Cuyahoga Executive : FitzGerald Mailer and Other Observations
Submitted by Anthony Fossaceca on Tue, 12/15/2009 - 11:46am.
Yesterday, we reported on Lakewood Mayor Ed FitzGerald's entry into the Cuyahoga County Executive race. FitzGerald seems to have targeted more than just Central and Executive Committee members as a number Dems we talked to (including Dems who would be, shall we say, "underperforming") got the mailing. Whatever the cost of the mailing, FitzGerald came out of the gate firing. (Download the PDF)
A four color, four page, glossy piece with a tipped-in letter, wafer seal, and postage? About 9 months before the primary? I call it a bold move that's sure to put a few folks back on their heels, or at least digging through the pocket lint to keep pace. So, who's next? Cimperman? Ronayne? Rokakis? Those are the names everyone is talking about. Let's see who moves first.
Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman would be running from a safe seat, but after his 2008 primary challenge to Dennis Kucinich, there are a lot of wounds with labor and progressives that haven't healed. A costly, losing battle for Executive would probably damage his electoral "street cred."
Chris Ronayne would likely have to give up his position as Executive Director for University Circle Inc. to make the run. That's a looooong period of time without a job (assuming he'd wouldn't take a part-time gig someplace, or pickup a paper route)
County Treasurer Jim Rokakis is clearly qualified for the job and whispering around Dem circles have him as the cleanest (no scandal) and smartest D on the block. Does Rokakis want the job though? He's already had to deal with three commissioners and a hostile press corps. Wouldn't this county council be worse?
More to come...
the REAL Fitzgerald
The true story behind Fitzgerald is quite a contrast from his carefully crafted public image.
Fitzerald actually only worked in the Chicago office of the FBI for a few years while in his early 20s. He was hardly a high ranking agent.
One has to wonder why he left the FBI and moved to Cleveland looking for a law job? He landed jobs with 1/2 dozen law firms, switching from firm to firm every year or two. He also landed a position with Bill Mason as a part time prosecutor.
He became president of the Lakewood Democratic Club where he regularly featured local dems including Russo, Dimora and other party faithful who at that point were his good buddies.
His dirty campaign for mayor of Lakewood where he didn't hesitate to use the race card, resulted in his being convicted of about a half a dozen election violations.
Although he sent numerous mailings, lawn signs and ran a full fledged campaign, his campaign finance reports reflect only a few dollars being raised and spent.
Many believe he is Republican fundraiser Tony George's front man, whose offices are in Lakewood and where rumors suggest Fitzgerald is a frequent visitor.
As mentioned, it is telling that Prosecutor Mason is not a big supporter of his........you would have to wonder why?
Could be he knows Fitzgerald all too well.
Lakewood is in deep financial trouble and Fitzgerald knows he needs to get out of town before he can be blamed for his mess.
Parmadem, are you the former
Parmadem, are you the former mayor of lakewood whom FitzGerald beat? cuz you sure do sound like him...as a lakewood democrat I can tell you the response above is inaccurate.
Fitzgerald is a former FBI agent who worked in Chicago. He returned to Lakewood so his children could grow up here, and worked for the County Prosectur's office. He left for private practice at a big firm. After serving on Council for 8 years he ran for Mayor and won--beating the incumbent who had every endorsement and every union behind him....FitzGerald has not raised taxes, and has streamline the payroll of Lakewood due to budget constraints--doing more with less....
Parmadem, it would take a whole lot longer to counter your aspersions, and attempts to mudsling--I suspect you are Tom George, the former Mayor, whom incessantly blogs as a bitter man because he lost...just move on and enjoy life.
Eddie,
you know I worked with you at the Justice Center.
liar liar
gee, parmadem (tom george), if you worked with fitzgerald at the justice center, i would think you would know:
a. he was originally hired by stephanie tubbs jones.
b. he was full time for at least 4 years in the general felony division.
something tells me you're neither from parma nor a real democrat.