Sandra Morgan has been appointed as the new interim Mayor of East Cleveland, stepping into the role immediately. The announcement came Friday from Cuyahoga County Probate Court Judge Anthony J. Russo, who confirmed that Morgan would assume all powers and responsibilities associated with the mayor’s office.
Morgan, an 18-year resident of the city, was one of 34 individuals who applied for the position after Mayor Brandon King’s suspension. King faces corruption charges related to allegations that he directed over $76,000 in city funds to businesses owned by him or his family. The suspended mayor’s legal troubles prompted his removal, creating the need for an interim leader.
In an exclusive interview, the newly appointed interim Mayor expressed her eagerness to tackle the city’s challenges. “I’m thrilled, I’m delighted, and I’m ready to get to work,” Morgan said. “The time is now. Something has to be done now that leads us in a more positive direction.”
A former Director of Outreach at Kent State, Morgan retired last summer. She is also the granddaughter of famed inventor Garret Morgan. With her background and community ties, she is committed to guiding the city forward, particularly after years of legal and financial turmoil, including multiple indictments of city officials and police officers.
Reflecting on the dire state of the city, Morgan said, “Until we get our finances under control and get an honest assessment of what they are, we can’t move forward in anything or any direction. The only direction we can go is down, and there ain’t that far to go quite honestly.” She emphasized the importance of stabilizing the city’s budget, with plans for an outside audit of all city spending. Additionally, Morgan aims to address the significant $30 million in police misconduct judgments the city has been ordered to pay.
A self-identified “coalition builder,” Morgan is focused on fostering partnerships with the county, state, and other organizations that could support East Cleveland’s revitalization. She expressed a strong desire to put an end to the in-fighting that has plagued local governance. “We’ll have to work together and hopefully that will be a smooth, mutually beneficial relationship,” Morgan stated. “But I will say that whether it is in the words of my grandfather, going over, under, around or through these situations, I plan on getting to the other side.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, who endorsed Morgan’s candidacy, has expressed confidence in her ability to bring stability to the office. Morgan’s interim appointment will last until one of several conditions is met: Mayor King is reinstated following an appeal, all charges against him are dismissed or resolved, or a new mayor is elected later this year.
Morgan has also made it clear that she intends to run for the mayor’s office in the upcoming November election, with her tenure as interim Mayor set to continue until then. While King, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is scheduled for trial in April, Morgan is focused on ensuring East Cleveland’s immediate future is stable, transparent, and productive.
Judge Russo confirmed that Morgan will receive the same compensation as the suspended Mayor King during her time in office.