Voters Guide

County Issue 3 -  Tri-C Renewal & Increase Levy

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:

James Posch

Beverly Wright

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:

Barbara Blankfield

Justin Gould

John P. Rach

Michele Weiss 

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:

Mary Dunbar

Melody Joy Hart

Anthony Mattox Jr. 

Carol Roe

Kahlil Seren 

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:

Craig Cobb

Davida Russell

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

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education

County and Municipal Issues

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:

• 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