FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- For the past few months, political newcomer and mayoral hopeful Patrick J. Cooney campaigned around the idea of presenting the city with a fresh perspective.
Apparently, that’s what residents wanted. They elected Cooney (2,854 votes) over Councilman Angelo Russo (2,275 votes) as the next mayor of Fairview Park, according to final, unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.
“I think they liked my new ideas, new fresh perspective,” said Cooney, 52, a West Park native who graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1984. “I did a lot of grassroots, door-to-door campaigning. We did literature drops. My volunteers were out. People were talking to residents about me, my ideas. That’s what resonated with people.”
Going into Election Day, Cooney said that while he was confident, he wasn’t convinced of the outcome.
“A lot of people felt that me and Mr. Russo had similar types of backgrounds,” Cooney said. “The fact that Mayor (Eileen Ann) Patton endorsed me was a big deal to a lot of people. I know that certainly helped.”
Retiring at the end of her current term, Patton felt Cooney would be the right person to lead Fairview Park going forward.
“I’m very excited for the future of our city with Pat Cooney as our new mayor,” Patton said. “As we keep the momentum going in economic development, safety priorities, school collaboration and infrastructure, Pat is committed to working hard for the great residents of our community.”
Regarding his Election Day loss, Russo thanked all of the voters and volunteers for their support.
“Although I’m disappointed, I try not to question God’s plan for me,” Russo said. “I’ll stay involved in this city, as that is part of who I am. As we all still live in this city, I hope all will support all our newly elected officials in growing our community.”
Cooney, who graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, has been a solo practitioner attorney since 1991. He’s also the current Garfield Heights assistant law director/police prosecutor.
Looking ahead to his first term in office, Cooney said he’ll focus on a couple of areas.
“I spent a lot of time talking to people about economic development issues and infrastructure -- roads and sewers,” Cooney said “It all kind of falls back to economic development and to the extent you can generate revenue to pay for those types of projects and services.
“So that’s the most pressing thing. There’s a lot of opportunity here, and I’m excited to get started.”
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