Kahlil Seren Announces Bid For Mayor Of Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The race to become Cleveland Heights' first mayor has begun.

City Council Vice President Kahlil Seren formally announced his bid for mayor on Monday. He has been a councilperson for six years, has aided the transition to a mayor-council form of government, and has spent time as a policy advisor for Cuyahoga County Council.

“As we celebrate our centennial this year, Cleveland Heights needs and deserves a mayor that can deliver what the people asked for when they created this elected position – a transparent and responsive city government that challenges the status quo. I believe I am the best candidate to lead an administration that reflects our community’s values and offers bold, creative approaches to issues we face, while efficiently performing the core functions we expect from a municipal government,” Seren said.

Seren told Patch there were five key issues the city's first mayor will have to address:

1. Social and economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic
2. Maintenance and development of quality housing stock in Cleveland Heights
3. Proactive public safety strategies that are responsive to the needs and priorities of the community
4. Economic development that equitably improves all areas of Cleveland Heights
5. Capacity and efficiency building in city government

He touted his ability to work with county officials and other communities to solve these issues.

“In a region like ours, no city can just go it alone,” Seren said. “Effective mayors tap into resources and connections they’ve cultivated beyond the city’s borders, to bring new concepts and new funding back to benefit their residents. I have been that kind of resource for communities; I work to solve difficult problems. As mayor, my experience in this interdependent system will directly increase the value the city can provide to our residents.”

Seren said he would run a grassroots campaign combining online outreach with one-on-one Zoom conversations.