Crisis in Cleveland Heights: Examining Dan Horrigan’s Resignation and Its Implications for Democracy
Emails and memo reveal that Cleveland Heights City Administrator Dan Horrigan resigned after only two months due to an “untenable” work environment caused by Mayor Seren’s wife’s presence at City Hall.
When Dan Horrigan abruptly resigned from his position as City Administrator of Cleveland Heights after only two months on the job, the details surrounding his departure raised serious concerns about the integrity and ethical governance of our city. The emails and memo Horrigan sent to Mayor Kahlil Seren in the days leading up to his resignation paint a troubling picture of workplace dysfunction, concerns about safety, and allegations of unethical interference in city operations.
What the Memo and Emails Reveal
Horrigan’s communications with Mayor Seren were measured but unambiguous. His initial memo on March 14, 2025, cited an “untenable” work environment caused by the persistent and improper involvement of the mayor’s wife in city operations. Horrigan stated that employees felt “uncomfortable” and in at least one instance “unsafe.” He further noted that the mayor’s wife’s direction of staff in an official capacity was “improper and unethical.” Horrigan requested that the mayor’s wife discontinue her presence at City Hall and cease interfering with city staff to restore a functional and safe work environment.
A follow-up email referenced a disturbing incident the previous Thursday, suggesting that the mayor had been briefed in detail. Horrigan emphasized that concerns about the workplace environment and potential safety hazards persisted, leaving him with “little recourse” but to question his continued role.
When these concerns were left unaddressed, Horrigan submitted his formal resignation, effective March 17, 2025, stating that he could no longer continue under such conditions.
You can read all three emails from Horrigan to Mayor Seren that pertain to the matter that led to his resignation, as well as the memo he wrote, on our RECEIPTS page.
A Breakdown of Democratic Values
These revelations strike at the heart of our democratic values. By analyzing Horrigan’s resignation through the lens of Transparency, Equality, Pluralism, and Empowerment of Citizens, we gain a deeper understanding of the implications for Cleveland Heights.
1. Transparency Undermined
Transparency is the bedrock of a functioning democracy. It ensures accountability, reduces corruption, and empowers citizens to make informed decisions. However, the lack of a public response or corrective action by Mayor Seren in the wake of Horrigan’s warnings suggests a troubling opacity. Residents deserve to know who is influencing city decisions and whether those decisions are being made ethically and in the best interest of the public. The mayor’s failure to address these concerns raises questions about the integrity of city governance.
2. Equality Compromised
Horrigan’s concern about the mayor’s wife directing city staff highlights a breach of the principle of Fairness of Opportunity. When individuals without proper authority or accountability direct city employees, it erodes trust and undermines a system that should reward merit and expertise. Employees subjected to this type of influence may feel powerless, unequal, and fearful for their positions if they speak out.
3. Pluralism Threatened
A diverse and inclusive workplace thrives when differing perspectives are respected and protected. Horrigan’s repeated references to a “hostile” environment and employee discomfort suggest that pluralism was being stifled. Employees who felt unsafe or marginalized by the actions of the mayor’s spouse were denied the ability to work in an environment where different viewpoints and experiences could contribute to effective decision-making.
4. Empowerment of Citizens at Risk
When public servants such as Horrigan feel compelled to resign due to unethical conditions, it signals a failure of empowering citizens to participate effectively in government. City administrators, who are tasked with serving the public, should not be forced to choose between their ethical obligations and their professional survival. This departure weakens public confidence and dissuades qualified individuals from serving in civic roles.
Conditions for Democracy in Peril
Beyond these values, Horrigan’s departure calls into question several Conditions for Democracy that are essential for a functioning civic society.
1. Trust in Government Eroded
Trust in government hinges on the perception that public officials are managing city affairs competently and ethically. The mayor’s apparent inaction in the face of Horrigan’s warnings has likely eroded public trust. When trust diminishes, citizen engagement declines, creating a vicious cycle of apathy and disillusionment.
2. Citizen Involvement Diminished
Citizens can only participate meaningfully when they trust that their voices matter and that civic leaders will address their concerns. However, if those in power silence or ignore internal concerns raised by senior staff, it sends a chilling message that public input may be similarly disregarded.
3. Civil Discourse Undermined
Horrigan’s emails illustrate an attempt at civil discourse—an effort to address serious concerns through appropriate channels. However, the lack of response or corrective action demonstrates a breakdown of respectful, solution-oriented dialogue. When open dialogue is replaced by silence and inaction, civic health deteriorates.
4. Fairness of Opportunity Abandoned
Nepotism and favoritism have no place in democratic governance. Horrigan’s concerns about the mayor’s spouse exerting influence over city staff highlight a fundamental breach of fairness. Opportunities for advancement and decision-making should be determined by qualifications, not by personal relationships or proximity to power.
What Happens Next?
Horrigan’s departure should serve as a wake-up call for Cleveland Heights residents. A transparent and thorough investigation is necessary to determine the full scope of ethical breaches and to restore public trust. Moving forward, the city must implement stronger safeguards against undue influence, protect employees who speak out, and recommit to upholding the democratic values and conditions that make civic life possible.
Without these corrective actions, we risk allowing the cracks in our democratic foundation to widen—leaving our community less empowered, less equal, and less secure in its trust of government.
