Euclid City Council gained a new face on Jan. 6 when newly appointed Greg Cosgriff, 36, was officially sworn in to serve as Ward 4 councilmember. Cosgriff, whose father Tom Cosgriff served as Euclid’s fire chief from 2004 to 2014, is currently a licensed Realtor with Homesmart Real Estate Momentum and is the owner of Cosgriff Construction, a home remodeling business, according to information provided by a city official. Cosgriff replaced Kristian Jarosz, who left the position vacant to serve as City Council president, replacing Charlene Mancuso. Newly appointed Ward 4 councilperson Greg Cosgriff poses for a photo on Jan. 6. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald.) Cosgriff stated that although he has a family legacy in the city, his goal is to bring in fresh eyes and hopes to examine the role economics play in the city’s relationship with the residents that reside in it. “My family has been here for generations and the friendships I’ve made in this community are such an enormous part of my life,” Cosgriff wrote in a statement. “I feel blessed to have grown up in a city with so much to offer. I’ve enjoyed growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, and at baseball diamonds, pools, sledding hills, and restaurants throughout the city that feel like second homes. “Euclid, however, has changed in some ways and was not immune to many of the socioeconomic issues that have affected many Northeast Ohio communities,” he added. “Euclid has experienced a declining population, increased crime, and economic blight that has thwarted opportunity and is evidenced by foreclosures, vacancies, and businesses exiting the city or closing their doors altogether. “Throughout Northeast Ohio Euclid has become stigmatized by some with negative connotations. As someone who loves this city and knows how much it has to offer this has become very disheartening…” Audience members wait for swearing in ceremonies to begin. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald.) He wrote that he feels encouraged by seeing the dedication public servants and city administration have in serving the city, and that during his first year on council he will be learning before focusing on policy change, but that he supports the current Master Plan that the city has in place. He added that he would want a “comprehensive marketing plan” highlighting Euclid’s Lakefront area, and innovative businesses, along with its “diversity, recreation, culture, educational opportunities” to attract new residents and businesses. “I want people to feel safe in Euclid and will support bolstering safety forces and community programs that bring residents, police officers, and business owners together,” Cosgriff wrote. “I would like to see this city explore more ways to improve sustainability, efficiency, and become a more business and homeowner friendly city in which people can feel comfortable and confident investing in. “Lastly, I want to be a familiar face in the community that people feel they can approach and voice their opinions or ask questions.  I look to be a liaison for not only Ward 4 residents but for other Euclid residents as well.”