Ward 3 residents in North Royalton finally have permanent representation. Berkeley Lane resident, Joanne Krejci was unanimously approved by the North Royalton City Council at their special meeting, which took place on September 4.
Krejci fills the Ward 3 seat which had been held by Dan Langshaw, who resigned on July 4 and the subsequent resignation on August 7 of Jeff McCarthy, who was approved on August 1. Krejci was one of seven Ward 3 residents who were interviewed for the position this time. She had also applied for the position in July. “It was a solid group of applicants,” stated North Royalton Council President Paul Marnecheck. “We received seven applications for this vacancy. Typically, we receive two or three. It was great to see so many people willing to give of their time and talent to become more engaged in our community. The candidates were great, and each offered a strong interview. Ultimately, we could only appoint one person. I voted for Joanne because she gave strong answers during her interview, and showed a deep love for North Royalton. She has a great mix of professional and community experience. I look forward to having her perspective on Council.”
“I will say there were a few individuals who were interested in seeking this appointment but ended up not being eligible due to the residency requirements. It is restorative, especially in this time of COVID-19, seeing this many individuals interested in becoming active in our community,” said Marnecheck. According to the city’s charter, the criteria for the position include residency in the ward for at least one year and two years residency in North Royalton. Also, they cannot be employed by the city, or hold any other elected office.
Krejci has been a resident in Ward 3 for twenty-four years. She is a retired Director of Human Resources from The Sherwin-Williams Company. She has been involved in community activities, including the First Vice President of Membership with the North Royalton High School PTA, Eucharistic Minister at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church and a member of the Board of Directors with the Brecksville Theater on the Square, among others.
Krejci’s appointment allows her to complete the remainder of Ward 3 term, which ends in December 2021. At that point, next year, she can choose to run for the post, which would begin in 2022. “I love this city and everything it has to offer its residents,” stated Krejci in her application letter. When asked of the nomination, Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz said that “I think Joanne will bring some stability to Council.”
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer