Terri Hamilton Brown responds to Observer questions

1.) If elected to the position of County Executive, what three or four goals would top the list of things that you'd hope to accomplish during your term
in office?

As County Executive, I will work to achieve the county charter’s vision of an efficient government with strong executive leadership, checks and balances, and increased opportunity for all; working collaboratively with the County Council to create the reform supported by the county’s voters. Four priorities – Increasing Economic Opportunity for All; Ensuring Improved and Sustainable Health and Human Services; Making County Government More Accountable; and Restoring Public Trust – will be critical focal points from day one.

2.) What do you regard as the major challenges that must be met in order for the new system of county government to succeed?

A major challenge is for the Executive and Council to form a consensus understanding of how the charter government should operate, and to develop a working relationship so that the business of the County continues with little interruption.  If elected, I will propose a coming together of the Executive and Council within the first week following the election, and that a series of working sessions – for organization and initial work planning – is scheduled prior to actually taking office on January 1. 

3.) How do you define good government?

Good government is open, ethical, efficient, cost-effective government, with excellent service delivery and a reasonable return on investment for taxpayers as the highest priorities.

4.) Do you believe the new County Executive/Council structure can put an end to the corruption and patronage that have dominated news headlines for the past several years?

Corruption and patronage did not result from structure, but from the failure of public servants to act honorably. A different structure cannot end it.  Corruption/patronage will be eliminated by developing a culture of high ethical standards and requiring strict adherence to those standards by all public officials – elected and appointed, employees, contractors/vendors, and service providers. As County Executive I will set the standard and will have zero tolerance for ethical lapses. 

5.) Under the new charter, several top county officials who in the past were directly elected by the voters will now be appointees chosen and approved by the new Executive and County Council. Do you see that as a positive step?

I view this as an extremely positive step that will aid in a more efficient and cost effective government. Ultimate accountability will rest squarely with the County Executive. 

6.) What approach would you take to working with the new County Council to keep lines of communication open in order to achieve consensus on major county wide objectives?

My approach will be focused on ensuring that the Council has all information needed to be effective in decision-making.  Direct, open communication with the Council and a strong collaborative partnership with the Council President will be my modus operandi.

7.) When will Cuyahoga County voters know if the new government structure is working as envisioned-and how will they know?

The evidence will be an effective working relationship between the Executive and Council; a collaborative economic development plan that sets the stage for business growth, business attraction and job creation; and operating efficiencies that allow for greater investment in health and human services. It is difficult to speculate when there will be clear evidence for each of these, but there will be signs of movement toward these objectives within the first year of the government. It will be incumbent upon the Executive to ensure that there is continual communication with citizens about how their government is moving forward.

8.) Do you believe the new structure has the potential to spark economic growth and job creation in Northeast Ohio? If so, how might that happen?

The new structure – with the right leadership – can spark economic growth. Working with the municipalities to form an economic development vision and supporting plan will be the foundation for spurring economic growth that brings opportunity for all. With the Executive as the single point of contact for economic development decision-making, Cuyahoga County will be a stronger regional partner for development.

9.) There has been much talk about "regionalization" as a mechanism to improve government efficiency-and hopefully, reduce the tax burden on the citizens of Cuyahoga County. Do you view the new government structure as a positive step toward achieving these goals?

The new government structure provides a mechanism for fostering collaboration and joint decision-making among the municipalities. While maintaining no legislative or other authority over municipalities, the Executive working with Council can develop programs and incentives to foster greater sharing of services, procurement, and other economies of scale that can reduce the cost of government.

10.) In your analysis of Issue 6-the charter amendment that ushered in the sweeping changes in county government --what did you find to be its strong points? And what, if any, weaknesses did you detect?

The strength is the elimination of the many ‘row’ offices, and the resulting consolidation that can lead to a more efficient accountable government.  These functions can now be managed by professionals, appointed based on the knowledge and background they bring.  Another strength is the increased opportunity for “citizen” participation through election as members of the Council.

The major weakness was the sparingly defined transition process and timeline.  As a result, there is little consensus understanding among voters (or candidates) of how the government will begin to take shape and operate.  Recommendations from the transition process will not be finalized until a few weeks before the primary elections, and as a result will not be a significant factor in how candidates shape their views or how voters make their choices. 

11.)  Do you see a need for further "tinkering" with the County Charter to improve prospects for a successful transition? If so, what changes would you hope to see incorporated?

There will certainly be aspects of structure and operations under the charter that will need to be modified. We will come to understand these once the government begins to operate. It was a wise decision for the framers to set an initial charter review for 2012.



Questions developed by John Sheridan, courtesy of the Euclid Observer.