Voters Guide

The League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland (LWVCG) will present a candidate forum for state representative and county races on Thursday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m., at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd.

Slated to participate are Ohio House District 9 candidates Janine Boyd and Joe Miller, and Cuyahoga County District 10 candidate Cheryl L. Stephens, currently a CH City Council member, who is running unopposed. [Candidates for Ohio Senate will not be participating.]

As the Nov. 7 Election Day approaches, Heights voters can access several resources to become informed about local candidates and issues.

One such resource is the 2017 Voters Guide, sponsored by the Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters (LVW) and FutureHeights. The guide was a special insert in the October issue of the Heights Observer. Additional copies of the printed guide are available at Heights libraries and other locations around town.

An online version of the guide, available at www.heightsobserver.org and www.vote411.org, contains additional questions and answers from each candidate, as well as a link to videos from the Oct. 18 LWV/FutureHeights Candidates Forum.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

• The title listed for each issue is the official title assigned by the Ohio Ballot Board.
• Summaries of each issue immediately following the official ballot wording originated from material issued by the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland and the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. 
• The pros and cons listed for each issue are abbreviated versions of the arguments put forward by the respective issue campaigns. 
• The League of Women Voters is a national nonpartisan organization that supports or opposes issues it studies, but does not endorse candidates.
• To view LWV positions on current issues – lwvinfo@lwvohio.org

STATE ISSUE 1 — Marsy’s Law

Will appear on the ballot as “STATE ISSUE 1:  Rights for Crime Victims”

SHAKER HEIGHTS MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE

6-Year Term     Salary: $125,850     Elect: 1

The Shaker Heights Municipal Court's jurisdiction includes Beachwood, Hunting Valley, Pepper Pike, Shaker Heights, and University Heights. 

CANDIDATES: KATHY "K. J." MONTGOMERY

KATHY "K. J." MONTGOMERY

Shaker Heights

Email: kjmontgomery@shakerheightscourt.org

Education: Cleveland Marshall College of Law (1974-1977) Juris Doctor – Niagra Moot Court Best Brief (1974), Order of the Barrister. Heidelberg College (1970-1974) B. Music – Salutatorian of the class; Valedictorian of School of Music, Senior Laureate, Tau Mu Sigma Honorary, Tau Mu Sigma Scholarship recipient, Mabel Kinley Award. Mentor High School (1970) 10th class standing

JOHN P. RACH

University Heights     Age: 33

Email: keepcouncilmanrach@gmail.com

Website: www.KeepCouncilmanRach.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncilmanRach/

Twitter: @CouncilmanRach

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Master of Architecture and Environmental Design; Master of Business Administration; Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Occupation: Architect; Director of Marketing - CBLH Design; City Councilperson - University Heights

Qualifications: 2016-Present - City Council; 2015-2016 - City Master Plan Steering Committee Member; 2014-2015 - NOACA Planning Steering Committee Member; 2014 - New Zoning Code Committee Member; 2012-2016 - Board of Zoning Appeals Member

MARY M. EBNER

University Heights     Age: 56

Email: marymebner@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaryMEbner

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Beaumont School, Cleveland Heights, OH;The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education.

Occupation: Teacher

Qualifications: University Heights resident for 28 years; Member of University Heights recreation advisory committee, parade committee, and park advisory committee.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL– TWO-YEAR UNEXPIRED TERM

2-YEAR TERM     SALARY: $9,100     ELECT: 1

CANDIDATES:   MARY M. EBNER     JOHN P. RACH

Questions for University Heights City Council - Two-Year Unexpired Term:

MARK WISEMAN

University Heights     Age: 52

Email: markwise44@sbcglobal.net

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: JD Cleveland Marshall College of Law, BSBA Ohio State Univ

Occupation: Staff Attorney Cleveland Municipal Court, Housing Division

Qualifications: Current Councilman (5 years), 25 year attorney, Experience designing/running Government programs

SUSAN D. PARDEE

University Heights     Age: 60

Email: SuePardee4UHCouncil@gmail.com

Website: voteforsuepardee.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: MBA, Weatherhead School of Management, CWRU

Occupation: Supervisor of Federal Programs and Grants, Cleveland Hts.-University Hts. City School District

Qualifications: Eight years (two terms) on University Heights City Council, the last four as Vice Mayor. Experience in planning and project development; finding funding; managing and reporting on grants, monitoring for compliance; leading groups in successful community-building projects, serving on national and local Boards.

