Cleveland Heights Council Vacancy: Eleven Candidates Seek Appointment

Cleveland Heights is preparing to fill a council seat left vacant by the election of Jim Petras as mayor, with eleven candidates vying for the position. The appointee will complete the remainder of Petras’ term, which extends until December 31, 2027. The city council plans to conduct interviews and make a selection early next year.

Petras, who is set to take office on January 1, 2024, recently won the mayoral election, defeating Council Vice President Davida Russell on November 4. His victory comes after a tumultuous political period that included the recall of former Mayor Kahlil Seren in September. Following Seren’s removal, Council President Tony Cuda has served as the interim mayor and will return to his council seat when Petras assumes the mayor’s office.

Among the candidates is Zenobia K. Sheets, who was appointed in October to temporarily fill Cuda’s seat. Her term is set to end when Cuda resumes his position. The other applicants include:

– James I. Bates II, currently unemployed and a key figure in the 2025 mayoral recall movement
– Dr. Carmen C. Daniel, a community engagement specialist with Heights Career Tech Consortium
– Miriam Schuman, CEO of Congruence Learning
– James A. Williams, a professional student focusing on legal technology
– James I. Bates II, notable for his involvement in local political initiatives

This appointee will join two newly elected council members, Jessica Cohen and Joseph Dewitt-Foy, on the seven-member council starting in January.

As Cleveland Heights navigates this transition, the selection process for the council seat will be closely watched by constituents eager to see how their city’s leadership will evolve in the coming years.