TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo City Council has elected a new president to lead the legislative body.
Carrie Hartman, who was appointed to an at-large seat council one year ago, was elected president with a majority vote of seven on Tuesday. She succeeds previous president Matt Cherry, who completed his last allowed term at the end of 2023.
The first round of voting failed. Hartman, nominated by Nick Komives received five votes: herself, Komives, Theresa Gadus, Sam Melden and Katie Moline.
Theresa Morris, nominated by council member Adam Martinez for president, received three votes: herself, Martinez and George Sarantou. In nominating Morris, Martinez said he wanted to support electing the first Latina to the position.
Cerssandra McPherson, nominated by Vanice Williams, received four votes: herself, Williams, John Hobbs III and Tiffany Preston Whitman. In nominating McPherson, Williams said she has displayed strong leadership and passion since she filled her at-large seat in September 2020, after a bribery scheme saw four members voluntarily resign.
The same three members were nominated for the second round of voting. Whitman and Williams changed their votes to Hartman, securing her the majority.
Hartman will serve a two-year term until the next election in January 2026. The council president "shall preside at meetings of the Council, prepare the agenda, and other duties," Chief of Staff Lucille Frank said in a press release Tuesday.
“As I assume the role of Toledo City Council President, I recognize the challenges that lie ahead. However, I am confident that, together, we can overcome anything,” Hartman said. “I am honored to serve as your Council President, and I am committed to embodying the qualities of a good leader: transparency, integrity, empathy, and resilience. I am ready to work side by side with my colleagues, the Mayor, and all of our residents and partners to build a brighter future for our beloved city. I am deeply moved by the trust and confidence my fellow members have bestowed upon me.”
Seven total members were sworn into new four-year terms Tuesday, including Adam Martinez, who ran unopposed for the District 2 seat previously held by Cherry in November, and Hartman, who keeps her at-large seat. Martinez was previously on city council from 2009-2013.
Judge Michelle Wagner also swore in John Hobbs III, District 1; Theresa Gadus, District 3; Vanice Williams District 4; Sam Melden, District 5; and Theresa Morris, District 6.
At the last council meeting of 2023, a change in meeting dates was approved. City council meetings will be held every other Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in One Government Center. Meetings were previously held every other Tuesday.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include vote breakdowns for Toledo City Council president and to include the years of council member Martinez's previous service.