Cleveland Heights Democrats Club recommends Carol Roe for council vacancy

The Cleveland Heights Democrats Club has voted to recommend to CH City Council that Carol Roe, a 35-year resident and Noble Neighborhood activist, fill the council vacancy left by the resignation of newly elected Ohio State Representative Janine Boyd. 

At the club’s Jan. 8 meeting at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, three club members, Roe, Kahlil Seren and Keba Sylla, articulated why they should be appointed by city council and responded to questions from the audience.

Club members selected Roe, who is a registered nurse and licensed attorney, on more than 50 percent of the ballots cast.

Cleveland Heights City Council fills mid-term vacancies by soliciting applications from residents wishing to serve. After review, council members usually select a small group of qualified applicants for group interview, and then vote to determine which finalist will be appointed to fill the vacancy.

The term of the current vacancy runs until Dec. 31, 2015. Applications are being accepted until Thursday, Jan. 15, and more information can be found on the City of Cleveland Heights website, www.clevelandheights.com.

This club endorsement process provided an opportunity for club members seeking appointment to generate support for themselves, and club members hope it will enhance the likelihood of their being selected as applicant finalists by city council. Jeff Coryell and Jason Stein, city council members, observed the presentations.

The event was very well attended, in spite of the very cold weather. Club members packed the meeting room and patiently waited while the ballots were tallied to determine if any or all of the presenters would achieve the club’s recommendation. Ryan Pierce, club officer, summed up the audience’s sentiment: “As an organization, it is very important for us to foster high-caliber candidates, and our members are enthusiastic about participating in the process. Whether for council vacancies or other elected positions, our members are excited to be active and engaged.”

Anyone wishing to review the council applications submitted by Roe, Seren and Sylla can view them on the club website, www.clevelandheightsdems.com. For more information, contact president@clevelandheightsdems.com.