Wanted: Lakewood Ward 1 City Council Member

Only three people have applied for the open Ward 1 seat on Lakewood City Council, but those interested still have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to apply.

The position opened when Mayor Michael Summers appointed current councilman (and council president) Kevin Butler . That appointment still needs council approval, but that decision is believed to be only a formality.

Members of hope the process go smoothly.

“Our goal is to make the decision before the first meeting in March,” said council vice president Mary Louise Madigan. “We don’t want to miss a single council meeting down a person.”

So far, the only applicants have been Bryan Rosser, Robert Dumbrys and Luke Madden.

The position is open to all residents of Ward 1 (click to see the Ward 1 boundary). Additional qualifications for the seat are listed in the city’s second amended charter, article 3, section 2; and article 23, section 3; and vacancies on council are governed by article 3, section 2 of the charter.

“There is no shortage of smart people in Lakewood,” Madigan said. “We’re going to get people. It is amazing to me how many people in Lakewood pitch in.” 

Lakewood City Hall has already had several shake-ups in 2011, was elected to executive director of the newly formed Cuyahoga County government. He took with him Nathan Kelly, director of economic development, and Nora Hurley, the city’s law director.

At-large councilwoman won the 13^th District seat in the Ohio House of Representatives in November. When Summers was , it opened two council seats. last month.

Of the 40 who applied for Antonio’s former at-large council seat opening, about five of them live in Ward 1, but it is not yet clear whether those applicants will apply for the Ward 1 post.

“There were so many good people for that last round," Madigan said. "The last one cast a wider net, because one of the seats was an at-large seat."

Council was expected to begin interviewing candidates Feb. 19, but that date will likely be pushed back because of the holiday weekend.

According to statement, applications for the Ward 1 post should include a cover letter and current résumé, delivered to the clerk of council at 12650 Detroit Road, or by email to council@lakewoodoh.net.

Butler’s appointed replacement will only hold the office until the results of the November election are certified.

For more information, contact Lakewood Cit­y Council at 216-529­­-6055.