Jim Joyner

Please tell us your name, age, where you live, and how you make your living.

Jim Joyner, 62 years old. Resides in University Heights. My current position is as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) and Internationally Certified Clinical Supervisor (ICCS). I have worked in the field of addiction treatment, prevention, education and intervention services for 39 years. I am in private practice providing counseling, consultation and formal intervention services for families and other individuals who are concerned about someone’s alcohol or other drug use. I also provide over 150 trainings each year for groups and organizations like MADD, the Society for the Prevention of Violence and the Northeast Ohio Carpenters’ Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program, to name a few.

Describe for us the duties of a member of the County Council.

As stated in the charter, “The legislative power of the county, including the power to introduce, enact and amend ordinances and resolutions relating to all matters within the legislative power of the County is vested in the Council.” Other duties include, but are not limited to, those outlined in Sections 3.09 – 3.12 of the Charter. As the council elect from District 11, I would represent the best interests of the electorate in all matters of county business as described in the charter.

Why do you want to serve on County Council?

I view the opportunity to serve on the council as a continuation and extension of my efforts and commitment over the last several years both personally and professionally to be a part of and invest in a healthier, more stable community. I have a unique skill set, which will add leadership, strength and depth to the overall council. I believe that Cuyahoga County can do better and be better. I am committed to being a part of the leadership which will steer this county through these difficult times.

What qualifications do you bring that make you the most qualified?

I believe I have the necessary leadership, management, planning, problem solving, budget, and communications skills necessary to meet the qualification requirements of county council representative. I have integrity, and a strong value system. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. Thirty-nine successful years of professional service in the health and human services field, which includes 15 years as manager of Public Information and Training with the Cuyahoga County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board, along with my personal life’s experiences further confirm my qualifications for the position.

What will you do in your first weeks? Please describe in detail, to give our readers an idea of what this position will actually be like.

The first day council meets we will elect a council president and vice president, and determine the rules and order of business for the council. My role the first week will be a continuation of the process which will begin in detail after the November election, developing a working relationship with the other council members and the county executive. I will continue to educate myself in detail about the county systems and services, including the budget challenges ahead in order to execute the duties of council as smoothly as possible with little or no disruption to the provision of services the county provides for its citizens. And of course, the realities of the old fashion process of getting adjusted to something that will be new for us all.

How, specifically, will we know that you are doing a good job?

The role of government is to serve the people. I’m a firm believer in “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” If I am not meeting the expectations and duties of my role of council representative for District 11, I would expect the electorate if they are meeting their responsibility, and the council members if they are adhering to their responsibilities, to hold me accountable.

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Volume 1, Issue 5, Posted 8:30 AM, 09.11.2010