UH City Council Candidate: Michele Weiss

Michele Weiss

MICHELE WEISS

14485 Summerfield Rd.  UH 44118  Age: 40

E-mail: michelelweiss1@gmail.com

Facebook: michele pinkis weiss

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:  

Education:  MBA and BS, Accounting John Carroll University

Occupation: Controller, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland

Qualifications: Leader in the non-profit education sector with 18 years of experience. Focus on government funding and strategic alliances to improve the bottom line. Accounting background coupled with strong leadership skills help build llasting relationships.

Community:  City of University Heights, Finance Committee. League of Women Voters’, observer for University Heights, Campaign Treasurer, Friends of Sue Pardee. Board Member, Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities.  

QUESTIONS and RESPONSES:  

1. Issues & opportunities: The two top issues are economic development; attracting and maintaining businesses in the cityand securing a strong relationship with John Carroll University. As a member of Council I want to see an active chamber of commerce with dynamic business owners at the helm. University Heights needs to be attractive to new commercial opportunities. John Carroll is the largest employer and an anchor for the city. A shared vision of the city and John Carroll is essential to future collaboration. I want to begin meaningful dialogue between the stakeholders which is essential for continued success of the city.  

2. Why you?: I voice my opinions in a collaborative way that builds relationships. I work toward inspiring others and promote positive change in organizations. My finance knowledge enhances my abilities to effectively and efficiently make decisions on City Council. I want to positively contribute to society and specifically our city. I want to continue on the path already in process, of creating constructive meaningful change in the city. My vision of a vibrant business sector while maintaining the beautiful residential homes are paramount to the city’s success. John Carroll and the city must be collaborative partners that work toward a common goal.  

3. Wiley Middle School:  The citizens of Cleveland Heights and University Heights passed the bond issue. Therefore, every effort must be made to ensure proper traffic patterns  and address any safety issues that arise. I know the city is currently addressing the needs of the residents and business owners in terms of traffic and safety. Additional payroll taxes will be encumbered which should be targetedfor specific future use; such as infrastructure.  

4. Funding:  University Heights must attract and maintain new commercial business to alleviate the financial burden of the current tax base. There are limited areas zoned for commercial use, those areas need to be occupied. John Carroll is a non-profit but does bring in payroll taxes. I am not opposed to expansion if done with Council oversight while addressing the citizens concerns. Many homes are already owned by the University and are not contributing to the tax base.Regionalism needs to be explored further. The city has many shared services currently, but new opportunities need to be researched to streamline the budget.     

League of Women Voters

The material contained in this publication was assembled in the following manner: Questions were selected by members of the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga County - CH-UH Chapter and addressed to the candidates. Word limits were placed on candidates responses. Candidates were informed that their responses would be printed in their own words, which has in fact been done, and that each would be solely responsible for the contents of the replies. For publication, the order of presentation of the candidates is alphabetical with the first candidate chosen by lot and succeeding candidates in continuing alphabetical order.

The League of Women Voters neither endorses nor rejects the views of any candidate quoted and does not and cannot assume responsibility for the contents of the candidates' reply or his/her motivation in making the same. We DO NOT and HAVE NOT endorsed any candidates for any offices.

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Volume 8, Issue 10, Posted 2:36 PM, 09.30.2015