Voters Guide

Residents have one more resource for getting to know candidates that are running in local elections this year. Students in Professor Carrie Buchanan’s journalism class at John Carroll University interviewed candidates for Cleveland Heights City Council, University Heights City Council and CH-UH School Board. The students’ stories are published on the Heights Observer website at www.heightsobserver.org.

FutureHeights and the League of Women Voters held a Candidates' Forum on Oct. 6 at the Cleveland Heights Community Center. Candidates for Cleveland Heights City Council, CH-UH Board of Education and University Heights City Council gave opening statements and answered questions from the audience. 

View video from the forum online at http://vimeo.com/30564868. See the questions asked at the forum at http://blogs.heightsobserver.org/2011/10/voters-ask-questions-at-candidates-forum/.

The Cleveland Heights City Council and CH-UH School Board portion of the forum will air on cable channel 20, from Oct. 17-Nov. 4, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

PAMELA CAMERON

2171 Jackson Blvd.  Univerity Hts.  44118  Age:54

apamcameron4uh@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHICALINFORMATION:

Education:  Univ of Akron - Assoc Arts - Sociology '88; Cleve State Univ - Bachelor of Arts - Sociology '90

Occupation: Murtis Taylor Human Services System - Community Psychiatric Support Team caseworker  (Adult Mental Health)

Qualifications:  I have eighteen years of public service (county-wide) in child welfare at Cuyahoga County Children Family Services.  

Community:  I have three years of  volunteer experience with the Wiley MS PTA, last year serving as an officer - Recording Secretary.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

 ADELE H. ZUCKER

2461 Claver Rd. - Univ. Hts.   44118         Age:  79

dmavens@sbcglobal.net

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

 Education:  Lancaster High School  1950.  Ohio University – Athens  1954  BSJ

 Occupation:  Retired

 Qualifications:  Served 26 years in U.H. Council (1983 – 2009)  Last 9 years as Vice Mayor

Community:  Greater Cleveland Suburban Council; Citizens Facility Committee of CH-UH Schools; Volunteer Editor for  Heights Observer; Precinct Committee Person for Precinct H in U.H.; Member Democratic Executive Committee

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

KEVIN PATRICK MURPHY

2304 Loyola Road   44118      Age: 33

kevinpatrickmurphy33@yahoo.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  B.A. – Miami University, 2000.  J.D. – CWRU School of Law, 2000

Occupation:  Partner – Walter & Haverfield

Qualifications:  5 years on City Council

Community:  St. Ignatius High School Alumni Association.  Cleveland Bar Association, 3R's Volunteer

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

STEVEN D. BENNETT

3761 Hillbrook  Road  University Hts. OH   44118   Age: 68

sdblue@sbcglobal.net

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: BA Mathematics, University of Michigan.  MBA, Kent State University

 Occupation:  Retired

Qualifications:  14 years Council Experience.  President & Executive Board Member of the Northeast Ohio City Council  Association.  20 years of Management experience in transportation/distribution.

10 years as corporate level Safety Director

Community: Citizen volunteer on County Transition Workforce Groups in Economic Development &

 boards and Commissions.  Chairman of University Hts City Beautiful Commission

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

AL AUGUST 

2163 Barrington Road,  University Heights   44118   Age: 45

August@AugustInNovember.com    web:  www.alaugust.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  1990 Attended Hocking College for an Associate's Degree in Natural Resources.  1993 Attended ESI for Computerized Office Procedures certification.  1995 Attended Hocking College for an Associate's Degree in Ranger Services & Logging Certification

Occupation:  Painter, Web Designer

Qualifications:  Over 25 years in University Heights of excellent personal customer service.

Community:  Volunteer work: Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center, Teddy Bear Run, Medwish, designed website for previous city council candidate, designed 2011 UH Memorial Day Parade program.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

Conor A. McLaughlin           

2616 Edgerton Road, University Heights, OH 44118    Age: 29

mclaughlinforcouncil@gmail.com 

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  J.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Law

    B.S. (Finance) Miami University

Occupation:  Attorney

Qualifications:  As an attorney, I have experience analyzing complex issues, advocating for particular positions, and negotiating, collaborating, and compromising with other stakeholders.  I also am educated in finance, economics, and political science.

Community:  Member, Program Committee, West Side Catholic Center (since 2009)

Member, Big Buddies (2004-2007) (affiliated with Big Brothers, Big Sisters)

Participant in Cleveland Legal Aid Pro Bono Project (2008-2010)

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS MUNICIPAL COURT

Term:  6 years                     Elect:  1

CANDIDATE:  A, DEANE BUCHANAN

For Cleveland Heights Municipal Judge:

1) What is the role of the municipal judge in upholding the laws of this community?

