Name: Laura A.  DePledge

Age: 61

Profession: Attorney and Counselor at Law

Education:

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Juris Doctorate
Hiram College, Bachelor’s in business management

North High School

J. F. Kennedy Junior High

George Washington Elementary

Elected Offices:

Eastlake City Council President – 2016-2017

Eastlake City Council at Large - 2010-2017

•   Finance Committee

•   Planning Committee

• Port Authority Liaison

Eastlake City Ward 1 Representative – 2005

What are the three biggest issues facing the city and what would they do to fix them?

Issue 1. Creating a strong community for residents of all ages is my goal for Eastlake.

Issue 2. Effective communication and transparency from leadership are essential for a city's growth and success.

Issue 3. Residents desire more community events and lakefront access.

Issue 1 - Creating a strong community for residents of all ages is my goal for Eastlake.What makes a community strong?  Maintaining solid financial management, transparent leadership, and solid infrastructure while providing services and amenities for residents and businesses.  We must continue to strive to create a welcoming, safe community while celebrating Eastlake’s uniqueness.  

Issue 2 - Effective communication and transparency from leadership are essential for a city's growth and success. In my previously elected positions, maintaining clear communication was vital—through public meetings, online presence, and newspaper articles. An informed public is a supportive public, as no one appreciates being left in the dark or facing unexpected utility expenses without explanation. My administration will create an internship program with local high schools and colleges. By enhancing our social media presence, we will be able to disseminate information to residents more efficiently. For instance, the Lake County Homestead Exemption is available for qualified Eastlake senior citizen homeowners aged 65 years or older, potentially reducing property taxes. You can determine eligibility at www.lakecountyohio.gov/auditor/homestead-exemption. Regularly communicating both positive and negative news with residents fosters trust and confidence in the city's leadership.  

We would also focus on developing small business clusters on Vine Street to boost revitalization. These clusters reduce overhead, increase foot traffic, and complement each other without competition. Successful businesses bring conveniences for residents and more tax revenue for the city, make neighborhoods more attractive, and maintain or increase home values. This approach is a positive step for Eastlake's future.  

Issue 3 - Residents desire more community events and lakefront access. In the early 2000s, Eastlake faced a $2.5 million deficit, resulting in staff, program, and spending reductions. Now financially stable, we aim to ensure adequate staffing for police, fire, and paramedics and explore more senior and youth activities, as well as larger community events with neighboring cities.  

By partnering with other elected officials, IDA Power (the current owner of the First Energy plant), and leveraging federal and state grants, we can develop lakefront access for recreation. Possible projects include a boardwalk, pier, waterfront dining, shops, nature trails, safe harbor, boat launch, and rentals for jet skis, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. The development plan offers various potential directions.

I am fully prepared to fulfill the responsibilities of the Mayor's office. My educational background, professional experience, and active community involvement will effectively serve our city when I am elected as your next Mayor

What should voters know about you?

I have been preparing for the role of Mayor my entire life.  My family has deep roots in Eastlake. My grandfather was a building inspector in the 1940s, and my father was a police officer from 1957 retiring as the chief of police in 1989. He instilled in me a desire for public service. 

I have lived Eastlake’s history.  I wake up thinking about Eastlake’s future and fall asleep thinking about Eastlake’s future.  Serving the Mayor of Eastlake is not a hobby job for me.   Our city has unlimited growth potential. In a transparent, collaborative manner, we make our community more vibrant and even more proud of calling Eastlake our home and community.

I graduated from George Washington Elementary School, Kennedy Junior High, and North High School. I graduated from Hiram College with a bachelor's degree in business management and earned my law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. I served our community as: Acting Judge, Magistrate, City of Eastlake Ward council representative, Council At Large Representative, City Council President, and as your City Prosecutor.  I am an entrepreneur, small business owner, and employer for the past 30 years.

During my tenure on city council, the team of directors, city council, and Mayor Morley initiated steps to eliminate the $2.5 million deficit.  Serving on the Finance Committee provided significant insight into the city's departmental needs, sources of income, and expense management. This experience has equipped me for the role of mayor.

I am prepared and committed to fulfill the responsibilities of the Mayor's office. My educational background, professional experience, and active community involvement will effectively serve our city when I am elected as your next Mayor.  I am the most qualified candidate, and I am solidly invested in Eastlake’s future.