Mayfield Heights City Council Applicant Responds to Selection Process

Though Mayfield Heights City Council is set to name its new officers tonight, some in the community are still looking for answers regarding the selection of its newest member.

That list includes Susan Sabetta, one of the six people council was originally going to choose from to fill its open seat. Instead, Mayor Anthony DiCicco made his own selection, Robert DeJohn, after council failed to reach a consensus.

Sabetta voiced her frustration with the process in a letter published by The Sun News. Here's an excerpt:

I am disappointed in the way the new Mayfield Heights council member came about.

Understanding that this decision is an important one, especially since it follows what was called ’a moving forward’ agenda, the Council President canceled the March 18 council meeting due to council not seeing a compromise and not willing to come back together to discuss the possibilities of appointing an applicant. By an applicant, I mean someone who applied for this position, who interviewed for this position and who took their time and energy to work toward this process.

The city charter states that the appointment would be left up to the mayor if 45 days wasn't enough time for council to reach a decision. Since it wasn't, DiCicco made his selection outside of the pool of six. DeJohn is a lifelong city resident whose father, Ross, was mayor for nearly 30 years.