Age
35
Education
BA & MBA, Case Western Reserve University
Qualifications for office
City Councilman & IT Project Director
Current occupation
IT Project Director at Case Western Reserve University
I was motivated to run for Mayor because I’m frustrated by things like potholes and know our city services can be better. But you can only do so much serving on City Council. At the end of the day, the executive branch is where implementation happens. I’m running to focus on delivering higher-quality city services. I have the hands-on project management experience and the collaborative leadership style needed to create and execute a plan and deliver the results our residents deserve.
I bring both hands-on management experience and a deep understanding of how our city government actually works. I am an IT Project Director at Case Western Reserve University, where I lead complex projects and help teams deliver results. I also hold the industry-leading Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and professional certificates in areas like emotional intelligence, skills that help me work effectively with people and keep projects on track. I’m also a current member of Cleveland Heights City Council, where I’ve learned how many parts of our government operate, from public safety to public works. I know how to balance big-picture goals with day-to-day details, and I’m ready to put that experience to work for residents.
To build a productive relationship with City Council, I’d start by sitting down with each council member to understand their goals and priorities for their neighborhoods and the city as a whole. I’d invite every council member to set up a monthly one-on-one meeting with me so we can stay in touch, address concerns early, and keep lines of communication open. I’m grateful to have the support and endorsement of Council President Tony Cuda, Councilman Craig Cobb, and Councilwoman Gail Larson. They know I’m a collaborative person who listens and works hard to find common ground.
In return, I’d count on Council to bring their best ideas forward and to work through disagreements in a way that’s respectful and solution-oriented.
Beyond setting the rules, the city must lead by example. I believe in being a hands-on partner: sitting down with neighbors and developers, helping craft solutions, and fighting for grants or investments that make projects work. Places like Severance and Park Synagogue are opportunities to show what good redevelopment looks like when local government is proactive and residents have a real say.
When Council opted for a temporary budget, I’m the person who put it together. That experience helped me to gain a deep understanding of the city's budget and operations. Overall, the 2025 budget funds city services and makes important investments, but we still need a long-term capital plan so that we can better plan for future needs. We should also compare our spending to similar cities so we know where we’re ahead or falling behind. The lesson is clear: we need to plan further ahead, budget more transparently, and make sure every dollar supports what residents actually want and need.
Age
67
Education
Bachelor's degree with a dual major in labor studies and labor administration, Cleveland States Management and Relations Program, Cleveland leadership program. Cleveland leadership class 2000 and 4.
Qualifications for office
In short, I am deeply rooted in Cleveland Heights, having proudly served as a resident and neighbor since 1975. As the longest-serving current member and Vice President of City Council, I bring seasoned leadership, institutional knowledge, and a lifelong dedication to public service. With decades of experience advocating for residents, building coalitions, and achieving meaningful results, I’ve consistently championed the needs of our community. My leadership has helped advance critical legislation both locally and statewide, and I remain a steadfast advocate for progress, equity, and accountability. To learn more about my qualifications, please visit davida4ch.com and click on Meet Davida
Campaign Phone
2164092052
Current occupation
Labor Advocate /State and Local Union Executive Officer, School bus driver and substitute teacher
My decision to run for Mayor stems from a place deep within, a calling rooted in service, advocacy and the belief that change begins with each of us personally.
For decades, I’ve been invested in promoting community advocacy, labor leadership and public service. Listening to residents, building coalitions and turning voices into action is important to me. It’s this back-and-forth communication between people and government that results in transformation.
My tenure as the longest serving member and current Vice President on City Council I've advanced community driven legislation, but to achieve real progress the next step lies in me becoming mayor.
I have served four-year as member of Cleveland Heights City Council and served for nearly two years as its Vice President. In addition, I have been a member and elected executive official of OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4 since 1995 holding every position from Local President to Northeast Ohio District President and State Vice President overseeing millions of dollars in fiscal budgets. In my position in Northeast Ohio, I oversee 11,000 members while my state position results in my overseeing 180,000 members.
I will foster an environment of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. I will encourage Council to be creative as well as empower members to have the freedom to talk with and meet with Department Heads. I will encourage them to create legislation for the citizens of Cleveland Heights, to strengthen our infrastructure, our city services and tighten legislation to sustain and improve every aspect of Cleveland Heights.
I will create a roundtable for development that will include members of City Council, Department Heads, developers, architects and community stakeholders in an effort to establish a comprehensive, workable procedure for any new redevelopment in the City. This procedure will encourage an open dialogue and vision for each site, recognizing the importance of community engagement and input. It is crucial that redevelopment reflect community needs and extend beyond the financial implications of building new developments. Without community input, projects have a lesser chance of success.
I will ensure that the City meets all State and Federal budgetary guidelines. Meeting with City Departments and learning of their needs and requirements is crucial to overall planning and implementation. Under current budgetary constraints from the federal and state governments, I plan to build partnerships with other municipalities to make up for those shortfalls. This vision will help to not only provide the ultimate use of the City's dollars but will also enhance services.
It is imperative that comprehensive guidelines outlining checks and balances are created. The City Council Finance Chair and City Finance Department Head must be involved in the evolution of this procedure ensuring that they will be in sync moving forward.
