John 'Duke' Southworth to be New At-Large City Council Rep

John "Duke" Southworth Jr. of Stoughton Drive has been chosen to replace Pat Coyne on Strongsville City Council.

Southworth was chosen from 27 applicants to replace Coyne, and has since been charged with federal bribery and other counts.

The unexpired term runs through 2013. 

Southworth, a 1991 graduate of St. Ignatius High School, has a law degree and owns North Haven Settlements, a structured settlement and financial planning firm that assists litigants.

He said he applied for the seat because he has come to love Strongsville since moving here in 1998.

"Under unfortunate circumstances a seat opened up, and I thought I could help," he said.

In the next two years, he said he sees City Council working to build on its successes with three new members -- himself, Ward 4 Councilman Scott Maloney and whoever wins the Ward 3 seat -- as well as deal with a push toward regionalism and state budget cuts.

Southworth is co-chair and treasurer of State Sen. Tom Patton's campaign committee and is a member of the Strongsville Rotary.

Council President Mike Daymut said choosing from the 27 applicants was "a very difficult decision.

"We were able to come together on someone who will be an asset to the city and also be able to work well with everyone," he said.

Southworth will take the oath of office at 6 p.m. Tuesday during a special meeting in