Dru Siley: This Week's Name in the News

There’s plenty happening at these days.

From the city’s bike plan to its , and to helping to attract the University of Akron, there’s no shortage of activity.

As the head of the of planning (and development) and building (and housing), Dru Siley has been in the news quite a bit lately.

We recently took a few minutes to get to know him better.

What do you like most about this community? When I first moved to Lakewood six year ago, someone — who is now a friend — said no matter how weird you are, someone will like you. The sentiment is that there’s something for everyone. That’s what I love about this city.

What community and civic organizations are you currently involved in? Board member of Lakewood Community Services Center; LakewoodAlive; Chamber of Commerce; University Akron Strategic Advisory Council; member of the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA; and Lakewood Kiwanis Club.

What drew you to your profession and what do you find most interesting about the work you do? I love cities. I love how complex and layered they are. I love the challenges, and the variety — that’s why I love Lakewood and what I do for a living.

What personal and professional accomplishments are you most proud of? I’ve been with the city almost four years, and I am most proud of the things we have accomplished that have truly been a community process — like our bike plan, our park plan and our housing strategy. Those kinds of collaborative processes are the most interesting and have been the most effective in making Lakewood a better place to live. I think we’ve been able to take ideas and turn them into action, and hopefully making the ... input and interaction with our residents and our neighbors.

Who is most influential in your life? My dad, Richard Siley. My dad was a consummate family man. My mom and the kids came first. He always worked hard, and took pride in being a good provider for his family. He was a great role model, and was always trying to do what’s right.

What person—professionally or personally—do you most admire? Right now, it’s Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, NJ. What I admire about him is his drive, his energy and his enthusiasm for what he does and for his city.

What are key ways other people can make a difference locally? I think in a city like Lakewood, where’s there 52,000 of us in a pretty small area, we all owe each other respect. What we do say and how we act has direct affect because we’re so close together. Everyone has a role in some form or another — big or small — to make Lakewood a great place. Be willing to help, be open to new ideas, and at every opportunity share your talents with your friends and neighbors.