Cleveland Labor Boss Faces Potential Conflict of Interest on Port Authority Board

Mayor Bibb's failed attempt to extend Dave Wondolowski's term raises questions about his voting on projects that benefit unions he represents.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Dave Wondolowski, the powerful head of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades, has served as chair of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority board. When County Executive Chris Ronayne was set to replace Wondolowski, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb unexpectedly nominated Wondolowski for a city seat on the board, which would have extended his term. This political maneuver quickly unraveled, but it has now shone a spotlight on a potential conflict of interest for Wondolowski in voting on port authority projects that benefit the unions he represents.

Why it matters

Wondolowski's dual roles as a labor leader and port authority board member raise ethical concerns, as many of the projects that come before the port authority for funding are lucrative for the unions he represents. This could constitute a conflict of interest, as Wondolowski may be voting on contracts that directly enrich the people who pay his salary as a union leader.

The details

When County Executive Chris Ronayne was planning to replace Wondolowski on the port authority board, Mayor Justin Bibb unexpectedly nominated Wondolowski for a city seat on the board, which would have extended his term for at least four more years. This political maneuver quickly unraveled, with City Council members unlikely to confirm the new appointment. Wondolowski withdrew his name, calling the situation a 'distraction,' and Bibb pulled the nomination.

  • Wondolowski's current term as port authority board chair was set to expire in two years.
  • Ronayne was planning to replace Wondolowski on the board when his term ended.

The players

Dave Wondolowski

The powerful head of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades, who has been serving as chair of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority board.

Chris Ronayne

The Cuyahoga County Executive, who appointed Wondolowski to the port authority board and was planning to replace him when his term ended.

Justin Bibb

The Mayor of Cleveland, who unexpectedly nominated Wondolowski for a city seat on the port authority board in an apparent attempt to extend his term.

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What they’re saying

“Many of the projects that come to the port for funding are very lucrative for the unions Wondolowski represents. Should he be voting on those or should he be declaring a conflict of interest? It enriches the people that pay his salary.”

— Chris Quinn, Editorial Board member (cleveland.com)

“When City hall appears ready to help a powerful labor leader maneuver around another elected official just to hold onto a board seat, it really feeds the perception that labor is a priority constituency with special access. And it makes us wonder whether labor is manipulating this mayor.”

— Leila Atassi, Impact Editor (cleveland.com)

What’s next

County Executive Ronayne has said he is exploring his options to potentially remove Wondolowski from the port authority board permanently due to the potential conflict of interest.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when powerful labor leaders serve on boards that oversee projects that directly benefit the unions they represent. It raises questions about the influence of labor in local politics and whether elected officials are prioritizing the interests of certain constituencies over the broader public good.