Tim McCormack has served in five elected offices, and failed in races for Mayor of Cleveland and U.S. Congress. But the chance to lead the county he served once before proved irresistible.
He says he will run on a platform of good government, compassion for the least fortunate, and sending a message to youth that Cleveland can be great again.
But the eye catching part of his announcement is that he is stepping away from the Democratic party, and will become the second independent in the race, by-passing the primary election.
But why that move - at this stage in his political career?
TIM McCORMACK:
"This town morally and economically is in such a hole at this point, that every resource that we can find needs to be brought to bear. And I just didn't want to restrict it to one to the people of party. There are lots of great people in this town that need to step forward, and I wanted to be able to approach all of them."
McCormack becomes the sixth candidate in the race for the executive's seat, joining fellow independent businessman Ken Lanci, former Republican State Representative Matt Dolan, and Democrats South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo, Terri Hamilton Brown, and Lakewood Mayor Ed Fitzgerald.
He calls the voter's decision on who becomes the first county executive - a crucial one.
McCORMACK:
"It is I think, the most important position in Ohio. It is where you can really make a difference directly - and not just legislate."
The deadline for others to enter the race - is June 24.
