Press Releases

CLEVELAND – Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, and the Ohio Mayors Alliance – a bipartisan coalition of mayors in Ohio’s 30 largest cities – co-hosted a meeting today in Cleveland with a bipartisan contingent of mayors and state lawmakers from across the state.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the need for state and local leaders to find common ground on issues that impact local communities. The meeting also highlighted the important role that cities play in driving regional growth and Ohio’s statewide economic success. Following the meeting at the Union Club of Cleveland, the group toured the West Side Market and held a short press availability before the tour.  Below are statements from several speakers at that press availability:

Today, in partnership with the Ohio Mayors Alliance and the Greater Cleveland Partnership, we hosted a discussion among a bipartisan group of mayors and state lawmakers on a range of important issues. We also took the opportunity to showcase great places like the West Side Market and to highlight the important role that cities play in Ohio’s economy. We know that partisan dividing lines can sometimes be sharp, but we must be able to come together, share different perspectives, and find common ground on issues that impact our communities and our state.

– Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb –

On behalf of the Ohio Mayors Alliance, we would like to thank the Republican and Democratic members of the Ohio General Assembly that joined us today. As a bipartisan coalition of mayors, our mission is to help bring together state and local leaders and today’s meeting reflected that commitment. We also know that more can be accomplished when we work together, which is why different communities, like Findlay, Cleveland, and so many others are here today, as well as business groups like the Greater Cleveland Partnership. All of us understand that strong cities make for a stronger Ohio.

– Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn –
on behalf of the Ohio Mayors Alliance Board of Directors

Today’s meeting and press availability include dozens of state lawmakers and mayors from across the region and the state, and from both parties. Below are those participants that attended the meeting and the press availability at the West Side Market in Cleveland:

1. Senate Assistant Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, Democrat (SD-23, Lakewood)
2. State Senator Jerry Cirino, Republican (SD-18, Cleveland, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls)
3. State Representative Marilyn John, Republican (HD-2, Shelby)
4. State Representative Sharon Ray, Republican (HD-69, Wadsworth)
5. House Minority Leader Allison Russo, Democrat (HD-24, Dublin, Grove City, Columbus)
6. State Representative Phil Plummer, Republican (HD-40, Dayton)
7. State Representative Bob Young, Republican (HD-36, Green)

Ohio Mayors Alliance Members:

1. Justin Bibb: Mayor, Cleveland
2. Kahlil Seren: Mayor, Cleveland Heights
3. Andrew Ginther: Mayor, Columbus*
4. Frank Whitfield: Mayor, Elyria
5. Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail: Mayor, Euclid
6. Christina Muryn: Mayor, Findlay*
7. Meghan George: Mayor, Lakewood
8. Jack Bradley: Mayor, Lorian
9. Tim DeGeeter: Mayor, Parma*
10. Thomas Perciak: Mayor, Strongsville
11. Doug Franklin: Mayor, Warren
12. Tito Brown: Mayor, Youngstown*

* Ohio Mayors Alliance Board of Directors

The Ohio Mayors Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of mayors in Ohio’s largest cities. For more information, please visit: OhioMayorsAlliance.org or follow us on Twitter at @OhioMayors.

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