Cuyahoga County Council District 2

Serving the cities of Brook Park, Lakewood, and the city of Cleveland-Ward 16 (Precincts A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H ,K, N, O ,P, Q) and Ward 17 (All).

Office: 216-698-2011
E-mail: damiller@cuyahogacounty.gov

Dale Miller supports honest, efficient, and transparent government at County Council. He is working to create positive conditions for job creation, to improve human services with a prevention focus, and help create career pathways for workers. He is particularly focused on developing effective local responses to four issues that have national and international significance—climate change, reducing the number of people incarcerated, opiate addiction, and strengthening democracy. Dale does his best to apply spiritual principles to public service, believing that government’s primary purposes are to support diversity and inclusion, to help everyone live a happy and prosperous life, and to especially help those who are at a disadvantage. He also believes that fair, respectful, inclusive, and democratic decision-making processes are important, in addition to the results achieved.

Dale is a 1967 graduate of Garfield Heights High School who went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Utah. He also completed Leadership Cleveland in 1983.

Before entering politics, He worked as a program evaluator at a health center in North Platte, Nebraska, and a psychologist with the Community Guidance Center in Cleveland. He was elected to Cleveland City Council, and then served as a State Representative and State Senator. At Cleveland City Council, Dale helped bring the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center to Cleveland. In Columbus, he sponsored legislation that restored state funding for Adult Protective Services for seniors.

At County Council, Dale was the primary sponsor of legislation that established the rules under which Council operates and the process for reviewing contracts. He also was the prime sponsor of a series of ordinances that established the county’s financial policies and financial reporting requirements. He was the prime sponsor of several significant County Charter amendments, which were passed by the voters, including a major correction of the Board of Revision structure and a provision making the Inspector General a County Charter agency, with expanded tools including subpoena power and greater access to documents.

Dale has also been active on human services issues. He was the prime sponsor of legislation that provides assistance to low income seniors to obtain hearing aids and legislation that funds the ID Crisis Collaborative to assist very low income persons to obtain identification cards necessary to access available benefits. He served for six years as the first Chairperson of the four-county Great Lakes Regional Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council, operating under the new structure initiated by the Ohio Legislature in 2016.

Dale has been very active on environmental issues. He co-sponsored legislation to create the Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability and legislation to ban single-use plastic bags. He was also instrumental in initiating and developing the county’s Climate Action Plan. In addition, he played a leadership role in ensuring that several clean energy and environmental improvement programs received funding under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Councilman Miller is the Chairperson of the Finance and Budgeting Committee and oversees the biennial budget process which allocates about $1.6 billion in funding per year. He is also the Vice-Chair of the Public Works, Procurement & Contracting Committee and serves on the following additional committees and boards:

• Health, Human Services & Aging
• Human Resources, Appointments & Equity
• Operations, Intergovernmental Relations & Public Transportation
• Board of Control
• Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)

Dale lives in the West Park area of Cleveland and has been married to his wife, Carol, for 37 years.

Cuyahoga County Council District 7

Serving the city of Cleveland-Ward 2 (Precincts I, J, T, U, V, W); Ward 3 (Precincts A, C, D, E, G, H, I, K, L, P, Q); Ward 4 (Precincts A, C, D, E, F, H, I, P, U); Ward 5 (Precincts Q & R); Ward 6 (All Precincts except C, R, S, T); Ward 7 (All); Ward 9 (All); Ward 10 (Precincts A, B, I); Ward 12 (Precincts B, C, N, O, P, Q, R, S); Ward 13 (Precincts D, E, M, N, O) and Ward 14 (Precincts G, H, O).

Office: 216-698-2017
E-mail: yconwell@cuyahogacounty.gov

Yvonne M. Conwell is honored to serve as the County Council Representative for District 7. She is committed to building an effective and efficient County government that continues to work every day for safer neighborhoods, stronger health and human services, and the inclusion of a vigorous business environment that promotes sustainable economic growth and equitable job development.

Under Conwell’s leadership, District 7 has been enriched by new business growth; creating jobs for businesses with established economic advancement support systems; collaborating with other agencies to help build partnerships that support District 7 infrastructure to be sustainable and stronger, and ensuring that Health and Human services safety nets continue to exist.

