I’m Marty Gelfand and I’m running for Mayor of Cleveland Heights. Welcome to my website!
I love Cleveland Heights and want a local government that is responsive to the needs of the people who live and work here. I grew up here and in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights (CHUH) schools (Boulevard, Roosevelt, Heights). I raised my family in the CHUH school district (South Euclid and Cleveland Heights). My daughter went to Gearity, Roxboro, and is currently at Heights.
After high school I joined the Navy, serving our country for 6 years of active duty in the submarine force. I rose to the rank of Fire Control Technician 1st Class (Submarines) (E-6) on the U.S.S. Bergall, a fast-attack nuclear powered boat. I am a member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Cod Base, Jewish War Veterans Post 44, and Northeast Ohio Democratic Veterans Caucus.
After college (St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland) and law school (Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland), I served the people of Northeast Ohio at the federal, state, county, and local levels. My service includes: 16 years as Congressional Staff Counsel to U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH); 8 years in private law practice representing criminal defendants, abused, neglected, and alleged delinquent children, and victims of domestic violence; and 9 years as Councilman-at-Large in South Euclid. In 2020, my family and I moved back to Cleveland Heights proper. Since 2021, I’ve been a Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney currently serving in the Child Support Unit.
Six years ago, the people of Cleveland Heights opted for a mayor-led government after 100 years with city managers appointed by City Council. The charter-change was intended to increase democracy in our city with voters electing all 9 people to run our government: a Mayor, 7 Council Members, and a Judge. I will work closely with our Council Members and respect their positions as part of a co-equal branch of local government. We will work to get our roads fixed and maintain all existing houses in good repair with people living in them. I will also work to ensure that storefronts are occupied with businesses to serve our residents and neighbors and that we take full advantage of all the amenities available to residents for sports and recreation.
As Mayor, I will seek input from our residents and business owners, first by making City Hall more approachable and responsive, and always with a goal toward keeping Cleveland Heights a unique and attractive community.
I’ve included links on this website to questionnaires I’ve responded to from the Cleveland Heights Democratic Club and the League of Women Voters with more information about my platform and goals. Or feel free to contact me directly through this website on the contact page.