Kahlil Seren
Cleveland Heights Age: 42
E-mail: info@SerenForMayor.com
Campaign phone: (216) 307-7090
Website: SerenForMayor.com
Facebook: ViceMayorSeren
Twitter: @kahlilseren
Instagram: kahlilseren
Josephine Moore
Cleveland Heights Age: 46
E-mail: josie@josiemooreforclevelandheights.com
Campaign address: 2248 Stillman Road
Campaign phone: (216) 213-1716
Website: josiemoore4ch.com
Facebook: JosieMoore4CH
Twitter: @JosieMoore4CH
Instagram: josiemoore4ch
YouTube: channel/UCYUN5dsR3UX1ueCRsAjCCTA
Melody Joy Hart
Cleveland Heights Age: 68
E-mail: melodyformayor@gmail.com
Campaign address: 2976 Monmouth Road
Campaign phone: (248) 214-2375
Website: melodyjoyhart.com
Facebook: melodyhartmayor
Twitter: @melodyjoyhart
Barbara Danforth
Cleveland Heights Age: 72
E-mail: bjdanforth69@gmail.com
Campaign address: 2501 Bolton Road
Campaign phone: (216) 233-4369
Website: barbaradanforthforchmayor.com
Facebook: votedanforth
Twitter: @votedanforth
Instagram: votedanforth/
YouTube: watch?v=IMzCZ5xON9U
The Heights Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland (LWVGC) has created a guide to the Sept. 14 nonpartisan primary election for Cleveland Heights' first elected mayor. The top two vote-getters in the primary will contend for mayor in November's General Election.
The LWVGC - Heights Chapter asked the same five questions of the four candidates. Each candidate's answers were then published, unedited.
For publication, the order of presentation of the candidates is alphabetical. Click on the links below to read each candidate's response.
Position: Cleveland Heights Mayor Term: Four years Salary: $115,000
With at least four candidates already having declared for Cleveland Heights’ first mayoral race, plus four Cleveland Heights City Council seats on the Nov. 2 ballot, residents should be aware that there are limits to the number of candidate petitions they can sign for those two races.
According to the Cleveland Heights City Charter (Section VII-3), “No elector shall sign more nominating petitions for different candidates for a particular office than there are positions to be filled for that office at the election for which the petition is signed. If he does so, his signatures on all petitions which postdate his signing the permissible number of petitions shall be invalid.”
That means Cleveland Heights residents can sign only one candidate petition for mayor, and no more than four would-be council candidate petitions.
4-year Term Salary: $0 Elect: 2
CANDIDATES: JAMES POSCH BEVERLY WRIGHT
Questions for CH-UH Board of Education:
1. Describe the most important issues the school board must address to improve the CH/UH schools and how you as a board member would try to address them.
2. This winter the board passed a resolution titled "Time to Teach, Time to Learn." What are your thoughts on this resolution? What action should the board take to implement the points made? (The resolution can be found on the district's website under "Board Docs.")
3. Is the State of Ohio doing enough to support local schools financially? Please explain your response.
4. Regarding school district properties, what challenges are presented by the existence of closed or closing schools and other buildings?
5. Are there particular state educational policies you would like to comment on?
Click on the candidate name below to view the candidate's answers to the questions:
4-Year Term Salary: $9,100 Elect: 4
CANDIDATES: BARBARA BLANKFELD JUSTIN GOULD JOHN P. RACH MICHELE WEISS
Questions for Cleveland Heights City Council:
1. What are the top two or three issues/opportunities facing University Heights? Which is the most pressing? How as a council member would you work on these?
2. What is your opinion of how the city is handling its budget?
3. How should the city approach new residential and commercial development?
4. What is your position on regionalization efforts? Would these efforts help or harm University Heights?
5. Do you have any concerns about rental properties in University Heights? How do you think the city council should handle rental properties?
