North Royalton council votes to send charter amendment banning dual public office to ballot

North Royalton — The City Council voted unanimously on July 15 to adopt Ordinance 25-80 and submit a proposed amendment to Article III of the city charter to the electors that would prohibit council members from serving in any other elected or appointed public office.

President of Council Paul Marnecheck, speaking during third-reading consideration, said he would vote to send the amendment to the ballot because "it is my understanding that we are required to vote for this, due to the Charter and our Oath." Law Director Tom Kelly told the council that the referenced charter provision supported that course, saying, "that is my interpretation of the appropriate section in the Charter."

Councilmember Mary Gorjanc said she personally disagreed with the amendment but acknowledged that the council had followed the required protocol and must forward the measure to the Board of Elections. "I also disagree with the amendment, but realize that the protocol has been followed, and the Charter has been followed, and we need to vote for it," she said.

The ordinance directs that the proposed amendment be submitted to the electors of the City of North Royalton; council adopted the measure by roll call with seven yeas and no nays. The ordinance declares an emergency and will be forwarded to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections for placement on the ballot according to the statutory schedule.

Why it matters: If approved by voters, the amendment would change eligibility rules for members of city council by preventing simultaneous service in other public offices. Several council members voiced concern about the substance of the change during discussion but said council procedures and the charter required the measure be sent to voters.

The council is on recess for August; its next regular meeting is Sept. 2, 2025.