At-Large Council to
Mix of Ward and At-Large Representation
The current structure of the Cleveland Heights City Council has allowed it to be unresponsive and unbeholden to its citizenry. This must change, and that is possible by shifting from council members who are voted in as "at-large" to one that has a mix of at-large and ward representation.
I believe a 7-member council of 5 ward representatives and 2 elected at-large would ensure a council make-up that is responsible to the city's residents. This mix would also thwart any intransigence should one or more ward members decide to behave much as the current Congressional House is behaving at this moment in time.
I also would implement term limits to prevent a popular ward representative from becoming too entrenched or influential. I suggest a 3-term limitation, since a 12-year run is long enough to accomplish much, then move on.
Another idea: the first meeting of the new government structure, held the first Monday in January after the election, the council votes for a Mayor and Vice Mayor. The following first Monday in January, the Mayor steps down, and the Vice Mayor is sworn in as Mayor. The council then votes for a new Vice Mayor, with the past Mayor ineligible for re-election for the next 3-4 years.
My purpose with this idea is to prevent the bully pulpit that has existed in our current council for nearly 15-20 years. It would also reinforce the Charter mandate that no council member is "more executive" than any other member of council and remind everyone that the position of Mayor is purely a ceremonial one.
We need contributions to hire the attorney who is willing to prepare the Initiative petition. You can send a check made out to Citizens Leadership, 1059 Oxford Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121.
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