After seven years of serving the residents of Cuyahoga Falls as a Council Representative for Ward 5, I have decided to serve them in a different capacity. On Jan. 10, I took office as the Clerk of Courts for Stow Municipal Court. I hope to maintain the high level of professionalism and courtesy brought to this office by my predecessor, Lisa Carano. Today, I am filled with the excitement and promise of a new direction, and of course, new challenges.

On Monday, I attended my final council meeting, not as a council representative, but as a member of the public. At the end I said my tearful goodbyes. I am mindful of the many people I met along the way and how much I learned from them. Being on council was mostly about assisting in setting policies that affect all of us on a daily basis. I felt blessed to have the insight of the administration, who work very diligently to bring the residents the best services possible, and my co-council members, who all made it their primary goal to keep the residents’ best interests in mind first and foremost.

To my residents, I can never thank you enough. As I often said, you were the eyes and ears in Ward 5 and I heavily relied on you to help me do my job. I wish you all well and I want you to know that you are in good hands. And remember, I still call Cuyahoga Falls my home!

Editor's note: Democratic precinct committee members will soon hold a meeting and vote on a Ward 5 replacement. Anyone interested in applying for the council seat should call Megan Moreland, the Summit County Democratic Party Executive Director, at 330-434-1311.