Beachwood City Council Appoints New Member To Fill Vacancy

BEACHWOOD, OH — When Justin Berns was elected mayor of Beachwood, it left a vacancy on Beachwood City Council. On Monday night, that vacancy was filled by Danielle Shoykhet.

In an open letter to the community, Council President Alec Isaacson said the decision to pick Shoykhet wasn't an easy one. There were 15 applicants for the seat and the debate on who to select nearly "deadlocked" council, Isaacson said.

"But, as we’ve all seen, deadlocks get us nowhere, nothing gets done, and emotions start to run hot. Beachwood can’t afford any of that from its leadership. So, we on council led - we built a consensus and came together. We all welcome our newest colleague and look forward to working with her," he said in the letter.

Shoykhet, 40, wants to focus on economic development, public safety and citizen engagement, she said in an application for the vacant council seat.

"One of my goals would be to ensure that our city remains and continues to be a community of choice throughout Northeast Ohio," she wrote.

Beachwood City Council asked all applicants for the vacant seat to answer three questions. Here are Shoykhet's full answers to each of the questions.

Why do you want to serve on Beachwood City Council at this time? If you have not run for council in the past, why?

I want to serve on Beachwood City Council at this time to proudly represent the second largest demographic in Beachwood; millennials. City Council is currently lacking this female perspective. One of my goals would be to ensure that our city remains and continues to be a community of choice throughout Northeast Ohio. I have been a Beachwood resident since 2010, and over the years, I have seen both the growth and successes along with the challenges our city has faced. There are critical decisions that must be made in the near future which will impact the city down the road. I want to ensure that all voices, inclusive of the millennial residents’ voices, are heard and make both a significant and positive impact on the city of Beachwood.

I have not run for council in the past. Given the current point I am at in my life both personally and professionally, I am extremely confident that I have the bandwidth, flexibility and time to contribute to City Council which the position of councilwoman both deserves and requires. While I think that running for public office is a noteworthy achievement, being selected by my council peers would be of the utmost honor. If appointed, I look forward to running during the next election cycle and being elected by my fellow Beachwood citizens.

As a council member, I would handle questions from residents about issues that they are having in the city in a number of ways. First and foremost, I would listen to their concerns and make sure they are fully understood while keeping in mind that additional research, coordination and policy discussion may be required. Depending on the question, I may be able to address it immediately or direct them to the proper party within the administration. I have a proven track record, both personally and professionally, of bringing a diverse group of people together for the application of creative problem solving and critical thinking.

What are your goals for our community? How do you envision your service on city council will help achieve those goals and improve the city?

My goal is to improve the following top three areas for our city: Economic Development, Public Safety and Citizen Engagement.

From an Economic Development perspective, I would help to further improve policies which would put businesses and property owners in a position to succeed within the city (i.e. workforce development, public works improvements, incentives). By partnering with other government agencies, whether that be county, state, or federal levels, Beachwood could leverage incentives to attract and retain both residents and businesses.

When I think about Public Safety, two things come to mind. First, COVID has brought to light the importance of outdoor activities. Two of the most common are walking/running and biking. My goal would be to implement and guarantee that sidewalks are constructed and maintained anywhere they are not currently located in Beachwood. Secondly, I would consider dedicated bicycle paths throughout Beachwood, where it is viable. Lastly, I think about the well-being of our city’s residents, as well as other citizens. For example, working with Brookfield towards restoring the safety of Beachwood Place, a class A enclosed mall, by attracting and incentivizing tenants. This would include researching the possibility of pursuing mixed-use development by implementing condos or apartments (1-2 bedroom units) which could stabilize the mall and bring more eyes to the property on a 24/7 basis. This will ultimately result in a safer environment and a long-term value for both the property owner and the city of Beachwood.

Our diverse group of residents have varying methodologies to connect with them. City Council, along with the administration, should continue to be thoughtful of this in order to maximize citizen participation. It should be a goal to have as many voices heard as possible, as some people may currently feel excluded. I want Beachwood to continue to be an inclusive community where everyone’s voices are heard.