HANNAH LEBOVITS

University Heights     Age: 25

Email: hlebo.uh@gmail.com

Website: hannahlebovits.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hannah4UH/

Twitter: @Hannah4UH

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: PhD, Urban Public Policy, 2020;MPA, Organizational and Public Management;BA, Political Science

Occupation: PhD student, Urban Public Policy; Researcher; Grassroots Activist

Qualifications: Experience in local government, extensive public administration education.

ANNELISE KOSTYO

University Heights     Age: 29

Email: akostyo14@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KostyoforCouncil/

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: John Carroll University Masters of Arts - Nonprofit Business Administration and Management, John Carroll University Bachelors of Arts - College of Arts and Science, History

Occupation: Keller Williams Greater Cleveland - Realtor

Qualifications: Resident and registered voter of University Heights

PHILIP ERTEL

University Heights     Age: 61

Email: ertelphil@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Ohio University, BS Communication, With Honors

Occupation: Shaker Heights Municipal Court

Qualifications: Eleven years as Councilman, born and raised in UH

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – COUNCIL AT LARGE

4-year Term     Salary: $9,100     Elect: 3

CANDIDATES: PHILIP ERTEL   ANNELISE KOSTYO   HANNAH LEBOVITS   SUSAN D. PARDEE   MARK WISEMAN

Questions for University Heights City Council:

SUSAN INFELD

University Heights     Age: 59

Email: infeldsk@aol.com

Website: www.infeldformayor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfeldforMayor/

Twitter: @susaninfeld

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Occupation: Mayor, City of University Heights Ohio

Qualifications: 8 years as Mayor; 12 years on City Council; Leadership Cleveland graduate; Led citizens committee to build new pool and playground at Purvis Park; Board member of the Ohio Municipal League, NOACA, Cuyahoga County Planning Commission; First Suburbs Consortium of Northeast Ohio Executive Committee

MICHAEL DYLAN BRENNAN

University Heights     Age: 46

Email: brennan4uh@gmail.com

Website: brennan4uh.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brennan4uh/

Twitter: @Brennan4UH

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D. 1996; Bowling Green State University, B.A., Political Science, 1993.

Occupation: Attorney and Counselor at Law, The Law Office of Michael Dylan Brennan, LLC

Qualifications: Over twenty years legal experience. Community experience: FutureHeights Inc., Board of Directors, Executive Committee (Corporate Secretary), Planning & Development Committee, Heights Music Hop Committee; Citizens for Saybrook Park; Lake Erie International Model United Nations Corp., Board of Directors. Political and government experience includes: Polling Location Coordinator, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections; Voter Protection Team, Obama for America; Judicial Staff Attorney, Judge Kathleen Ann Sutula (2000-02), Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas; Law Intern, U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division (1996); Congressional Intern for Rep. Eric D. Fingerhut (1994); volunteer in numerous political campaigns.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS MAYOR

4-year Term     Salary: $75,500     Elect: 1

CANDIDATES:   MICHAEL DYLAN BRENNAN     SUSAN INFELD

Questions for University Heights Mayor:

JODI L. SOURINI

University Heights     Age: 50

Email: jodi4boe@gmail.com

Website: http://www.jodi4boe.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JodiSourini/

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Bachelor's of Science degree in Public Relations from Kent State University and a Master's degree in Business Administration from John Carroll University

Occupation: Marketing Communications Manager

Qualifications: Active in CHUH public schools for 8 years in individual buildings and on district-wide committees: Lay Facilities Committee Member (district), Committee member to select the Architect and Construction Management firms for the high school (district), Gifted Education Task Force Member (district), PTA president (Gearity Elementary)• Kindernet Representative (Gearity Elementary)• Parent focus group participant for superintendent selection (district)• Parent focus group participant for the selection of elementary school principals (Gearity and Fairfax elementaries)• PTA Recording Secretary and Box Tops Coordinator (Monticello Middle School)• PTA member/volunteer (Boulevard Elementary)• Community volunteer to provide feedback for science students on their sustainability recommendations for University Heights (Heights High School)• Volunteer parent chaperone on many field trips over past several years including the middle schools’ two-night Ohio Model United Nations trip (Monticello Middle School)

DAN HEINTZ

Cleveland Heights   Age: 50

Email: heintzforheights@gmail.com

Website: danheintz.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FriendsofDanHeintz/

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: K-12 CH-UH, B.A. John Carroll University, M.Ed. Ursuline College

Occupation: Public School Teacher

Qualifications: 15 years as a public school teacher. Former small business owner. Lifelong resident.

MALIA LEWIS

Cleveland Heights    Age: 51

Email: malia.lewis@sbcglobal.net

Website: malialewis.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaliaLewis4SchoolBoard

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

1. Education: MFA in Technical Design & Production, Yale School of Drama 1997; AB in English & American Literature, Harvard & Radcliffe Colleges 1987; International Baccalaureate, Ecole Active Bilingue, Paris France 1983

2. Occupation: landlord & property manager, Blue Real Estate LLC

3. Qualifications: Founding member of Early Childhood for the Heights Organization. • Two term treasurer of Fairfax PTA. • Two term treasurer of Roxboro Middle PTA. • Treasurer of HH PTA. Manager Heights Cross Country team.• Formed and chaired the Career and Technical Working Group (now Advocacy Group) for three and a half years. CTE WG  researched state CTE regulations and then-current CH-UH practices, wrote a comprehensive CTE Improvement Plan, presented it to Administration and BOE, and have monitored its implementation since. Other: • Currently serving on the Board of Directors for Home Repair Resource Center and on the Program Committee. Also teach plaster repair classes at HRRC. • Involved for over 5 years with Fairmount Temple’s Congregational Based Community Organising project, which led to the creation of Greater Cleveland Congregations. • Joined the GCC Education team and participated in a GCC project to improve literacy and lunch-room climate at Anton Grdina Elementary in Cleveland for 2 years.

TIERA D. BRIGGS

Cleveland Heights   Age: 33

Email: tiera.briggs@yahoo.com

Website: TieraBriggs.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TieraBriggsforCHUHSchools

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and B.S Allied Health 

Occupation: Paramedic/Small business owner

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS-UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION

4-year Term     Salary: $0     Elect: 3

CANDIDATES

TIERA D. BRIGGS     DAN HEINTZ     MALIA LEWIS     JODI L. SOURINI     

Questions for CH-UH Board of Education:

RAY DOUGLAS WILSON (WRITE-IN CANDIDATE)

Cleveland Heights

Email: ray_wilson6@hotmail.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Education: Certifications of Proficiency in Business management and Public Administration. Mortgage and insurance 

Occupation: CEO Streetclubs USA

Qualifications: Former county commitee

Candidate did not respond to questions.

MELISSA YASINOW

Cleveland Heights     Age: 33

Email: yasinowforcouncil@gmail.com

Website: www.yasinowandungarforcouncil.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YasinowForCouncil

Twitter: @Yasinow4Council

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Education: J.D.--CWRU School of Law, Magna Cum Laude and Order of the Coif; B.A.-- Mt. Holyoke College, Magna Cum Laude; Laurel School

Occupation: Councilwoman, City of Cleveland Heights;Attorney, Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Qualifications: I currently serve as Councilwoman for the City of Cleveland Heights. I am Chair of the City's Municipal Services Committee, Vice Chair of the Community Relations & Recreation Committee, and Member of the Finance Committee.I am also a sixth-year practicing attorney.

MIKE UNGAR

Cleveland Heights   Age: 58

Email: mungar@ulmer.com

Website: yasinowandungarforcouncil.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncilmanUngar/?ref=br_rs 

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Education: Boston University School of Law (J.D., 1984), Boston University (B.A. 1981)

Occupation: Attorney -- partner at Ulmer & Berne law firm

Qualifications: Cleveland Heights City Council - current member, Cleveland Heights Finance Committee -- current Chair, Cleveland Heights Planning Commission -- Chairman for approximately 16 years, Cleveland Heights Strategic Planning Committee -- Former Member, Cleveland Heights Master Plan Steering Committee -- Former Member, Cleveland Heights Citizens Advisory Committee -- Former Member

CHERYL L. STEPHENS

Cleveland Heights  Age: 57

Email: stephenscl@sbcglobal.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamCherylStephens/

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Bachelor of Arts- Modern Languages and Communication, Master of Public Administration

Occupation: Director of Acquisition Disposition and Development

Qualifications: Cheryl Stephens has served on Cleveland Heights City Council since January 2010. Since being first elected to city council in 2009 and re elected in 2013, Stephens has been progressively more responsible. She served as chair of the Administrative Services Committee and the Finance Committee of Council, and co-chaired the successful Issue 53 campaign.

