Copyright cleveland.com
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- When January arrives, the city’s mayor-elect, Diane Marzano Snider, said she looks forward to getting to know better all of the city’s departments and the directors who lead them, and to working on bringing new business to Mayfield Heights. An appreciative Snider, in the wake of her overwhelming election victory Tuesday (Nov. 4), said to residents, "Thank you Mayfield Heights, I am truly honored and humbled by your support. Whether you voted for me or not, I sincerely appreciate every conversation and idea shared throughout the campaign. “As we move forward, I remain committed to keeping Mayfield Heights a community we are all proud to call home. I will continue to work hard to move our city forward together.” City Council’s current president, Snider, in unofficial Cuyahoga County Board of Elections totals, took in 2,463 votes (77.7 percent), in soundly defeating Gayle Teresi (707 votes, 22.3 percent), a former longtime council member. Snider will succeed 12-year Mayor Anthony DiCicco, who, due to the city’s three-term limit, was unable to seek re-election. “Thank you for your trust, support and participation in this election,” Snider said to residents. “I am deeply grateful for the confidence you have placed in me. “As I take office in January, I look forward to learning the ins and outs of each department and working closely with our dedicated department heads, and the entire Mayfield Heights team. Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue building on the strengths of our city, while addressing the areas that need improvement.” Snider served on City Council from 2002-14 before reaching her three-consecutive term limit. After two years away from council, she was elected three more times to council and had two years remaining on her current term, meaning council will have to choose a replacement in January to serve out the remainder of her term. The 60-year-old Snider works as a part-time registered medical diagnostic sonographer within the Cleveland Clinic Health System. She ran unsuccessfully for the mayor position in 2017, and in the fall of 2021 served as mayor for two weeks after DiCicco had taken ill. In 2017, DiCicco defeated Teresi in the mayoral race. “I’m especially excited to collaborate with our economic development team to attract new businesses and help our existing ones continue to thrive,” Snider said. “By planning and working together, we can strengthen our community and ensure Mayfield Heights remains a great place to live, work, and call home. “As I transition from my current role as council president, I look forward to working alongside our current mayor to make this handoff seamless and productive for our residents. “Once again, thank you for your trust and confidence. I am ready to get to work for you and for the future of Mayfield Heights.” Teresi did not respond to a request for comment. Council election The city had four City Council candidates running for four positions. The top vote getter was Jessica Finney Brown, with an unoffical total of 1,809 votes. Finney Brown is the daughter of the late former Mayfield Heights councilwoman Donna Finney, who died in September, 2021. Other unoffical vote totals have first-time candidates Joseph Brunello garnering 1,582 votes, and Michael Buffa, 1,475. Current Councilman Matthew Metyk received 1,141 votes. Metyk was appointed to council in fall, 2024 to take the place of former councilman Robert DeJohn, who resigned to move to Texas.
