SOLUTIONS

As a former city councilman Dave brings real life experience to the job of Cuyahoga County Councilmember.  The city he served was the largest ever to incorporate in the United States.  A member of the first city council, Dave and his colleagues created a city of 85,000 from the ground up.  Today, through innovative solutions and out-of-the-box thinking that city has increased services while lowering costs and maintaining a $15M surplus.  Dave knows what it takes to create these kinds of changes and he would like to tell you about some of his solutions for the challenges faced by Cuyahoga County. Come back often to see Dave's solutions as we post them.

Ethics Reform

Dave has announced a proposed Ethics Ordinance designed to provide guidance for those who represent the County.  He believes that the first step in building and rebuilding the County's economic engine is to adopt a comprehensive Ethics Ordinance.  "It is becoming increasingly clear to me that the creation of new jobs and sustained economic growth in Cuyahoga County can only occur when the business community believes that it is partnering with a governmental authority that prides itself on having a solid ethical foundation." Greenspan states.

Dave's fundamental belief in proposing an Ethics Ordinance can best be defined as:

Dave's proposed Ethics Ordinance includes a set of Rules and Procedures as well as Bylaws for the newly created Ethics Board.  The proposed Ethics Ordinance: 

         ●  Creates a five person Board of Ethics
         ●  Defines conflicts of interest
         ●  Establishes guidelines for acceptable public service performance and behavior
         ●  Defines behavior and activities that are contrary to public trust, and
         ●  Provides a process to which alleged violations are to be reported, investigated and administered

Dave feels that before we can expect the business community to believe that the new form of government will be different than the government structure it is replacing, the new form of government must make sweeping and dramatic changes designed to demonstrate that the Cuyahoga County Council will be more proactive in addressing fundamental issues that have plagued this area for may years.  Dave has stated:  "I'm offering this Proposed Ethics Ordinance to jump start the process of providing real solutions to real problems.  This is the first step in rebuilding the confidence of our residents and businesses alike."

To view the Proposed Ethics Ordinance please click here:
To view the Rules for the Proposed Ethics Board please click here:
Inspector General Dave has proposed Charter Amendment and Ordinance that would create a new position of Inspector General.  The newly created position is defined by Ordinance as:     "There is hereby established the Cuyahoga County Office of Inspector General which is created in order to detect misconduct involving abuse, corruption, fraud, waste, inefficiencies, and mismanagement by elected and appointed County officials and employees, county agencies and instrumentalities, contractors, and other parties doing business with the Charter Government of Cuyahoga County and/or receiving Cuyahoga County funds. The Inspector General shall head the Office of Inspector General. The organization and administration of the Office of Inspector General shall be independent to assure that no interference or influence external to the Office of Inspector General adversely affects the independence and objectivity of the Inspector General.”     This proposal, along with Greenspan’s earlier released proposed Ethics Ordinance further demonstrates his commitment to restore constituent and business trust and confidence in County Government.   “It is imperative that we address the issues that have negatively impacted our community and proactively provide solutions that demonstrate our commitment of true reform.” Greenspan explains.  Although not originally contemplated in the County Charter, the addition of this Office will be complimentary to already defined functions that provide internal oversight.  Greenspan explains, “Just as in business, Companies and organizations relay on third party independent entities to review operations, conduct compliance and governance oversight and perform efficiency studies.  It is my belief that the County should employ a best practices approach as it relates to its own operations.” In an effort to remain independent, Greenspan’s proposal outlines the formation and oversight of the Inspector General to be conducted by an unaffiliated Inspector General Selection Committee. Additionally, the funding of the Inspector General function shall be based on a one-quarter of one percent allocation based on all contracts entered into by the County.  The funds will be allocated from the General Fund budget and it is anticipated that the costs of the Inspector General’s office will be recouped through savings in operational and financial efficiencies and reduction in waste.  Another provision in the Greenspan proposal allows for the Inspector General’s Office to contract with local School Boards, municipalities, special districts, and other public officials and entities within Cuyahoga County to provide services.  In so doing, the Office of Inspector General has the opportunity to generate revenue and become a profit center. “In order to preserve the integrity of the office, it is important that this function be free from interference and influence from the entity in which it is created to investigate – the Cuyahoga County government.  The selection, funding and reporting of the Inspector General must be included in the Charter not by county ordinance.”  Greenspan stated. “The adoption of this proposal will further demonstrate the County’s commitment to move forward in an honest and ethical manner while simultaneously focusing on efficiencies and eliminating wasteful spending – this is a good thing.”  Greenspan concluded. Greenspan believes that this program demonstrates “responsive and responsible” leadership.   To view details of the proposed Inspector General Ordinance, click here:     To view details of the proposed Resolution to modify the County Charter:

Economic Development and Job Creation

On March 31st Dave released part of his vision for economic development & job creation in Cuyahoga County.  To see what he had to say, click here: 

In addition, Dave is working with Ohio State Representative Nan Baker on House Bill 437.   The bill, H.B. 437 would enact a nonrefundable tax credit for a business that adds jobs and expands into a vacant facility. The intent behind this legislation is to encourage both existing and prospective companies to house their businesses within a vacant facility. 

Dave first approached Representative Baker at a Rocky River Chamber of Commerce meeting at the end of last year with the concept of introducing legislation that would incentivize businesses to hire new employees and at the same time reduce the commercial and industrial real estate vacancy rate. 

The underlying philosophy is to provide an economic incentive that would attract a number of classifications of employers.

·         Entrepreneurs – emerging and start-up business ventures

·         Small to Mid-size businesses/firms looking to expand

·         Large manufacturing/assembly business looking to re-start or relocate operations

“It is my intention to provide an economic incentive to make Ohio more attractive to businesses of all sizes.  By providing a state non-refundable tax credit, it takes the onus off counties and cities from having to give up tax dollars in the form of property tax abatements or other tax incentives.”  Greenspan explains.

The bill provides another benefit, Greenspan continues, “It will also incentivize businesses to take a second look at existing facilities to house these new employees.  We all see how much vacant commercial and industrial real estate is around – this bill is also intended to reduce the vacancy rate.”

To learn more about House Bill 437 – visit - http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=128_HB_437

Internship Program

On April 14th Dave proposed a program designed to engage our county’s youth in government through the creation of an Internship program.

“This program is designed to give our high school aged students an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and experience as to how the NEW county government operates.” Greenspan said.

This program, coupled with Greenspan’s proposed Ethics Ordinance demonstrates his commitment to open, honest, fair and inclusive government. “If we are to change the perception of Cuyahoga County government, we must engage all of our citizens and this program is a step in that direction” says Greenspan.

Some highlights of the program include:

	The Internship Program is open to students residing in Cuyahoga County who are in 9th grade and above and enrolled in a public, parochial, private, or home school program.
	The Interns shall serve for one County Council meeting
	The Intern is strongly encouraged to write a brief paper, within two weeks of serving as an Intern, on his/her experience.  The County will publish the Intern's paper on its website.
	The County Clerk will submit the paper to the Intern's school newspaper and local/community media for publication.
	Each Intern will receive a certificate of participation.

To view details of the proposed Internship Program, click here:

Sales Tax Freeze

Dave has proposed an Ordinance that will require voter approval for any modification, change or other adjustments to the County’s portion of the sales tax rate.   

“As I travel the district and the county I hear a few common messages as it relates to open and fair government. The most widely discussed issue is the process that led to  the current sales tax rate increase .”  Greenspan said.  “We cannot change what happened yesterday but we can strive to ensure that the process changes and that the same problem does not occur in the future.”  Greenspan went on to say.

“A sales tax change impacts all county residents and I want the residents to be able to participate in the process – that is why I’m proposing this Ordinance.”  Greenspan concluded.

In July of 2007, the current Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners, by a 2-1 vote, decided to increase the sales tax rate by one-quarter of one percent to 7.75% to help fund the medical mart/convention center project.  This change leaves Cuyahoga County with the highest sales tax rate in the state of Ohio.

Greenspan believes that this ordinance demonstrates ”responsive and responsible” leadership.

To view a copy of the proposed ordinance: