Mayor Brewer,
Hi. I'm a the PD reporter working on a story to explain the proposed charter. I read your letter and have spoken to Mayor Zanotti and Mayor Akers, neither of whom will respond to your comments about them being power-hungry political gangsters. However, they responded to some of your (and my) concerns about the structure.
I'd like to summarize some points and ask you to respond.
About the county executive having too much power:
The proposed structure is similar to a city or state, with a mayor and council, or governor and legislature. The county council's main power comes by controlling the budget. That, reform advocates say, provides checks and balances. Currently, the commissioners have no check.
The council also must confirm the executive's appointees to boards and commissions. Do you think that provides a check and balance?
Do you think the council should be full-time?
About the law director:
He or she (and maybe two or three others) will serve as the council and executive's private counsel. The prosecutor will still perform civil duties, lawsuits, etc. Thoughts?
About evaluating:
The charter calls for a re-evaluation in 2012, 2017 and then every 10 years.
Please e-mail me back with any comments. Thanks very much for your help.
Sincerely,
Laura Johnston
Laura Johnston
The Plain Dealer
1801 Superior Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
phone: (216) 999-4115
fax: (216) 999-6374
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