Judge Accepting Applicants Until May 7 For Ward 4 Cleveland Council Seat!

FEATURED PHOTO: CLEVELAND COUNCILMAN KEN JOHNSON D-WARD 4 HAS SERVED IN OFFICE FOR OVER FORTY-ONE YEARS

Ideastream.org, By Nick Castele, Posted April 30th 2021

The presiding judge in Cuyahoga County Probate Court is now taking applications by mail or email to fill the seat of suspended Cleveland City Councilman Ken Johnson.

Judge Anthony Russo is accepting resumes until May 7 from those hoping to represent Ward 4 while Johnson fights charges that he stole federal program dollars and falsified city expense reports.

Russo is asking applicants to explain why they want the job, their goals if appointed and why they’re best suited for the role. Council hopefuls must also include three references.

According to a statement posted to the probate court’s website, the court is accepting communication from applicants only – and not from anyone lobbying on their behalf.

A panel of retired judges earlier this week sidelined Johnson from council over the felony charges, after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost pushed for the suspension.

Johnson, a longtime city councilman, has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys attempted to fight his temporary removal.

Under state law, the suspension ends if the Ohio Supreme Court overturns it, if the charges are dropped, if the public official is acquitted or when a successor is elected.

Numerous council contenders – including Johnson – have pulled petitions to put their names on this year’s ballot, according to a Cuyahoga County Board of Elections candidate list.

Read the full message from Russo below:

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 3.16(E)(4) the Cuyahoga County Probate Court will accept applications for appointment to Cleveland City Council, Ward 4, by mail or email, beginning today, April 22, 2021 through May 7, 2021. Applicants must submit a statement of interest listing the reasons they are interested in the position; their goals if appointed; and why they believe they are the best candidate for the position. A resume and three references should also be included.

This information should be submitted to Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo, Cuyahoga County Probate Court, Room 221, 1 Lakeside Avenue West, Cleveland OH 44113 or by email to Sue Schwarten, Administrative Assistant to Presiding Judge Anthony J. Russo, at [email protected]. Communication regarding this appointment will be accepted only from applicants for the position, not from any other persons or organizations on the applicants’ behalf.