Copyright cleveland.com
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio - City officials in Middleburg Heights say years of careful planning, financial discipline and steady growth have positioned the community for long-term success. As the election approaches, incumbents across city government are focused on maintaining that momentum through continued investment in infrastructure, safety and neighborhood quality of life. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. For details on polling locations, early voting and absentee ballots, visit the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections at boe.cuyahogacounty.gov. Mayor Matthew J. Castelli (incumbent): Since taking office, Mayor Matt Castelli has focused on strengthening the city’s financial position and ensuring Middleburg Heights continues to thrive. “Our biggest accomplishment is that we have positioned the City of Middleburg Heights for long-term success by focusing on sound financial planning, active economic development, and strategic investments in public safety and infrastructure,” Castelli said. Under his leadership, the city has made investments in roads, utilities and public facilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility and keeping taxes low. Castelli said these efforts have helped create a stronger community where residents can live, work and raise families. He emphasized that continued progress depends on being proactive and financially prepared for the future. “Our city’s success isn’t in a fishbowl,” Castelli said. “We must remain prepared to react to future economic stresses and challenges that arise. By planning ahead, we ensure that Middleburg Heights continues to provide excellent services and remains financially stable, even during uncertain times.” As funding responsibilities shift at the state and federal levels, Castelli said the city has adapted through careful budgeting, grants and partnerships. He noted that collaboration between residents, local businesses and city staff has been key to maintaining quality services and a strong local economy. Transparency, he added, remains a cornerstone of his administration. “We are open, transparent, and accessible 24/7,” he said. “We stay in constant contact with our residents and take pride in addressing their issues, challenges, and concerns quickly and effectively.” Council President David Bortolotto (incumbent): Bortolotto said his decision to serve was driven by a deep appreciation for the community and the experience he brings from a career in banking and real estate. “I was inspired to run for City Council because of my appreciation for our city, and I knew that my years of experience in banking and real estate valuation would prepare me for this role,” Bortolotto said. If re-elected, he said he plans to continue supporting the city’s revitalization projects, strong public services and amenities that make Middleburg Heights an attractive place to live. “My top priorities will be to continue to support the outstanding regentrification that our city has been going through for the past five years,” he said. “In addition, I will continue to support the outstanding city services, recreation, police and fire benefits that we all enjoy.” Bortolotto said staying connected with residents is a key part of his approach. “I will stay connected as I have throughout the years by having my phone number on our city website, attending city events, being a member of our City Historical Society, Friends of Middleburg Heights Library, being a board member of Southwest General Hospital, and being an active member of LifeWorks,” he said. Council at large Tim Ali (incumbent): Ali did not respond to multiple interview requests. Dan Sage (incumbent): Sage said his interest in public service began early in life and has continued through years of business ownership and civic engagement. “I’ve always had an eye towards community service and local government ever since my early days in the Boy Scouts of America,” he said. “Being a small business owner has also given me a unique insight into making business decisions on behalf of the city.” He said his top priorities focus on maintaining safety and quality of life as the city continues to develop. “With all of the exciting development and redevelopment going on in Middleburg Heights, we need to ensure that our residents’ safety and security are a top priority,” he said. “We continue to focus on updating our streets and other city services as well.” Sage said he believes the foundation of good leadership is responsiveness. “The most basic tenet of staying connected with our constituents is simply answering phone calls,” Sage said. “When a resident contacts me with a question or issue, I research the issue and get back to them as quickly as possible — customer service 101.” He encourages residents to attend city council meetings to stay informed and share feedback directly with city leaders. Ward 1 Bill Meany (incumbent): Meany said a conversation with a fellow official years ago shaped how he approaches public service today. “Years ago I had a conversation with a veteran council member from another city,” he said. “He stated that he only responds to calls from registered voters. I vowed that if ever given the opportunity to serve as an elected official, I would always return every call and attempt to resolve any resident’s concerns. I strive every day to uphold that standard.” If re-elected, Meany said his priority will remain ensuring excellent service across all city departments. “One of my main goals is to see that every city department continues to provide great customer service to all our constituents,” he said. Meany said he makes a point to stay visible in the community. “I stay connected by walking or biking daily through my ward and city,” he said. “This provides me the opportunity to interact with the residents. I regularly attend HOA meetings and community functions to listen to the residents’ issues and concerns.” Ward 2: Matthew G. McGregor (incumbent): McGregor did not respond to multiple interview requests. Ward 3 Michael Ference (incumbent): Ference said his decade of experience on council and his work in the private sector have guided his decision-making and leadership. “I actually started running for City Council in 2014 and have been elected for six terms,” he said. “Originally, I decided to run for the position of Ward 3 City Councilman to serve the people of Ward 3 and all residents in general. Using my previous experience as Chairman of the Planning Commission and 30 plus years in the private sector, I was prepared to apply myself to reviewing, understanding, and voting accordingly on all matters that came for a vote before City Council.” Ference said providing top-quality services while maintaining fiscal responsibility remains the council’s core mission. “Our top priorities at City Council continue to be providing the best services possible to our residents including safety, public service, recreation, and all aspects of city government,” he said. “We also are very fiscally responsible for all of the city funds.” He said staying accessible to residents is an important part of his role. “Over the past 12 years, I have been able to stay well connected to the residents of Ward 3,” Ference said. “I field their phone calls and respond to all needs in an appropriate manner. I am also open to attending any neighborhood or HOA meetings in Ward 3. I invite residents to call me at any time with questions.” Ward 4 John Zakel Jr (incumbent): Zakel said his pride in the community and desire to contribute to its continued success inspired him to seek public office. “I decided to run because I take a lot of pride in where I live,” he said. “I grew up here, and I am now raising my own family. Middleburg Heights is a great community, always has been, and I want to do my part to keep it that way. As a business owner and longtime resident, I’ve learned how to work with people, solve problems, and make practical decisions — all things that matter when you’re serving your city.” He said his priorities include maintaining safe neighborhoods, encouraging thoughtful growth and supporting a strong local economy. “My focus is on keeping our neighborhoods safe, supporting smart growth that benefits residents, and making sure the city stays financially strong,” Zakel said. “I want to see our local parks, streets, and small businesses continue to thrive.” He added that accessibility is key to building trust with residents. “By staying visible and approachable,” he said. “I make it a point to listen — whether it’s at community events, online, or over coffee. I want people to know their voice matters and that I’m always open to hearing their ideas or concerns.”
