Published Dec. 1 in The Heights Observer
After nine years as Vice Mayor for University Heights, Adele Zucker will leave office this month. Her contributions include keeping a close eye on neighborhood services and never having to cut staff, something she attributes to frugal management by the mayor and previous councils.
Looking back, Zucker says she is proud of her accomplishments.
“To be reelected six times, I think that says I served the residents well. Because of them, I’m here, and I just love the city. It’s a great city to live in and bring up your children,” she says.
In the 49 years she has lived in UH, she says one of her most memorable moments was when she and her husband Henry were chosen as Citizens of the Year in 1980.
Today, Zucker, 77, is the picture of health. Her petite frame contradicts her feisty personality, but she expresses it in council meetings.
She chairs the services and utilities committee, meets with the council twice monthly and serves on two committees. Zucker was appointed to council in October of 1983 and ran in November for the two-year unexpired term. She was reelected six times.
Zucker grew up in Lancaster, Ohio and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism. She says her job covering council meetings as a stringer for the Plain Dealer is what sparked her interest in politics.
She says she advises new council members to attend a forum to learn more about a council’s boundaries and responsibilities.
Zucker says she is most proud of having had a hand in the effort to pass a levy for the EMT program.
Gracie Smith, a woman who lived on Zucker’s street and whose husband had heart problems, started the grassroots effort to call attention to the city’s need for EMTs.
“We got it passed, because of her, and that was just so tremendous for the entire city,” Zucker says.
In the 49 years she has lived in UH, she says one of her most memorable moments was when she and her husband Henry were chosen as Citizens of the Year in 1980.
Today, Zucker, 77, is the picture of health. Her petite frame contradicts her feisty personality, but she expresses it in council meetings.
She chairs the services and utilities committee, meets with the council twice monthly and serves on two committees. Zucker was appointed to council in October of 1983 and ran in November for the two-year unexpired term. She was reelected six times.
Zucker grew up in Lancaster, Ohio and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism. She says her job covering council meetings as a stringer for the Plain Dealer is what sparked her interest in politics.
She says she advises new council members to attend a forum to learn more about a council’s boundaries and responsibilities.
Zucker says she is most proud of having had a hand in the effort to pass a levy for the EMT program.
Gracie Smith, a woman who lived on Zucker’s street and whose husband had heart problems, started the grassroots effort to call attention to the city’s need for EMTs.
“We got it passed, because of her, and that was just so tremendous for the entire city,” Zucker says.
Now, every fireman in the city is a licensed EMT.
During her last month of service, Zucker says she will make herself available, as she always has. Her last council meeting is Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Then she plans to embark on a new journey – a cruise to the Caribbean with her family for New Year’s Eve. “That will be a finale to this,” she says.
“And then, when I come home, I will start cleaning out papers.”
During her last month of service, Zucker says she will make herself available, as she always has. Her last council meeting is Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Then she plans to embark on a new journey – a cruise to the Caribbean with her family for New Year’s Eve. “That will be a finale to this,” she says.
“And then, when I come home, I will start cleaning out papers.”
