Message from the Mayor

What does a typical day/ week in the life as Mayor look like?  The last couple of days have included waterfront funding meetings, Euclid Creek Watershed meeting on Algal blooms, performing a wedding for 2 residents, attending a concert in the park, conducting a town hall meeting on upcoming ballot issues, attending a groundbreaking ceremony for an expanding business, phone calls with residents, reviewing the  tax receipt and budget performance reports, meeting with the union rep and Chief, planning for upcoming events, discussions with Council members about projects in their ward, meeting with local businesses, conducting Ohio Mayor’s Alliance work, responding to emails… and much more.  There are many things I love about being the Mayor for our wonderful city.  Top on that list is being able to serve the community I love!  It’s also a privilege to be working with great, creative people and to be intellectually challenged on a regular basis.  I love that each day is different and filled with a variety of issues, topics, and people.  Some may find that multi-tasking overwhelming, but I love the diversity, variety and stimulation of the inter-woven issues and projects that make up our community.  There is never a dull day!

There are many factors that help create a vibrant community – each of those take time, commitment, and effort to cultivate and grow.  The success of one area, usually impacts another area.  Problems in one area often impact other areas.  We are one community and we are all impacted by what happens around us.  We are collectively responsible for making this a better place and taking care of what we have – our own property or space, as well as our collective property such as streets, parks, public buildings and common areas. 

Is there one department or one project that is more important than another?  The question lately has been are streets more important than police?  Is the Lakefront project more important than another?  Obviously, all are important and all deserve attention – but with limited resources, decisions must be made and priorities must be set.  There are many factors that go into the decision made by the administration and by Council.  I believe that we all take into consideration the available funding, funding restrictions, and what is best for our community long term.  We also must find the balance between taking care of immediate needs and focusing on the longer term.  The Town Hall meetings regarding the ballot issues will continue through the month.  I invite you to join us to learn about the issues and impact:  Wed. 8/8 at Moore Counseling (22639 Euclid Ave), Thur. 8/16 at Our Lady of the Lake (175 E. 200 Street), and Wed. 8/29 at HELP Foundation (26900 Euclid Ave) all beginning at 6:30 pm. 

I’d also like to remind you that our summer events are still in full swing. I hope to see you at the one of the Summer at Sims Concerts: Thursday Aug. 9th and Thursday, Aug. 23rd from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The Euclid Police Department will be hosting “National Night Out” in partnership with Euclid Apartments on Tuesday August 7th from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the pavilion at E. 276 St. and Tungsten.  This event is a great way to promote safety and strengthen police - community relationships.  Also, mark your calendar for the Art Walk that will take place in downtown Euclid Saturday 9/15 from 2:00 to 6:00pm. 

I look forward to seeing you around town at one of our Town Hall meetings or enjoying the summer weather and festivities!

Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail