CUYAHOGA FALLS: City Council members said their official goodbyes to former Ward 5 councilwoman Diana Colavecchio during their meeting last week.
Colavecchio resigned her ward seat to take an appointment as clerk of Stow Municipal Court. She was chosen by the Summit County Democratic Central Committee to replace Lisa Zeno Carano, who took a position in Summit County Probate Court.
Colavecchio’s appointment was certified by the Ohio Secretary of State's office Jan. 10. Ward 5 Democratic Precinct Committee members will choose Colavecchio's replacement within 30 days.
On Monday, Colavecchio sat with her husband, Paul Colavecchio, in the visitor's seats.
She fought back tears as her former colleagues praised the work she did during her seven years on Council.
Council President Don Walters was the first to thank Colevecchio for her "outstanding service to the community."
"I know you'll be serving them in a different capacity, but you'll be missed by this body," he said.
Mayor Don Robart said he will also miss Colavecchio.
"In my 30-plus years involved in government, I can't remember a person who came with a more level-headed approach to government," he said.
Council at-large Jeff Iula lightened the moment with a reference to their short stature.
"I'm really going to miss you," Iula said. "They talked about the two elves on Council. Now I'll be the only elf."
The search for Colavecchio's replacement will continue when council reconvenes at the Natatorium.
