STRONGSVILLE -- Strongsville Council President Michael Gallagher has announced his desire to represent his disrict on the new Cuyahoga County Council.

Gallagher, 53, is the first candidate to return his petitions for a pre-check with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections for the 5th District seat. The 5th District includes Strongsville, North Royalton, Middleburg Heights, Berea, Olmsted Falls and Precinct D in Olmsted Township.

Gallagher told Sun News on Tuesday that his years on Strongsville City Council have given him the expertise to serve on county council.

"We have a record of financial stability and economic development in Strongsville,” he said. “I believe that I’ve been at least a small part of that during my tenure on council.”

Gallagher has represented Ward 4 for 11 years. He has served two years as council president.

http://www.cleveland.com/sunstarcourier/index.ssf/2010/02/strongsville_council_president_1.html