Candidate Spotlight: Meika Penta (Ward 3 — Cuyahoga Falls City Council)
The CF Dems Club will be spotlighting our 2021 candidates through November. Be sure to keep stopping by to learn more.
Meet Meika, candidate for Ward 3 City Council in Cuyahoga Falls. Here’s a little about them:
I’m married with three children and our rescue dog Hunter. I currently serve the residents of Ward 3 as their councilwoman. My job is to understand the needs of the residents and businesses I serve and translate that feedback into policies and actions that work for us all.
Before serving on council I volunteered my time at Richardson Elementary, Summa Hospital, and our city’s Adopt-A-Spot, Neighborhood Excellence, and city cleanup programs.
To learn more about Meika, please see our entire Q&A below.
What has motivated you to enter public service?
I enjoy advocating for people and public service was the logical next step.
What issues are most important to you and our community?
The continued revitalization of the South State Road corridor and taking our great parks to the next level. It is refreshing to be working with an administration and fellow council members who understand these two issues are important to the economic and social health of our city.
Tell us why Cuyahoga Falls is home to you.
Cuyahoga Falls offers a hometown feel with the amenities, attractions, parks, and great local businesses you would typically find in bigger cities. It is a great place to eat, shop, and raise a family and only continues to get better.
Where’s your favorite place to eat in Cuyahoga Falls?
We have so many great dining choices in our city that it is impossible for me to pick a favorite. It usually depends on what kind of food I want to have.
Where would you like to see Cuyahoga Falls in 10 years?
I have been working with the administration and fellow council members to bring many of the successful programs used to reopen Front Street to the South State Road Business District. Most recently, I drove the efforts to secure $400,000 in matching grant funding to assist business owners in the Southside State Road District. This grant helps ease the burden on small business owners who are interested in updating their entrances, windows, architectural details, awnings, signage, lighting enhancements, and make repairs to their building facades. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of this program as it helps with the revitalization and beautification of this great corridor here in Ward 3.
The continuous improvement plan for Valley Vista Park and Babb Run Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary were also unveiled recently and I look forward to seeing them to fruition. Imagine the boon not just for residents of Ward 3, but the many great local businesses that will benefit as more people travel to our parks. Enjoy a hike at Babb Run or a swim at Valley Vista, then spend some time shopping and dining in the South State Road Business District.
Why are you proud to be a Democrat?
Because I support clean air and water standards, worker safety protections, a 40-hour work week, our social security and Medicare program, equal rights, civil rights, discrimination protections, food and drug safety regulations, and collective bargaining.
What do you do to unwind at the end of the day?
As someone who works, raises a family, and serves my community on city council, there is rarely an end of the day for me. When I do have a chance to unwind, I enjoy our family game nights or going out to play darts.
Favorite song & why?
I’m a big fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers but enjoy all kinds of music genres. You can catch me listening to The Heavy, Cage the Elephant, and Shania Twain.
Support Meika:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pentaforcouncil
