Westlake Mayor Clough to Seek 11th Term

At his annual State of the City address sponsored by the West Shore Chamber of Commerce earlier this month, Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough reported he has filed to run for office again this year.

Unopposed, this will be Mayor Clough’s 11th term. He has administered the city since 1986.

Clough has seen many changes to his community since ‘86. There was no Crocker Park, there was no Promenade, Crocker Road was in planning stages, the Westlake Rec Center, City Hall and Service Dept. buildings were still in the future.

Westlake had a population of 19,483 back then and, more importantly, a general fund balance of $969,000 and a debt of $13 million.

Today, Westlake’s population has grown to 34,228 and has become a leading upscale residential community with a general fund balance of more than $105 million.

It’s always good to have a CPA in the house, and Mayor Clough’s aptitude for finances has served the community well.

Mayor Clough swears in West Shore Chamber Board Members at the February 4th meeting.

So has his consistency.

“Our mission hasn’t changed since we created it some 40 years ago,” said Mayor Clough. “Our mission, the City of Westlake, City Council, its employees, our job is to enhance the quality of life of all the residents of the City of Westlake by providing the highest level of service, not only in an efficient manner but in a cost effective manner. That’s important. We’re trying to make sure that the dollars go farther and we get more for our dollar.”

What was Westlake’s biggest challenge back in ‘85 when he first ran for office?

“Financial position (resources),” replied Clough to a question from the Villager.

What were his principal objectives when he first took office?

“Finish sanitary sewers, Install sidewalks, Replace existing facilities, Purchase land for parks and recreation, Connect Crocker Road from I-90 to I-480, Improve and address existing infrastructure and improve and establish financial stability.”

Mayor Clough made good on all these objectives and now moves into the fourth decade of civic leadership.

Did he have any expectations as to what Westlake would look like all these years later?

“The goal was to make Westlake an attractive and desirable residential community with the necessary amenities to enhance the quality of life with quality services,” he reports. “Expectations exceeded!”

Clough shared his State of the City address with the Westlake Chamber at Carrabba’s Restaurant the afternoon of Feb. 4. His slide show presentation gives a clear snapshot of various city departments, finances and objectives. The Villager shares some of these slides on today’s pages.

Mayor Clough’s complete State of the City address may be viewed on the West Shore Chamber of Commerce Facebook site and at the City of Westlake website: https://www.cityofwestlake.org/DocumentCenter/View/16861/2025-State-of-the-City?bidId=

Here are some highlights from the State of the City slideshow: