While campaigning, our current mayor said a lot about how he would govern if elected. We’re not seeing much of that enacted since he took office. Instead, he’s done an about-face.

Whether it’s every piece of legislation being passed on emergency, ideas being launched without thoughtfulness or preparation, or simply the lack of strategic goals for addressing our city’s needs, the Cleveland Heights administration lacks planning at the helm.

When we set out to change our form of government, we envisioned a mayor who would bring focus and vision to our city, leading us in a new direction, working with city council and our residents to deliver results. And most of all, be accountable to the people. What we have now is not what we had in mind.

From estranged relationships with City Council, to shouting down School Board members, to refusing to work with community and organizational leaders, our mayor has damaged a lot of critical relationships and key partnerships.

A successful mayor works hard to build relationships with their city’s council members that foster collaboration, trust, and goodwill. But that’s not how our mayor operates. Quite the opposite.