Why She's Interesting: Rebecca Maurer, a lawyer and community advocate, ran for Cleveland City Council on a platform of bringing transparency and accessibility to City Hall. In November 2021, she defeated a 16-year incumbent by fewer than 100 votes and became the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to serve on city council. She represents Ward 12.
Towering Inspiration: For a real-life political role model, Maurer turns to Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. “She lets people see her being human, especially when Roe v. Wade was struck down and you could see her shaking in a way that we all were that day.”
Knope We Can: Maurer draws comparisons to Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler’s endlessly upbeat civil servant on Parks and Recreation. “I recently spent a day finding out if there was a rabid raccoon in a tree. Turns out, it had distemper, but I was basically living an episode of Parks and Rec that day.”
Team Goals: When asked for a favorite LGBTQ+ icon, Maurer can’t select one person and instead picks the Women’s National Soccer Team. “They fight to take up space. Period.”
A Teenage Wonk: As a teen working at the Beachwood Public Library, Maurer learned the Dewey Decimal System, something she says prepared her for Cleveland Codified Ordinances. She remembers her training well. “597.9. Yeah, that’s absolutely books on reptiles.”
Morning Routine: Maurer is quick to extol the virtues of Ward 12's breakfast options. “I have a sincere and beloved breakfast circuit of rotating between the Harvard Inn, Red Chimney, Gabe’s Family Restaurant, Steve’s Family Restaurant and the Rowley Inn.”
Robert’s Rules: Maurer appreciates the opportunity to amend legislation, like when she helped create alternative police responses for people experiencing mental health issues. "There’s nothing cooler than making the language more effective for Clevelanders.”
Click here to meet Cleveland's Most Interesting People of 2023.
