Voters Guide

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.

JANINE R. BOYD
4022 Monticello Boulevard  Cleveland Hts. OH  44121      Age: 41
E-mail:  jnjrb7@aol.com
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Education: Beaumont HS, 89’; BA, Hillsdale College, 93’; MA MSU, 99'
Occupation: Government Affairs & Public Policy Advocate
Qualifications: Life long Cleveland Hts resident; over 15 years of experience in health and human services, advocacy and policy
Community: Trustee on the Board for Heights Emergency Food Center; active volunteer with each Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services Levy campaign since 2005; active volunteer with various local, state and national individual campaigns
 
QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:
1. Improve life: One of the most important issues facing CH is the issue of crime, and especially crime that involves youth offenders. Youth crime is, in fact, on the rise across the country. With Council currently, I am working to address the issue of youth crime by designing a juvenile diversion and mentoring program that will provide positive supervision, peaceful conflict resolution skills development, comprehensive treatment/counseling, tutoring and other vital services, in order to redirect CH youth offenders and youth who are at risk for committing crimes in the future.

FRAN MENTCH

3060 Chelsea  Cleveland Hts., OH 44121   Age: 61 E-mail:  franmentch@yahoo.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FranForCouncil

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Doctoral student in Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University. Masters in Social Work (MSW) Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS). I am a licensed independent social worker LISW-S.

Occupation: Librarian; Cleveland State University

Qualifications: I started Severance Neighborhood Organization, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Community: I am the only candidate who worked to preserve the former Oakwood Country Club as a Metropark. My question to voters: Would you be better off today if Oakwood were a Metropark?

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Improve life: Increase sustainability.  Improve the aesthetics and vitality of the commercial districts. People want a “Main Street USA” feel to their community. Some of our retail areas have that feel some could be improved... We have to communicate our values by what our community looks and feels like. We need a citywide public art plan, a city wide walkability and bike plan.  We have to create and improve our greenspaces. Some traffic patterns should be reviewed and where traffic can be calmed to increase retail activity we should do so. We need a more structured humane officer program.

SUSAN K. INFELD

3906 Tyndall Road  44118 Age: 55

E-mail: mayor@universityheights.com 

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

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

Occupation: Mayor

Qualifications: I currently serve as Mayor and previously served for 12 years as a Councilwoman

Community: Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, NOACA Governing Board, First Suburbs Consortium  Executive Committee, First Suburbs Consortium Development Council, University Heights Parade Chairman 

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Economic climate: Yes, University Heights is in a solid position financially through careful stewardship of financial resources. The City has taken on no new debt in the past four years and is currently paying down outstanding debt. The City regularly undergoes reviews of operations to ensure that services are delivered efficiently at a reasonable cost. The use of grant dollars has freed up general revenue for other uses. I have generated large surpluses every year I have been Mayor. These surpluses allowed for capital improvements in City buildings, additional street paving projects, and the purchase of the school property for park development.

PHILLIP ERTEL

2296 Miramar Blvd 44118 Age: 57

E-mail: pertel@ameritech.net

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Graduated Cum Laude from Ohio University - BS in Communications

Occupation: Shaker Heights Municipal Court probation officer

Qualifications: Seven years as University Heights Councilman; At the Shaker Heights Municipal Court, I am able to help many UH residents with their housing and other issues.

Community: Development of the new UH six acre park between Saybrook and Fenwick roads; UH liaison to the CH/UH Schools Lay Facilities Committee; Habitat for Humanity; Friends of the CHUH Public Library 

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Issues/opportunities: The most important city issue is the budget. I would continue to improve fiscal management, such as this year which resulted in the largest budget surplus in the city’s history; Housing is another important issue. For most residents, it’s their largest asset. I would continue housing code enforcement. As aggravating as it can be at times, it also protects home values. And neighborhoods as a whole.

