  We present the first results of a survey of 14 low redshift galaxy clusters
using Suzaku. Although luminous (L_x> 1\times 10^{43} erg s^{-1} (0.1-2.4
keV)), these clusters have no prior pointed X-ray data. Together with 47 other
systems they form a flux limited sample (f_x >1.0 \times 10^{-11} erg
s^{-1}cm^{-2} (0.1-2.4 keV)) with z<0.1 in the northern celestial hemisphere.
Using this total sample we evaluate the local $L-T$ relationship and the local
cluster temperature function. Suzaku temperature measurements appear to be in
accord with those of other missions. General agreement is found with other
published estimates of the low redshift cluster temperature function, however
the sample used here exhibits slightly lower space densities at gas
temperatures below 4-5 keV. We find a corresponding deficit in the number of
clusters with temperatures between approximately 4.5 and 5.5 keV. Although at
low significance, a similar feature exists in previous low redshift cluster
datasets. We suggest that low-redshift cluster samples, while crucial for
calibrating precision cosmology measurements, must be used with caution due to
their limited size and susceptibility to the effects of cosmic variance.
