Ken Lanci candidate for Country Executive Independent
If elected County Executive, what goals would top the list of things that you’d hope to accomplish during your term in office?
The top priority is to create jobs for the people in Cuyahoga County. I have been creating good jobs for 40 years. I will aggressively market our region to bring new jobs here by developing the www.CuyahogaJobs.us website, a database of the county’s physical assets and human resources.
I will restore the people’s trust in their public servants, first leading by example. I will also establish the Commission on Public Integrity to root out corruption and incompetence.
I will overhaul the appraisal process, hiring only qualified professionals, to make sure property taxes are fair and accurate.
A major function of county government is providing health and human services. I will make sure the safety net is working effectively and efficiently.
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?
I will do what I have always done as a manager and CEO. I will have an open door policy and be accessible. I will involve them in the processes so they will have a good understanding of what’s going on and they will be well informed when it comes time to make decisions.
How will Cuyahoga County voters know if the new government structure is working as envisioned?
Their lives will be better. They will have better job opportunities and pay fair property taxes. They will see billions of dollars of economic development. Young people will stay in their hometown where they have opportunities to succeed. There will be less of a strain on the safety net because the people of Cuyahoga County will be working again. Voters will experience the excitement of living in a county undergoing a renaissance. Greater Cleveland will again be “The Best Location in the Nation.”
Do you believe the new structure has the potential to spark economic growth and job creation in Northeast Ohio?
The structure is definitely more business friendly. It has the potential to spark economic growth and job creation if the right person is executive. I have 40 years of experience in business working out mergers, acquisitions and turnarounds. These skills are exactly what the new county executive needs. The structure allows the executive to negotiate with businesses and work out deals and contracts which can be brought before the council for approval. It takes a business person to understand business needs. I will go out and market Cuyahoga County to the rest of the world to bring new business and development here.
Do you see a need for further “tinkering” with the County Charter to improve prospects for a successful transition?
Not yet. I supported the charter and believe it sets us on a positive course. I have been doing mergers and acquisitions my entire career, and am confident in my ability to make this work for the people. I can’t wait to get to work for all of the people.
To learn more about this candidate visit www.kenlanci.com .