Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren dismissed Law Director Bill Hanna in a final act of his tumultuous tenure, just hours before leaving office. The dismissal, announced late on Tuesday, occurred a day before Seren’s departure following a recall vote earlier in the month that led to Tony Cuda stepping in as interim mayor.
In a termination letter partially obtained by WKYC, Seren cited “for cause” reasons for Hanna’s dismissal. He accused Hanna of exhibiting a consistent pattern of “poor representation” of the city council, its members, the incoming interim mayor, and the next elected mayor. Seren claimed that Hanna prioritized personal interests over the obligations expected of a law director in Cleveland Heights, undermining the professional standards of the role.
Amidst the political upheaval, the city council took swift action following Seren’s exit. They reinstated both Hanna and Communications Director Jessica Schantz, as reported by Cleveland19. This reinstatement indicates an immediate course correction aimed at stabilizing the administration after a period of controversy and adjustment.
Seren’s allegations against Hanna extended to claims that he, along with City Council Clerk Addie Balester, utilized a fake email address to investigate potential violations of open meetings law by council members. In a detailed five-page letter shared with media outlets, Seren expressed, “Your behavior relative to the new dynamics and interaction between the executive and legislative branches in this new municipal government has been destructive to our forward progress.”
The dismissal of Hanna just before Seren’s term ended underscores the former mayor’s intention to set a precedent for governance, even as his leadership faced a sudden end due to the recall vote. The political dynamics in Cleveland Heights now hinge on the upcoming mayoral election, scheduled for November 2023. This election will determine who will lead the Cleveland suburb in the wake of recent controversies.
As the city navigates this tumultuous period, the reinstatement of Hanna and Schantz reflects a desire among council members to restore stability and confidence in the local government. The situation remains fluid, with significant developments likely as the next election approaches, shaping the future governance of Cleveland Heights.
