Nino Monaco Appointed to Mayfield Heights Council

City Council appointed Nino Monaco to the council vacancy created by the death of David Sasak.

Monaco, building commissioner for Pepper Pike, was a building inspector in Mayfield Heights from 1994 to 2005 and also applied for appointment to council in 2006.

"I just felt that he was the most qualified with his experience," said Council President Michael Ballistrea, who voted for Monaco. "His strength is within the building department. He's also had a lot more community service than a few of the other candidates."

Ballistrea, who is completing his third four-year elected term after serving a one-year appointed position, said he was picked for council initially because of his involvement in city functions.

"It was the same rationale. There were 10 candidates and the nod was given to me because of my community involvement," he said.

Other applicants for the appointment were Susan A. Sabetta, Jerry Rothenberg, Robert J. DeJohn, Benjamin M. Stocum, Gayle M. Teresi, Gene Trunzo and Martin J. Kelbel.

Monaco thanked the city administration and council for their support.

"I'm kind of sad that I had to replace a very good person who was an excellent councilperson in Mr. Sasak," Monaco said. "My pledge to the people of Mayfield Heights is that I will be accessible, open-minded and have their best interests in mind."

He said the city faces a challenge to maintain services while absorbing budget cuts from Columbus.

During his interview with council on Monday, Monaco said the city's point-of-sale inspection program was working well, that there isn't a need for mixed-use zoning and that the city should look at regionalism as a way to save money.

Monaco also said that if appointed to the position he would run on the November ballot for the remaining two years of the term. Since more than half of the term remains, the appointment is for the rest of 2011 and the council representative for next two years will be decided by voters.