Cleveland Heights Announces New Councilmember

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Craig Cobb has been selected to a seat on Cleveland Heights City Council. He will fulfill the unexpired term of former Councilperson Cheryl Stephens.

"I am proud and honored to have been selected to serve the community of Cleveland Heights, a city I love and have called home for many years," Cobb said.

From an initial field of 35 applicants, City Council narrowed the field to four contenders. Each candidate was interviewed by the League of Women Voters. Those interviews were videotaped and posted online, along with biographicla information about each candidate. City officials then selected the new councilperson.

The field of candidates was Cobb, Tamika Martin, Melody Joy Hart and Davida Russell.

Longtime resident and attorney Cobb beat out the other finalists. He will be sworn in at the regular meeting of council on Monday, April 15.

''This was a truly rewarding process with over 30 residents applying for the position, and each one bringing a variety of experiences and interests to the table. We are thrilled to welcome Craig to the Council and believe he will be a great asset to us and to the City," said Mayor Carol Roe. "Craig's knowledge and experience with City government will be immediately capitalized on as we go forward with a number of important issues."

Since late last year, the council has been operating with six members, rather than seven.

When sitting councilperson Cheryl Stephens won a seat on the Cuyahoga County Council in November, she left her position with Cleveland Heights. Her seat has been vacant for months while officials have tried to locate her replacement.