Local Broadcaster Dick Russ Will Interview Mayor Tim DeGeeter For Parma’s State Of The City

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Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter’s State of the City address will occur before a live audience this year. “For the past two years, we have recorded my State of the City address and then posted it on our website and social media platforms. We couldn’t crowd a room with people during COVID restrictions or when cases spiked,” DeGeeter said. “I will enjoy being in a room filled with people again.” The address, however, will not be a traditional speech this year. Instead, it will be in an interview format, with local award-winning broadcaster Dick Russ asking the mayor questions about important city matters such as the local economy, infrastructure projects, safety services and other areas of city business.

All Parma residents are invited to attend the presentation. No registration is required. The State of the City will be at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27 at WorkHub99, 11699 Brookpark Road, Parma. Although the format has changed, the mayor is sticking with the tradition of choosing a venue that highlights a community partner. WorkHub99 rents contemporary office space, conference rooms and office amenities to small business owners, start-up companies and individuals who work remotely but prefer a professional workspace outside of their homes. The former GM training facility now houses various businesses and is an example of how Parma collaborates with business leaders to repurpose structures for new commercial use. Past State of the City addresses were given at General Motors Metal Center, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus and Metroparks Watershed Stewardship Center.

“WorkHub Owner John Puskar has brought rapidly growing businesses and jobs to Parma,” DeGeeter noted. “His business, which supports small business owners, is one example of why our economy is strong. The State of the City gives me an opportunity to discuss our economy, reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and share news about ongoing and future projects.

“I am extremely grateful to John for providing the venue and to Dick for agreeing to serve as the interviewer. Dick and his wife, Chris, are members of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Parma, where their oldest son was ordained a Ukrainian Jesuit priest. His family has long been active in Parma’s Ukrainian Village, a strong community that has worked together to help Ukrainian refugees this past year – one subject we will talk about. I am looking forward to this event and hope to see many residents attend,” DeGeeter said.