Cleveland Magazine: What drove you to run for mayor?
Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell: It was civic engagement. I was really involved in the schools with all three of my kids, and I felt really connected to the people. I created a relationship through all of that with the mayor, so the mayor at that time pushed it on. I also have a corporate communications public relations degree from Ursuline [College] and a sales background. You marry those together, and I am the biggest salesperson for this city.
CM: What are your goals for 2024 for your community?
AB: I’d like to build some new and affordable housing units and diversify our housing, something greener and more energy-efficient, of course. I’d like to continue to update the infrastructure, our roads and utilities. I also want to increase citizen engagement for sponsor events and programs, and I like to make sure everything’s free. I don’t want that to be a barrier, that you have to pay for coming to events.
RATED: 2024 Cleveland's Top 20 Suburbs by Cleveland Magazine
CM: What keeps you in Maple Heights?
AB: This city has proven to be the suburban experience: smaller neighborhoods, manicured lawns, tree-lined streets. Police and emergency response times are fantastic, and there’s a smaller school system to get to know administrators and educators. It’s a great location to anywhere via the close interstates.
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