Blog

Community Support Through Black History Programs

Mike Dudley Sr., President of Citizens for a Better Community (CFABC), has held the Garfield Heights Annual Black History programs since 2005. These events celebrate and educate residents about the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans. These privately funded programs have been pivotal in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity at no cost to taxpayers.

Honoring Seniors with Holiday Dinners

Since 2010, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have organized the annual St. Timothy’s Seniors Holiday Dinners. These events bring joy and comfort to the elderly members of Garfield Heights, providing them with a warm meal and a sense of community during the holiday season. These dinners are privately funded and offered at no cost to taxpayers.

Spreading Joy with Christmas Toys for Needy Children

Since 2006, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have expanded their community outreach by providing Christmas toys to needy children in Garfield Heights. This program aims to bring joy and hope to children who may not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season, all through private funding without burdening taxpayers.

Safe Halloween Parties for Kids

Since 2006, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have been proud organizers of the “Keeping Kids Safe” Halloween Parties in Garfield Heights. These events provide a safe and fun environment for children to celebrate Halloween, complete with costumes, treats, and games, all funded privately and free of charge to taxpayers.

Supporting the Stop The Violence Program

Mike Dudley Sr.’s commitment to community safety is evident through CFABC’s sponsorship of the Garfield Heights “Stop The Violence” programs. These initiatives address the critical issue of violence prevention and aim to foster a safer environment for all residents. These programs are privately funded, ensuring no cost to taxpayers.

Feeding the Community with Generosity

In addition to sponsoring various programs, Mike Dudley Sr. and CFABC have made generous donations of sub sandwiches to numerous last-minute community events. These contributions provide nourishment and support community activities and events, all through private funding and at no cost to taxpayers.

August 1, 2024

As we look back to February 24, 2010, a significant milestone in Garfield Heights’ Ward 1 stands out—the day the Garfield Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Garfield Heights Community Development Corporation (GHCDC) presented the Beautification Award. This accolade, given to developers of the shopping center on E. 131st St., recognized their contributions to enhancing the community’s appearance and vitality.

The center, housing businesses like Best of Caribbean, House of Stylz, and Subway, became a beacon of positive change. The efforts of Mr. Ramsey and his partner, along with the dedicated work of others, notably improved the aesthetics and environment of this area. Their commitment was acknowledged in the photograph that accompanied the newspaper article, featuring Eileen Longo and Bill Woods of the GHCDC, Pauline Ruminski from the Chamber, and Councilman Michael Dudley. This recognition was not only a testament to the physical improvements but also to the community spirit and collaboration that underpinned these efforts.

Reflecting on this award, it’s clear that the initiative set a precedent for future projects and beautification efforts in Garfield Heights. The businesses and organizations recognized alongside the E. 131st St. center—such as Affordable Uniforms, Angelo’s Diner, Davito’s Pizza, Expedient Cleveland Data Center, Key Bank, Marymount Congregational Home, and the Salvation Army Family Store—have collectively contributed to a sustained emphasis on community beautification and economic development.

Today, 14 years later, the fruits of these efforts continue to be evident. The initiative has inspired ongoing improvements and new projects throughout the city. The foundation laid by these early endeavors has fostered a culture of pride and responsibility among residents and business owners, encouraging them to invest in and care for their surroundings.

Ward 1’s recognition with the Beautification Award is a cherished memory and a reminder of the power of community-driven development. As we continue to build and improve, the lessons from this award remind us of the importance of collaboration, vision, and dedication to creating spaces that uplift and inspire all who live and work in Garfield Heights.

Garfield Heights, OH – As residents of Cuyahoga County receive notifications about the latest property reappraisal results, many are facing the daunting prospect of significantly higher property taxes. The county’s recent sexennial reappraisal has resulted in an average increase of 32% in home values, with some areas seeing increases as high as 67%【Cuyahoga County】. These changes, while crucial for funding essential public services, can place an undue financial burden on homeowners. Here’s a plan for Garfield Heights residents to challenge these valuations effectively and fight for fair assessments.

Understanding the Reappraisal Process

The Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office conducts property reappraisals every six years to determine the market value of properties. These valuations directly influence property taxes, which fund local schools, parks, and other services. However, an increase in property value does not always equate to an accurate reflection of a property’s market value.

Steps to Challenge Your Property Valuation

• Review Your Valuation Notice:

• Once you receive your property valuation notice, review it carefully. Compare it with recent sales of similar properties in your area to assess its accuracy.

• Gather Evidence:

• Collect documentation such as recent property sales, independent appraisals, photographs of property conditions, and records of any structural issues that might affect the property’s value.

• File an Informal Review Complaint:

• Deadline: July 1 – August 30, 2024
• How to File: You can file an Informal Review Complaint through the Cuyahoga County Appraisal Department’s Informal Review Portal, by mail, or in person at the Cuyahoga County Administrative Building. Be sure to include all supporting documents to substantiate your claim【Cuyahoga County】.

• Attend Informational Sessions:

• Attend the Sexennial Reappraisal Informational Sessions hosted by the county. These sessions are designed to help property owners understand the reappraisal process and provide guidance on how to contest their valuations.
  • Dates and Locations:
  • July 29, 2024: Saint Agnes Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cleveland, 6-8 PM
  • July 30, 2024: Tri-C Eastern Campus Theatre, Highland Hills, 6-8 PM
  • July 31, 2024: Tri-C Western Campus Theatre, Parma, 6-8 PM
  • August 1, 2024: Urban Community School, Cleveland, 6-8 PM

• File a Formal Tax Complaint:

• Deadline: January 1 – March 31, 2025
• How to File: Submit a Formal Tax Complaint using the DTE Form 1 via the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision. This can be done electronically, by mail, email, fax, or in person at the Cuyahoga County Administrative Building【Ohio State Bar Association】. Ensure all evidence is included to support your case.

• Utilize Additional Resources:

• Explore available exemptions and credits such as the Homestead Exemption, Military Deferment, and Owner Occupancy Credit to reduce your tax burden. Detailed information can be found on the Cuyahoga County website【Cuyahoga County】.

Making Your Voice Heard

Engage with local community groups and attend council meetings to voice your concerns about the impact of reappraisals on the community. Collective action can lead to greater scrutiny and potential adjustments in policy.

Conclusion

Challenging your property valuation requires timely action and thorough documentation. By following these steps and leveraging available resources, Garfield Heights residents can ensure their property taxes are fair and reflective of true market conditions.

For more information, visit the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office website or contact the Appraisal Department directly.

By staying informed and proactive, we can work together to ensure that property taxes are fair and just for all residents of Garfield Heights.

Dear Friends and Neighbors of Garfield Heights,

As we gather this Memorial Day, we pay homage to the brave men and women who have laid down their lives for our freedom. Today is a day of remembrance, a day to honor the true cost of peace and liberty.

Standing here at the resting place of one of our own heroes, Clifford L. Bennett, reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. It’s a stark reminder that freedom isn’t free. It’s a profound gift purchased at the highest cost.

Let us use this day not only to remember those who have passed but also to reaffirm our commitment to serving our community in their honor. Let’s ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain by contributing positively to our society and upholding the values they fought to protect.

Today, as we reflect on the deep gratitude we owe, let us also inspire one another to acts of kindness, courage, and unity. Let’s carry forward the spirit of service that defines our nation at its best.

To all families who have lost loved ones, your sacrifices are at the heart of our remembrance today. We stand with you in honor and in mourning.

Wishing everyone a reflective and meaningful Memorial Day.

Warm regards,

Mike Dudley Sr.

Hello, Garfield Heights community!

We are thrilled to announce that we have launched our new Facebook page for the Mike Dudley Sr. for City Council campaign! We invite you to visit us at facebook.com/mikedudleysr and join in the conversation.

Our Facebook page will serve as a hub of information, community engagement, and an opportunity for you all to directly connect with Mike Dudley Sr. himself. This is an exciting step towards ensuring that we are available, accessible, and open to all residents of Garfield Heights.

On our Facebook page, you’ll be able to:

1. Stay Updated: Be the first to know about our campaign updates, upcoming events, and key issues. We’ll be posting regular updates to keep you informed about what’s happening within our campaign and in our community.

2. Get Involved: We’ll be sharing plenty of ways for you to get involved, whether it’s volunteering, attending an event, or even sharing our posts to spread the word about our campaign to your own network.

3. Connect Directly: Our Facebook page allows us to have real-time conversations. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and let us know about the issues that matter most to you. Mike Dudley Sr.’s motto is, “I’ll work for you, because your voice matters.” And through this platform, we want to hear those voices!

Joining us on Facebook is as simple as visiting our page at facebook.com/mikedudleysr and clicking the “Like” button. Once you’ve done that, you’ll start seeing our updates in your news feed.

We’re incredibly excited about this new journey and are looking forward to connecting with each and every one of you. Remember, this campaign is not just about one person; it’s about all of us working together for the betterment of Garfield Heights.

We hope to see you there soon!

Best,

Team Dudley