All responses have been submitted by the candidate.

Candidate name: Brian Higgins

Candidate contact: brianhiggins@myyahoo.com

Candidate age: 43

Candidate’s stated party affiliation: Democrat

Position Sought: Lakewood city Council at large

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No. My family does not work in politics or government. My perspective is grounded in the lived experiences of Lakewood residents, not political ties. I am committed to serving our community with independence, accountability, and a focus on the needs of our neighbors.

What is your educational background?

I am a proud graduate of Bedford High School. My greatest education has come from being a parent. With my son attending Lakewood schools, I see firsthand the importance of investing in our classrooms, teachers and students— it is a personal priority to ensure we have strong, well-resourced schools. Alongside my professional experience as a labor union leader, I bring the perspective of a parent who wants every child in Lakewood to have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. My background has taught me how to listen, bring people together, and get results—skills I will put to work for Lakewood.

What is your occupation?

I work as a Power Plant Mechanic for the Cleveland Clinic and serve as a Labor Union Leader. In these roles, I keep critical systems running and lead efforts that improve the lives of working people. This experience has taught me how to solve problems, advocate effectively, and bring people together—skills I will put to work for Lakewood.

Do you have any previous experience as an elected official?

While I have not held elected office before, I have led as a labor union leader and community advocate—building consensus, holding powerful institutions accountable, and delivering real results for working people and their families. I am ready to bring that proven, people-centered leadership to Lakewood City Council.

Why are you seeking office?

I’m running for Lakewood City Council While I have not held elected office before, I have led as a labor union leader and community advocate—building consensus, holding powerful institutions accountable, and delivering real results for working people and their families. I am ready to bring that proven, people-centered leadership to Lakewood City Council. because I believe our community deserves strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a city government that listens and delivers for residents. As a parent, union leader, and advocate, I’ve seen the power of people coming together to solve problems—and I want to bring that same commitment and leadership to Lakewood City Hall.

What do you think the single most pressing issue facing city council is?

The most pressing issue facing Lakewood is ensuring that our growth puts residents first—by strengthening our schools, keeping housing affordable, and maintaining safe, well-resourced neighborhoods. City Council must focus on equity and accountability so every one in our community feels supported and secure.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

What sets me apart from other candidates is that I’m not a career politician—I’m a working parent, a Power Plant Mechanic at the Cleveland Clinic, and a Labor Union Leader. I know what it takes to solve problems, stand up for people, and deliver real results. I will bring that same proven, people-first leadership to Lakewood City Council.

Please summarize your campaign platform.

My campaign is about putting people first—investing in strong schools, keeping housing affordable, ensuring safe neighborhoods, and making City Hall accountable to residents. As a parent, union leader, and advocate, I will fight for a Lakewood where every person can thrive equally.

What past experiences indicate that you’ll succeed as a councilperson?

I have a proven record of leadership as both a Labor Union Leader and a Power Plant Mechanic at the Cleveland Clinic. In these roles, I’ve solved complex problems, built consensus, and held powerful institutions accountable. Combined with my experience as a parent with a child in Lakewood schools, I bring the skills, perspective, and commitment needed to deliver results for our community.

Is there anything else voters should know about you?

Rooted in Lakewood as a parent, neighbor, and worker, I believe in fairness, accountability, transparency and community—I’m ready to bring those values to City Council. I will always put people before politics and work to keep Lakewood strong, thriving and a place where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed.