Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson today endorsed Armond Budish for Cuyahoga County executive.

Budish, a Beachwood Democrat and state representative, looks to win a Democratic Party primary next May.

Other Democratic candidates mentioned for the position have included former Cuyahoga County Sheriff Bob Reid and state Sen. Shirley Smith. 

“I am endorsing Armond Budish today, and I’m looking forward to working cooperatively with him on our shared vision for Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the region,” Jackson said in a news release. “Armond Budish has an established record of bringing people together to accomplish common goals, and I believe he is the right person to lead our county,” Mayor Jackson said.

Budish in a news release thanked Mayor Jackson for the endorsement.

“If we are to successfully move our county forward, to create new jobs, train folks for the thousands of good jobs that already exist but are unfilled, and keep our kids here at home, the county and the city of Cleveland must form a strong and constructive partnership," Budish said. “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Mayor Jackson on our shared vision for our community’s future.”

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, D-Warrensville Heights, announced Monday that she has endorsed Armond Budish who is running for Cuyahoga County Executive in 2014.

“With so many pressing problems facing our area, we need strong and dynamic leaders here in Cuyahoga County who are willing to put the needs of our communities first.  Armond Budish is that kind of leader,” Fudge said in a news release issued after a press conference held in Warrensville Heights. “Today, I am enthusiastically endorsing Armond Budish, and I will be working side by side with him on this campaign, and then on the challenges facing our region.”

Budish, a Beachwood Democrat who has served as a state representative since 2006 and served two years as Ohio House of Representatives speakers, thanked the congresswoman for her endorsement.

“Over the last few months, I’ve outlined a bold vision to bring jobs and prosperity to northeast Ohio, making sure that all persons are included and no one is left behind," Budish said. "But our challenges are significant. To be successful, our leaders at the federal, state, county and local levels must all work together. I’m confident that Congresswoman Fudge and I will work together very well.”

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, has endorsed Armond Budish in the race for Cuyahoga County Executive.

Turner, who represents half of Lake County in Ohio Senate District 25, and Budish released these statements regarding the endorsement:

“Armond Budish is a leader with a deep commitment to public service and the experience to unite diverse communities behind a common goal,”Turner said. “As one of the leaders of county reform, I am confident that he will continue to push for accountability, equity, and efficiency in government and transform Cuyahoga County into an economic powerhouse."

“Sen. Turner is a leading voice for Cuyahoga County both at home and around our state," Budish said. "We both care deeply about attracting good-paying jobs to our communities, and ensuring that every Ohioan has an equal and fair opportunity to exercise their right to vote. I am honored to have her support.”

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah