500 attend inaugural celebration for new mayor, finance director and council members

by Kim Scott Sowinski

The ballroom at Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockside in Independence was filled with 500 family, friends and residents to celebrate newly elected Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz, Director of Finance Vernon Blaze and city councilmembers to their new terms.

Master of Ceremonies Jim Riley introduced Vice Mayor David Grendel, councilpersons Kathleen Kapusta, Thomas Narduzzi, Kenn Synek, James Trakas, Dale Ververka, Chris Walchanowicz and their families with personal and witty comments, inasmuch as he had known most of the honorees for years.

Kurtz’s son Gregory delivered an impromptu speech.

“Dad, like you always told my siblings and I when you dropped us off to school each morning, ‘Make a difference in someone’s life today.’ Now I echo that back to you,” he said.  

Lyn Kurtz praised her husband for a campaign in which he went door-to-door, listening to residents and launching his first social media campaign.

“Greg had much faith, discernment and trust in God to tell him what to do in regard to running again,” she said.

Kurtz will become the longest-serving mayor of Independence, pulling ahead of Winfred “Pete” Wisnieski (22 years). Current term limits require mayors to serve no more than two consecutive four-year terms.

“I want to thank you, the residents, who have afforded me the privilege to serve and lead our community. I am truly humbled and blessed,” Mayor Kurtz said.

He welcomed local judges and neighboring mayors from the “southern tier” of Cuyahoga County saying, “Because of leaders like these, the southern tier communities will all prosper in the coming years.”

After acknowledging his wife and family for their hard work, Kurtz put the spotlight on his mom, Dolores.

“For those of you who have received a note, shared a conversation, or simply received her hug, you know you have been touched by someone very, very special,” he said. “My mom always said, ‘Leave this place better than you found it.’ … This one was for you.” Taylor Tripodi, Kurtz’s niece, sang the national anthem and the Rev. John Mullee, pastor of St. Michael Church, led the invocation. Live music and dancing by Chance Entertainment followed dinner.

Feature image photo caption: Mayor Greg Kurtz (r) with his mother, Dolores, and brothers (l-r) Mel, Tom and John. Photo by Wetzler Studios