Mayor Sutherland announces re-election bid

Bay Village Mayor Debbie Sutherland will seek another term this November. Photo courtesy of Eric Mull.

Mayor Debbie Sutherland has announced her intention to seek re-election as Mayor of Bay Village, citing unfinished work and the desire to keep the city on the right track.

“As all of us continue to work through these difficult economic times, I am extremely proud of how our city has managed these challenges. Our bond rating has improved two times over the last four years, our home values are stable, our city services have remained strong – all while at the same time reducing our city budget,” Sutherland said.

“I am very pleased that Bay Village was ranked the number one suburb in 2012 by Cleveland Magazine and one of the Top Ten Towns for Families in the US by Family Circle, but we cannot rest on our laurels,” Sutherland continued.

“These next four years will be critical for us. With the estate tax repeal taking effect this coming year, uncertainty of state and local economic policy and the continued burden on our budget, I believe that my background and experience are right for this job. 

“As Mayor, I’m proud that our administration, in partnership with city council, has weathered this economic storm and I look forward to keeping Bay Village among the most desirable places to live and raise a family. While many other cities are faced with major deficits, the decisions made by this administration have put us in a position of long term stability without the need for new taxes, something that simply cannot be said in many of our neighboring cities,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland has served as Mayor of the City of Bay Village since October 2000 and is the longest serving mayor in the city’s history. Prior to her mayoral appointment, Mayor Sutherland served four and a half years as the City Council representative for Ward 2. 

During Mayor Sutherland’s tenure, much has been accomplished in the city, including a new Family Aquatic Center, new police station, a joint Bay Schools/City community gym, a jointly owned Avon Lake/Bay park and the first new commercial development in 30 years.