Former Ed FitzGerald spokesman leaving Cuyahoga County government

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Rich Luchette, the Cuyahoga County spokesman for former County Executive Ed FitzGerald, is leaving the county.

Luchette's last day with the county was Friday. He declined to say what he's doing next, but said he'll be taking a few weeks off before going back to work somewhere outside the county next month.

FitzGerald hired Luchette, a former congressional aide with Ohio ties, in December 2013 to serve as his deputy communications director. At the time FitzGerald was running for governor.

Among other responsibilities, Luchette spoke on behalf of the county administration.

Luchette has worked in a reduced role since current County Executive Armond Budish took office on Jan. 1. He made $70,000 a year.

Luchette said in an interview that he's enjoyed his time in Cleveland, and said it was an honor to have worked for FitzGerald.

"Ed was a great county executive, and he would have been an excellent governor of Ohio," Luchette said. "I'm grateful that I was able to help the Budish administration during these past few months, and I wish them the best."

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