We don’t have a name for it yet, but a group of us is working on gaining recognition for the historic and architectural merit of yet another section of Cleveland Heights.  We are seeking listing as an Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places for the homes built between 1900 and 1929 on the farmlands once owned by the Shakers that lie north of Doan Brook and the Upper and Lower Shaker Lakes.   This area encompasses some homes already on the National Register, such as those in the Fairmount Boulevard Historic District between Coventry and Wellington Roads.  Some of the homes along North Park between Coventry and North Woodland are listed as part of the Shaker Village Historic District which encompasses much of Shaker Heights.  The Van Sweringens became involved in the marketing and sale of plots in the proposed Historic District, and their success in this endeavor paved the way for their development of Shaker Heights.

On February 18, 2010, on behalf of Cleveland Heights, I submitted a Bicycle Friendly Community application to the League of American Bicyclists.  I had great input and support from Cleveland Heights City Hall, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), and local bicyclists and bicycle advocates, as listed in the application.  The application provides an inventory of Cleveland Heights’ current activities, programs and facilities for bicycling.  The League said they would be in contact toward the end of April.  All of us involved in this initiative are looking forward to the feedback.

Thank you to all of my supporters who contributed financially to the campaign, posted yard signs, hosted coffees, recommended me to their friends and acquaintances, and boosted my efforts in myriad ways.  I am deeply grateful to all of you.  The end result was a close race.

I certainly remain committed to making Cleveland Heights better as I can, though it won’t be on City Council.  I hope you will join me in that commitment.  Thank you again for everything you have done.

On Wednesday, October 21, I attended the celebration of the opening of the Evergreen Cooperative Laundry and Solar Cooperative at 540 East 105th Street.  These businesses are the first of many planned to create jobs and wealth, primarily in six neighborhoods around University Circle.  They have backing and support from the Cleveland Foundation, key University Circle institutions, relevant specialists at Kent State and several banks.  You might find the video about this community wealth initiative both inspirational and suggestive for Cleveland Heights.  Here’s a link to the video:  http://blip.tv/file/2749165

On Sunday, October 18, I completed the San Francisco Nike Women’s Marathon in 5:46 hours, among the top 10 in my age and gender category.  I was greeted at the finish line by firemen in tuxedos who handed a Tiffany necklace to anyone who finished the marathon in 6-1/2 hours or less.

Just as I have never previously run for City Council, I never previously ran a marathon.  The two activities complemented each other; training for the marathon conditioned me for walking door to door to meet voters.  Thanks to Cleveland Heights running trainer, Kate Pophal, for getting me to the start line ready to go, and to Cleveland Heights massage therapist, George Kroto, for restoring me after the race.

The Plain Dealer has compiled an online voters’ guide.  For your convenience, here is a link to it:  cleveland.com/voterguide.   At this site, you will find my answers to Plain Dealer questions and the answers of the other candidates, too.

Step It Up is a group of Cleveland Heights residents who have devised an agenda offering a brighter future for our city.  Step It Up has posted interviews with Cleveland Heights City Council candidates on YouTube.  If you look at the right-hand column on the YouTube site, you can choose an interview with any of the candidates.  Step It Up is also working on a Web site, which will have more information about candidates and issues.  Meanwhile, here’s a link to the interviews on YouTube: 
http://www.youtube.com/stepitupclevelandhts

The Heights Observer asked numerous questions of candidates for Cleveland Heights City Council.  Below are my answers to these questions.  After my anwers and for your convenience, I have provided a link to the answers that were provided by all candidates and posted on the Heights Observer Web site .

Following my answers below to the League of Women Voters Questions for Cleveland Heights City Council candidates, I have provided a link to the answers provided by all 10 City Council candidates, for your convenience.  Here are my answers:

1. In order of priority, describe the three most important things your city government must address to improve life in Cleveland Heights and how you will get it done: The three most important things city government must address are a lack of a vision, strategic action plans to achieve the vision, and a commitment to implement the plans. First and foremost, we must improve our financial sustainability, housing and other buildings, and schools’ performance. A vision and planning will guide spending priorities, allocation of resources and measurement of progress. We have amazing assets in this community to build on. Through regional collaboration, we can maintain government services for lower cost. We can attract new residents and high-potential businesses through planning and effective marketing of our city and schools.

In about one week, yard signs saying “Elect Mary Dunbar, City Council” will be available.  These 16″x26″ blue-and-white signs can be posted in your yard starting on Saturday, September 19.  To help elect Mary Dunbar to Cleveland Heights City Council, sign up to have one delivered to your house by clicking on the “Volunteer” page of this Web site and following the easy directions.  Thank you for your support!