JASON STEIN

Cleveland Heights     Age: 41

Email: stein4council@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stein4clevelandheights/

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: B.A. Education

Occupation: Supervisor

Qualifications: I was raised in Cleveland Heights and am the product of our CH-UH Public School system. Cleveland Heights City Council Member 2011 – present; Cleveland Heights Vice Mayor 2016 - present; Chair of Community Relations and Recreation Committee 2016 - present;Chair of Planning and Development Committee 2014-2015; Chair of Public Safety and Health Committee 2012 – 2013; Chair of Administrative Services 2011.

COMMUNITY RELATED ACTIVITIES – LAST FIVE YEARS: CH-UH School Lay Facilities Committee 2010 - 2011, CH-UH Library Board Trustee 2010 – 2011, Cleveland Heights Citizens Advisory Committee 2008 - 2011

T. NADAS

Cleveland Heights  Age: 31

Email: nadas4ch@gmail.com

Website: www.tnadas.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nadasforcitycouncil

Twitter: @tjnadas

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: G.E.D, Associates, B.A. Philosophy & English, M.B.A.

Occupation: Manager Clinical Quality & Productivity

Qualifications: 13 years of professional experience, 2 years on Citizens Advisory Committee, active in local community & ethnic community

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS — COUNCIL AT LARGE

4- year Term     Salary: $9,270 (Mayor – $11,840)  Elect: 4

CANDIDATES:  T. NADAS   JASON STEIN   CHERYL L. STEPHENS   MIKE UNGAR   RAY DOUGLAS WILSON (WRITE-IN CANDIDATE)  MELISSA YASINOW

Questions for Cleveland Heights City Council:

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE

6-Year Term     Salary: $63,250     Elect: 1

CANDIDATES:    JAMES COSTELLO   NADEEN HAYDEN   DEANGELO D. LITTLE

Questions for Cleveland Heights Municipal Court Judge:

NADEEN HAYDEN

Cleveland Heights     Age: 34

Email: nadeenhayden@gmail.com

Website: www.nadeenhayden.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nadeenhayden/

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College of Law; B.A. from Cleveland State University

Occupation: Associate, Synenberg, Coletta & Moran, LLC

Affiliations: CMBA; WKT American Inns of Court

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

DEANGELO D. LITTLE 

Cleveland Heights     Age: 38

Email: ddl_wisdom@hotmail.com

Website: www.littleforjudge.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/littleforjudge/

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: B.A. Morehouse College; J.D. Cleveland Marshall College of Law

Current Occupation: Magistrate, East Cleveland Municipal Court

Affiliations: Member of the Ohio Association of Magistrates; Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association; Norman Minor Bar Association; Board Member, South Euclid Municipal Court Mental Health Court; Volunteer Juvenile Magistrate, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas (Juvenile Division)...

Board Member, Golden Ciphers, Inc. Youth Development & Cultural Arts Center, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Adjunct Professor-Bryant & Stratton College (2011-2015)

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

JAMES COSTELLO

Cleveland Heights   Age: 38

Email: costello4judge@gmail.com

Website: www.costello4judge.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Costello4Judge

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University

Occupation: Attorney and Acting Judge

Affiliations: Former member of the Cleveland Heights Cable Television Commission; Recreation Advisory Board; Civil Service Commission

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

The League of Women Voters has created a guide to local candidates and issues for the Nov. 7 election. Click on the links below to access information for candidates and issues:

Cleveland Heights Municipal Court Judge

Cleveland Heights City Council

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education

University Heights Mayor

Shaker Heights Municipal Court Judge (Jurisdiction includes Beachwood, Hunting Valley, Pepper Pike, Shaker Heights and University Heights)

University Heights City Council At-Large

University Heights City Council Two-Year Unexpired Term

State and County Issues

The League of Women Voters has created a guide to local candidates and issues for the Nov. 3 election. Click on the links below to access information for candidates and issues:

Cleveland Heights City Council

University Heights City Council

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education

State, County and Municipal Issues

ISSUE 53 - Proposed Municipal Income Tax (Increase) City of Cleveland Heights

(Submitted by Council of the City of Cleveland Heights, Ohio)

Shall the Ordinance providing for a 0.25% levy increase on income, to a rate of 2.25% per annum, for the purpose of general municipal functions of the city, effective January 1, 2016, be passed?

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.

____ FOR THE INCOME TAX INCREASE

____ AGAINST THE INCOME TAX INCREASE     

COUNTY ISSUE 9 - PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT

Shall Article XI, Section 11.01 of the Charter of the County of Cuyahoga be amended to ensure the independence of the county’s auditing function by providing that the County Audit Committee consist of the President of Council or a member of Council appointed by the President of Council, four residents of the county with experience in the field of auditing, accounting, government operations, or financial reporting who are to be appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by Council, with the County Executive and Fiscal Officer each serving as non-voting, ex officio members?

YES       NO

COUNTY ISSUE 8 - Proposed Extension of Excise Tax on Cigarettes for Cuyahoga Arts and Culture

Shall an excise tax on the sale of cigarettes at wholesale continue to be levied throughout Cuyahoga County for the benefit of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture for the purposes of making grants to support operating or capital expenses of arts or cultural organizations in Cuyahoga County, to defray the costs of acquiring, constructing, equipping, furnishing, improving, enlarging, renovating, remodeling or maintaining an artistic or cultural facility, and to meet operating expenses, at a rate of 15 mills per cigarette, which amounts to 1.5 cents per cigarette, for 10 years?

YES      NO

A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.

STATE ISSUE 3

Grants a monopoly for the commercial production and sale of marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes

Proposed Constitutional Amendment (Proposed by Initiative Petition) To add Section 12 of Article XV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio. A YES vote means approval of the constitutional amendment. A No vote means disapproval of the constitutional amendment. A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.

If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect 30 days after Election Day.

STATE ISSUE 2

Anti-monopoly amendment; protects the initiative process from being used for personal economic benefit

(Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly) Proposing to amend Section 1e of Article II of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

A YES vote means approval of the constitutional amendment. A NO vote means disapproval of the constitutional amendment. A majority YES vote is required or the amendment to be adopted.

State Issue 1

Creates a bipartisan, public process for drawing legislative districts

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

(Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly)

To enact new Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Article XI and to repeal Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of Article XI of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

KAHLIL SEREN
2352 Demington Dr. 44106     Age: 36
 
E-mail:   serenforcouncil@gmail.com
WEB: www.kahlilseren.com
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/serenforch
Facebook: www.facebook.com/serenforcouncil 
 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
 
Education:  Master of Science in Urban Studies, Graduate Certificate in Economic Development
Occupation:  Policy Analyst for Cuyahoga County Council 
Qualifications:  Education: Master of Science in Urban Studies, Graduate Certificate in Economic Development. Training: Leadership Academy, LeanOhio Bootcamp. Prior occupation: Communications Coordinator for Policy Matters Ohio.
Community:   City Council, Citizens Advisory Committtee, Higher Education Compact of Greater Cleveland, CSU Leadership Academy Society Board
 
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

CAROL ANN ROE 943 Beverly Road  CH  44121:    Age:  66

E-Mail:  friendsofcarolroe@gmail.com

WEB:  carolroe.com  

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: BSN, MSN, JD

Occupation: Regulatory Compliance/Risk Management.

Qualifications: Academic preparation in law and admininistration; budget and personnel management; governing boards of church, professional organizations; knowledge of legislative process and state government. 

Community: Cleveland Heights Citizen Advisory Committee - Member; Noble Neighbors - Member; Church of the Covenant - governing body, Chair - Adult Education/Black History; Ohio Nurses Democratic Caucus - Chairperson; Ohio Nurses - Member, Reference and Bylaws Committees; Greater Cleveland Nurses Association, Member - Nominating Committee.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

TAS NADAS

2177 S. Overlook Rd. 44106  Age: 29  E-mail: tnadas@gmail.com WEB: http://www.tnadas.org  Blog: www.tnadas.org/news Twitter: @tjnadas Facebook: facebook.com/nadasforcitycouncil  

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Education: Master of Business Administration – University of Phoenix - 2011Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy – Case Western Reserve University - 2006Associates of General Studies – Wilbur Wright College - 2004

Occupation:  Senior Project Manager – Cleveland Clinic

Qualifications:  M.B.A., 11 years of experience at Cleveland Clinic, 6 Sigma Green Belt

Community: Scout Master BSA troop 414, Volunteer Dance Instructor Hungarian Folk Ensemble, Various Health Fairs & 5ks  

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

JULIE LOVE
3185 Oak Rd.  44118   Age: 44
 
E-mail: friendsofjulielove@gmail.com
Wweb: http://friendsofjulielove.com
Twitter: julieforcouncil
Friends: Friends of Julie Love
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
 
Education: Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Accounting, Certified Public Accountant (inactive) Master’s degree in Journalism, Scripps School
Occupation: Owner and manager, direct selling business
Qualifications: Worked in accounting/finance for 10 years. Have had my own business for 8 years and understand financial statements and budgeting.
Community: I volunteered for the Heritage Home Tour helping with writing the tour book. I am active in community activities with my children, swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, ice skating and tennis.
 
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

MARY DUNBAR
2880 Fairfax Rd. 44118     Age: 73
E-mail:  maryadunbar@gmail.com
Web: http://marydunbar.com
Blog: See website. 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/marydunbar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.dunbar.92
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
 
Education: B.A. Smith College, M.A. Stanford University, MBA Case Western Reserve University
Occupation:  Member, Cleveland Heights City Council
Qualifications: Experience gained in first term (2012-15) on Cleveland Heights City Council. Previous professional success in finance, communications and marketing.
Community: President, Heights Bicycle Coalition, which helped achieve League of American Bicyclists recognition of Cleveland Heights as a Bicycle Friendly Community, 2013. Spearheaded a successful application to list the Shaker Farm Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, 2012.
 
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

KEBA SYLLA
3262 E. Overlook Road  44118      Age: 52
E-mail:   ksylla@kent.edu
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
 
Education: Ph.D. in Public Administration/Urban AFFAIRS, MA in Criminal Justice Studies
 
Occupation: UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio.
 
Qualifications: Member of CAC (Citizens advisory Committee (2006 to Present). Chair of CAC from 2013 to 2015
 
Community: Teacher at Upward bound program (11 Years), Board member of Reaching Heights, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
 
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

KATURA SIMMONS
1736 Wood Rd. 44121 Age: 38
E-MAIL: katuras414@yahoo.com
Children: 5  Schools: 1 @ Heights High and 1 @ Options (Deb Delisle Center), 2 CHHS (2013 & 2014) Graduates, both currently enrolled in Cuyahoga Community College and 1 enrolled in ECOT.
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Occupation: Administrative Assistant

Qualifications: As President of PTA Council, I managed parents and representatives from each CHUH building and addressed concerns relevant to all. This past year, we focused on the district's food service provider. After working with district administration, CHUH is now under contract with a new food provider.

Community: CHUH PTA Council President 2012-current CHHS Parent Football Booster Club member 2011-2014.  PTA Member @ Noble Elementary, Monticello Middle & Hts. High
 
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

BEVERLY R. WRIGHT
3150 Blackthorn Road    44118   Age:  56
E-mail:  Beverlywrightcampaign@gmail.com
Facebook:  Beverly Wright for Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Cleveland State University B.A. in History and Masters in Education

Occupation: Cleveland State University B.A. in History and Masters in Education

Qualifications: Urban League of Greater Cleveland Education Administrator, Head Start Family and Community Partnership Manager.  Managed the Literacy Enrichment and Achievement for Preshool Success Program (L.E.A.P.S), Cleveland State University.  Cleveland State University Upward Bound Program and The Women's Comprehensive Program/Women Studies Instructor.
  
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

JAMES POSCH
2205 Demington Dr.  CH 44106  Age: 54

E-mail:  jim@jimposch.com

Web site:  http://www.jimposch.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JamesPoschForBOE
Children:2     Schools: Both attended Heights. My youngest (Michelle) will be a Senior at Cleveland Heights High School.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  Hawken School, Rochester Institute of Technology (attended)
Occupation:  Senior Business Executive, Technology Entrepreneur
Qualifications: Led the CH-UH Library Board during unprecedented State budget cuts while maintaining services, growing utilization and earning the distinction as one of the top 5% libraries in the nation. Grew numerous technology startups into large businesses as their CEO.

Community: CH-UH Public Library Board (President), CH-UH Lay Facilities Committee, CH-UH Lay Finance Committee, Council of PTAs co-President.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

MICHELE WEISS

14485 Summerfield Rd.  UH 44118  Age: 40

E-mail: michelelweiss1@gmail.com

Facebook: michele pinkis weiss

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:  

Education:  MBA and BS, Accounting John Carroll University

Occupation: Controller, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland

Qualifications: Leader in the non-profit education sector with 18 years of experience. Focus on government funding and strategic alliances to improve the bottom line. Accounting background coupled with strong leadership skills help build llasting relationships.

Community:  City of University Heights, Finance Committee. League of Women Voters’, observer for University Heights, Campaign Treasurer, Friends of Sue Pardee. Board Member, Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities.  

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES: 

The League of Women Voters has compiled information for each of the issues that Heights voters will be voting on in November.