MARK WISEMAN

4365 Baintree Road, 44118 Age: 48

E-mail: markwise44@sbcglobal.net

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: 

Education: Ohio State (1988) Cleveland Marshall College of Law (1992)

Occupation: Director NHS Consumer Law Center

Qualifications: My career is spent working with the low-moderate income community, helping them maintain and build wealth.

Community: I’m currently on Council and served on the Charter Review Commission.  I have also served on the Vacant & Abandoned Properties Action Council, a collaborative effort of stakeholders from around the County, with the goal of creating a coordinated response to the vacant property crisis. 

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Issues/opportunities: Estate tax elimination, reduced property values and reduction in State funding is problematic. We need to be proactive in maintaining our services with less money.  University Square: The owner is content to have empty storefronts; the parking structure hinders any efforts to attract businesses.  We should contact Target and the landlord to determine how we can work together to attract businesses. Foreclosures take a long time. The empty properties created become damaged and laden with violations.  We should try to encourage (or force) foreclosing banks and investors to improve their properties, sooner to increase safety and improve property values.

JOE BELLIAN

2524 Milford Rd. University Hts., OH  44118 Age: 51

E-mail: jgbellian@gmail.com

WEB:

Blog:

Twitter:

Facebook:

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Humanities Western Illinois University & Diploma Huron School of Nursing

Occupation: Registered Nurse

Qualifications: 20 years sales & marketing including managment 8 years nursing including management

Community: Gesu Parish Parish Council Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight)

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Issues/opportunities: a. Taxes are too high for home owners; I will strive to find ways to reduce University Heights taxes. b. Current cityservices not acceptable to justify current costs/tax levels,I will strive improve city services for our needs. c. Community relationship with John Carroll University remains adversarial, I will strive to create a more harmonious and mutually beneficial long term relationship. d. Long-time residents are leaving the city due to the over-taxation, I will work to find ways to encourage long-time residents to remain in our city.

NANCY E. ENGLISH

4107 Washington Blvd.  University Hts. OH 44118   Age: 59

E-mail: NancyEnglish4UH@yahoo.com

Facebook: Nancy E, English

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Attended Kent State University, Business Administration

Occupation: Retired – Clerk of Council, City of University Heights

Qualifications: 30 years in local government; Professionally trained in local government procedures, Kent State University: *Ohio Municipal Clerks Career Development Program, designated Certified Municipal Clerk *Ohio Municipal Clerks Master Municipal Clerk Academy, designated Master Municipal Clerk 

Community: Actively involved in city related activities.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Issues/opportunities: The proposed consolidation of fire services (1merger) is the number one issue facing University Heights (see comments under #3). The second issue is the update to the Codified Ordinances (see comments under #4). The third issue is the poor condition of city streets. To address this issue I propose to work to establish a 5-Year Streets Improvement Program. I will work with the council and administration to appropriate funds to resurface/repair streets as set forth on the priority streets list. Recently, funds have become available through the county for road repairs. This is definitely something the city should look into.

SUSAN D. PARDEE

2343 Charney Rd.  University Hts., OH  44118    Age: 56

E-mail:  SuePardee4UHCouncil@gmail.com

WEB: www.VoteforSuePardee.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: Weatherhead School of Management, CWRU; School Treasurer’s License, Ashland University

Occupation: Coordinator of School Improvement/Federal Programs, CH-UH Schools

Qualifications: Four years on UH Council. Experience in planning and project development; finding funding; managing and reporting on grants, monitoring for compliance; leading groups in successful community-building projects.

Community: President, Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries foundation; University Heights Charter Review Commission; League of Women Voters (3 years as UH City Council Observer, Chapter Chair, Treasurer, Layout Editor)

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Issues/opportunities: #1. Aging infrastructure: UH is able to repave less than a dozen of the worst streets each summer and there is never enough for all the streets ranked as most in need. City equipment (cars, trucks, rubbish scooters) is often purchased used. We must continue to explore service delivery through the County, grant funding, and cooperative/shared service agreements wherever feasible. #2. Revenue: to increase revenue, vitality and the desirability of the City, we must improve lagging business development, especially at University Square. Our City should support local retailers in creating associations such as the Cedar Lee and Coventry Merchants.

