Dimora, Russo asked to resign...again

CLEVELAND - The Cuyahoga County Democratic Party chairman is calling for county auditor Frank Russo and county commissioner Jimmy Dimora to resign.

Party chairman Stuart Garson made the announcement on Tuesday, suggesting their resignation would be in the best interest of the residents of Cuyahoga County as well as the county's Democratic Party.

While neither Russo nor Dimora have been indicted as of yet, both have been named in court documents related to the federal Cuyahoga County corruption probe.

"This situation and the taint of scandal have become a distraction to our community, party and our candidates. The presumption of innocence is sacrosanct in our justice system and this call to step down should not be construed as a reflection or opinion on their guilt or innocence. However, the appearance of impropriety in these offices continues to grow which has compromised the public's trust in these office holders and their effectiveness to carry out the duties of these offices," said Garson in a press release.

"The exhaustive two year old federal investigation is still ongoing. Notwithstanding that outcome, the resignations will allow our candidates for the new positions of County Executive and Council to focus on their ideas for governance, economic development and social services without any further distraction," he added.

Garson is just the latest of those who have called out for Russo and Dimora's resignations.  Previous requests for resignations have been made by Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, County Executive candidate Matt Dolan and Cuyahoga County Republican County Chairman Rob Frost.

Garson was elected as Cuyahoga County Democratic Party chairman in June. Jimmy Dimora had previously held the seat until resigning from the post in 2009.