Cleveland Hts Planning Commission Chair Appointed to City Council

Cleveland.com reports that Michael Ungar, a 16-year chair for the Cleveland Heights Planning Commision will be filling a vacancy on Cleveland Heights City Council left by Jeff Coryell who left his chair when his wife took a position as law school dean of University of Detroit-Mercy.

"Ours is a uniquely diverse and special community with plenty of challenges to be addressed. I am excited about the future of our city and our new city leadership, and welcome the opportunity to become a member of that team," Ungar told Cleveland.com

Mayor Cheryl Stephens said that the decision was not an easy one, each of the 12 candidates brought "commitment and different kinds of experience to the table."

As past president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Ungar said he plans to use the problem solving and mediation skills in his role with city council.

Ungar's shared four main goals and improvements he sees for the community:

-- "Ensure that our city retains and improves on its enviable position of having strong, diverse and safe neighborhoods and business districts. In other words, build and strengthen the existing vibrancy within Cleveland Heights."

-- Work with contacts throughout the region to explore opportunities for regional collaboration.

-- "Economic development needs to be a focal point -- with appropriate emphasis on areas 'north of Coventry.'"

-- "Work collaboratively with our very talented staff, and at the same time work closely with the mayor, city manager, councilpersons and others to assess where improvements are necessary and appropriate."

Ungar is a partner with the law firm of Ulmer and Berne LLP, and he will be sworn in on April 18.