by Tim Troglen
Reporter
Maple Heights -- With Mayor Michael Ciaravino announcing earlier this year that he was not seeking re-election, that opened the door for challengers to step up and toss their hats into the mayoral ring.
Former Councilor and Council president Jeff Lansky will face Neomia Mitchell, who is finishing her first term as District 7 Councilor.
Lansky aims to balance
city's budget
Lansky said, if elected, he wants to "re-establish" the city's priorities.
Lansky said he is qualified to be mayor because of his 16 years experience on Council and 12 years as Council president.
He served on Council from 1987 to 1991 and was Council president from 1991 to 2003.
Lansky said he supports hiring more police officers and firefighters as well as passing the police and fire levies.
To bring the city back to financial stability, Lansky said, if elected, he would "implement a new economic development plan that will bring new businesses and jobs to Maple Heights."
Lansky wants to reopen the two city pools at Stafford and Dunham parks.
"I didn't see any reason for closing them in the first place," Lansky said. "This isn't going to break the bank."
Lansky said he does not support renting out space in City Hall.
"City Hall is owned by the taxpayers. It should not be rented or leased out," he said.
"City government is not for sale. There are sensitive files, personal records and petty cash in the building," he said.
Lansky wants to re-establish city events like the Easter egg and dinosaur egg hunts, the D.A.R.E. program and Maple Heights day at Jacobs Field for a Cleveland Indians baseball game.
"The mayor sets the example by the tone of his office," he said. "I can work with anybody."
Mitchell: Programs
for children needed
"We need to apply for state grants to assist us in bringing back the quality and the dignity that Maple Heights once had," Mitchell said. "We need to concentrate on beautifying Maple Heights once again."
Mitchell said the city needs to institute programs for the children.
"I feel that if we start improving things within the city, that will attract many new families," Mitchell said.
To foster economic development she said the city should "establish a summit with business leaders, labor leaders, the county commissioners, state economic development department and the county growth association "to determine a course of action for Maple Heights."
Mitchell said she is qualified to be mayor because of her love for Maple Heights.
"I have worked 40 years with people with good character and outstanding personalities," she said. "I have worked for the county commissioners for 18 years and I feel I will be able to get the assistance that Maple Heights is in need of," she said.
Mitchell also said she has an "excellent relationship with the Maple Heights School Board and the administration."
"Therefore I will work very closely with them for the good and the welfare of the children," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said, if elected, she will "need to take a look at the budget very closely and see if we are spending funds wisely."
"I need to see if there is a better discounted way for some purchases," she said.
As for renting space out at City Hall, Mitchell said, "I am totally opposed."
Mitchell said she has "the experience that is needed to move Maple Heights forward."
"I have diverse experiences in striving for excellence," she said. "Under my leadership we will move Maple Heights forward."
E-mail: TTroglen@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3165