CUYAHOGA FALLS: City Council's newest member has had a front-row seat to the challenges of representing Ward 5.
Paul Colavecchio, 56, was chosen to replace his wife, Diana Colavecchio, who resigned the seat last month to become the clerk of Stow Municipal Court.
"Sundays are pretty much dedicated to getting ready for Monday's meeting," Paul Colavecchio said.
The most important thing he learned from her?
"When someone calls with a problem, you listen and work to solve it," he said.
On Wednesday, Ward 5 Democratic committee members met at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar to choose the person who will complete Diana Colavecchio's unexpired term.
Mary Nichols-Rhodes nominated Paul Colavecchio -- the only person nominated.
Nichols-Rhodes thanked Diana Colavecchio for her "dedication and hard work she has done on our behalf.
"We are especially fortunate to have an excellent candidate to replace Diana on Council," she said. "Paul is a long-time resident of Ward 5 with a front row seat to learning the needs and concerns of our residents."
Nichols-Rhodes pointed to Paul Colavecchio's participation in quarterly ward meetings, his work in the community and his career advocating for people as reasons to appoint him to the Ward 5 vacancy.
Paul Colavecchio is a lawyer with a practice on Graham Road, specializing in probate issues.
After the vote, Paul Colavecchio took the oath of office from Summit County Common Pleas Judge Paul Gallagher.
The term for the Ward 5 seat expires in January 2014. He will have to run for election this fall to keep the office.
It could be a double campaign year for the Colavecchio family.
Diana Colavecchio will also have to run in November if she wants to remain clerk of courts.
On Wednesday, Paul Colavecchio said he has big shoes to fill. Little feet, but big shoes, he quipped.
"My wife has done a wonderful job," Paul Colavecchio said. "I'm going to try to work as hard as she did for the constituents of Ward 5. We love it here and we intend to stay here."
