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RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Voters will have in November five candidates from which to select two City Council at-large members. Of those five candidates, only one, Councilman at-large Daniel Ursu, is an incumbent, as longtime Councilwoman at-large Juanita Lewis has opted against seeking re-election. Ursu served as Richmond Heights mayor from 1989-2013, and has served on City Council from 1985-89, and from 2015 to the present. The other candidates seeking an at-large seat this fall are Charlotte A. Camp, Alex Harper, Judy McElroy, and Cherita Shaw, a Ward 3 candidate in 2023. Cleveland.com sent each of the candidates a list of questions. Here is how the candidates, via email, responded to those questions. Charlotte Camp Cleveland.com: How long have you lived in Richmond Heights, and who does your family include? Camp: I am a 29-year Richmond Heights resident. I am a widow with two adult children. Cleveland.com: What is your occupation? Camp: I am an Equal Employment Opportunity Program Manager. Cleveland.com: What prompted you to run for City Council? Camp: I decided to run for council at-large because I care deeply about our community and believe in taking action to make a difference. I’ve seen both the challenges and the potential that we have in Richmond Heights and I want to be the voice for the residents to ensure that decisions reflect our real needs and values. I am passionate about creating positive change, improving local services, and making sure everyone feels heard and represented. Cleveland.com: What do you see as Richmond Hts.’ biggest challenge, and how would you deal with that challenge? Camp: Having served on the (Richmond Heights) Recreation Board, the Richmond Heights Charter Review Committee, and the Richmond Heights Education Foundation, I have gained firsthand knowledge of our community’s key issues. My deep engagement with the (city’s) school(s) and the city has allowed me to better understand the needs of our residents. One key concern has been the renovation of our pool area and the development of a recreation center, an issue that has lingered for the past decade. The biggest challenge in the past was the absence of a strategic plan for our Parks and Recreation (Department). Now that we finally have one, it is crucial to implement the stakeholders’ suggestions and identify the necessary funding sources to bring this vision to life. Additionally, we must create more programming for our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. I am committed to helping implement these programs and building better relationships between our schools and local businesses to secure funding for scholarships and initiatives that benefit our students. Cleveland.com: What is your strength as a leader? Camp: My strength as a leader is my ability to bring out the best in people by creating a supportive, goal-driven environment. My strength in strategic thinking afforded me the opportunity to serve on several committees to include the Richmond Heights Charter Review Committee that resulted in 10 charter amendments voted on by the residents. I focus on problem solving rather than blame. These strengths help me lead with both confidence and empathy. Cleveland.com: Please add anything else you would like voters to know about you? Camp: (Camp did not respond to this question.) Alex Harper Cleveland.com: How long have you lived in Richmond Heights, and who does your family include? Harper: My family has lived in Richmond Heights since 1988. What began as an undeveloped cul-de-sac is now a vibrant community of young and old families near a major city development. After graduating from Richmond Heights High School and leaving for college, I returned home seven years ago. Cleveland.com: What is your occupation? Harper: I have the honor and privilege to work in community corrections, facilitating vocational education to returning citizens. I’m also an adjunct professor at a local community college, where I teach supply chain logistics. Cleveland.com: What prompted you to run for City Council? Harper: My interest began with curiosity about city activities and deepened as I spoke with residents who felt their concerns were overlooked. Richmond Heights is a diverse community where many believed their voices went unheard. After serving a full term on the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, appointed by the mayor, I was inspired to run for council to continue advocating for residents and ensure their perspectives help shape our city’s future. Cleveland.com: What do you see as Richmond Hts.’ biggest challenge, and how would you deal with that challenge? Harper: Every city faces challenges, and I believe we respond well to residents’ concerns. However, we must do more to protect vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and renters. Our first steps should include strengthening legislation to hold property owners accountable for unsafe living conditions and sanitation violations. We should also support measures that cap or reduce property taxes for seniors. No one should be forced from their home due to rising taxes. By focusing on accountability and affordability, we can create safer, more stable communities. Cleveland.com: What is your strength as a leader? Harper: My greatest strength as a leader is dynamic problem solving. I proactively seek information, analyze challenges from every angle, and communicate clear, strategic solutions. Whether defining a vision, setting direction, or presenting alternatives, I lead with confidence, clarity, and a results-driven mindset that inspires others. Cleveland.com:Please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Harper: Yes lastly, I am a devoted father of four, and I may be fueled by equal parts passion and caffeine, but I want to also secure funding and resources for summer youth programs that actually mean something. My goal is for these programs to be not in place of, but in addition to, our youth sports. We need projects built to mentor, motivate, and keep our city’s teens too inspired to get bored. With the many resources inside our city limits and hundreds of students that may or may not go to our school system, there should be a safe place for them to be productive during the summer months. Hopefully these things align with voters and residents cast one of their two votes in this race for me. Judy McElroy Cleveland.com: How long have you lived in Richmond Heights, and who does your family include? McElroy: I have lived in Richmond Heights since June 2012. I live with my two labradoodles: Quinn, an 11-year-old female, and Harper, a 9-year-old male. I have raised them both since they were 8 weeks old. Cleveland.com: What is your occupation? McElroy: I am a retired educator with 33 years of experience. During my career, I taught English, reading, and English as a Second Language in grades six through twelve for 21 years. I also served as a school administrator for 12 years. Cleveland.com: What prompted you to run for City Council? McElroy: My love for this community motivated me to run for council. I am steadfast and committed in my belief that this municipality must operate with a strong city government, a clear vision, accountability to the public, and a dedication to transparency. Over the past four years, our city has seen much-needed upgrades through short-term strategies, a semblance of progress. In the second half of year four, the city is implementing clear, meaningful initiatives. While some initiatives have been introduced very slowly, the groundwork for others was laid by the previous council. I want to assure my community that if I am elected to serve on the council, I will support initiatives that prioritize residents and the economic future of the city. Cleveland.com: What do you see as Richmond Hts.’ biggest challenge, and how would you deal with that challenge? McElroy: Richmond Heights’ most significant challenge is similar to that of some small communities: a lack of community and economic development. Small communities thrive when businesses in their neighborhood provide goods and services that meet the residents’ needs. Merely filling vacant storefronts is not enough; instead, it is more important to fill them with businesses that reflect the values and interests of the community. Attracting and keeping such businesses requires effort and a solid plan. It is not enough for companies to come; it is crucial that we retain them. Developing a retention program that incentivizes long-term commitments from businesses in our community is urgently needed. Cleveland.com: What is your strength as a leader? McElroy: Among the many qualities of a great leader, inspiration is the most important to me. Great leaders are emotionally intelligent and communicate effectively. They show empathy and provide emotional support to those around them. Equally important, a great leader builds strong relationships. I possess these skills and strengths of character. Furthermore, I am uniquely qualified to serve on the council as I am an organizational public meeting specialist with expertise in the rules and procedures that govern legislative assemblies and public meetings. I am a Registered Parliamentarian, credentialed by the National Association of Parliamentarians. I am prepared on Day 1 not only to lead by example but also to train others on all the nuances of running a public meeting. These nuances are the governing strategies that keep meetings running smoothly and prevent personal conflicts during council sessions and other public meetings. I also recognize that ongoing training in governance and parliamentary procedure is essential for a well-managed legislative body. Finally, I bring over 33 years of solid leadership experience. Cleveland.com: Please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. McElroy: I am an active member of this community. I was employed as the special projects coordinator for the current administration for two years. Mayor (Kim) Thomas selected me as one of the Administrative Employees of the Year in 2023 and 2024. I chaired several key events, including the first two Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brunches in 2023 and 2024, the inaugural parade committee in 2022, as well as the first two Women’s Day brunches in celebration of International Women’s Day in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, I co-chaired the 2024 and 2025 Richmond Heights golf outings. Mayor Thomas appointed me to the 2022 Charter Review Commission, the 2022 Community Advisory Board with University Hospitals, and as the 2023 Chair of the Housing Committee Oversight Board. Finally, aside from the city awards, I received the Educational Foundation Award from the Richmond Heights Local School District in 2015. Cherita Shaw Cleveland.com: How long have you lived in Richmond Heights, and who does your family include? Shaw: I have lived in Richmond Heights for five years. My family includes my husband, two sons, one daughter, three grandchildren, and a French Bulldog named Ace. Cleveland.com: What is your occupation? Shaw: I am a client finance manager for a corporate relocation company. Cleveland.com: What prompted you to run for City Council? Shaw: A desire to lead is what prompted me to run. I am a homeowner and taxpayer in Richmond Heights and I want to cultivate the positive change I already see in the community by contributing to something that is working well. Cleveland.com: What do you see as Richmond Hts.’ biggest challenge, and how would you deal with that challenge? Shaw: I can’t say this is the “biggest” challenge, but I can say that the limited recreational activities for the youth is a concern for many residents. They want options to keep their kids busy during the summer months. I want to get involved in developing additional activities along with supporting existing activities with the recreation department. Cleveland.com: Please add anything else you would like voters to know about you? Shaw: I want voters to know that I am willing and eager to roll up my sleeves and do the work of helping Richmond Heights continue to thrive. Daniel Ursu Cleveland.com: How long have you lived in Richmond Heights, and who does your family include? Ursu: I have lived in Richmond Heights since 1982, or 43 years. I live with my younger daughter; my older daughter is now on her own. Cleveland.com: What is your occupation? Ursu: Attorney. Cleveland.com: What prompted you to run once more for City Council? Ursu: With my proven leadership and experience of 35-plusyears in Richmond Heights (elected) office, including 24 years as mayor, I have the background, knowledge and know-how to continue to help improve and advance our city. I have the institutional memory and background to share with and help our newer council members assimilate to their roles; and thereby help to optimize the overall effectiveness of our council. Cleveland.com: What do you see as Richmond Hts.’ biggest challenge, and how would you deal with that challenge? Ursu: In recent years, we have repaved most of the city’s main roads, such as Chardon, Highland, Richmond and Wilson Mills. That accomplished, we now have many side streets in need of repair and repaving. We recently hired a consultant who did an evaluation of the roads and we have begun to address this challenge. I will continue to advocate for further progress in this regard. Cleveland.com: What is your strength as a leader? Ursu: One of my main strengths as a leader is that I am a good listener. This coupled with the experience gained from my many years of service, helps me to best prioritize resident feedback into practical solutions for issues facing our city; and then lead us in that direction. Cleveland.com: Please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Ursu: Amongst my accomplishments as the longest serving mayor (1989-2013) in Richmond Heights’ history, I formulated a Public Building Master Plan resulting in a new city hall, fire department facility, police station and service department vehicle storage building. During my tenure I expanded our fire department shifts from three to five and added a paramedic program to help serve our residents on a daily basis during critical time of need. I rebuilt and regraded the Community Park baseball diamonds and repositioned the fields to better fit the space available. I developed a Sewer Master Plan to eliminate failing and odorous septic systems, thereby beautifying our neighborhoods and eliminating non-point source pollution into our streams and ravines.
