It's official; council picks Sheryl Long as Cincinnati city manager

In a unanimous vote, Cincinnati City Council named Sheryl Long the city of Cincinnati's next city manager Thursday afternoon.

Long comes to the city's top administrative post from the job of assistant city manager, selected by Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval after a national search.

Pureval called it a "joyous day."

He described Long, 42, as a "talented young woman who took city government by storm."

"She had to work hard to get where she is," Pureval said. "It has been a meteoric rise. That is due to extraordinary talent and work ethic ... and most importantly how she treats people. When you talk to Sheryl, you feel seen. You feel heard."

Council members heaped praise on Long. Greg Landsman called her kind. Jeff Cramerdimg said Long fits the bill as a "bold" leader. Meeka Owens said Long's credentials are impressive. Scotty Jonson said under Long's leadership, "The sky is the limit." Councilwoman Victoria Parks said Long's "dedication and energy" will be important going forward. Reggie Harris said the choice of Long "just makes sense" because she had demonstrated that she "deeply understands" the city's needs.

"Our role is not done here today," Mark Jeffreys said. "Our job is to set you up for success."

Liz Keating, council's only Republican member, said Long has the skill to get things to a yes, but can say no when needed. She added Long and Pureval's skills complement each other.

"I think you two will make one heck of a partnership," Keating said.

Prior to joining Cincinnati government two years ago, Long was the North College Hill administrator.

Long has pledged to create more equality in the city and promised City Hall will be a place where all voices are heard.

Former City Manager Paula Boggs Muething left in January, shortly after Pureval took office. Under the city charter, the mayor selects the city manager and city council approves the choice and compensation package. Long's contract, if approved Thursday, called for her to be paid $286,739 a year, more than any previous city manager and 8.2% more than Boggs Muething, her contract says. Her contract also calls for Long to have access to a city car for city business.

The choice came down to Long and Interim City Manager John Curp, who previously was city solicitor.

The city hired the search firm Polihire for roughly $40,000 to do a national search for the manager's job. The final list contained 21 applicants from 12 states.

The Enquirer discovered Wednesday that Long had previous financial struggles, including a bankruptcy and three small state tax liens. The issues, dating back to 2008, have been rectified. Pureval, who announced Long was his pick for manager last Friday, did not know about Long's previous financial troubles until Long told him Wednesday.

The revelations didn't move Pureval or council members to reconsider their support for her as the next manager.

Councilman Jeff Cramerding Wednesday night reaffirmed his support for Long, but added, "I am disappointed in the work of the search firm." He added that he expects the city to never contract with Polihire again.

In a statement provided to The Enquirer on Wednesday after being approached about her previous financial problems, Long wrote:

“Like many Cincinnatians, I have struggled financially in the past. Nearly 15 years ago, I filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. As the sole provider for my family, we were forced to make difficult choices. I am proud to say we paid back and satisfied our debt per the terms of the bankruptcy. My story is not unlike what many people in our community experience. I have worked very hard to face these challenges head-on, overcome them and now be in a position to help others. I am a resident of Clifton. I am a tax-paying Cincinnatian. I have answered every question asked by the mayor and city Council and done so honestly. I am not ashamed of my personal experiences. My hardships have only strengthened my resolve to create an equitable and inclusive City for all our Citizens.”

About 1% of Americans file bankruptcy each year, according to estimates from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. About 14% of Americans owe more than they own and could benefit from bankruptcy, but most don't file, the New York Fed estimates.

During public comment, city employees and others praised the choice of Long as city manager.

Jonathan Adee, executive director of Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, said he's worked with Long on a number of neighborhood clean-ups and has been impressed with her understanding of residents' needs.

"This is a huge win for the neighborhoods of Cincinnati," he said.

In a fun moment at the end of public comment, Long's teenage son, Albert, took a turn at the microphone.

"I am very proud of my mom," he said. "She worked very hard for this job."

He challenged his mother to talk about her priorities and then asked council members how they would support her. Long was emotional, but it was a lighthearted moment.

Before Long could answer, Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney jumped in and said, "We have your mother's back. We are here to uplift her. ... We will not let her down. We appreciate her,"

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Council names Sheryl Long Cincinnati city manager