Mayor Jackson said that the city is “financially stable” with indicators of economic growth. He added that Cleveland is redefining itself through investments in both “economic development and quality of life”, and that the city is well-positioned for the future…with $7 billion worth of active projects.
“As you arrived today, you saw the ongoing construction of the medical mart and convention center. The casino will open in May. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is open. Flats East Bank is well underway. A new Courtyard by Marriott and University Circle to uptown project in the campus village project, at Cleveland state, are under construction.”
Mayor Jackson reiterated though that the city needs to raise taxes as part of a multi-faceted approach to fix Cleveland schools. The controversial plan, unveiled last month, would set current teacher contracts aside. In new negotiations, everything would be on the table. While Governor Kasich has backed the plan, not much else has gone on to move it forward. The Democratic mayor said critics have questioned his political loyalty and support for unions, but he’s sticking to his plan.
“It ain’t that complicated," said Jackson. "Just pretend it’s your child. And when you do, it’s a very easy solution. Because what you want for your child, should be what you want for every child in the city of Cleveland.”
Jackson said the city’s still coping with a $38-million cut it had to impose last year.