SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — City Council has answered two important questions — the identity of its next president, and the naming of a new Ward 1 representative.
On Tuesday (May 27) council members conducted a third vote for council president and elected Councilman at-large Justin Tisdale to the position.
Then, at a special meeting held the following night, it selected Mark McMillian to take the place formerly held by Ruth Gray. Gray was the Ward 1 council representative while also serving as council president. She resigned April 30 before moving to Arizona.
During council’s May 12 meeting, it conducted two votes and deadlocked both times, 3-3, when choosing a council president between nominees Tisdale and fellow at-large Councilwoman Susan Hardy.
It was then decided to try again with another vote May 27. Slanting the vote towards Tisdale was Ward 4 Councilman John Fahsbender, who had previously voted for Hardy, but switched to Tisdale.
During the second vote May 12, Fahsbender took a long pause before voting finally for Hardy.
Joining Fahsbender in support for Tisdale was Ward 2 Councilman Len Calabrese, Councilwoman at-large Chanell Elson, and Tisdale.
Ward 3 Councilwoman Sara Continenza backed Hardy, while Hardy voted for herself.
Unlike the May 12 meeting, the candidates did not deliver speeches before the May 27 vote.
Elston then received four votes to become council president pro tem, taking over that title from Hardy. In the pro tem vote, Hardy abstained. The pro tem presides over council meetings when the president is not present.
Council President Justin TisdaleCity of South Euclid
After presiding over the May 27 meeting, Tisdale released a statement in which he wrote, “I’m honored to have been elected president of City Council. I appreciate being voted president by my fellow council members and will work with them to help move the city forward.
“We have a great working council, full of committed public servants, and I’m looking forward to continuing the collaboration that has made us effective.
“One of our first major tasks will be choosing the person who will fulfill the remainder of Councilwoman Ruth Gray’s term through December 31st. I’m committed to leading a process that is open, respectful, and focused on what’s best for our residents.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to work with the administration to bring future projects forward, partner with council to pass responsible budgets, and continue building on the community outreach efforts initiated by former Council President Gray — connecting with residents and keeping them at the heart of our work.
“Most importantly, I remain focused on being the best representative I can be for the people of South Euclid.”
Tisdale was appointed at age 37 to a council seat in July, 2019, upon the resignation of former councilman Jason Russell. He went on to win election.
Elston, too, got her start by an appointment to council, replacing former councilman Marty Gelfand in 2020 when he moved to Cleveland Heights. Elston was also later elected to a council seat.
In the Tisdale release, Elston stated, “Thank you for the honor of serving as Council President Pro Tem. I am truly grateful to my colleagues for their trust and support.
“Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about service, responsibility, and bringing people together. A strong leader listens, builds bridges, and always puts the greater good first.
“I look forward to working closely with our council president, fellow council members, and the administration. Teamwork is essential, because real progress happens when we lead together.
“I’m proud to serve this city and to be part of a team committed to building a stronger, more united South Euclid. Thank you again for this opportunity.”
Councilwoman at-large and Pro Tem Chanell ElstonCity of South Euclid
Tisdale has stated his intention this fall to run for the Ward 2 seat. Calabrese was appointed to the Ward 2 position earlier this year with the intention of serving only through the end of 2025.
Calabrese was appointed to the seat previously held by Joseph Frank, who resigned due to health reasons. Frank’s term ends Dec. 31.
Meanwhile, Elston has announced she will run this fall for the Ward 1 seat, the seat to be occupied through Dec. 31 — the remainder of Gray’s term — by McMillian.
McMillian appointed Ward 1 councilman
Clerk of Council Keith Benjamin said that McMillian was one of three Ward 1 residents who applied for the council seat.
Those three candidates were interviewed by council members Wednesday (May 28) evening, just prior to the special meeting. The only item on the special meeting agenda was the appointment of Ammon Road resident McMillian.
McMillian and the other candidates left the building prior to the special meeting. McMillian learned of his appointment when Benjamin contacted him that night.
McMillian lists his title as “Minority Professional Leadership Development Program Director.” He has, since 2013, been owner and managing partner of The McMillian Group, LLC. Prior to that, from 1998-2013, he was a training manager and regional training center director for Cuyahoga County Children & Family Services.
New Ward 1 Councilman Mark McMillianMark McMillian
He holds a PhD. in leadership and change from Antioch University.
A 35-year South Euclid resident, he has served on the board of directors for Bellflower Center Child Abuse Prevention, and Central State University General Alumni Association.
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