OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR

LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO

MARK R. STEWART
AUDITOR

6/7/12 There have been recent articles regarding the potential loss of health coverage for more than 4,000 government affiliated workers in Lorain County because the County Auditor would not pay a bill. The auditors budget has been cut since 2008 and reductions in staff have occurred like most County departments. However, bills are getting paid. In the case of County health payments, the bills are paid within ten business days from when they are legally approved by the Board of Commissioners. This process has been in place all year without issue. Not all bills submitted to the office are paid within that expedited time frame (10 days) but these health care obligations are given preference over others due to their nature, as negotiated with Commissioner employees. Most vendors would be happy to be paid within ten days, unless youre the County Administrator James Cordes. This man in control of designated power for health care expects everyone jump at the snap of his fingers didnt care for the process. A procedure he could not control. In this case, when he couldnt find a way to circumvent the process and deliver on promises he should never had made; he created a false crisis. Consistent with his classic create the problem, solve the problem style, Mr. Cordes opted to create the ultimate crisis by choosing to cut off coverage. As the County Health Care Administrator he was afforded less risky options as spelled out in the contract. However, it would not have had nearly created the same drama or opportunity to push around another department head or official. This is another example in a long line of strong-arm tactics, just as he bullied the Lorain County Regional Airport Board and Tuberculosis Clinic out of existence. On numerous occasions he has attempted to bully the Veteran Services Commission Board and now created this situation. Unfortunately, its his flare for dramatics and self-absorption that the public sees which diminishes the credibility of his supervisors The County Commissioners. The bullying has to stop, or they will pay the ultimate price of voter rejection. Sincerely, Mark R. Stewart Lorain County Auditor (440) 329-5170

LORAIN COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING * 226 MIDDLE AVE. ELYRIA, OHIO 44035 * (440)-329-5212 FAX (440) 329-5223 WEB SITE www.loraincounty.com/auditor * E-MAIL auditor@loraincounty.com