Sheffield Lake residents gathered at Biggby Coffee on Jan. 10 for an informal, face-to-face conversation with Mayor Rocky Radeff and local radio personality Russ Vanwormer.
The event, held from 8 to 10 a.m., gave residents the opportunity to speak with the mayor about city issues ranging from the municipal budget to sidewalks, development projects and recreational facilities.
Radeff said the idea came together after he connected with Vanwormer during a radio interview at WDLW 98.9 FM and discussed ways to create more opportunities for residents to engage directly with local officials.
“It was really about giving people the opportunity to come out and ask questions and get the facts,” Radeff said.
“A lot of what you see on Facebook is either incorrect or only half the truth, and I’m always encouraging people to get their information from the right sources.”
Throughout the morning, residents filtered in and out with questions largely sparked by things they had seen or heard online.
Radeff said many of the questions centered on city finances, a potential project at the shopping center, the recreation center and how infrastructure projects, such as sidewalks, are prioritized.
“The good thing is people are coming and asking,” he said.
“None of the questions were things I wasn’t aware of or didn’t understand. It’s really just a little bit of everything.”
Radeff emphasized that while face-to-face conversations are valuable, accessibility is the bigger goal.
“I’ve always said I want to be responsive and communicate,” Radeff said.
“Whether that’s in person, by email, through the city website, the newsletter or calling me directly, the important thing is that people know there are ways to get the correct information.”
Vanwormer said events like this highlight both the opportunity and the responsibility residents have to participate in local conversations.
“We’re laying it out there for people,” Vanwormer said.
“They need to start showing up. You can’t complain if you haven’t been there and said something.”
Vanwormer said the goal is to move people away from hearsay and toward direct dialogue.
“It’s not hearsay when you’re there to hear it,” he said.
“That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Both men said they hope to continue similar events in the future, encouraging residents to stay informed, ask questions and engage directly with their community leaders.
