CLEVELAND — He’s now mayor-elect.
Winning nearly 63 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s election, Justin Bibb is headed to Cleveland City Hall.
Wednesday, Bibb made the rounds, talking to reporters and to people who might become members of his cabinet.
3News’ Mark Naymik sat down with Bibb to talk about his transition plans during the next two months and the challenges that await him in January as the city’s 57th mayor. Here are some of the key highlights from their interview:
On putting together his transition team and talking with the current administration:
"I'm putting together my transition team as we speak. I reached out to Mayor Jackson and we had a fantastic conversation this morning. I intend to again reach out to Council President Kevin Kelley as well. We're going to be making some announcements early next week about our transition team and how we intend to build a new government heading into next year."
Will the next chief of police be from within the department?
"Haven't made that decision yet. I'm still looking. I think there's a lot of great talent inside our department right now. I'm going to look far and wide inside our department and nationally for the right chief. Not to create a department that's mired in the status quo, but what does our department need to look like for the next 10, 15, 20 years? I want a chief that's going to work with me as the next mayor to chart that vision."
How do you see your role as a regional leader?
"So goes Cleveland as the urban core, so goes the region. I'm looking forward to working with County Executive Armond Budish and other regional stakeholders to make sure we have an inclusive economic comeback coming out of this pandemic. I'm going to use a bully pulpit. I'm going to be present and visible."
You can watch the entire interview in the player below:
More Coverage of the Cleveland Mayoral Election:
- 'Let's get to work': Justin Bibb elected mayor of Cleveland; Kevin Kelley concedes
- 'A people-powered movement': Cleveland Mayor-Elect Justin Bibb outlines priorities after defeating Kevin Kelley
- Cleveland Mayor-Elect Justin Bibb salutes student campaign workers for 'rolling up sleeves and making change'