Shirley Smith

Two candidates for Cuyahoga County executive are each beginning their election year with more than $400,000 on hand in what will likely become a million-dollar race to lead county government.

Smith is the only woman in the race to lead Cuyahoga County government. Also seeking the office are Chris Ronayne and Tariq K. Shabazz, both Democrats, and Republican Lee Weingart.

Smith says she will seek the county Democratic Party’s endorsement when the party’s executive committee meets later this month.

A former state senator has left the Ohio Parole Board, saying there are serious problems with how the prison system is operated.Democratic former Sen.…