Committee Confirms Michael Deaver for Justice Center Building Committee

The Cuyahoga County Human Resources Appointment and Equity Committee on Thursday confirmed Michael Deaver to the Cuyahoga County Justice Center Building Committee, approving the county executive’s nomination under suspension of the second reading.

Brendan Doyle, speaking on behalf of the county executive, said the appointment is made pursuant to the court’s 1972 building agreement with the city of Cleveland and Ohio Revised Code §153.61. "The purpose of the committee... is to coordinate the use, operation, and maintenance of the Justice Center, to approve the adoption of annual budgets, proposals affecting the general conditions of the Justice Center as a whole, and any proposals affecting the allocation of space among the various entities using the justice center," Doyle said.

Committee members asked for clarification about the panel’s remit and membership. Doyle said the committee has historically included 11 stakeholders — county and city officials such as the county prosecutor, clerk of courts, county sheriff, representatives appointed by courts, the city mayor and three county commissioner appointees — and that the committee’s focus is limited to the current building’s operation and maintenance rather than broader campus planning.

After a brief colloquy and a request to suspend the second reading, the committee moved, seconded and approved the suspension and the nomination by voice vote. All members present voted in favor; one member was absent at roll call.

The committee’s action now moves the appointment to finalization according to county procedures; Doyle said the appointee will be informed.