ALLEN WILKINSON

1286 Yellowstone Rd. 44118 Age: 64

Children: 3        Schools: CH-UH

E-mail: aw@chaff.biz

WEB: http://chaff.biz/allen/13/

Blog: http://clevelandheights.patch.com/blogs/sustainable-education-k-12 

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: PhD, Chemistry, CWRU 1986

BS, Engineering Physics, Cornell University 1980

Occupation: Retired NASA Physicist

Qualifications: Physicist & engineer, expertise for building plan and STEM/CTE curriculum

Board of Ed. observer & school committee participant

Community: most active 1987-2004

Sustainability Working Group (SWG) of Lay Facilities Plan 2012-2013

Volunteer admin of PTA email listserv from 1998-2011

Lead LINKS after school program for Monticello 2001-2004

Volunteer part time teacher at HH (physical electronics) 2000-2003 

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Student performance: Dramatically improve the STEM and Career Tech (CTE) curriculum K-12 for all students, realizing it enables a living wage. Refurbished sustainable buildings provide space and infrastructure for CTE and STEM. Open HVAC and building construction systems are labs ready for lessons. Engineering documents provide drawings and design calculations for classes. HVAC controllers engage students with calculus in action. Temperature, energy, and heat transfer are experienced, with measurements and calculations being the heart of scientific observation. CTE and STEM require spaces, equipment, and staff not present now. Leveraging the bond issue is a win-win. CH-UH would be unique in the region.

ERIC J. SILVERMAN

2884 Fairmount Boulevard 44118 Age: 44

Children: 0

E-mail: ejsboe@sbcglobal.net

WEB: ericjsilverman.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: B.A. Miami University (Ohio)

Occupation:Associate, Special Projects, Hometown Threads

Qualifications: I served 8 years on the CH-UH School Board in the 1990s and 7 years on the CH-UH Library Board. For the last 12 years I have been president of the Cleveland Heights High School Alumni Foundation. Over the course of the last 3 years I have served on numerous District Facilities committees, attending every one of their meetings.

Community: See above 

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Student performance: There is no one thing that is a magic cure for academic performance. The Board must do EVERYTHING within its powers to improve student achievement. Owing to the structure and role of the Board, two of the things it can do are among its most pressing issues: passing the bond issue for facilities and hiring a Superintendent in 2014. Having been part of four similar CEO searches and spending hundreds of hours over the last three years on facilities, I know the questions to ask and the expectations we should have.

KAL ZUCKER

1315 Inglewood Rd.  Cleveland Hts, OH  44121     Age: 55

Children: 2          Schools: Noble, Monticello, Heights High 

E-mail:  grand_poohbah@ameritech.net

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: ScB, Brown University, 1980    ScM, Brown University, 1983

Occupation: CIO, Kalcor Coatings Company

Qualifications:  School Board, 2006-present, President (2007, 2009), Vice President (2008); Past District Delegate to Ohio School Boards Association; Board Liaison to the Harvard Executive Leadership team, which created current vision and action plan for the district; numerous committees.

Community:  Secretary, Heights High Alumni Foundation; Board Liaison, Reaching Heights, PTA, Lay Facilities Committee and Ohio Urban School District Advisory Network; Photographer, Reaching Heights Spelling Bee

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Student performance:   To improve student performance, the CH-UH School District must focus on the following areas:   * Rigorous student expectations with strong support structures – academic, emotional, behavioral.  *  Rigorous staff expectations, with support structures to facilitate success.  *   Targeted professional development focused on critical thinking, problem solving and collaborative skills development.  *  Effective assessment of programs and staff.  * *  *  Improved, updated, inspiring physical spaces.  *  Goal-driven partnerships.  *  Family support to help achieve our educational goals.    The board’s role, and my role as a board member, is to support and assess policy and initiatives which effectively address these areas, and to hold the Superintendent accountable for achieving District goals.

RONALD REGISTER

12589 Euclid Hts. Blvd.  #10.  Cleveland Hts. OH  44106       Age: 64

Children:  5      Schools: Tri-Cs_

E-mail: friendsofregister@gmail.com

Facebook:  Ron Register for CH-UH School Board 

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Education: I received my high school diploma from Woodstock HS in Memphis, TN. I attended Rhodes College (Memphis) and graduated from the University of Memphis with a dual BA in Urban Studies and Anthropology and an MA in Urban Anthropology.

Occupation:  Program Director at LMM 2100 Men’s Shelter. 

Qualifications: 1+ years on the School Board: involvement in youth development initiatives and School Board Lay Finance and Strategic Planning committees. 

Community: Involvement in political campaigns and social justice issues and organizations; elder t Forest Hill Church.

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:

1. Student performance: Implementation is in the hands of the administration. Therefore, implementation will depend on how they interpret any policies. With that perspective, I believe relationship-building is the key to improving student performance. The Small Schools Initiative at the high was based on this hypothesis. I still believe it is key. The parent, teacher, and student should be engaged in relationships that understand that all have stake in student performance. I think the Board can help to create opportunities for involvement by creating lay committees to increase interactions among staff, parents, community residents, and students.

Issue 1: PROPOSED TAX LEVY (REPLACEMENT AND INCREASE)
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA Health and Human Services Levy
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
A replacement of 2.9 mills of an existing levy and an increase of 1 mill, to constitute a tax for the benefit of Cuyahoga County for the purpose of supplementing general fund appropriations for health and human or social services at a rate not exceeding 3.9 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 39 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five years, commencing in 2013, first due in calendar year 2014.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS - COUNCIL AT LARGE

4 Year Term       Salary:  $9,270 (Mayor - $11,840)   Vote for 4  

CANDIDATES:  JEFF CORYELL, FRAN MENTCH, JASON S. STEIN, CHERYL L. STEPHENS, KEBA SYLLA, MELISSA YASINOW

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS - COUNCIL UTE 12-31-15

CANDIDATE:  JANINE R. BOYD

2 year term     Salary:  $9,270 (Mayor - $11,840)   Vote for 1  

Questions for Cleveland Heights Council:  

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS MAYOR

4 year term     Salary:  $75,500    Elect:  1

CANDIDATE:  SUSAN K. INFELD

Questions for University Mayor:

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS - COUNCIL AT LARGE

4 Year Term       Salary:  $8,900   Elect  3  

CANDIDATES:   JOE BELLIAN, PHILLIP ERTEL,  SUSAN D. PARDEE,  MARK WISEMAN

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS - COUNCIL UTE 12-31-15

CANDIDATE:  NANCY E. ENGLISH

2 year term     Salary:  $8,900    Elect 1

Questions  for University Heights Council:  

CLEVELAND HTS/UNIVERSITY HTS BOARD OF EDUCATION

4 year term         Salary: 0        Elect:  3

CANDIDATES:  RONALD REGISTER, ERIC J. SILVERMAN, ALLEN WILKENSON, KAL ZUCKER

Questions:

On Nov. 6, students on John Carroll’s campus will join the rest of the country in voting for the next president of the United States. For weeks, students have been seen around campus hustling to class wearing their candidates’ pins, shirts and hats. There is visible support for Republican nominee Mitt Romney. 

Kara Naylon, a John Carroll senior who is involved with the campus Conservative Club, strolls through campus wearing her bright red “Romney for President” t-shirt. When asked if she thinks she would be as comfortable doing so at another school she replied, “I think John Carroll’s campus is unique in that we are all very understanding of each other’s views whether it be pro-Obama or pro-Romney. I am not afraid to show my support for Romney, whether it would be here or at another school.”

Searching for the John Carroll University College Dems in the midst of students clad in Romney/Ryan gear on Oct. 3, it was hard to believe that less than four years ago, students ran onto the quad, yelling and celebrating Barack Obama’s victory. Back then, John Carroll Students for Barack Obama campaigned vigorously, canvassing neighborhoods, staffing phone banks and knocking on dorm room doors to register students to vote. Now, the campus Democrats are hard to find.

Brendan Dugan is a typical 20-year-old college student. He attends classes at John Carroll University, participates in intramural athletics, and has an interest in politics and the upcoming elections.

Now, that last part may not be typical, but it is becoming more common on college campuses. Why? The answer is jobs.

“As a student in the Cleveland area, I want to have a sense of relief, knowing there will be job opportunities after graduation,” he said in an interview.

Dugan is experiencing what many people throughout Ohio have said concerns them too: worry about dwindling job opportunities and financial security.

As Americans, we have come to expect heated political battles and this year’s U.S. Senate race in Ohio is no exception. Political opponents engage in smear campaigns, distort the truth, target weak links and attempt to shake self-confidence in their rivals. With polls showing only a small gap between the two candidates, it is no wonder truths get stretched to the max and claims of lies seem to grow in number.

Fact-checking political advertising is big business these days and has some politicians earning “pants on fire” designations for outright falsehoods. For Josh Mandel, a driven young man with an honest face and warm smile, it is a designation he prefers to forget on the campaign trail.

Rep. Marcia Fudge offers a friendly handshake before taking a seat. With dignified posture, she gently adjusts her crimson blazer. Like her handshake, her voice as she speaks is firm yet inviting and intent. Such qualities are an embodiment of her primary mission of being in touch with her constituents and becoming a prominent voice for them that is loyal to their needs and desires; an image that is welcomely contradicting of the idea of the distant, untouchable politician.

Julian Rogers sat down recently with a John Carroll University student in a booth at Pizzaz on the Circle to talk about his current position and future on Cuyahoga County Council.

Rogers’ professional political career started when was elected to represent District 10 on Cuyahoga County Council in the 2010 election. The district includes Cleveland wards 10 and 11, East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, and the village of Bratenahl.

Prior to this, Rogers was the executive director of Education Voters of Ohio, which is a statewide, nonprofit advocacy organization working to improve the quality of public education throughout Ohio.

Always on the go, Denise Nancy Rini is returning calls from her Bluetooth phone in her car, leaving messages with poor sound quality, the typical opening of which is, “Hi. It’s Denise Rini calling. I’m on my way home from an event and thought it would be a good time to chat.” The calls usually come very late at night.

This is what it’s like to try to get hold of Rini, a candidate for judge in the Juvenile Division, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. After playing telephone tag for several weeks, this reporter finally managed to speak to her.

“A little geared up from trial, the last thing I need is a cup of coffee, “sighed Edele Passalacqua. The Italian-American woman wearing a black pantsuit drew closer, her hair slightly tousled, her head crowned with pushed-up eyeglasses. Without much arm-twisting, the 23-year veteran trial attorney was convinced to take time out of her busy schedule to enjoy a cup of joe and talk to a student reporter about her campaign.

With a confident but firm hand shake; Passalacqua introduced herself, grabbed her coffee and politely asked if we could sit outside so she could enjoy a cigarette. There was a chilly October lake breeze and light rain fell from the sky as Passalacqua got her nicotine fix outside of Starbucks on West Sixth Street. She vowed she was going to quit once the election is over, but not before.

“Electing judges is a catastrophe!” says Sara Schiavoni, a political science professor at John Carroll University. Schiavoni specializes in the courts, with particular expertise in how judges are selected.

According to Schiavoni, Ohio is the only state in America that elects judges using a partisan primary and a non-partisan election. Because of this, people don’t know how to vote. This can result in judges being elected just because they have recognizable names. In Cleveland, if you have an ethnic name, specifically Italian or Irish, you are almost guaranteed to get elected, Schiavoni says.

