Mayor Perciak Quietly Files for Re-Election

Without fanfare, Mayor Tom Perciak has filed petitions seeking re-election to a third term in office.

Perciak filed the documents Wednesday at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. So far, he is the only candidate for mayor. 

In typical Perciak style, his decision to seek re-election came without an announcement or publicity.

"My whole goal is continuity -- to keep everyone focused and moving the way we have been," he said.

He is the first Strongsville candidate to formally file for election this year.

"I just want the people to know I'm still out there, still active and still want to be their mayor," Perciak said.

The mayor's job and all four City Council ward seats are up for grabs this year. Council President Mike Daymut, who represents Ward 1, Ward 2 Councilman Ray Haseley and newly appointed Ward 4 Councilman Scott Maloney have all taken out petitions to seek election this year.

Ward 3 Councilman Mark Roth has said he will not seek re-election to another term.

Strongsville council and mayoral candidates have until Feb. 17 to file to run for office this year.

Also taking out petitions in Ward 2 were Matthew Schonhut and Anthony Zubek.

In Ward 3, Larry Frawley and Tom McMillen have withdrawn nominating petitions. In Ward 4, Patricia Pell, who sought appointment to the unexpired seat Maloney now holds, and Steven Sinisgalli have taken out petitions.

Races that involve more than two candidates are narrowed down in a May primary and decided at the November general election.

Perciak became mayor in 2003 after the unexpected death of Walter Ehrnfelt, running successfully for the post in 2003 and 2007. 

If re-elected, Perciak has said he wants to see the Pearl Road widening project to completion and focus on keeping the city safe and thriving with new businesses.