Opioid epidemic fight discussed

County, agencies getting ready to ‘reign terror’ on the issue

“I’ve been in touch, through the drug task force, with the DEA, the FBI working out of Cleveland about resources, so something big is coming.”

— Lorain County Administrator James Cordes

Lorain County Administrator James Cordes said there is big news coming in the county’s fight against the opioid epidemic.

Speaking at the June 13 County Commissioners meeting, Cordes said he could not disclose the details yet, but he’s been in conversation with Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Dennis Cavanaugh and a new collaborative is brewing between the county and other agencies to fight the problem.

“We’re getting ready to reign terror on the opiate epidemic — and I mean reign terror,” he said.

The tease came as the commissioners were discussing requesting County Auditor J. Craig Snodgrass certify tax valuations for a possible levy renewal, replacement or increase to fund the County Drug Task Force.

The commissioners are looking at a .080-mill renewal, .080mill replacement or a .090-mill increase for five years.

“I’ve been in touch, through the drug task force, with the DEA, the FBI working out of Cleveland

about resources, so something big is coming,” Cordes said.

Cordes said he would like to get the whole collaboration worked out so an announcement can be made before the commissioners vote on the levy in a few weeks.

The commissioners are also requesting Snodgrass give a tax valuation for a fiveyear levy benefitting the Lorain County 911 Agency.

Commissioners will examine a .50-mill replacement, a .50-mill renewal, a .5-mill increase and a .60-mill increase.

Cordes explained the funds will go toward the new call center the county is building in Elyria and to expand the service throughout the county.

The commissioners also took the opportunity to formally oppose President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to privatize the country’s air traffic control operations.

Commissioner Matt Lundy said he has been in contact with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association as well as local representative for that organization, Mike Hanlon.

“The air traffic controllers

are saying that they certainly agree there needs to be an update in the infrastructure; that it needs to be modernized,” Lundy said. “They have reservations about the reform being in the form of a for-profit model, or a privatized model.

“With 300 jobs on the line in Oberlin, that would be a devastating economic impact to the community of Oberlin and to Lorain County as well,” he continued. “It plays a critical role. We all know that that air traffic control system was even involved on 9/11 with the one flight that went down.”

In other news, local attorney Gerald Phillips voiced concerns to the commissioners for Lundy’s alleged hand in having a political group blocked from spreading their information at Rockin’ on the River.

According to Phillips, the group was made up of those against the sales tax increase that took effect in April, those advocating for a restructuring of the county government, those seeking ballot access for members of the Libertarian Party and those advocating for the decriminalization of marijuana.

Phillips said the group had contracted with Rockin’ on the River promoter Bob Earley to occupy a booth at the summer concert series May

26 in order to disseminate information.

Phillips claims when the group arrived to set up for the event they met with Earley who returned their money and told them they would be unable to operate inside the venue because the commissioners opposed the group.

Phillips said Lundy had contacted Lorain Port Authority Executive Director Tom Brown and informed him of the commissioners opposition to the group who further relayed the information to Earley.

“I view Mr. Lundy’s conduct as reprehensible from a public elected official,” Phillips said. “I believe his actions can constitute intentional contractual interference or business relationships and possibly violations of the civil rights to petition.”

Lundy denied any meddling. He said he was contacted by people who had seen ads in the newspaper saying the group would be gathering signatures at the event

“I just simply brought it to the attention of the director in case he got any calls,” Lundy said. “Now, where it went from there; I wasn’t involved.”

Phillips said the group is considering legal action.