The Councilwoman has diligently sought to sponsor legislation in every committee she is a member of. And a proud Co-sponsor to adopt the first Equity Plan for Cuyahoga County. The Equity ordinance established definitions and identified specific approaches necessary to implement and achieve "fair and just" practices that were embedded as core elements in the goals and objectives of Cuyahoga County. This legislation was the foundation in which our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department was established.

As a lifelong resident of Cuyahoga County and graduate of Cleveland State University, Mrs. Conwell has spent most of her career serving children and families. She loves the city, in which she lives, for its diversity in the arts and its longtime commitment to industry and education. Conwell has been married to her husband, Kevin and together they both enjoy all the arts Cuyahoga County has to offer.

Conwell is the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and is a member of Human Resources, Appointments and Equity Committee, Public Works, Procurement and Contracting Committee, Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee, and Education, Environment & Sustainability Committee.

Cuyahoga County Council District 1

Serving the cities of Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake.

Office: 216-698-2047
E-mail: pkelly01@cuyahogacounty.gov

Councilmember Patrick Kelly has been a resident of District 1 for more than 50 years, and on Monday, January 2, 2023, he was sworn in as the District 1 representative for the Cuyahoga County Council.

Pat spent most of his career as a Police Officer and Bomb Technician for the Westlake Police Department and retired in 2005. Prior to taking his County seat, Pat was the At-Large Council Member for the City of North Olmsted.

Councilmember Kelly is an Executive Board Member of the Western Cuyahoga Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 25 and the Retired Irish Police Society. He currently works as a Bailiff Supervisor for the Rocky River Municipal Court.

Pat has been married to his wife Laura for 40 years and together they have four children, Shannon, Martin, Erin and Caitlin. He is also the proud Grandfather to Callen, Ashlyn, MacKenzie, Brooklyn and Reagan.

Cuyahoga County Council District 3

Serving the city of Brooklyn and the city of Cleveland-Ward 3 (Precincts B, J, M, N, R, S); Ward 11 (All); Ward 12 (Precinct A); Ward 13 (Precincts A, B, C, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, P, Q); Ward 14 (All Precincts except G, H, O); Ward 15 (All); Ward 16 (Precincts I, J, L, M) and the village of Linndale.

Office: 216-698-2230
E-mail: mjsweeney@cuyahogacounty.gov

Born and raised in Cleveland, Martin J. Sweeney is a native son who understands and loves Cuyahoga County. Councilman Sweeney has earned a reputation as a hands-on, roll-up-his-sleeves public servant who favors direct contact with constituents.

Mr. Sweeney was appointed to the County Council in January 2021 and was duly elected to a full 4-year term on November 8, 2022, representing the residents of District 3. District 3 encompasses the City of Brooklyn, the Village of Linndale and a number of Westside wards and precincts in the City of Cleveland. His focus has always been and remains on economic development, health and human services, and public works to improve all the lives of those living in Cuyahoga County. Councilman Sweeney serves as the Vice Chair of the Heath, Human Services & Aging Committee and is also a member of the Human Resources, Appointments & Equity Committee, the Public Works, Procurement & Contracting Committee, and the Council Operations, Intergovernmental Relations & Public Transportation Committee.

Prior to his time on Cuyahoga County Council, Martin served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, serving the State’s District 14. He was the Ranking Member on the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee. Prior to his time in the State Legislature, Councilman Sweeney served 18 years on Cleveland City Council, where he represented Ward 16 and was later unanimously elected by his peers as Cleveland City Council President. He was deeply involved in the redevelopment of downtown, including the Convention Center and Medical Mart, now known as the Global Center, a downtown urban casino, new construction in the historic Flats, and an expansion of Cleveland State University including dormitories, a student center, and a K-12 school on campus.

A proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School, Martin earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Cleveland State University. He was a member of the legendary 1986 CSU basketball team that improbably advanced to the Sweet 16 Round of the NCAA Tournament, in the process capturing the heart of a city.

Sweeney graduated from the prestigious Leadership Cleveland Class of 2004, which brings together local community leaders from all walks of life. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Program for Leadership Development and a recipient of the Cleveland State University's 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service.

Martin and his late wife, Katherine, have four beautiful daughters.

Cuyahoga County Council District 4

Serving the cities of Middleburg Heights, Parma, and Parma Heights.

Office: 216-698-2013
E-mail: mcasselberry@cuyahogacounty.gov

Cuyahoga County Council District 5

Serving the cities of Berea, North Royalton, Olmsted Falls, Strongsville, and Olmsted Township.

