Peggy's Biography

Experienced, Effective & Endorsed

A life-long resident of Lakewood and Fairview Park, Ohio, Peggy is one of seven children. Her father, Jack Cleary, was co-founder of Cleary Realty and her mother, Alice Cleary, was a registered nurse who worked 25 years at St. Vincent Charity Hospital, Rosary Hall Alcohol & Drug Treatment Program. As the daughter of a small business owner, she was exposed to and familiar with the challenges and difficulties faced by operating a business. She also understands the challenges of working families trying to provide for their children’s education and save for their own retirement.

Raised in a household where politics, public policy, and current events were discussed, challenged and debated, Peggy’s home life served as the training ground for a long history of community and civic involvement and a career in public service. As a graduate of Kent State University and Licensed Social Worker, Peggy has over 28 years experience working in public schools and community-based agencies.

As a resident of Fairview Park, she ran for and was elected to Fairview Park City Council in 2005 and has been re-elected by the residents to serve on council in 2007 and again in 2009. Peggy is a member of all three standing city council committees, and currently serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee that is responsible for the oversight of a $23 million dollar municipal budget. She has sponsored and supported legislation that reduced city expenses; contributed to focused economic development; facilitated municipal collaboration; and consolidation within the West Shore District; and increased public park space.

Peggy is the City Council appointee to the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council, Fairview Park Community Council, West Shore Fire District Study and the Fairview Park Tax Review Board. She also serves as a Board Member of the Northeast Ohio City Council Association (NOCCA), a professional organization of municipal councils; Fairview Park Summer Fest Committee; Fairview Park Centennial Committee and is a former Board Member for the HELP Foundation, a non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ohio needs strong and proven leadership. As the Ohio Representative of the 16th House District that includes Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake, Peggy will work to make college education affordable; spur economic development that creates jobs; and ensure the availability of health care. Peggy will work to support, strengthen and secure the future of the 16th House District and State of Ohio.