Issues

Last November, voters overwhelmingly approved a sweeping new form of government that will, among other things, reorganize virtually all County departments previously directed and managed by independently elected officials. The overall structure has been set, but it will be up to the newly elected County Executive and County Council to translate the voters’ expectations into specific reforms, initiatives, and plans for the future.

Considering the fact that Cuyahoga County has an annual budget of almost $1.5 billion and has more than 7,000 full-time employees deployed across dozens of departments and agencies, the challenges will be monumental.

BUT, some priorities stand out above others, and new priorities will emerge as the process continues. Please contact me with your thoughts, your ideas, and your suggestions (http://annmariedonegan.us/contact.htm) to help continue to shape the agenda of the new county government.

   • Restore public confidence
   • Facilitate Economic Development
   • Protect/Optimize Taxpayer Dollars, especially in the area of Health and Human Service
   • Re-connect and re-involve citizens in their government
   • Increase attention to infrastructure improvements
   • Evaluate localized health and human services delivery

Restore public confidence - The delivery of public services has been handcuffed by corruption, political patronage, and cronyism. After two years of investigations, scandals, indictments, convictions, and prison sentences, the public has lost faith in its elected officials and in the institutions they led. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to elect new leaders whose record for integrity, openness, and responsiveness has been subjected to public scrutiny and determined by the voting public to be beyond reproach. I have a long and proven record in this regard.

back to top


Facilitate Economic Development – The independently elected nature and structure of the current form of County government has lacked the singular focus and inter-departmental coordination to be truly effective in developing and directing a comprehensive economic development agenda. Through reorganization and consolidation – properly devised and implemented -- the County will be better positioned to assist local businesses, attract new investment and development, and create jobs. I served on the County Workforce Reinvestment Board, I am a business owner and entrepreneur, and I understand what is necessary to create a positive environment for financial stability and economic growth. Programs that need attention - Third Frontier, Jumpstart, Medical Mart, JEDD, casino development.

back to top


Protect/Optimize Taxpayer Dollars, especially in the area of Health and Human Service - Well more than $1 billion a year in tax dollars flow through various County officials, departments, and agencies. Criminal investigations have documented millions of public dollars that were diverted into private pockets. Inefficiencies inherent in the multiple, overlapping, independently elected offices demand financial and performance audits. Any steps taken towards reorganization and consolidation must, as a guiding principle, consider efficiencies and economies and improvements that will eliminate waste and fraud and streamline operations to optimize service delivery and return on taxpayer investment. I am a registered nurse and have spent 20 years as a health care professional in the field of health and human services.

back to top

And, specifically in District 5, I see these at the top current priorities:

Re-connect and re-involve citizens in their government – Under the current system of County government, all officials were elected countywide, at-large, by a majority of voters from significantly diverse communities throughout the jurisdiction. Many, if not most voters felt distant and disconnected from those officials, with little or no direct contact or ability to effectively assert themselves or their localized issue. Under the new form of County government, there will still be an “at-large” County Executive, but local communities will be represented by Council District members who are “known” to them, “close” to them, and directly “responsible” to them. As a four-time elected “local” official, I understand the needs and expectations of “local” citizens. As a member of the board of the Southwest General Health System, which serves all communities in the new 5th County District, I have successfully worked with constituencies throughout those communities. And, as a business owner and professional business consultant, I further understand the absolute need to provide a strong, representative, and responsive voice to the priorities of the private, civic, and corporate citizens in my District. With more, direct, person-to-person contact, citizens will better understand the new government and be able to provide input.

back to top


Increase attention to infrastructure improvements in local communities that rely on county, state and federal tax dollars to augment their own resources. Regrettably, some county-sponsored infrastructure projects were tainted by evidence of corruption. The consolidation and integration of various county departments involved in infrastructure projects must be predicated on more effective, more rational, and more transparent criteria and oversight. Strong local communities are an asset to their citizens, to neighboring communities, to the County in general, and to the region itself. Those projects are key to stability and to economic development.

back to top


Evaluate localized health and human services delivery – Anywhere from $600 million to $800 million a year is spent on “health and human services” in this County. The reorganization of County government affords an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate how and where those services are delivered and whether they are effectively and equitably allocated to the areas and constituencies who need them the most. As a Registered Nurse -- one of the nation’s most trusted professional occupations – I take great pride in my service to others. I have worked in direct patient care, and, as a business owner and consultant, have worked closely with medical institutions, providers, and insurers to help them streamline and improve service delivery to those who depend on them. I understand the complex challenges facing this sector of local government, especially in coordinating service delivery with other boards and agencies that are not directly under the purview of the County. My unique experience and perspective will be crucial in helping the new government evaluate its performance in these areas and enhance its ability to meet the needs of citizens who rely on these services.

back to top