Council elects Stickan as president

Former mayor’s Feb. 19 resignation created vacancies

Highland Heights City Council has elected Atlarge Councilwoman Lisa Marie Stickan president following the recent resignation of former mayor Scott Coleman.

Coleman issued his resignation Feb. 19 following allegations of embezzling thousands of dollars from Rep. Dave Joyce’s campaign, under whom he served as treasurer, according to a letter the campaign sent to the Federal Election Commission.

Coleman had served as mayor since 2004 and became treasurer for Bainbridge Township Republican Joyce’s first successful congressional bid in 2012.

Coleman held the same role for the late Rep. Steve LaTourette, Joyce’s predecessor.

With the resignation, then-Council President Chuck Brunello Jr. resigned his position to become mayor Feb. 20, creating the vacancy Stickan now fills.

Brunello, who also chairs the Community Day Committee, is still expected to run for mayor in November, the city confirmed.

At-large Councilman Ed Hargate nominated Stickan for the seat. Ward 1 Councilwoman Cathy Murphy seconded the nomination.

Council confirmed Stickan will serve as president through the end of the year. Council votes on electing a new president each January.

Clerk of Council Regina Cahill confirmed that Stickan’s at-large position remains open. Council will hold a Special Council Meeting March 14 at 7 p.m. to interview 16 candidates.

The six members of council have until March 22 to select the next representative.

The individual that council selects would need to run for election this November to serve out the remainder of Brunello’s council term, which is through Dec. 31, 2021.

Stickan, who’s served on council for nine years, said she’s honored by the unanimous support of her fellow representatives.

“I look forward to working with our new mayor for a smooth transition.”

Also speaking to the city’s transition was Brunello, who said the community (of Highland Heights) was thrust into the headlines, and not in a good way.

“It is not a place we are accustomed to being, and our residents do not want us to stay this way,” he said, adding he’s heard from numerous residents who have voiced concerns over city funds, how they’ve been handled and the city’s leadership.

“On our financial front, while I have every confidence our internal controls are strong enough to prevent any elected official’s misuse of city funds, council and I will take the necessary steps to assure the city has suffered no exposure.

“On the leadership side, it is nice to know our city’s charter’s provisions work well to provide for continuity in the mayor’s office,” he said. “Our residents have voiced their desired concerns to act decisively in this regard. I have every confidence our residents will continue to receive exceptional service from our dedicated employees.”

In his communication with council, the mayor indicated his hope that the city’s service is defined by a collective commitment to “our community” and not by recent revelations.

“Our focus on what is best for Highland Heights will bring out the best leadership in each of us, and that task starts with me,” Brunello said.

“I promise I will do all I can to assist in directing the attention away from the headlines and back to a positive way within our great city. We are financially strong and will continue to operate in a quality manner.”

“Our focus on what is best for Highland Heights will bring out the best leadership in each of us, and that task starts with me.” — Mayor Chuck Brunello Jr.