Cuyahoga County Commission president Peter Lawson Jones had a grave look on his face as he addressed a packed board room at the end of the final meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
JONES: We know today is a momentous day in the history of Cuyahoga County... because our prodigal son is returning this evening (crowd laughs)
Jones was, of course, referring to the return of former Cavs star Lebron James, in town with the Miami Heat for a game against his former teammates.
But joking aside, Jones, and his colleague Tim Hagan made a point of praising the many county workers who, they said, were unfairly tainted by the allegedly corrupt actions of a few. Hagan was particularly critical of former auditor Frank Russo and Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, who were both indicted on federal charges.
HAGAN: I believe in public service. Elected service is an honorable profession. And when people diminish that, and break the public trust, it's a reflection on all of us.
For his part, Dimora was quiet for most of the final Board meeting, arriving late and leaving early. Several incoming members of the new County Council were also in attendance. District 2 councilman Dale Miller thanked the outgoing leaders for helping get the new government started.
MILLER: We have contracts and programs that extend for a couple months or through the next year, so we're going to be able to pick-up where they left off and provide a smooth transition.
A smooth transition into some choppy economic waters. In about a month, Miller... his 10 colleagues on County Council... and new County Executive Ed Fitzgerald will get their chance to try and set county government on a new course.