2) What is the responsibility of the municipal judge in helping the city maintain our housing stock

A. DEANE  BUCHANAN

3381 Seaton Road  Cleveland Heights   44118   Age: 64

adeanebuch_1985@yahoo.com 

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY:   BA, POLITICS 1968.  CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL.  JURIS DOCTORATE, 1973

Occupation:  JUDGE,  CLEVELAND HEIGHTS MUNICIPAL COURT.  ELECTED 1st  November 2001,      2nd   November 2005

Qualifications:  Attorney, practiced law for 28 years.  Legal counsel to Democratic Governor Richard F. Celeste for 2 years.  Vice Chr. of the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals for 6 years.  Judge,  Cleveland Heights Municipal Court, 10 years.  7 years, Board member, 1 year as Chairman,  Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board.

Community: Founding member,  Board of Directors of the Karen E. Mumford Cancer Foundation.  Former President, Northern Ohio Municipal Judges Assn.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

STEVEN SIMS

2508 Dysart Road   44118     Age: 57

ssims06@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  University of Pennsylvania, BBA, Ohio University

Occupation: Director, Office of Business Development, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Qualifications: 15 years of public sector experience in Community and Economic Development, and Housing Finance working with the suburban communities of Cuyahoga County. Strong private sector background in Public Finance and Accounting.

Community:    Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority – Chairman, Audit Committee; Ohio Minority Business Advisory Council - Governor Appointee; Greater Cleveland Partnership – Supplier Diversity Committee, University Heights - City Council member/Chairman, Finance Committee; 100 Black Men of Cleveland - Vice Chairman.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

DANIEL P. HANNA

2408 Lalemant     44118                     Age: 31

Danhanna6@hotmail.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  B.A. Communication, Cleveland State University

Occupation: Account Executive, Cleveland Indians Baseball Co

Qualifications:  Focused on Organizational Communication at Cleveland State University, professional experience in negotiation, mediation and deal making

Community: Active member at the Church of the Gesu; St. Ignatius Alumni Council, Chair of Alumni Golf Outing; Volunteer, Cleveland Indians Charities

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

ISSUE 6   School Levy – Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District

An additional tax for the benefit of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District for the purpose of current expenses, at a rate not exceeding 6.9 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 69 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2011, first due in calendar year 2012.

STATE ISSUE 3: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CONCERNING HEALTH CARE AND HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

STATE ISSUE 2: REFERENDUM ON LEGISLATION RELATIVE TO GOVERNMENT UNION CONTRACTS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND POLICIES

ISSUE 1: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

TO CHANGE THE AGE AT WHICH A PERSON MAY NOT BE ELECTED OR APPOINTED TO A JUDICIAL OFFICE AND TO ELIMINATE COURTS OF CONCILIATION AND THE SUPREME COURT COMMISSION

JEFF CORYELL

3316 Clarendon road   Cleveland Heights     44118   Age:  55

  CoryellForCouncil@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education::  Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, Carleton College; Juris Doctor, New York University; Master of Fine Arts, Northwestern University

Occupation: Artist/small business owner

Qualifications::  Assistant U.S. Attorney; Assistant Attorney General; Adjunct Professor at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, and Youngstown State University; New Media Director for U.S. Senate Campaign.

Community :  President, Secretary and Trustee, Cleveland Heights Democrats. Central and Executive Committee Member, Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

DENNIS R. WILCOX

2524 Berkshire Rd.  Cleveland Heights  44106    Age: 59

dennis@wilcoxforcouncil.com

wilcoxforcouncil.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Juris Doctor, 1977, Case Western Reserve University.  Bachelor of Arts, 1974, Ohio State University

Occupation: Attorney.  Climaco, Wilcox, Peca, Tarantino & Garofoli Co., L.P.A.

Qualifications: Current member of City Council and Chair of Planning & Development Committee. Past chair of Finance Committee.  Law practice for 34 years in government/public finance.

Community: Member of Heights Arts, Reaching Heights, Family Connections, Heights Community Congress, Future Heights; sponsor of Youth Baseball and Soccer; CH-UH Schools Lay Finance and Facilities Committee.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

JASON STEIN

3510 Severn Rd. Cleveland Hts.   44118   Age: 34

: stein4council@gmail.com

 www.votejasonstein.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  Cleveland Heights High School – 1995.                  Siegal College - BA

Occupation: Group Supervisor, O.D.A.R.

Qualifications:  I was raised in Cleveland Heights and am the product of our CH-UH Public School system. I have been a community activist and served on various boards and committees. 