Office: 216-698-2015
E-mail: mjgallagher@cuyahogacounty.gov

Michael J. Gallagher is honored to serve as the District 5 County Council Representative and is committed to continuing Council’s efforts in restoring the full faith and trust of the public in Cuyahoga County Government. During his initial term in office, Mr. Gallagher has been focused on public safety issues, local business promotion and county finances.

Mr. Gallagher’s elected public service began in 1999 when he was first voted on to Strongsville’s City Council, where he also served as President of the Council for 3 years. He has served as a Trustee on the Hospital Board of Southwest General Hospital for 10 years and chaired the Finance Committee for 7 years, which raised and maintained Strongsville’s AAA rating. He is most proud of having founded the Strongsville Youth Commission, which promotes young adult leadership in the city.

Mr. Gallagher retired from the State Court of Appeals, 8th District, as a Deputy Court Administrator in 2010. He was the recipient of the Franklin A. Polk Public Servants Award in 2007, awarded by the Cuyahoga County Bar Foundation.

Born and raised in Lakewood, he is a graduate of Lakewood’s Saint Edward High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cleveland State University. Mr. Gallagher is married to Sandy (Sakellaris) and together they have raised two sons, Alex and Sam, while residing in Strongsville for 27 years.

Cuyahoga County Council District 6

Serving the cities of Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Independence, Mayfield Heights, Seven Hills, and Solon; the villages of Bentleyville, Chagrin Falls, Gates Mills, Glenwillow, Hunting Valley, Mayfield, Moreland Hills, Oakwood, Valley View, Walton Hills, and Chagrin Falls Township.

Office: 216-698-2016
E-mail: rschleper@cuyahogacounty.gov

Dr. Robert E. Schleper, Jr. is a public servant at heart and is committed to the growth and success of Cuyahoga County. Born and raised in Northeastern Ohio, Dr. Schleper is deeply invested in the region’s growth and potential. As the representative for District 6, he believes in building consensus, identifying partnership opportunities, and creating an environment accessible to all residents of the County. He is particularly interested in initiatives that address population decline, brain drain, and educational inequity.

Dr. Schleper has worked professionally in the field of education for close to 20 years. He has held educational positions in Cleveland, Boston, and Denver. He has been a high school English teacher and department chair, a high school principal, and has held administrative positions in gifted and talented education, instructional services, and concurrent enrollment. In the university space, he has held faculty appointments and has led numerous student support teams that included academic advising and student success, student affairs, and international affairs. Robert currently leads Student Success, Learning and Development for Tech Elevator, a national e-learning and workforce development company, founded in Cleveland.

Dr. Schleper’s political career started in 2015 when he was elected as councilman for the Village of Chagrin Falls. When he was elected, he was both the youngest, and the first, LGBTQ member of that Council. Dr. Schleper was Chair of the Administration and Compensation Committee and Chair of the Arts Commission. Within this position, he served as liaison to the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District Board of Education. After moving to Denver, Colorado to pursue a professional opportunity with Denver Public Schools, Dr. Schleper became active in the Denver County political and educational community.

In 2018, Dr. Schleper was appointed by then mayor Michael Hancock to serve as Commissioner for LGBTQ Affairs, as well as Commissioner for Crime Prevention and Control. His work on the LGBTQ Commission focused on advancing social, economic, and political equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. While he was a Crime Prevention and Control Commissioner, he supported evidence-based, diversionary programs and worked to reduce recidivism rates throughout the County. During Dr. Schleper’s tenure, the role of the CPC Commission expanded to include behavioral health, identifying and addressing the specific health needs for those involved in the justice system. Within both positions, he worked with numerous stakeholders and legislators at the city, county, and state levels. Dr. Schleper served as the liaison to Denver Public Schools for both Commissions.

Dr. Schleper received an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from New England College. His dissertation, ‘Uncovering Components of Effective High Schools Through Stakeholder and Community Exchange’ researched the connections between high performing school districts and the communities they serve. He also holds an M.Ed in Professional Teaching as well as a B.A. in Journalism and English, both from John Carroll University. He has completed graduate programming, licensure, and been selected to participate in other academic opportunities including Northeastern University’s MAT program, Cleveland State University’s nationally ranked Public Policy program, and other professional and educational certifications.

