Jim Trutko: Why I'm Running for Cuyahoga Council District 1
I’m running for Cuyahoga County Council District 1 because our county is at a turning point — and we cannot afford more of the same failed leadership.
For too long, career politicians in county government have allowed spending to grow out of control, public safety to weaken, and economic opportunity to stagnate. Families are paying more — and getting less.
I believe that I can add a new perspective and advocate new approaches that will improve the quality of life for residents in Council District 1 and the rest of Cuyahoga County. It’s time to restore fiscal responsibility, target growing sectors to improve job growth, and strengthen public safety..
Priority 1: Restore Fiscal Responsibility.
From 2015 to 2024, Cuyahoga County ran deficits in eight out of ten years — even as our population declined.
Yet the 2026 county budget approved by the current council is an astonishing $1.8 billion — about $3,500 per household. The current representative is a member of the budget committee and he has done little to curb spending or strengthen budget oversight.
The current representative deprived voters of a vote on taxes when he cast the deciding vote in council to extend the sales tax for 40 years.
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As your council representative, I will immediately introduce a resolution to ask for a state performance audit of spending on human services and the sheriff to improve departmental efficiency. I will push for a comprehensive review of county facilities, and advocate for workforce restructuring to ensure taxpayers are not funding inefficient bureaucracy. ​I will insist that tax increases be put to the vote of the people.
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For the average voter, this will mean that county government would live within its budget, efficiently provide the needed services and would not seek increases in property tax or sales tax to fund continual deficits.
Priority 2: Target Growing Sectors. Improve Job Creation.
County government has poured resources into economic development programs, but has not been successful in creating job growth and a vibrant private sector. Economic growth comes from empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving private sector.
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We need targeted policies that support growth in rebuilding the defense industry, rolling out AI, expanding leisure sectors and other growth industries. We need to sustain our enviable position as a destination for top-quality healthcare. We need to ensure that more good sites are immediately available for development. We need to have government leaders who publicly acknowledge the value of business activity and profitable investment leading to job creation and prosperity.
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For the average voter, focusing on sectors where growth is achievable will mean more job opportunities for them and their families, with more young people able to build their careers in the local area. More jobs and increased investment will support county services and the county budget with an increased tax base.
Priority 3: Strengthen Public Safety
Cuyahoga County Should Take Immediate Steps to Reduce Past Problems and Reduce Crime
Public safety is a core responsibility of local government and Cuyahoga County. The County’s current approach to crime reduction lacks sufficient planning, funding discipline, and effective execution. As a result, public safety outcomes fall short of what residents deserve.
Public Safety Has Broad Impacts.
Reducing crime and violence is foundational to achieving other community goals. Persistent crime undermines economic opportunity, worsens poverty, and disrupts education and community services. While crime rates are highest in the City of Cleveland and some older suburbs, fear of crime and social disorder affects residents across the entire county.
The Full Cost of Crime Is Underestimated.
Crime imposes significant economic and social costs that are often overlooked. Several years ago, I estimated that approximately 39,200 crimes in Cuyahoga County imposed costs of $2.3 billion annually—about $1,800 per resident. These costs include victim medical, property, and productivity losses; policing, court, and incarceration expenses; lost income associated with criminal behavior; and reduced quality of life as residents limit activities due to safety concerns.
County Government Plays a Central Role.
Although municipal police departments are on the front lines, county government has substantial responsibility for public safety outcomes. Public safety, sheriff, and judicial functions account for roughly 48 percent of the county workforce and 67 percent of general fund expenditures. This level of investment demands stronger management and measurable results.
Execution Has Been Weak.
Recent efforts to plan and construct a new county jail illustrate persistent management challenges. Cost estimates rose from $500 million in 2022 to $750 million in 2023 and now approach $900 million, reflecting inadequate cost control and planning discipline.
To improve public safety, Cuyahoga County should take these steps:
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Establish a realistic plan to reduce the countywide crime rate to 200 incidents per 10,000 residents
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Replicate the City of Cleveland’s Crime Incident Dashboard and mapping tools countywide
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Conduct an independent, state-led performance audit of the Sheriff’s Department
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Reallocate 100 existing county positions to strengthen sheriff operations
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Press for faster case processing to shorten the time from arrest to plea
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Modernize management practices and technology across the justice system
Strengthening public safety and supporting law enforcement will command broad public support and deliver wide-ranging benefits for Cuyahoga County’s residents, economy, and quality of life.