North Ridgeville Review The Community That Cares
Lorain County Commissioner Michelle Hung takes the Oath of Office from Judge Robert White with her husband, Jeff, at her side.
Newly elected County Commissioner Michelle Hung took her oath of office in the chambers of Elyria Municipal Court Judge Robert White the afternoon of December 29.
In a letter to the community, Commissioner Hung promises to work with fellow elected officials in the best interest of the residents of Lorain County. Here is her letter:
Dear Residents,
I would like to Thank You for allowing me to serve as North Ridgeville City Council At-Large and electing me to serve as your next Lorain County Commissioner. I’ve started my new position on Monday, January 4th. It is my sense of duty to the residents of our County and my commitment to the work that has brought me to this moment.
As elected officials, we must ask ourselves when to exercise our “power” and when not to. The outgoing Commissioners, Kokoski and Sweda that lost their election, used their political power to create a hardship for the residents of Lorain County. Kokoski and Sweda chose to repeal the sales tax, simply because they could. The result of the repeal of the sales tax will inflict a hardship on the residents of Lorain County that may cause a reduction of services due to budget cuts and layoffs.
The previous Commissioners have stated that the County is in a healthy position with a $21 million dollar carryover. They did not possess an adequate understanding that in this time of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fact that they spent all $16 million of CARES ACT funding, they have now left the County in an unhealthy fiscal situation. If we continue this path of unchecked spending that the outgoing Commissioners have proposed, we are on track to be left with a $7 million dollar carryover for 2022. A County of our size should maintain a carryover of $10-$15 million for its residents to show the County has a stable financial backing and ample cash reserves.
I will work with my fellow elected officials to make a determination for a path forward for the best interests of the residents of Lorain County. The health, safety, and welfare of our residents is my top priority. Please allow the new administration time to carefully review the budget for 2021 and establish where we are financially. Nothing is off the table to ensure safety & security for our residents.
Lorain County Commissioner Michelle Hung took her oath of office Dec 29th in Judge Robert White’s chambers, joined by her husband Jeff, Daughter Karina and parents Helen and Ed Dobias.
To the residents, I send this message to let you know that your representation has arrived. I look forward to working together to deliver the results you have asked for, and it started on January 4th.
My wish to you is a Happy New Year, filled with joys and triumphs, new beginnings and optimism, and the hope that 2021 is the best year to come for all of us.
Sincerely,
Michelle Hung, Lorain County Commissioner
