Spencer, who will not seek re-election next year, quickly became one of Cleveland's most prepared and dependable council members, writes columnist Leslie Kouba.
Jenny Spencer won't run for re-election next year. Columnist Leslie Kouba reflects on how she quickly became one of Cleveland City Council's most dependable members.CLEVELAND, Ohio – I’ve known Jenny Spencer for about 12 years. We met through our work supporting economic development in Northeast Ohio – she with TeamNEO, and me with Geauga Growth Partnership. As women, we were in the minority when the region’s development organizations gathered quarterly.
Personal experience says municipal budgetary processes are the deepest end of the pool of council responsibilities. It can be overwhelming. But Jenny was right there, asking questions, following up, learning as she went. Last week, I attended a special event Spencer hosted at XYZ Tavern in her Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. In front of a livestream camera and a group of about 50 constituents, staff and admirers, she announced she would not be seeking another term next year. There was no audible gasp, just serious silence.
Her decision took weeks of wrestling and was made months ago. Once made, she waited to go public. She explained, “I wanted to be ‘all in’ on talking about the importance of the general election, and how government and policy at all levels impact my constituents’ lives.” With the collaboration of county, city and state resources, Jenny led ARPA funding of the Karam Senior Living project, which will provide 51 affordable housing units atop and adjacent to the coming Walz Branch of Cleveland Public Library. The corner of West 80th Street and Detroit Avenue will become a community center for everyone in the neighborhood.
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