Click on the candidate name below to view the candidate's answers to the questions:
4-year Term Salary: $9,270 (Mayor - $11,840) ELECT: 3
CANDIDATES: MARY DUNBAR MELODY JOY HART ANTHONY MATTOX JR. CAROL ROE KAHLIL SEHREN
Questions for Cleveland Heights City Council:
1. What are the top two or three issues/opportunities facing Cleveland Heights? Which is the most pressing? How as a council member would you work on these?
2. What is your position on the ballot issue regarding changing the form of the city's government from a council-manager plan to a council-mayor plan?
3. How should the city approach new residential and commercial development?
4. What is your position on the privatization of city services?
5. What is your position on regionalization efforts? Would these efforts help or harm Cleveland Heights?
Click on the candidate name below to view the candidate's answers to the questions:
2-YEAR TERM SALARY: $9,200 ELECT: 1
CANDIDATES: CRAIG COBB DAVIDA RUSSELL
Questions for Cleveland Heights City Council - Two-Year Unexpired Term:
1. What are the top two or three issues/opportunities facing Cleveland Heights? Which is the most pressing? How as a council member would you work on these?
2. What is your position on the ballot issue regarding changing the form of the city's government from a council-manager plan to a council-mayor plan?
3. How should the city approach new residential and commercial development?
4. What is your position on the privatization of city services?
5. What is your position on regionalization efforts? Would these efforts help or harm Cleveland Heights?
Click on the candidate name below to view the candidate's answers to the questions:
Ballot Language: Shall various Articles of the Charter of the City of Cleveland Heights be amended to change the form ofgovernment from its current elected Council and appointed Manager form, to an elected Mayor and Councilform, and to provide for the powers, duties, four-year term, qualifications, and removal process for the officeof the Mayor, and to create the position of the City Administrator appointed by the Mayor and subject to Council approval who shall be responsible for assisting the Mayor in overseeing the administrative functions of the City, commencing with the initial election of the Mayor to occur at the regular municipal election occurring in the year 2021; and to eliminate the City Manager position?
Ballot Language: Shall the Charter of the County of Cuyahoga be amended to repeal Section 5.08 which provides for the appointment of the Sheriff by the County Executive; and to enact new Article XVI to provide for the appointment of the Sheriff by the County Executive and subject to confirmation by Council, and to establish the powers, duties, qualifications, required certification, term, and removal process including the requirement of at least eight (8) affirmative votes on Council for the Sheriff’s removal?
COUNTY ISSUE 3 — Tri-C Renewal & Increase Levy
Ballot Language: A renewal of 1.9 mills and an increase of 0.4 mill to constitute a tax for the benefit of the Cuyahoga Community College District for the purpose of providing for payment of operating costs for educational services at a rate not exceeding 2.3 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 23 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for ten years, commencing in 2019, first due in calendar year 2020.
A YES vote means approval of the proposed levy.
A NO vote means rejection of the proposed levy.
BEVERLY WRIGHT
Cleveland Heights Age: 61
Email: wrightcampaign2019@gmail.com
Website: https://wright-camp.netlify.com/
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: B.A., History, Cleveland State; M.A., Cleveland State University, Education, Adult Learning, and Development
Current Occupation: Consultant for early childhood education
JAMES POSCH
Cleveland Heights Age: 58
Email: jim@jimposch.com
Website: www.jimposch.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JamesPoschForSchoolBoard/
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Hawken School, Rochester Institute of Technology (attended)
Current Occupation: Technology Entrepreneur
MICHELE WEISS
Cleveland Heights Age: 44
Email: mweiss@universityheights.com
Facebook: councilwoman michele weiss
Twitter: @uhcouncil_weiss
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: BS Accountancy John Carroll University; MBA John Carroll University
Current Occupation: Controller Hebrew Academy of Cleveland; City Councilwoman University Heights; Adjunct Professor John Carroll University; Founder of the non-profit AMATZ Initiative
Unique Qualifications: I understand the need for financial oversight in budgeting through my current positions. Furthermore I am keenly aware of the inner workings of a successful non-profit. Finally, I will bring my qualities of relationship building, growth mindset, optimism, collaboration and passion to the city.
JOHN P. RACH
Cleveland Heights Age: 35
Email: keepcouncilmanrach@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncilmanRach/
Twitter: @CouncilmanRach
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Kent State University: Master of Architecture and Environmental Design; Master of Business Administration; Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Current Occupation: Architect, Operations Manager - LDA architects; City Councilperson - University Heights
Qualifications for Office: 2016-Present - City Council; 2019-Present - Planning Commission Member; 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
JUSTIN GOULD
University Heights Age: 37
Email: vote@justingould.com
Website: www.justingould.com
Facebook: www.fb.com/votejustin
Twitter: @jseabury
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Current Occupation: Federal Attorney
Qualifications for Office: Member, University Heights Fair Housing Commission; Created neighbor-to-neighbor mediation program with University Heights administration; Member, Board of Directors, EDWINS Restaurant and Leadership Academy; First Vice President, Board of Directors, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland; Provides sound fiscal advice to local nonprofit boards to increase community impact; Former Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, has represented governments and their citizens as a courtroom trial attorney his entire professional life, over a decade of experience working collaboratively with law enforcement and first responders at the local, state, and federal levels; Former Municipal Court Mediator and Law Clerk, understand compromise and consensus building.
BARBARA BLANKFELD
University Heights Age: 59
Email: barbarablankfeld50@gmail.com
Website: barbarablankfeld4universityhts.nationbuilder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/barbara.a.blankfeld
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Studied Communications at Notre Dame College of Ohio.
Current Occupation: Director of First Impressions, ThenDesign Architecture, Ltd.
Qualifications for Office: My life has been spent listening, learning, planning, and executing. That experience has prepared me to ‘lead through listening’. Realizing that most residents can’t attend every council meeting, my style is to engage them wherever I can, hear their concerns, and ensure they are front and center in all phases of the civic process. As an experienced manager and planner, over the years I have worked in the legal field, health care, finance, and operations as Executive Director of Temple Israel of Greater Cleveland, Beachwood’s Clerk of Council/paralegal to the law director, Coordinator for Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute Center for Lifestyle Medicine from its inception, and now working with one Cleveland’s largest architectural firms in Northern Ohio. I’m not a newcomer to caring about my community and being involved, having been actively contributing through volunteer service, including being a member of the Finance Advisory Committee, the city’s New Branding Committee, the Memorial Day Parade & Commemoration Committee, and Chairing the city's Beautiful Home Awards Committee. This administration is moving our city in new and exciting directions, directions that we deserve to be headed, just like our neighbors, while remaining solid and sustainable. It is an administration that is honest, open, friendly, and that works hard every single day to serve its residents. I love my hometown University Heights and look forward to contributing to keeping that momentum growing for the benefit of my community!
KAHLIL SEREN
Cleveland Heights Age: 41
Email: SerenForCouncil@gmail.com
Website: www.kahlilseren.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncilmanSeren/
Twitter: @SerenForCH
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Master's Degree in Urban Studies from CSU Levin School of Urban Affairs
Current Occupation: Policy Analyst for Cuyahoga County Council
Unique Qualifications: I am trained in and experienced with local public policy. After earning a graduate degree in Urban Studies from the Levin College at CSU, with a graduate certificate in Urban Economic Development, I went from working at a public policy think tank to working for the Cuyahoga County Council as a Policy Analyst, primarily involved in policy related to economic, community, and workforce development. For the better part of a decade, I've worked on major development projects and assisted in the legislative oversight of innovative workforce and community development programs. Additionally, as a member of the Cuyahoga County Community Improvement Corporation, I provide an additional level of underwriting review for the economic development projects that make their way to either the County Board of Control, or Council. I believe that this kind of development experience is an important addition for a suburban city council. Over the last four years, I have proven myself to be an independent and thoughtful council member, with a dedication to open, transparent government, and good governance. I have shown that I am willing to be honest, even when it may not be politically expedient. And I have been committed to being open to new ideas that can help to improve Cleveland Heights for years to come.
