The Lowdown on Stephanie Howse

So what is the lowdown on this 29-year-old woman who overnight came into prominence on the local political scene with the recent death of 82-year-old veteran Cleveland City Councilwoman from Ward 7, Fannie May Lewis? As tradition allows, Lewis was allowed to appoint an interim successor to her chair at Cleveland City Council, so why did Lewis let Council President Sweeney know that Stephanie Howse (center) -- a surprise appointment -- was her choice? Howse made her political debut in 2005, unsuccessfully campaigning against Lewis; so they were not known to be close. She learned from the experience and her name became better known in Hough. Politics always interested Howse and ran in the family: Annie Key, her mother, is a former state representative.

Howse, one of three rookie members, now temporarily sits in Lewis's chair at Cleveland City Council meetings. As part of the electoral process, there will be a special election October 14 where a field of 12 candidates, Howse included, will run against each other to narrow the selection down to two worthy opponents. They, in turn, will face off in another special election November 18. What's at stake? Representation of the historic Hough community (approximately 20,000 residents) at the Cleveland City Council meetings. Lewis represented the people of Ward 7 since 1980. With a long and distinguished career, Lewis was well-known for supporting her community and advancing the causes of her constituents.

Continuing in the tradition, Howse has the earmarks of becoming another strong and positive Hough leader. After earning her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Florida A&M University, Howse moved back to Cleveland, to the Hough neighborhood where she grew up, and received a graduate degree in Environmental Studies from Cleveland State University. She has worked as an environmental health and safety engineer for Stephen J. Sebesta & Associates.

Howse has pursued an active role in the community co-founding Footprints, a mentoring organization focusing on increasing the self-esteem of girls (9-17 years old) through the arts, self-respect, and life endeavors. Howse has also been working for the Ohio Democratic Party as the Cleveland field director.

Joining the 2006-2007 class of the Cleveland Executive Fellowship (Coro Program) under the Cleveland Foundation, Howse received an excellent training in professional development and leadership. The comprehensive Fellowship Program is designed to provide hands-on experience in government, business, and non-profit sectors to strengthen the participants' skills in becoming agents for change in Greater Cleveland. Howse met Eric Wobser, a special assistant leading Cleveland's five-year capital improvements program, through this Fellowship. He graduated from the Program a year ahead of her.

Working as a volunteer on her campaign, Wobser helped organize a fundraising event Thursday night at the stylish offices of APG Furnishings in Tyler Village. "She is like a breath of fresh air," said Wobser. "I know she will build on the historic nature of the Hough community but add a new vision for its future." Friends, family, members of the Hough community and Footprints organization, 50+ people, attended the fundraiser in her support and raised over $3,000 for her campaign.

Shanita Tartt went to school with Howse and has also worked with her. "Her work speaks for itself," said Tartt. "She is committed, has fresh ideas and energy. It's time and she's ready to move forward." Hough is a diverse community – there is Section 8 housing and pockets of new houses costing in the $100,000-$500,000 range. "I am going door-to-door," said Howse describing her campaign approach, "to find out what the residents want. For the most part, they are concerned about abandoned homes, jobs, safety, and activities for the youth. I want to create a bridge between the old and new Hough. This is an opportunity to set up environments where people will feel comfortable and have places to gather," she added. In thanking people for attending the fundraising event, Howse concluded by reassuring her audience that people in their 20s can lead and can make a difference.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul susn1ATatt.net

(:divend:)