[Plain Dealer Photo of the Day for 8/19/08 - read more here]
Heard it in the post office while picking up two weeks of mail, found it online here at Openers and with a much more accurate photo of Stephanie here in this evening’s post about the swearing in.
The Plain Dealer states that the formal Democratic structure in Ward 7 opposes Howse’s appointment even though Fannie Lewis, who died last week (read more about her on Brewed Fresh Daily in a piece by Roldo Bartimole) and whose seat will be filled for the remainder of its term by a special election on November 18, requested that Howse be her successor. From the earlier Openers item:
Lewis had kept her choice of successor secret even from Howse, who said she learned of the anointing only last week, when [Cleveland City Council president Martin] Sweeney told her.
“I’m humbled,” she said Sunday night. “I’m definitely humbled and honored that she even considered me to lead our community and to build on her legacy.”
Howse, the daughter of former State Rep. Annie Key, ran against Lewis in 2005 and said she has been active in the ward since.
She works for the Ohio Democratic Party as the Cleveland field director.
She said she intends to compete in the special election to finish Lewis’ term, which runs through 2009. Judging by the mood Sunday night, she might have some hard feelings to overcome.
Ward 7 resident Mansfield Frazier said he, like many of his neighbors, had hoped the interim council person would not be a candidate for the office. Leaving the meeting, he said Howse’s appointment came as a rude surprise.
“She’s bright. I like her. But I want fairness,” he said. “We wanted to appoint somebody who would not run, so everyone comes out of the gate at the same time.”
Ward leaders were discussing recommending their own choice Sunday night, but Sweeney said Howse will be presented to council today at a special meeting at 10:30 a.m. at City Hall.
“It’s a tradition in council. A council member in good standing recommends her successor,” he said.
Sweeney noted that Howse faces a primary election Oct. 14 and then a general election in fewer than 90 days.
“The people of Ward 7 have the ultimate decision,” he said.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Stephanie first when she called me in her role as Ohio Democratic Party Cleveland field director. Then, in June, I spent two and a half days with her and 90+ other women who had congregated in Columbus for the White House Project’s Go Run! training session - a program specifically geared to fill the pipeline with quality candidates for political office who are women.
Stephanie impressed me positively during all our sessions and gatherings, as someone with intelligence, drive, poise, experience and a capacity to learn as well as lead. Although I don’t live in Ward 7 or the Cleveland city boundaries, if I did, I would vote for Stephanie because of those qualities and her passion to lead and change an area she’s lived in and lives in.
It’s up to her now Go Lead! and meet the challenges in her role on council and in campaigning. I hope that the fulfills what Ward 7 residents need and that they get to see and know and like the person I’ve been lucky to get to know even just a little bit.
Like the t-shirt says:
