The City of East Cleveland officially has a new mayor. In a split decision The Ohio Court of Appeals ruled that City Council President Lateek Shabazz will take over the office formerly held by Brandon King, who was convicted of committing crimes in office.
“I want to salute them because I didn’t think I was going to get a fair trial,” said East Cleveland Mayor Lateek Shabazz.
During Thursday’s press conference, Shabazz was joined by City Executive Assistant Justyn Anderson and Shabazz’s Attorney, Ken Myers.
“Whether they have political differences with Mayor Shabazz or not, he’s the mayor,” said Myers.
Shabazz said he’s aware of what needs to be done and is committed to accomplishing it.
“I think I was the right person for this position,” said Shabazz.
While Shabazz said he doesn’t agree with the courts’ selection process for mayor, he wants to lead the city in the right direction.
“That’s what I’m here for. I’m here to bring the parties together,” Shabazz said.
As King's case was being adjudicated, Sandra Morgan served as the interim mayor of the city. Due to the city's charter, the court of appeals ruled that the vacancy will be filled by the council president.
After King was convicted, a feud ensued over who would be the mayor. In early June, Shabazz took to social media to declare himself mayor, a move that Morgan pushed back against, calling it a "coup d'etat."
The feud officially ended with the court's decision, effectively making him mayor at noon on Thursday.
“I did my best in the four and a half months I was in this role to help steady the ship and to plant the seeds for future growth and prosperity,” said Morgan.
Although Morgan said she’s disappointed in the ruling, she also stated she respects their decision and welcomed Shabazz to the position during one of her prescheduled town halls on the city’s infrastructure plan.
At the same time, Shabazz thanked Morgan and said he plans to continue her efforts by addressing abandoned homes, cleaning up the police department, improving the city’s education system and making job cuts.
“The ones who didn’t respect the charter. I have no use for them,” said Shabazz.
Meanwhile, long-time East Cleveland resident Stacy Clark–Warren said she hopes the city can move forward.
“What I would like to see in the city of East Cleveland is individuals who have a heart for the community,” said Clark–Warren.
Shabazz hopes to host a second swearing-in ceremony for the community to attend.
How long he stays in office will be up to voters. That's because there's a mayoral election in East Cleveland this November. And Morgan tells us that she's running to regain office.
Morgan issued the following statement regarding the matter:
I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve the citizens of East Cleveland as interim mayor. Over the past four months, I’ve worked diligently to restore stability, transparency, and progress in our city government.
The recent decision by the Court of Appeals has named Lateek Shabazz as mayor. I respect the court's ruling and wish Mr. Shabazz success in his new role. My focus now turns to the future.
During my time in office, I am proud of what we accomplished in city hall in a short period:These achievements reflect what’s possible when leadership is focused, transparent, and accountable.
- Passed a city budget in just 25 days, ensuring critical services remained uninterrupted.
- Restored public confidence that East Cleveland can function efficiently and put the needs of its residents first.
- Took key steps toward getting our city's finances back on track, creating a stronger foundation for long-term recovery and growth.
Today, I officially announce my candidacy for mayor of East Cleveland. I look forward to the race ahead and to engaging with residents across the city about our shared vision for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous East Cleveland.
Together, we can keep building the city our citizens deserve.
This comes a day after the city council meeting ended early, as there weren't enough council members present to carry on the meeting.
Watch more about Wednesday's short council meeting below:
RELATED: East Cleveland City Council ends 30 minutes after it begins. Here's why.
King and former Councilman Earnest Smith were found guilty on various charges relating to their time in office.
King was found guilty on one count of theft in office, four counts of having an unlawful interest in a public contract, three counts of representation by a public official or employee, one count of filing a false disclosure statement and one count of soliciting or receiving improper compensation.
He was found not guilty on one count of theft in office and one count of representation by a public official or employee.
Smith was found guilty on one count of theft in office, one count of soliciting or receiving improper compensation, one count of misuse of credit cards and two counts of theft.
Watch more on the trial below:
RELATED: East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King and former Councilman Ernest Smith guilty on multiple charges
On July 9, King was spared a prison term after Judge Hollie Gallagher suspended his sentence. He was given three years' probation, ordered to take drug tests and complete community service.
Watch more on King's sentencing below:
RELATED: No prison for East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King. Prosecutor calls the sentence 'disgraceful.'
