The Life & Times of Ralph J. Perk
Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio 1971-1977
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Mayor Ralph J. Perk, 1977.
Mayor-elect Ralph J. Perk and his wife Lucille in their kitchen, 1971.
Dennis Kucinich and Ralph J. Perk at Perk's mayoral inauguration, 1971.
Ralph J. Perk declares victory in the 1975 mayoral election.
Ralph J. Perk dines with cabinet members and aides, 1977.
Ralph J. Perk at the City Club of Cleveland, 1978.
Cleveland’s economic transformation from heavy manufacturing to health-related industries has not been easy. Many leaders are still discussing what course of action to follow. Studying successful policies from past politicians may afford new insight into how to handle this transition.
Effective politicians have always worked well with others; established achievable goals; and advanced community objectives. Mayor Ralph J. Perk was no exception. He initiated many broad-based programs while never forgetting the needs of the electorate.
A web site dedicated to his life and work is intended to shed some new light on his political mastery during a very turbulent time in our city’s history. Many of his policies worked well then, perhaps they can be successfully replicated in today’s world. Read more about Perk and this website.
Features:
- Major Achievements as Mayor of Cleveland
- Timeline of Events
- For Further Reading
- Interviews With Colleagues, Friends and Outside Observers
- Archival Video Footage of Ralph J. Perk, courtesy Northeast Ohio Broadcast Archives
- Video from the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Birth of Ralph J. Perk - January 17, 2014, Michael Schwartz Library, Cleveland State University
- Credits and Appreciation