Dr. Schleper is Chair of the Operations, Information Technology, and Transportation Committee, and Vice Chair of the Education, Environment, and Sustainability Committee. He is a member of the Finance and Budget Committee, the Community Development and Housing Committee, and the Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee.

Dr. Schleper, his husband Thomas, and their daughter Josephine, reside in Moreland Hills.

Cuyahoga County Council District 8

Serving the city of Cleveland Ward 1 (Precincts B, C, E, I); Ward 2 (All Precincts except I, J, T, U, V, W); Ward 3 (Precincts F & O); Ward 4 (Precinct T); Ward 5 (All Precincts except Precincts Q & R); Ward 12 (Precincts D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M); cities of Garfield Heights and Maple Heights; and the village of Brooklyn Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, and Newburgh Heights.

Office: 216-698-2019
Email: pjones@cuyahogacounty.gov

Pernel Jones, Jr., is a lifelong resident of Cuyahoga County. He was elected to a two year term as Vice-President beginning in 2015. In 2021, Mr. Jones was unanimously elected as President. Mr. Jones endeavors to promote trust and confidence in County government through effective and accountable leadership. As a member of the Council, among his goals are job retention and the creation of new jobs in the county.

Mr. Jones intends to maintain government’s moral and legal obligations and responsibilities to provide the best social service delivery for our children, seniors, and others in need.

He attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institutes in 1986, and received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland in 1991.

Currently, Mr. Jones is the Director of Community Relations for the Pernel Jones and Sons Funeral Home. He has been a Licensed Funeral Director since 1992. He married his wife Tammy in 1998.

Cuyahoga County Council District 9

Serving the cities of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Cleveland Ward 1 (All Precincts except B, C, E, I); Ward 4 (Precincts B, G, J, K, L, M, N, O, Q, R, S); Ward 6 (Precincts C, R, S, T); Shaker Heights, and Warrensville Heights, and the villages of Highland Hills, North Randall, Orange, Pepper Pike and Woodmere.

Office: 216-698-2023
E-mail: mturner02@cuyahogacounty.gov

Meredith M. Turner’s career is grounded in the belief that “education is a passport to the future.” A proud graduate of Shaker Heights High School, Meredith is a lifelong advocate for education, civic engagement, and community empowerment. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to serving others across education, government, and electoral politics.

Meredith began her career as a teacher and coach in the Cleveland and Shaker Heights City School Districts. She continues to hold an active educator’s license with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Her dedication to public service grew during her tenure in the U.S. Senate, where she served for over a decade as an Immigration Caseworker, Regional Representative, and Constituent Services Liaison for Senator Sherrod Brown.

Before joining County Council, Meredith worked as an Election Official at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, managing absentee ballot processes for voters with disabilities, individuals in nursing homes, and those incarcerated. She also oversaw absentee ballot application rejections and corrections to ensure voting access and accuracy.

Meredith is a lifelong Democrat and has dedicated her time to empowering communities through civic engagement. She is an active member of the Democratic Party, serving on the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Executive Committee, the Shaker Heights Democratic Club, and the Cuyahoga County Women’s Democratic Caucus. Additionally, she has represented Ohio as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions for every General Election since 2012.

Her community involvement extends to founding the Cleveland Chapter of the National Congress of Black Women and serving as Chair of the Social Action Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter. She is a former member of the organization’s National Social Action Commission.

 Meredith holds an Associate Degree from Cuyahoga Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chicago State University, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University. She is a proud member of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2025 and has served on numerous advisory boards and commissions, including the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas High-Risk Domestic Violence Court Advisory Community, the Cuyahoga County Corrections & Planning Commission, the City of Shaker Heights Fair Housing Review Board, and the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation Board of Trustees. She is also a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy.

Meredith currently serves as Chair of the Finance & Budgeting Committee and Vice Chair of the Economic Development & Planning Committee. She is also a member of the Human Resources, Appointments & Equity Committee, Public Safety & Justice Affairs Committee, and the Board of Control. She sits on the Economic Development Commission and the Citizens Advisory Council on Equity.

