Why She’s Interesting: As the Democratic “blue wave” splashed over the country, sweeping fresh faces into office, Cuyahoga County government barely caught a ripple. Except for Stephens. She grabbed a victory in the County Council District 10 primary, the only truly competitive county race of the year, defeating Michael J. Houser. Stephens, a development pro and former Cleveland Heights mayor, was sworn in Nov. 27.
Take Off: Born in Louisiana, Stephens grew up in a military family that hopped around the globe. Her father was an Air Force mechanic, and Stephens’ youth was spent on bases in North America, Asia and Europe. As a toddler, she learned to speak English in Japan. “Uncle Sam was the most phenomenal tour guide. By the time I was 18, I had lived on three continents.”
Yo Hablo: During her travels, Stephens was exposed to foreign languages and cultures. She learned Spanish while her father was stationed in Spain for a year and returned later to study the language while living in Valencia. “You don’t get much of a chance to speak Spanish in Cleveland, Ohio, but occasionally I do get a chance to use it.”
Park Job: Stephens has worked in development for the city of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Land Bank and the city of Cleveland Heights. She currently heads the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. One of Stephens’ first major projects in Northeast Ohio was the Coventry Road parking structure in Cleveland Heights, and she jokes that it earned an unofficial nickname: “My friends call it the Cheryl Stephens Memorial parking deck.”
Surprise Win: As the results came in on election night, Stephens initially thought she had lost and headed home disappointed. She was about to concede around 11:30 p.m. Then she received a call telling her that late-counted votes had flipped the race in her favor. “I was doing that humble thing. I was preparing myself to be a loser. I’ve never been a loser before, but I was preparing to be one. Five minutes later I’m screaming.”
Room and Board: One of Stephens’ first priorities on council is to pitch in on the county’s housing plan, which she is approaching with the nerdy enthusiasm of someone who cheerily quotes IRS guidelines and state tax codes from memory. “There are so many things we can do that help make all of the 59 municipal jurisdictions in Cuyahoga County stronger.”
Page Turner: Stephens tries to conquer at least four e-books every weekend, which she checks out and downloads for free with her library card. Her selections vary, but she always comes back to scintillating romances and mysteries by the likes of James Patterson and John Grisham. “I want to solve problems and have happily ever-afters.”
Vocal Chords: Stephens’s voice is deep, croaky and thoroughly unique. Like how Sen. Sherrod Brown’s gravel-in-a-tin-can pipes set him apart, Stephens’ intonations — she calls them “mellifluous” — put her in a different key than the rest of the political chorus. “I inherited this voice from my mother. She was one of those Southern women who have a low voice.”
Interesting Fact: In 2012 Stephens successfully spearheaded a push in Cleveland Heights for an LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance.
Most Interesting People 2019: Cheryl Stephens
Part of a Democratic "blue wave," the former Cleveland Heights mayor steps up as Cuyahoga County Councilwoman.
