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Three Charter Amendments Head To Voters In Cuyahoga County

The three charter amendments would make changes to Cuyahoga County offices, including the inspector general. [Rob Crandall / shutterstock.com]
picture of a voter at the ballot box

The Cuyahoga County Council approved three charter amendments that now head to the voters in November. They include a strengthened inspector general and changes to the human resources and internal audit offices.

The inspector general’s office would have the power to subpoena county workers and companies with county contracts. The corruption watchdog position already exists, but if voters approve the proposed charter amendment, the IG could only be eliminated with voter approval.

The Council amended the original proposal, adding the requirement that the inspector general have a law degree, a change advocated by Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley. 

County council voted down one proposed amendment that would have given it authority to create campaign finance regulations.

Ten out of the 11 councilmembers voted against that proposal. Their reasons included the price of election advertising in the Cleveland market, doubts about whether the amendment was necessary, and fears that it would prevent some candidates from being able to raise enough money to run for office.

Matthew Richmond is a reporter/producer focused on criminal justice issues at Ideastream Public Media.