CAROL ROE
Cleveland Heights Age: 70
Email: caroejd@aol.com
Website: www.CarolRoe.com
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Diploma in Nursing; BSN; MSN; JD
Current Occupation: Self-employed Consultant
Unique Qualifications: Current member of Cleveland Heights City Council; Former Government Affairs Specialist for Ohio Nurses Association; Former Legislative Liason for Ohio Board of Nursing; Multiple recognitions for expertise in public policy
ANTHONY MATTOX JR.
Cleveland Heights Age: 37
E-mail: anthonylmattoxjr@gmail.com
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Training Certification, Cleveland State University
Current Occupation: Senior Pastor of The Empowerment Church in East Cleveland, Ohio.
Qualifications for Office: Cleveland Heights Planning Commission since 2015; 15 years as a Pastor and Community Activist.
MELODY JOY HART
Cleveland Heights Age: 67
Email: hartforcitycouncil@gmail.com
Website: www.hartforcitycouncil.com
Facebook: hart for city council
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: MBA, Accounting/Finance
Current occupation: Financial Consultant for Fortune 1000 corporations
Qualifications for office: I have attended 3.5 years of council and committee of the whole meetings, so am well aware of the issues. I have worked on city housing issues with Greater Cleveland Congregations Cleveland Heights housing committee and have pushed with GCC successfully to get the foreclosure bond passed, to partner with a CDC, and to hire a forensic inspector. I am a CPA, am certified in financial planning and analysis and am certified in Treasury. I have been in elected office before in Illinois. I am committed to our city and to keeping it vibrant.
MARY DUNBAR
Cleveland Heights Age: 77
Email: mary@marydunbar.com
Website: www.marydunbar.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mary.dunbar.92
Twitter: @marydunbar
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Smith College, B.A.; Stanford University, M.A.; Case Western Reserve University, MBA
Current occupation: Member, Cleveland Heights City Council
Qualifications for office: Two four-year terms on City Council, starting in 2012. Have chaired almost all Council Committees, giving me a good overview of City operations. Have attended many community and informative meetings, giving me a good knowledge of community issues and potential solutions.
DAVIDA RUSSELL
Cleveland Heights Age: 61
Email: russell4council@gmail.com
Website: www.DavidaForCH.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DavidaForCH
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: George Meany National Labor College - B.A. with double major in Labor Studies and Union Leadership and Administration; Ohio Department of Education – Certificate, HQ Paraprofessional; Cleveland Growth Association – Certificate, Leadership Cleveland
Current Occupation: Transportation Employee and Substitute Teacher for the South Euclid-Lyndhurst City Schools
CRAIG COBB
Cleveland Heights Age: 64
Email: councilmancraigcobb@gmail.com
Website: www.councilmancraigcobb.com
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: B.A., Miami University (OH.); J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Current Occupation: Managing Attorney, Farmers Insurance Cleveland Legal Office
The League of Women Voters has created a guide to local candidates and issues for the Nov. 5 election. Click on the links below to access information for candidates and issues. A print version of the guide is available as an insert in the October issue of the Heights Observer, available for free at numerous locations around town.
Cleveland Heights City Council, Two-Year Unexpired Term
Cleveland Heights City Council, Council At Large
University Heights City Council, Council At Large
In the run-up to the Nov. 5 election, the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Greater Cleveland Heights Chapter will present two informational forums for Heights voters.
The first, a Candidates’ Night planned for Thursday, Oct. 3, 7–9 p.m., will provide an opportunity for voters to hear candidates for contested races in Cleveland Heights and University Heights.
As of this writing, it appears that only Cleveland Heights City Council will have contested races. The races for University Heights City Council and Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education appear to be uncontested and, as such, will not be presented. That could change for either race, if an additional candidate files by Aug. 26 to be a write-in candidate and agrees to appear at the forum.
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:
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: