Cleveland Heights Closer To Appointing New Council Member

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cleveland Heights City Council is getting closer to filling its vacant seat. 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.

Late last week, the city announced that it had received more than 35 applications from residents interested in filling Stephens' shoes. Officials have narrowed the field to four candidates: Craig Cobb, Tamika Martin, Melody Joy Hart and Davida Russell.

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“With an engaged community such as Cleveland Heights, it is no surprise we had 35 applicants for this important position,” said Mayor Carol Roe. “We reviewed each candidate’s application and video interview and brought in four exceptional candidates.”

Formal interviews will be held with each of the four candidates. City officials expect to make a decision on who will replace Stephens shortly. An official swearing-in ceremony for the new councilperson will be held April 15.

“It has been wonderful to see the interest from so many of our residents who want to serve our community” said Roe. “We thank all 35 people for their interest and their commitment to Cleveland Heights.”

Taped screening interviews and applications for the four candidates are available online.