Media Contact: Jeanne Schmotzer 216 443-6876

Cuyahoga County, Ohio – Eleven Cuyahoga County Council members will gather at the Justice Center on Monday, January 3 at 5:00 p.m., for a swearing-in ceremony that will lead immediately into their first official meeting as an elected body.

“We will make our public pledge to the citizens of Cuyahoga County, to uphold their laws and our duties. Then, we will get right into the real work of the Council,” stated David Greenspan, Council member representing District 1, who is helping to coordinate the inaugural event.

According to the charter adopted by Cuyahoga County voters on November 3, 2009, the term of office for all Council members begins on January 1. The swearing-in ceremony will be a public acknowledgement of that transition of authority.

Nancy Fuerst, Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, will preside at the event. Members of local faith and youth communities will also participate in the ceremony, to be conducted in the Council Chambers on the first floor of the Cuyahoga County Justice Center, 1200 Ontario Street in Cleveland.

County Executive Edward FitzGerald is scheduled to make remarks during the event. His own inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m., at the Old Courthouse on Lakeside Avenue.

After taking their oaths of office, Council members will conduct their inaugural meeting, electing a President and Vice President, and considering their first motions and ordinances.

Council members include David Greenspan (District 1), Dale Miller (District 2), Dan Brady (District 3), Charles M. Germana (District 4), Michael J. Gallagher (District 5), Jack H. Schron, Jr. (District 6), Yvonne M. Conwell (District 7), Pernel Jones, Jr. (District 8), C. Ellen Connally (District 9), Julian Rogers (District 10), and Sunny M. Simon (District 11).

The event is open to all citizens, but space is limited.