As the mother of two teenagers, Eileen Gallagher has likely experienced her fair share of settling arguments. As a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, she has probably experienced more than her fair share. Undeterred, Gallagher is looking to move up in the justice system by running for a spot on the Court of Appeals.

Gallagher has always had an interest in law, which was encouraged by her father’s cousin, John T. Patton, who served as her mentor for much of her life. Although she originally obtained a nursing degree, Gallagher switched to law when she had gone as far as she wanted in nursing. She believes the fields are connected by their focus on service.

The Ohio Supreme Court building is on the bank of the Scioto River in Columbus, and it is simply breathtaking, inside and out. The outside looks like white marble and, as you walk into the South Hearing Room, you are amazed by the gold trim on the ceilings, the elegant paintings and the eye-popping red curtain behind the judges’ table. The judges’ table is the center of attention, not just because it’s where justice is seen to be done, but also because of the very real possibility that the Nov. 6 election could knock current Justice Robert R. Cupp off this lofty podium and put William O’Neill in his place.

A smiling child leaves the Hillcrest Hospital Emergency Department, proudly holding a popsicle in his hand for young bravery. He has just been treated by pediatric nurse William M. O’Neill — a man who believes his work with patients at Hillcrest has helped him to discern what is important in life. One of the important things, he said in an interview, is always to do what is morally right, even if the law permits otherwise.

This is one of the main reasons O’Neill said he is running for a position on the Ohio Supreme Court. O’Neill, a Democratic candidate, said he believes that the way we elect judges in Ohio is fundamentally wrong. He argues that candidates should not take monetary contributions during the election process and subsequently sit on a case involving the contributor. This is why his campaign slogan reads, “Money and Judges Don’t Mix. Never Have, Never Will,” and he does not accept any campaign contributions.

How do you motivate young people to become involved in the voting process? One way is through class assignments.

As part of their first journalism course, Carrie Buchanan, assistant professor of communications at John Carroll University, had her students interview local candidates and report on events related to the upcoming elections.

Some interviewed candidates; others attended debate parties and other events, then filed their reports.

The stories were all written and edited by Carrie Buchanan and her students. Contact Professor Buchanan at cbuchanan@jcu.edu.

In the University Heights council chambers, the regular monthly meeting is already underway when Vice-Mayor Frankie Goldberg rushes in, her curly blonde hair more tousled than usual. She looks a bit stressed as she takes off her coat and settles into her chair, immediately beside the mayor’s. But within minutes, as if somebody flicked the “on” switch, Goldberg is attentive and focused on the issues at hand.

It has been a challenging term for Judge Daniel Gaul of the Court of Common Pleas—the first in a very long time.

In 2010, Gaul was sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Ohio for violating the Code of Judicial Conduct during a trial he presided over in 2007. He was given a six-month license suspension, which was stayed, meaning he was able to remain on the bench.

Gaul has been criticized repeatedly on the Internet for his rulings in a number of controversial cases. One involved sending the mother of a four-month-old baby to jail last March.  

Now, after running unopposed in 1994, 2000 and 2006 for the seat he has held since 1991, Gaul is facing a strong challenge from Republican attorney Edele Passalacqua.

In recent years, residents of Cleveland Heights have leaned toward Democratic presidential candidates. Now these residents have a place to drop in and volunteer—the Barack Obama campaign office on Lee Road.

The office is located across from Lemon Grass restaurant and is open seven days a week. Every day, there are opportunities for volunteers to go door to door or make phone calls, encouraging residents to vote.

This is the first time a campaign office has been open on Lee Road. The Ohio Democratic Party owns an office at Shaker Square, which Cleveland Heights campaign volunteers often used in past campaigns. In 2008, there was also an office in South Euclid.

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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:

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:

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

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

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