Armond D. Budish rmond D. Budish is the Cuyahoga County Executive. His prior positions include Democrat Leader of the House for the 129th and part of the 130th Ohio General Assembly, and Speaker of the House for the 128th General Assembly. Budish represented the 8th House District, which includes parts of the city of Cleveland and its eastern suburbs. After graduating high school in 1971, Budish obtained his Bachelor’s Degree with honors from Swarthmore College and went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from New York University Law School. He was inducted in the Beachwood High School Gallery of Success in 1991. In 1993, Budish founded the law firm Budish, Solomon, Steiner, & Peck in Beachwood, where he is currently a partner. He also hosts the television show, “Golden Opportunities,” an informational program for seniors and their families, which can be seen Sundays on WKYC Channel 3; and has written several books, including Why Wills Won’t Work. Here's some more information about County Executive Budish: When did you decide to go into politics? I decided to go into politics in 2005. My first priority was to be a good father, so I did not run until my kids went off to college. I chose to do so because I felt I could do more good for people in a government office than in any other way. I have always been committed to public service – I was raised that way. I believe in Tikkun Olam – we all have an obligation to do our part to heal the world. While our kids were young, I did my community service closer to home. For 24 years, I wrote a consumer rights' newspaper column; and in 1998, I started my own television show, “Golden Opportunities,” designed to help seniors and families with issues on aging. I was always involved in public service. Why did you choose to run for the seat of County Executive? The seat of County Executive presented an opportunity to do a whole lot more for people. The position plays a significant role in all sorts of areas, including job creation, jobs retention, healthcare, education, safety and much more. This position provides a better opportunity for me to do more for people on a broader and deeper basis. Explain your position as County Executive. A As County Executive, I will be focusing on jobs and job creation, and will help people get the education and training they need for the jobs that are available now and in the future. Right now, there are thousands of available good-paying jobs in Cuyahoga County, and thousands of people who want to obtain a good-paying job but aren't able to qualify for one. We need to better align jobs and training so people are qualified to obtain jobs that are available right now, in manufacturing, healthcare and technology, in Cuyahoga County. I will also focus on stabilizing people and families to make sure they get the help they need to lift them out of poverty. The poverty rate is way too high. For example, many people qualify for healthcare assistance and daycare help, but aren't receiving those benefits. When their kids get sick, they may have to stay home, which could cost them their job. We need to expand outreach programs to let them understand there is help out there. We want to help people get stabilized so they can care for their kids, obtain a job, and not be dependent on government resources. How do you feel that your elected position will affect this region in five years? I'm very focused on jobs and job opportunities. Some goals are to lower unemployment, increase the graduation rate and help our kids get the start they need. We have wonderful assets here, including the lakefront, University Circle, the Rock Hall of Fame and Metroparks. This is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and we need to do whatever we can so our kids remain and return. What's interesting about you that people don't know? My primary interest is my wife, Amy, and children, Ryan, who lives in Cambridge, Mass. and Daniel, who lives in Ohio City. My family and work are my hobbies. That's how I enjoy spending my time. One more interesting fact? I have not had an alcoholic beverage in more than 45 years. Tell me a favorite memory of growing up in Beachwood. My favorite memory is tied to the people I got to know here. I made some great friends in Beachwood. I attended the Beachwood schools through the middle of my senior year of high school, when my family moved; so technically, I graduated from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1971. I was having a great time in high school, and was president of Student Council at the time. The move was very difficult for me. When did you come back? I came back to Cleveland in 1979 after getting married. We first lived in University Heights, then Lyndhurst, and then back to Beachwood. Our kids both graduated from Beachwood High School. How did your Beachwood education help you get to where you are today? I received a great education in Beachwood. Not only academically, which was really strong, but with extracurricular activities too. I particularly enjoyed participating in student government. What's your favorite BHS memory? It goes back to the people I met. I very much enjoyed attending my kids' graduations and seeing how well they did. Did you know what you wanted to do when graduating high school? No. I knew that being an attorney was one possibility. In my first year and a half of college, I took more math and science classes than anything else. Back then, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer or doctor. What really gives you peace of mind? Knowing that my family is healthy and safe. What's your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Spend time with family. Who's your favorite sports team? Whichever team wins the championship for Cleveland first! To enhance Cleveland's reputation and build county spirit we need to win a championship! When is/was your swearing-in ceremony? I was quietly sworn in at midnight, December 31, and my County Executive inauguration will take place January 4, at the Global Center for Health Innovation, at 3 p.m. This is open to the community, and those who would like to attend are invited! Is there anything specific you would like our readers to know? I enjoy living in Beachwood, and appreciate the fabulous support I've received from my home town over the years. I am also very appreciative of the widespread support that I received in the Cuyahoga County race from people all over the county. January 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 7