Over the next 8 months, Cuyahoga County must remake itself, in designing and preparation for an entirely new government - that is a challenge of epic proportions under the best of circumstances, and this is happening under the worst of circumstances for nearly all in Cuyahoga County. While our nation may be rising out of recession, parts of Cuyahoga County reside in states of true economic depression.

Those suffering the most in these trying times are the foot soldiers for our recovery, as they hold down the fort of urban structure in Cleveland and surrounding urban communities until some form of economic recovery brings reinforcements willing to brave the toxic conditions lingering at our core.

As desperate as these conditions are, I may say, living at the heart of our urban core, all is far from lost here, and the future is in fact hopeful. We are good people, as harmed as we may be, and we are capable of rebuilding our communities, ourselves, to keep the region great and proud. And those left here shall do that no matter what, as too many people still call this place home... and still believe in Cleveland.

We are at the heart of the best location in the nation... if any place in America will thrive and prosper in the long run, in times of climate change and ecological disaster, Cleveland shall thrive and prosper. Northeast Ohio shall thrive and prosper. And all people of Cuyahoga County need to prepare for that, and begin rebuilding this place for a higher purpose for the future.

To do that, we need to grow more stable foundations - we need to make the people of the region healthier, smarter, stronger and more inspired - we need to become brighter and greener.

To me, that is what Issue 15 is about - making the people of the region healthier, smarter, stronger and more inspired, for the future.

Vote for Issue 15 and the future of this great region - vote for the heart of it all.