Ed FitzGerald: This state isn't going to thrive if Cuyahoga County doesn't. We know they are facing enormous budgetary pressures and we are going to do our best to make sure those budgetary issues aren't dealt with in a way that's overly punitive to this community.
Come January, Kasich and the Republican-led House and Senate will begin figuring out how to cope with an expected $4 to $8 billion dollar shortfall.
FitzGerald also says he expects to name his choices for county auditor and recorder, which will be appointed positions under the new charter. The county's new 11 council members must approve these candidates.