Mayor's Appointment Committee Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Mayor's Appointment Committee met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to consider candidates for two city boards: the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. The meeting included interviews, discussions on residency and policy positions, and roll call votes. Two additional candidates were rescheduled due to loss of quorum.

Discussion Items

• Ann Nelson – Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls
  Ms. Nelson, Senior Assistant Dean at Cleveland State University, introduced herself and discussed her background, including growing up in the Glenville area and her 25-year career in education. Council members expressed concerns about her residence in University Heights rather than Cleveland, but she argued that her work with Cleveland State students (80% Clevelanders) and her deep roots in the city qualified her. She emphasized the importance of supporting career guidance in middle schools and creating pathways for students not pursuing four-year degrees. She also described herself as a “rebel” who speaks up for students, even against authority. The committee voted unanimously (all present in favor) to advance her nomination.

• Telly Anjay Thomas and Jay Stephan Holmes – Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority
  Both are current board members seeking reappointment. Ms. Thomas resides in Cleveland; Mr. Holmes lives in Orange Village. They answered questions about their roles, the port’s mission (maritime, financing, infrastructure), and their records. Key issues included:

  • Prevailing Wage Vote (2024): Both voted to repeal the port’s prevailing wage requirement, a decision they defended as necessary to maintain the port’s AA bond rating and level the playing field with other Ohio ports. Councilman Casey and Councilman Shaw criticized the repeal, with Shaw stating he could not support any nominee who voted against prevailing wage. Ms. Thomas noted the complexity of the decision, emphasizing that the port still supports living wages for most workers.
  • Port’s Role in Cleveland: Council members pressed for a “Cleveland-first” approach, especially regarding potential financing for the proposed Browns stadium and development in Brook Park. Both nominees declined to speculate on future projects but affirmed their commitment to Cleveland. Councilman Polensek expressed deep concern that the port’s involvement in Brook Park would further harm Cleveland, citing loss of jobs, tax base, and opportunity.
  • Economic Impact: Mr. Holmes noted that the port supports approximately 27,000 jobs and generates $7 billion in economic activity annually. They highlighted recent accomplishments, including a $96 million EPA grant, record financing of $350 million in 2024-25, and efforts to increase neighborhood-level investments.
  • Disconnect with City Council: Council members Santana, Polensek, and Shaw noted that many small businesses and residents are unaware of the port’s services and financing tools. Both nominees agreed to improve outreach and provide project lists before full council votes.

Key Outcomes

• Ann Nelson: Approved by the committee (unanimous) for appointment to the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls.
• Telly Anjay Thomas: The committee voted 3–2 to advance her reappointment to the Port Authority to full council.
• Jay Stephan Holmes: The committee voted 3–2 to advance his reappointment to full council.
• Rescheduled Candidates: Mr. Schumach and Mr. Cartenga were not heard due to lost quorum; their appearances were postponed to a future date.
• Next Steps: The committee requested that Port Authority nominees provide a list of projects financed in Cleveland over the past year, as well as improved communication materials for small businesses, before the full council vote.