On January 5, 2024, Danielle Shoykhet made history by becoming the first woman elected as City Council president in Beachwood, Ohio. Her colleagues unanimously supported her appointment during a ceremonial meeting where several officials took their oaths of office, including Justin Berns, who was sworn in for his second term as mayor.
Historic Election and Oaths of Office
Judge Francine Goldberg from the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court officiated the swearing-in ceremony. She noted that she had administered the oath to Berns ten years ago, when he first began serving as a councilman, and again four years prior, when he became mayor. During the meeting, former council president Alec Isaacson swore in council members including Pete Smith and Alex Jacobs, who took the oath from her husband, Paul Jacobs.
In addition to Shoykhet’s election, council members also selected Jillian DeLong as the new vice president. Shoykhet expressed her gratitude in her acceptance speech, stating, “I am truly honored to accept your nomination as the council president for the next two years.”
Commitment to Collaboration and Future Goals
During her address, Shoykhet emphasized the importance of collaboration within the council. “We do not always see every issue the same way, but our different perspectives make us stronger,” she remarked. She highlighted her commitment to fostering a professional environment and maintaining a positive working relationship with Mayor Berns and his administration. Shoykhet also acknowledged Isaacson’s leadership during his tenure as president, referring to him as an “extraordinary example of leadership and doing things the right way.”
Looking ahead, Shoykhet outlined immediate goals for the council, including establishing committee memberships and prioritizing a legislative agenda. “Thank you for trusting me with this honorable responsibility,” she concluded. “I care deeply about the Beachwood community and serving alongside all of you.”
Present at the meeting was Sunny Simon, District 11 Cuyahoga County Councilwoman, who reflected on the council’s transformation over the years. “More than a decade ago, it was all men,” she noted. “I am so pleased today to see a diverse set of council people and leaders in the city of Beachwood.”
With Shoykhet, DeLong, and fellow councilwomen June Taylor, Ali Stern, and Alex Jacobs, the Beachwood City Council now consists of five women, marking a significant shift in representation. Isaacson and Smith remain the only male representatives on the council.
During the ceremony, Eric Synenberg, Ohio District 21 State Representative and former Beachwood councilman, also spoke. Judge Goldberg praised Mayor Berns for his accomplishments, highlighting the city’s recent $8 million purchase of the former Fairmount Temple property and the installation of a new electronic reader board sign at city hall. She commended Berns for his business acumen and dedication to the community.
As a long-distance runner, Berns plans to participate in the Dopey Challenge at Disney World this month, which involves completing four races over four days, totaling 48.6 miles.
The historic election of Shoykhet as council president marks a pivotal moment for Beachwood, reflecting the evolving landscape of leadership within the community.
