVERNMENT REFORM WILL BOOST RESOURCES TO CREATE JOBS
By Joe Roman, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Andrew Jackson, Senior Vice President, Greater Cleveland Partnership,
and Executive Director, Commission on Economic Inclusion

Cleveland, Ohio--The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) strongly objects to the September 16 Call & Post editorial regarding county reform that inaccurately describes the GCP as “another white organization that has injected itself into this contentious issue without bothering to get the input or support of Black folks.” This is incorrect.

  • The GCP—one of the nation’s largest chambers of commerce—is steadfastly dedicated to inclusion and diversity. The GCP Board of Directors, which, in fact, speaks on behalf of the GCP, has a diverse membership that includes African American, Hispanic and Asian members. Their views were very much part of rigorous discussions that took place before the GCP Board decided to endorse Issue 6, which calls for an elected county executive/county council form of government.
  • Because of the views raised by our minority board members—and majority members as well—the GCP Board’s endorsement of county reform came with one important provision—that those working to pass Issue 6 demonstrate a satisfactory plan to ensure that minority voters in Cuyahoga County are fully informed that a restructured county government will have specific benefits for minorities including opportunities for representation in the new structure. That provision demonstrates that the needs and views of the county’s minority communities are very much on the GCP’s radar. In addition, we are working to ensure that informational meetings are held to advise minority voters about the benefits of Issue 6 for minority residents. 
  • Moreover, the new county government will have increased resources to create jobs on a wider scale than is now possible. Issue 6 calls for the creation of an economic development council that will be charged with improving the county’s economic competitiveness. The economic development council will include members appointed by the City of Cleveland, business, labor and nonprofit organizations. Its charge includes advising in the creation of a five-year Cuyahoga County economic development plan and providing annual updates regarding its progress.

The GCP believes that passing Issue 6 will increase the ability of our county government to stimulate economic growth in Greater Cleveland and to create jobs. We urge all voters to learn how this streamlined form of government will be more impactful, efficient and accountable to the residents of Cuyahoga County.

As an association of business members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create jobs and leverage investment to improve the economic vitality of the region.

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