UH honors three for service
University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld named outgoing Vice Mayor Frankie Goldberg and volunteer magistrate Robert Walton University Heights’s 2013 Public Servant and Citizen of the Year, respectively, for the work they have done on behalf of the city.
This year's UH Employee of the Year is Scott Rudyk, a 14-year employee of the city and head mechanic in the service department. He was selected for that honor by a vote of city employees.
At the UH City Council meeting on Dec. 17, Infeld presented Goldberg and Walton with official proclamations honoring their achievements. Rudyk was honored at the city's employee appreciation event on Dec. 16.
“Frankie Goldberg has served the community as an elected official for 12 years; eight years as a councilwoman, and as vice mayor for four years,” said Infeld. “Frankie is a strong advocate for the residents of University Heights and is very well-liked.”
“For several years, Robert Walton has served as the volunteer magistrate for the Juvenile Diversion program of University Heights,” Infeld explained. “He generously donates his time to at-risk first-offender youths in our community who have committed a nonviolent crime.”
Each year, Infeld chooses a University Heights resident to honor as Citizen of the Year. The resolution honoring Walton, a 28-year resident of the city and a criminal defense attorney, cited the “innovative guidance” he provides to the city’s at-risk children, “encouraging them to get good grades in school, ordering community service . . . and “generously [giving] his time to the community in a way to make a difference in the lives of children who need guidance.”
Infeld said of Rudyk, "Scott is well-liked by his fellow employees and interacts with nearly every employee . . . in his role of overseeing the vehicle fleet. He is responsible for the maintenance of all city vehicles and has done a tremendous job."
In honoring Goldberg, Infeld noted her “record of advocacy on behalf of residents and community issues,” and her service as chair of city council’s building, recreation and safety committees.
First elected to UH City Council in November 2001, and re-elected twice, Goldberg was chosen to serve as vice mayor in January 2009. She left council at the end of 2013 because of term limits.
“Frankie will be missed by all of us who have served with her,” said Infeld.
Kim Sergio Inglis
Kim Sergio Inglis is editor-in-chief of the Heights Observer. She lives in the Shaker Farm Historic District in Cleveland Heights.