Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald promised “to do something about it” during his BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Wednesday. While the “it” he was referencing was vaguely connected to government corruption and mismanaged budget books, it more closely resembled little more than the open rumors pointing to his run at the governor’s office in 2014.
With his boyish grin, FitzGerald rattled off a series of jabs at Gov. John Kasich in Cleveland as he officially announced his bid. Visits to Columbus and Cincinnati were planned for Wednesday, as well. Toledo, Dayton and Lima were scheduled for Thursday stops. Reactions to the announcement in those cities likely portend more meaningful barometric readings of this news. Cleveland’s gotten the FitzG treatment for several years running now, but locales in farther reaches of Ohio have yet to really get to know the man.
His resume includes his current county gig, a quick chill session in the Lakewood mayor’s seat and a handful of years on Lakewood City Council. Following the justified cries of “Opportunism!” hurled at Republican Josh Mandel during his Senate bid last year, it’s worth pointing out that, if FitzGerald were to win election, he would not have fulfilled a single term as either county exec or Lakewood mayor.
Now his campaign platform promises a governor “who everyday makes it his mission to make it easier for Ohio families to get in the middle class and stay in the middle class,” he told the audience. We’re still waiting patiently for a similarly fresh Main Street/Wall Street reference from the pol.
“I’m ready to run this race. Are you ready to run it with me?” Fitz asked, repeating the plea with fervor: “ARE YOU READY?”
For whatever it’s worth, FitzGerald was played off the stage by Foo Fighters’ “Times Like These.”
This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2013.
Here we go…
Maybe we should ask DENNIS! If he wants to run too…
Hmmmm… I wonder if his iPad is more important than the state too?
The jury is still out on Ed as a visionary leader, which is what Ohio needs. I used to think he was a visionary and cared about citizens. Lately I fear he doesn’t know how to break out of the mindset established by the Dimora and Russo culture. Our community appealed to him 6 weeks ago, with 2,134 signatures to help hold one of the County boards accountable. A board that his office appoints, and that citizens have no direct control over. A board that has floated $75 million in bonds and that will cost Cuyahoga County citizens an additional $100 in debt service. A board that impacts the entire region’s economy, land use and public services. All issues Ed says he cares about. He has not bothered to return a phone call or have anyone on his staff do so. If he does not show people that he stands behind his words, he is the sameoldsameoldsameold: a pol who represents and works only for the rich and well-connected.
Fitzgerald has been itching to get the hell out of Lakewood and Cleveland for how long now, this is probably the worst kept secret out there. Goodbye, and good riddance. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out. And if you lose, which you hopefully do and we elect a donkey or something instead, please don’t try to “fall back” on your old position in Cleveland. We don’t want to be your second choice. Ass.