Awards & Honors

Councilwoman Turner has received numerous accolades for her leadership and community impact, including:

• Citizen of the Year (2022)—Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Zeta Omega Chapter
• Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Leader Award (2023)—Black Law Students Association, Case Western Reserve University
• 10 Black Dope Girls You Should Know (2023)—Black Women Werk
• Change Maker Award (2023)—Akron Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
• Living Legacy Award (2023)—Black Women in Faith + Business Excellence
• Citizenship Award (2023)—Beta Lambda Omega Chapter of Iota Phi Theta
• Most Influential, Who’s Who in Black Cleveland (2023)
• Civic Impact Award (2023)—Momentous Mentoring
• Emerging Leader Award (2023)—NAACP
• Dorothy I. Height Social Action Award (2023)—Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter
• Community Engagement Award (2023)—NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives)
• Outstanding Afro-American Woman of the Year Award (2023)—El Hasa Court #47
• Exceptional Woman of Excellence Award (2024)—Women of God Ministries
• The Power of SHE Social Justice Award (2025)—Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Gamma Delta Zeta Chapter

Cuyahoga County Council District 10

Serving the cities of Cleveland-Ward 8 (All); Ward 10 (All Precincts except A, B, I), Cleveland Heights, East Cleveland, University Heights, and the village of Bratenahl.

Office: 216-698-2022
E-mail: mhouser01@cuyahogacounty.gov

Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. is a dynamic leader on Cuyahoga County Council, dedicated to driving innovation and meaningful change. As one of the youngest members in the Council’s history and the only to ever serve two non-consecutive terms, Houser brings unparalleled energy and commitment to the issues that matter most to his constituents.

A passionate advocate for civil rights, Houser was an original sponsor behind groundbreaking legislation that made Cuyahoga County the first in Ohio to adopt LGBTQIA+ inclusive protections, setting a benchmark for the state. Prior to and since his return to Council, he has championed public safety, supporting initiatives such as creating a Child Wellness Campus to protect at-risk youth and spearheading the Department of Gun Violence Prevention, a forward-thinking strategy to curb crime. Houser’s leadership also extends to advocating for humane conditions at the county jail, emphasizing the need for a system that helps individuals rebuild their lives post-incarceration.

His dedication to District 10’s future is evident in his support of crucial revitalization projects. These include redeveloping University Heights Bell Tower Center into a vibrant mixed-use community, reimagining the Circle East District in East Cleveland to create a thriving commercial and residential corridor, and transforming the historic Park Synagogue into a cultural hub in Cleveland Heights.

Councilman Houser’s career began in the trenches of grassroots advocacy as a Field Organizer for the We Are Ohio campaign, where he fought alongside unions to protect workers’ rights. Later, as a Special Assistant for Cuyahoga County, Houser spearheaded transformative initiatives such as a faith-based program to combat infant mortality, the establishment of a Voting Rights Coordinator position, and the creation of the County’s annual “Your Voice Matters” youth summit, aiming to empower and inspire the next generation of civic leaders.

Before his tenure on Council, Houser played a pivotal role as Policy and Labor Liaison for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership ensured access to essential resources, helping establish 22 student food distribution sites and securing internet connectivity for remote learning. He also oversaw CMSD’s historic school renaming initiative, advancing racial equity and fostering a deeper sense of inclusion for students and families alike.

Houser holds a Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education and graduated with honors from Kent State University. With a wealth of experience, he is well-equipped to tackle Cuyahoga County’s most pressing challenges.

Cuyahoga County Council District 11

Serving the cities of Beachwood, Euclid, Highland Heights, Lyndhurst, Richmond Heights, and South Euclid.

Office: 216-698-2035
E-mail: ssimon@cuyahogacounty.gov

Sunny Simon has served on Cuyahoga County Council since 2011. She was the inaugural Vice President and is currently Chair of the Education, Environment and Sustainability Committee.

During her time in office, Ms. Simon has worked to make our new County government accessible and transparent and to restore the public trust. She helped to establish the Office of Inspector General and to create the strongest ethics policy in the State. Ms. Simon has sponsored legislation supporting domestic partner benefits for County employees, reducing pesticide use on County property, directing casino revenue to suburban communities and providing veteran housing. She has also supported increased funding for education, safety, youth and senior services.

Ms. Simon is the Board President of the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, Vice-Chair of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission and serves on the Cuyahoga Drug Court Board. She is the former President of South Euclid City Council and founded the South Euclid Humane Society and the South Euclid Dog Park.

Ms. Simon holds an honors degree from John Carroll University and a Juris Doctorate from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She has a private law practice and has served as a volunteer Juvenile Court magistrate in South Euclid.

Ms. Simon is chair of the Education, Environment & Sustainability Committee.