Ed Kelley is re-elected CH mayor, urges city to 'take back the streets'

On Jan. 3, the first city council meeting of 2012, Edward Kelley was re-elected mayor of Cleveland Heights by his city council peers. Council Member Dennis Wilcox was elected vice mayor.

In a prepared statement, Mayor Kelley said, “As we look ahead to the next two years, we, as a city council, and every city employee must be prepared to meet our challenges head on, and give an effort of 1,000 percent. We must be proactive and not reactive. The status quo is no longer good enough and should not be accepted as we move forward.”

In his remarks, Kelley outlined several challenges facing the city and issued a plea to residents to “join together with our police, with this city council and other key city personnel to take back our streets.” Kelley said that city residents expect and deserve the best when it comes to public safety. He challenged the police and fire departments to investigate and implement new technologies and employ “new types of community policing.”

He urged the city to hold the juvenile justice system more accountable. “Too many things are slipping through the cracks,” he said, “and our juvenile court and juvenile justice system is not serving Cleveland Heights well. 

Kelley advocated for zero tolerance with respect to crime. “Criminals need to know that criminal activity in any form is not acceptable in Cleveland Heights,” he said.

Kelley also stated that the city must continue to hold expenditures in check and look for new sources of revenue. He spoke of the need to continue policies that support the maintenance of existing housing stock and the creation of new housing. Recreational opportunities should be reevaluated, including those at the community center, which is now ten years old.

Economic development remains a key focus in 2012. “The city is crying out for new development in every business district and Severance Town Center,” he said. He called for additional collaboration with University Circle and pledged to work together with nonprofits, religious institutions, schools and other groups for the betterment of the city.

“Cleveland Heights in 2012 continues to be one of the most desirable cities to raise a family, work, visit and play in the State of Ohio,” said Kelley.  “I am grateful and humbled to be re-elected mayor of our city for the eighth time.”

View Mayor Kelley complete remarks. View a list of city council committees for 2012–13.