North Royalton council confirms James M. Chura as director of public safety amid calls for police accountability

North Royalton City Council confirmed James M. Chura as the city's director of public safety on June 2, 2026, voting 6-0 to adopt Ordinance 26-112 after suspending the usual three-reading rule.

The confirmation came at a special meeting called and chaired by President of Council Mary Gorjanc at North Royalton City Hall. Mayor Paul F. Marnecheck II introduced Chura and described him as a candidate with "credibility and extensive experience," citing a 33-year career with the Cleveland Police Department and work in internal affairs, special investigations and child-abuse units as reasons for his selection.

The mayor told council that the position was posted on Indeed and the city website, and that he conducted multiple interviews before selecting Chura. "I think I did seven in person interviews" and one phone interview, the mayor said, adding that Human Resources staff participated in the process.

The confirmation vote followed public comments from residents who urged faster action on what they described as lingering personnel issues. "We deserve consistency, accountability and transparency," said Nicolle Cruse, noting separate personnel actions involving Officer Spencer Lowe and Sgt. Flo Ann Rybicki and asking whether the mayor had consulted police and fire chiefs, unions or outside counsel during the selection. Resident Sam Cruse told council, "It has gone on long enough," saying he and other residents have brought evidence they believe shows misconduct by the Police Chief and urging decisive action.

Mayor Marnecheck said the city asked for patience as Chura assumes the role and evaluates ongoing internal matters. "I am optimistic about what we can achieve with Mr. Chura's leadership and expertise," the mayor said, adding that Chura's background includes leadership coursework at the FBI Academy and the Police Executive Leadership College.

At the meeting, Chura told council and the public he has no affiliations with local public officials to his knowledge and described his approach to community engagement: "If you give respect you usually receive respect," he said, and described attending ward meetings and listening to residents as part of problem-solving.

Council moved to adopt Ordinance 26-112 on the same night. President Mary Gorjanc moved to adopt, Gary Petrusky seconded, and the roll-call vote recorded six yes votes (Gorjanc, Coleman, Petrusky, Quolke, Green, Cyngier); Councilmember Sarah Wojslaw was excused. The ordinance confirms the mayor's appointment of James M. Chura to serve as director of public safety and declares an emergency to allow immediate effect.

The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Notes on transcript details: the clerk read a notice referencing a special meeting scheduled for July 2, 2026; the meeting record itself is dated June 2, 2026. The transcript contains both dates in different places; this article reports the meeting date as recorded at the opening of the session and notes the discrepancy in the clerk's announcement.