The Real Deal has learned that C. Ellen Connally, D-9 will be the first president of the Cuyahoga County Council.
Connally has been competing for the post with fellow Democrat Dale Miller, D-2. Each was understood to have been supported by several Democratic council members-elect. The two have agreed to work together, with Miller slated to become vice-president.
Among other things, their agreement means that the top two council positions will be headed by Cleveland residents. Connally's district comprises several inner-ring suburbs, while Miller's district includes some west side suburbs. The pact also negates the possibility that the presidency of the overwhelmingly Democratic council could have been decided by the three Republican members of the council.
The council members-elect will meet in public session at 8 AM Monday at Cleveland State University for an unofficial vote that is expected to ratify these results. The official county action will take place on January 3 following the New Year's Day swearing-in of the new county officials.
Miller confirmed this information when telephoned by The Real Deal this afternoon. He deferred any discussion of how the pact was reached to the putative new president. We have been unable to reach Ms Connally for her comment but did confirm the information with a public official who advised us that Miller had called her to share the news.
