Euclid Mayoral Race Kicks Off

David Lynch

Often cited as the traditional start of the campaign season, Labor Day in Euclid will mark the first time in many years that current Mayor Bill Cervenik’s name will not be on the ballot. Term limited after 12 years as Mayor, Cervenik will no longer lead Euclid in 2016.  However, some familiar names are seeking the office of Mayor as Euclid residents are faced with interesting options November 3, 2013. 

Current Council President Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, age 48, has been active on the campaign trail for some time now and is running from her secure position on City Council as she is not up for reelection. If she loses the race for Mayor, Holzheimer Gail will continue to serve as Council President.  If she wins the Mayoral election, a new Council President will be appointed by the City Council. Her campaign website is www.kirstenformayor.com.

Former Euclid Mayor David Lynch, out of politics for several years after unsuccessful attempts to capture other public offices including a run to be Mayor of Cleveland, is once again seeking the office he held from 1988 to 1995. Since leaving the Euclid Mayor’s office Lynch, age 58, has had a varied career including stints in the media, as law director for the City of Westlake and as an attorney representing clients in dealing with various public entities.  Lynch's campaign website is www.lynchformayor.com.

Marcus Epps, while new to politics, is a community activist who has worked in the retail industry, run small businesses and currently is Senior Business Broker and Business Manager at OFC Corporation. As of early August, Epps’ name was not going to appear on the ballot after a review of his candidate petitions. However, at an August 13 appeals hearing, Epps candidacy was accepted by the Board of Elections. Age 30, Epps touts his business experience while pointing out he is not a “career politician” in his campaign to lead Euclid. His campaign website is www.epps4euclid.com.

While the Euclid Mayor’s race is non-partisan with no party affiliations indicated on the ballot, the Democratic Party holds considerable sway in the City and held their endorsement meeting Wednesday, August 26. It is worth noting that Lynch, a Republican, successfully won election in Euclid in spite of facing strong Democrat opposition when he ran in 1987. 

At the endorsement meeting, Kirsten Holzheimer Gail received the party’s endorsement.  Whether this translates to widespread support among party workers and volunteers is uncertain, but it will certainly help Holzheimer Gail’s campaign.

Mayoral canidate Christopher Michael Litwinowicz was unable to be reached for comment. He is a former marine and political activist who ran for the Euclid Mayor’s job in 2011. He currently maintains a mayoral campaign website at www.facebook.com/pages/CHRIS-for-MAYOR/794767947280803. 

As the campaign heats up over the weeks, I will continue to provide insight into the issues of importance to Euclid voters and how the candidates plan to address these issues.

Kurt Steigerwald

Someone who lives in Euclid, enjoys writing and wants to stay informed. My wife and I have two children and live in the northeast part of the City. We are active in many Euclid recreation activities.

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Volume 6, Issue 9, Posted 6:16 PM, 09.08.2015