Community: Cleveland Heights City Council Member June 2011 – present.  CH-UH Library Board Trustee, 2010- June 2011

Citizens Advisory Committee 2008- June 2011.  CH-UH School Facilities Advisory Committee 2010 – July 2011

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

CLEVELAND HTS–UNIVERSITY HTS BOARD OF EDUCATION

Term:  4 years                 Salary:  $ 0            Elect:  2

CANDIDATES:       ERIC COBLE            NANCY PEPPLER

Questions for Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board:

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL

Term:  4 years               Salary:  $8,900 (Vice-Mayor $500 additional)         Elect:  4

CANDIDATES:

ALBERT AUGUST   STEVEN D. BENNETT    PAMELA T. CAMERON   

THOMAS COZZENS     DANIEL P. HANNA   CONOR A. MCLAUGHLIN    

KEVIN PATRICK MURPHY    STEVEN SIMS     ADELE ZUCKER

Questions for University Heights City Council:

13623 Antisdale Ave.  Cleveland Hts.  44118   Age:30 with 36 years experience

hon_evans4council@yahoo.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  Central State University; B.S. Biology

Occupation:  Certified Technologist in Microbiology

Qualifications: LEADERSHIP ACADEMY- Cleveland State University College of Urban Affairs.  Served on Council since1993.  Currently chair: Community Relations and Recreation Committee.   Vice chair: Planning & Development Committee

Community:  Black Women’s Political Action Committee.  Cleveland Heights Democratic Club.  Cuyahoga County Precinct Person and member of Executive Committee

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL

Salary:  Council:  $9,270, Mayor: $11,840

CANDIDATES:   

Full Term:  4 years                                Elect: 3

JEFF CORYELL    MARY DUNBAR      PHYLLIS EVANS    

MICHAEL J. GAYNIER         KEBA  SYLLA     DENNIS R. WILCOX 

Unexpired term until December 31, 2013             Elect:  1

JASON S. STEIN

Questions for Cleveland Heights City Council:

MARY DUNBAR

2880 Fairfax Road   Cleveland Heights  44118  

Age: 69

E-MAIL:  mary@marydunbar.com

WEB SITE:  www.marydunbar.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  Smith College, B.A., English Literature.  Stanford University, M.A., Mass Communication
Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, MBA, Finance and General Management

Occupation: Community service

Qualifications:  Expertise in finance, communications, marketing and ethics

Highly successful, results-oriented business and volunteer experience

Former Chairman of the Board, National Investor Relations Institute

Community:  President, Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition, 2010-  Author, Historic District application, 2010- Member, Cuyahoga County Transition Team's Code of Ethics Workgroup, 2010-11

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

MIKE GAYNIER

2933 Berkshire Rd. Cleveland Hts. 44118     

Age: 58

realgainforclevelandheights@gmail.com

www.realgainforclevelandheights.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  The University of Michigan, BGS 1982

Occupation:  Senior Consultant, creativechange.biz.  I work primarily with non-profit clients on cultural competence, leadership coaching, performance management, communication and executive coaching.

Qualifications: 25 years in leadership roles, helping organizations prosper, developing people and solving problems.

Community:  Home Repair Resource Center of Cleveland Heights, Trustee and Board Chair 2008-2011.

American Red Cross of Greater Cleveland, Disaster Action Team Leader 2007-2011.

ACLU of Cleveland Leadership Council 2008-2011

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

THOMAS A. COZZENS

2334 S. Belvoir Blvd.   44118   Age: 69

t.cozzens@csuohio.edu

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  Master’s Degree in Public Administration CSU Levin College of Urban Affairs

Occupation:  Retired from CSU

Qualifications:  10 yrs as Director of the Unger International Ctr. For Local Government Leadership

Community:  12 + years on U.H. Board of Zoning Appeals

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

Dr. KEBA SYLLA

3262 E. Overlook  Road    44118  

Age: 48

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). Vice Chair of Financial committee

Community:  Teacher at Upward bound program

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

NANCY PEPPLER

2942Edgehill Road Cleveland Heights   44118         

Age: 49

peppler@roadrunner.com

Children:  2     Schools: Roxboro Middle

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  BA and MSSA, CWRU

Occupation:   VP, External Relations, Beech Brook

Qualifications: Served on CH-UH School Board since 2007.  I have worked with, and on behalf of children, youth and families since for 25 years.

Community:  Coventry P.E.A.C.E., participation on Transition Team Committee for Cuyahoga County Government.

 QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

ERIC COBLE

3011 Edgehill  Road, Cleveland Heights  44118                   

Age:  43

e_coble@chuh.org

Children: 2     Schools: HEIGHTS HIGH

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education:  BA from Fort Lewis College, MFA from Ohio University

Occupation:  Playwright

Qualifications:  Served on CH-UH School Board since 2007, Taught classes in area schools since 1993.

Community:  Interact Cleveland Homeless StandDown.    Coventry Park Clean-Up.  Loaves and Fishes Program, Antioch Baptist Church.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

FutureHeights and the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga Area will host a forum on Oct. 6, to introduce the candidates for local elections who will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. The forum, which will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, will feature candidates for Cleveland Heights and University Heights City Council, the CH-UH Board of Education and municipal judge.