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County Council President Releases Opinion on Director of Law Qualifications

Cuyahoga County, Ohio – Cuyahoga County, Ohio – Cuyahoga County Council President C. Ellen Connally received today an opinion from the Office of the Ohio Attorney General addressing the qualifications of a chief magistrate of the Cleveland Municipal Court to serve as Cuyahoga County’s Director of Law.

“During the confirmation hearings, questions arose over the interpretation of Section 5.06 of the Charter requiring that the Director of Law have five years “experience in advising or representing political subdivisions” and the application of those qualifications to County Executive Ed Fitzgerald’s nominee, Gregory Clifford. In the utmost of caution and exercising our right, Council requested an opinion from the Prosecutor as to whether the nominee met the Charter qualifications to serve as Director of Law. The Prosecutor referred the question to the Office of the Ohio Attorney General. We received the OAG’s opinion today. Council members will have to take this opinion seriously as we consider whether to confirm the County Executive’s appointment, “ said Ms. Connally.