City Council’s Corner

David W. Furry, Council at Large

Why did I initially run for Council?  I have always had a passion for Rocky River, growing up and graduating here and locating our business in Rocky River.  I am also a strong proponent of paying forward and thought I had talents and experiences that would help continue to guide the city.

 What do I enjoy most about serving?  Our constituents are our neighbors, people that you run into at Heinen's, Mitchells, football games, etc.  Helping to resolve problems while also balancing the City's interests. 

How long have I lived in Rocky River? Basically 50 years in six different houses.

Fun Factoid:  My Rocky River Public Library card is so old, it has the 216 area code

David W. Furry, 440-333-8118 Ext. 201. Email Dave Furry

Lisa Havemann, Council at Large

Why did I initially run for Council?  As an engineer, I felt I could bring a different and useful perspective to City Council. Over the years, I have served the community in many roles, and I look forward to serving on Council.

What do I enjoy most about serving?  Each neighborhood has unique qualities and concerns. Through each experience and conversation, I enjoy learning more about our community and helping those who live and work here. Through active listening, I look forward to helping design solutions that bridge differing viewpoints to reach common goals. 

How long have I lived in Rocky River? Our family chose Rocky River to be our home 25 years ago so our children could benefit from excellent schools in a safe, walkable community.

Fun Factoid?  I love my spreadsheets, and I am a deep dive learner on everything from the hard sciences to history to health care and finance. I have one blindspot: pop culture.

Lisa Havemann, 440-895-7325. Email Lisa Havemann

Christina Morris, President Pro-Tem of Council, Council at Large

Why did I initially run for Council?  I ran for council because I wanted to be helpful.

What do I enjoy most about serving?  I really love working with residents to help them navigate the city services and get their needs met.

How long have I lived in Rocky River? I’ve lived in Rocky River for 13 years.

Fun Factoid?  I love reading and writing fiction.

Christina Morris, 440-941-0555. Email Christina Morris

Thomas J. Hunt, Ward 1

Why did I initially run for Council?  I was born and raised in Rocky River so I wanted to join City Council in order to help insure that the quality of life and community opportunities that I enjoyed growing up were available to the youth of our community, including of course, my children.

What do I enjoy most about serving?  Of all things experienced as a Council Member, my favorite is working, and collaborating with, the various members of the City Administration including the Mayor and the various Department heads. Rocky River is lucky to have such knowledgeable, motivated and dedicated civil servants that handle the day-to-day operations of all our city services.

How long have I lived in Rocky River? I have lived in Rocky River for 50 of my 54 years. My wife and I lived in Bay Village for 4 years after we were married and then moved back to River where we started our family.

Fun Factoid?  I enjoy outdoor activities and sports including skiing  and paddle-boarding.   I am happiest spending time with my family and enjoying these activities with them. Not surprisingly, I am also an avid Cleveland professional sports fan.

Thomas J. Hunt, President Pro-tem, 440-871-8111. Email Tom Hunt

James Moran, Ward 2

Why did I initially run for Council?  I have been on City Council for my 10th term (20 years) and have enjoyed being involved in the community. I was involved with my wife and children in the community and was encouraged to be involved with council to give back to the community.

How long have I lived in Rocky River? I have lived in rocky river for over 60 years, 3 houses we have owned with my wife in Rocky River, and before that went to grade school and high school here in Rocky River.

Fun Factoid?  I enjoy spending time with my wife and family (5 children raised here). I also enjoy Golf, skiing, church, time with grandchildren, and watching sports.

James Moran, 440-263-3540. Email James Moran

Jeanne Gallagher, Ward 3

Why did I initially run for Council?  I ran for council because I have always been drawn to service. I felt like I could be helpful in communicating the concerns and needs of those I represent. I also wanted to learn more about the inner workings of the community I have lived in for 28 years and help to keep it the vibrant, safe, and beautiful place it has always been to me.

What do I enjoy most about serving?  I love being part of a city council that respects each other and listens. I also hope that I am making a difference. I enjoy being a part of community events that enable me to listen to our residents’ views and they can put a face to a name. I also enjoy serving on the Land Use Commission Committee where I have learned so much about our Development Code and how the inner workings of these three Boards work. Researching and attending these meetings have taught me an immeasurable amount of knowledge.

Fun Factoid?  I am married to Owen and mom to three girls, Tess, Greer, and Greta, my four-legged girl. I love to play golf, read and garden.

Jeanne P. Gallagher, 216-352-3615. Email Jeanne Gallagher

Paul Shipp, President of Council, Ward 4

Why did you initially run for Council?  I wanted to serve my community and try to engage people with local government more frequently. 

What do you enjoy most about serving on Council? Speaking with constituents and trying to help solve their problems or get information for them. I like to help solve problems. 

How long have you lived in Rocky River? 17 years

Fun factoid or hobby about yourself? I'm a hobbyist musician and play drums and guitar. I've been in several cover bands over the last 20 years.

Paul Shipp, 216-502-0466. Email Paul Shipp