For your information:

• The title listed for each issue is the official title assigned by the Ohio Ballot Board.
• Summaries of each issue immediately following the official ballot wording originated from material issued by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections or, in the case of Issue 53, citations from the resolution submitted to the Cuyahoga Board of Elections by the Cleveland Heights City Council. 
• LEAGUE PLAINSPEAK summaries of the state and county ballot issues were prepared by members of the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund and The League of Women Voters - Cuyahoga County.
• The pros and cons listed for each issue are abbreviated versions of the arguments put forward by the respective issue campaigns.

The League of Women Voters is a national non-partisan organization that supports or opposes issues it studies, but does not endorse candidates.

To view LWV positions on current issues, visit lwvoinfo@lwvohio.org.

Click on each issue below to view information about each issue:

State Issue 1

State Issue 2

State Issue 3

County Issue 8

County Issue 9

Municipal Issue 53

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS COUNCIL AT LARGE

Term: 4 years          Salary: $9270 (Mayor - $11,840)              Elect 3

CANDIDATES:  MARY DUNBAR   JULIE LOVE   TAS NADAS   CAROL ANN ROE   KAHLIL SEREN   KEBA SYLLA

QUESTIONS:

1.  What is the most important thing that city government must address to improve life in Cleveland Heights? How would you, as a member of City Council, work to make that happen?

2.  Discuss your opinion about privatizing city services, including, but not limited to, the water department.

3.  Considering recent cuts in state funding to local governments and the elimination of the estate tax, what are some creative ways to increase revenue? Please comment on the 0.25% income tax hike which will be on the ballot.

4.  How should the city approach new residential and commercial developement? What are your opinions about incentives to developers such as tax abatements and the use of city-owned land?

5.  City Council is a group of people who come together to address issues, conduct business, and create opportunities for the community. What skills and qualities do you bring to the table? Why do you want to serve on the Cleveland Heights City Council?

Click on the candidate name below to view the candidate's answers to the questions:

Keba Sylla

Mary Dunbar

Julie Love

Tas Nadas

Carol Ann Roe

Kahlil Seren

CLEVELAND HTS/UNIVERSITY HTS BOARD OF EDUCATION

     4 year term         Salary:  0          Elect 2

CANDIDATES:   JAMES POSCH  KATURA SIMMONS  BEVERLY WRIGHT

QUESTIONS:

1.  Describe the most important things the Board of Education must address to improve the CH-UH schools and student performance. How would you, as a board member, try to accomplish them?

2.  What is your opinion of the state policy that labels school districts based on a report card using test scores?

3.  What is your understanding of current school funding in the state of Ohio? Do you think the funding allocations for public vs. charter schools are fair? If not, how would you address the issue?

4.  What do you expect to be the most significant educational improvement outcome from the reconstruction of Cleveland Heights High School?

Click on the candidate names below to view their responses:

James Posch

Katura Simmons

Beverly R. Wright

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS - COUNCIL AT LARGE

4 Year Term           Salary:  $9100       Elect 4

CANDIDATES:  PAMELA T. CAMERON   STEVEN SIMS   MICHELE WEISS

QUESTIONS:

1.  What do you see as the top two or three issues/opportunities facing University Heights? How would you, as a member of City Council, work on these issues?

2.  City Council is a group of people who come together to address issues, conduct business, and create opportunities for the community. What skills and qualities do you bring to the table? Why do you want to serve on the University Heights City Council?

3.  What do you see as the impact on the community of using the former Wiley Middle School as a swing space for the next few years?

4.  Considering recent cuts in state funding to local governments and the estate tax, what are some creative ways to increase revenue?

Click on the candidates names below to view their responses to the questions.

Michelle Weiss

Steven Simms - Candidate did not respond.

Pamela T. Cameron - Candidate did not respond.

CHERYL L. STEPHENS  

3370 Hollister Road, Cleveland Hts. 44118 Age: 53 E-mail:stephenscl@sbcglobal.net:  

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Education: BA  and MPA Occupation: Director of Acquisition, Disposition and Development for the Cuyahoga Land Bank Qualifications:  25 years of experience as a public administrator with leadership experiences at both state and local government levels. Community: Cleveland Public Theater Fundraising, NEO Susan G. Komen Subcommittee Chair, and Cleveland Heights Planning Commission.

 QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Improve life: Create and support more economic development opportunities for vacant properties in Cleveland Heights.

MELISSA YASINOW
12485 Cedar Rd. #7  Cleveland Hts., OH  44106    Age: 28
E-mail: YasinowForCouncil@gmail.com
WEB: www.YasinowForCouncil.com

Twitter: Yasinow4Council  

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/YasinowForCouncil

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: * CWRU Law School, Magna Cum Laude, 2011.  * Mount Holyoke College, Magna Cum Laude, 2006. * Laurel School, 2002
Occupation: * Attorney, Kohrman, Jackson & Kravitz
Qualifications: *See other answers.

Community: * Cleveland Leadership Center Civic Engagement Boot Camp, 2012 * Anti-defamation League: -  Board member, 2013 - present - Glass Leadership Institute, 2011-2012  * Cuyahoga Democratic Women's Caucus: - Steering Committee, 2012 - present -Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association: - 3 r's, 2012 - present - Law School Debt Task Force, 2012 - Present

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:
1. Improve life: Cleveland Heights is a model city for diversity, sustainablility,walkability, the arts, local business development, and civic engagement.  To improve our city, we must continue where we are strong, and enhance wherever possible.  On City Council, I would focus on maintaining necessary services.  Specifically, I would continue our support  for our safety forces, maintain infrastucture, and keep our business districts vibrant, secure and comfortable to keep long-term residents, and attract new ones. Additionally, I would work with community leaders to develop initiatives to keep our senior citizens in their homes, and in Cleveland Heights.

KEBA SYLLA

3262 E. Overlook Road  Cleveland Hts., 44118   Age: 50 E-mail:  ksylla@kent.edu  

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Education: Ph.D. in Public Administration/Urban AFFAIRS, MA in Criminal Justice Studies Occupation: UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR Qualifications: Member of CAC (Citizens advisory Committee (2006 to Present). Chair of  CAC Community: Teacher at Upward bound program  

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Improve life: We must put together a plan that fosters the creation of jobs that increase economic growth throughout all city neighborhoods, create an incentive for new technology companies that can bring new jobs, foster training and broaden our revenues through business taxes. This can alleviate the burden of taxes from our citizens. In addition, this economic growth must come from a reform of our zoning code. This city must understand that the mindset of 19th century economic development cannot be used today. We must encourage big business and companies to come here to invest.

JEFF CORYELL
3316 Clarendon Road,  Cleveland Hts., OH 44118 Age: 56
E-mail:  CoryellForCouncil@gmail.com
WEB:  JeffCoryell.com
Twitter:  @JeffCoryell
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jeffcoryell
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: BA Cum Laude, Carleton College; JD, New York University; MFA, Northwestern University
Occupation: Artist/small business owner
Qualifications: Assistant U.S. Attorney; Assistant Attorney General; Adjunct Professor at Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, and Youngstown State University; New Media Director for U.S. Senate Campaign.
Community: Board member, FutureHeights and Reaching Heights; Steering Committee, Sustainable Heights Network; Founder, Heights Community Garden Network; President, Cleveland Heights Democrats; Member, Central and Executive Committee, Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.
 
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:
1. Improve life:  Our city must grow our population and tax base by attracting new residents and businesses, particularly engaged younger residents, high tech/creative enterprises, and retailers to fill vacant storefronts. I will help modernize and improve the marketing of the Heights as a place to live and do business, including partnering with our non-profits to do so; strengthen our ties with University Circle institutions to spur community development; work with school officials on improving our public schools and publicizing our progress; facilitate establishing a business incubator; and help promote and support our arts and culture community.

JASON S. STEIN

3510 Severn Rd  Cleveland Hts., OH  44118      Age: 36

E-mail: stein4council@gmail.com WEB:  http://www.steinforclevelandheights.com Blog: http://councilmanstein.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JasonStein1

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/steinforcouncil

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  B.A. Occupation: Supervisor, O.D.A.R. Qualifications: I was raised in Cleveland Heights and am the product of our CH-UH Public School system. Cleveland Heights City Council 2011 – present.  Chair, Public Safety and Health Committee 2012 – present.  Chair Administrative Services Committee 2011 Community: CH-UH School Lay Facilities Committee 2010 - 2011.  CH-UH Library Board Trustee 2010 – 2011.  Cleveland Heights Citizens Advisory Committee 2008 - 2011.  

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Improve life: In my opinion, the most important function that City Government serves is to implement policies that create the type of City that residents are proud to call home. Cleveland Heights is composed of a diverse, informed and active citizenry. As a current Councilman, I do my best to make time to meet with and listen to the concerns and ideas of individuals and groups of Cleveland Heights residents. By listening to the people of Cleveland Heights, I feel that I am better able to construct policies that will make Cleveland Heights better.