Cuyahoga County is no stranger to politicians who lack proper ethical standards. Of course there is the massive FBI Corruption investigations that resulted in numerous convictions and sweeping reforms to county government. Ed Fitzgerald has some bizarre issues with driving without a driver’s license. He also is violating open records requests by refusing to release his key card records showing his parking records in the county parking garage.
It appears County Councilwoman Sunny Simon is continuing that tradition. As the new government was forming, Simon organized a meeting in the kitchen of a fellow newly elected Councilman’s home. The meeting was intended to be private, hidden away from the voters. In 2006, she did something similar while a member of South Euclid Council.
Now Simon’s parking records reflect that she is using her parking privileges when no county business is scheduled. Parking passes are strictly designated while conducting county business. Simon also uses her pass to use elevators reserved for county judges at the Justice Center where she work.
The Republican Party of Cuyahoga County has filed an ethical complaint against the Councilwoman with the Inspector General. Chairman Rob Frost pointed out that Simon has failed to recognize the significance of abuse of power in county government.
“We must hold all of our elected officials to the highest standards possible regarding the privileges they are given when in office. We have already been embarrassed by lapses in judgment from our county officials this year, and it is unthinkable that council members would not recognize that the history of corruption in Cuyahoga County dictates that their actions be above reproach.”
Simon’s opponent, John Currid, is concerned about the alleged ethical lapse.
“Since its reform, the county has made great strides to eliminate the back-room deal making and ‘perks’ of being an elected official. It appears that Ms. Simon didn’t get that message as she once again finds herself tangled in ethics questions. For the sake of the county and its residents, the Inspector General should quickly addresses this complaint and determine its merit.
This isn’t the first time Ms. Simon has been questioned for ethics violations. Residents throughout the state have overwhelming rejected similar behavior from Ed Fitzgerald and should do the same of Ms. Simon.”
Simon is either tone deaf to the history of corruption in Cuyahoga County or she just doesn’t care. She cannot use her office for perks for her personal or professional life. The voters of the County have spoken on this topic. Simon clearly is not listening.
