If we were to modernize Cuyahoga County to operate more efficiently and, as part of that process, save 5 percent of the county's annual budget, we would save $70 million a year.
Assume for a moment that this is possible. Because it is if we can agree on a new charter for modernizing county government, get the necessary signatures to put it on the ballot on November 4, 2008, and have a majority of voters approve adoption of the proposed charter. We can start spending the money 30 days after the election.
Do you know a faster, more effective way to solve the problems of Cleveland?
If you will believe me when I say we can accomplish the legal and financial requirements to mount a strong and successful campaign to pass a new county charter in 2008, the most important question becomes what to do with the $70 million.
That's because it has been proven that merely saving money doesn't motivate people. It is the benefits that come from saving money that move people to action. For example, the 52 school districts around Youngstown that are attempting to consolidate. It is not the $22 million in savings that people are excited about — it is the guarantee that the money will be used to make sure every high school graduate in the new district will receive a college education, if he or she so desires, at either of the two universities in Youngstown.
What are your thoughts? What benefit would compel voters in Cleveland and its suburbs to turn out to pass a new county charter that would improve the lives of all Clevelanders.
If we find an answer, it's worth at least $70 million a year.
Modernizing metro governments is something happening all over the country, but we seem scared to death to even try. For one thing, we are very turf-protective. For another, our county commission is a very powerful political and economic force; our suburban mayors say we need to change government, yet in the same breath they rule out touching Cuyahoga County. They say things like, "It's too large an undertaking. Others have tried and failed," etc., etc.
Obviously, these people are not familiar with the extraordinary career of Willy Sutton, the prolific bank robber. Sutton was offended by the stupidity of the questioner when he asked Sutton why he robbed banks. Sutton's reply, which will be remembered forever, was simply: Because that's where the money is. Meaning: If you spend time, say just 10 minutes, studying county and suburban government here and then ask where reorganization can have the most impact, there can be but one conclusion. There are several exciting ideas under study and hopefully more on the way as to how we can best use $70 million a year. I encourage you to send along your ideas.
For the first time in years I feel there is agreement among all Clevelanders that we cannot continue the way we're going. Our problems are not getting better; they are getting worse. I've attended a lot of meetings and talked with a lot of people about this matter during 2007, and there is a feeling that we must work together if things are ever going to improve.
With a presidential election coming in November 2008, with at least a 50 percent chance of a woman being elected, why not make it a historic date locally as well? Let's prove that We The People still have power. Let's take back a government that was once ours, increase its effectiveness, and begin a journey we know we must take if we are to manifest the great city in all of us.