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OUR VIEW: Reform and casinos: Cleveland, Cuyahoga get two big breaks; will they use them wisely?
November 6, 2009
Depending on how they use them, Cleveland and Cuyahoga County got two big breaks in Tuesday's election.
The voters overwhelmingly approved charter government for Cuyahoga County and casino gambling designated for downtown Cleveland won statewide.
Charter government in Cuyahoga County is a start on metro government, which were it ever enacted into law, would enable Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to work as one, capitalizing on the assets that exist in Cuyahoga County beyond Cleveland's borders and coordinating them into turning Cleveland into the economic powerhouse it could be, making Northeastern Ohio a better place to live.
Casino gambling, while objectionable to many, could make downtown Cleveland more of a destination point and generate tax revenues that could enable it to improve its public assets in a way that would raise the quality of life for residents inside the city.
Of course, forms of government do not guarantee integrity. Cuyahoga County and Cleveland have a reputation for being a place of government by quid pro quo -- you do something for me and I'll do something for you -- regardless of whether it is ethical. No-bid or fixed-bid jobs have been let in return for personal favors. Changing the form of government does not guarantee a higher standard for elected officials, so many of whom have helped themselves as well as their families and friends by feeding at the public trough as though they were entitled.
Casino gambling, of course, has all kinds of opportunities for misusing resources that should benefit the public. But it will generate new taxes and new commerce, however, and at least provides an opportunity that has been lacking for the downtown.
Ethical and wise leadership and a willingness to work for the public welfare as opposed to personal gain will be needed for Cleveland to take advantage of the opportunities the voters have given it.
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