Trutko for Cuyahoga Council
Government Performance, Safety & the Local Economy
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.
It’s time to restore fiscal responsibility, support measures to improve safety, and target growing sectors to improve job growth.
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.
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As your council representative, I will demand a state performance audit of spending on human services, push for a comprehensive review of county facilities, and advocate for workforce restructuring to ensure taxpayers are not funding inefficient bureaucracy. ​
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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: Strengthen Public Safety
​In recent years, Cuyahoga County averaged more than 30,000 violent and property crimes per year. Fear of crime affects families across our county — not just in Cleveland, but in our suburbs as well.
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Nearly half of the annual county budget is spent on the sheriff, judicial functions and law department of county government. The Chief Executive and County Council have a crucial role to play in strengthening public safety, yet they have been unwilling to strengthen support for the Sheriff’s Department or demand more efficient court operations.
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I believe we can immediately improve safety by reallocating personnel to strengthen the Sheriff’s Department and by modernizing management practices and technology in our justice system.I believe in supporting law enforcement — not tying their hands.
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For the average voter, these changes will mean that they will feel safer in their neighborhoods and throughout the county, As a result, safe neighborhoods will provide more areas for affordable housing and economic development.
Priority 3: 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. I want to focus on actual business activity, profitable investment and job creation,
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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.
