Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Rogalski.
Hi Mike, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have have been involved in local politics since I was a teenager. I got my start in political involvement with the Bedford/Walton Hills Democratic Party and the Bedford Heights Democratic Club. This was during the Governor Ted Strickland era- the last time Ohio has elected a Democrat Governor. I am politically astute and seasoned to navigate political challenges and resist outside pressures. I know the value of hard work and have always earned my way. I worked my way through college, working full-time pursuing my master’s degree, while volunteering in my community in a number of roles over the years. Including as an elected Executive Board Member of my Union, AFSCME Local 27, where I participated in union contract negotiations.
Beating all odds associated with a challenging childhood, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies. I went on to earn a master’s degree in Public Administration. My maternal grandfather was deceased before I was born. My father and both paternal grandparents died when I was an infant. My maternal grandmother faced continually worsening Alzheimer’s and dementia the entirety of my childhood until she passed away when I was a pre-teen. And my mother has faced numerous debilitating health issues my entire life. There were periods of time where I entered the foster care system because of all of this misfortune. It’s in part how I learned to advocate not only for myself but for other vulnerable people and causes as well. Simply being so well adjusted is unusual, let alone the statistic of less than 2% of former foster children ever earning a bachelor’s degree and less than 1% ever earning a master’s degree. I am accustomed to doing the impossible. And I am well adapted to battling any manner of barriers along the way.
I began my career at Cleveland Housing Court, working under the late Judge Raymond Pianka. My next role started in 2014 with Cuyahoga County in various county Health & Human Services agencies. I worked with children and families at the Child Support Enforcement Agency and with the geriatric and disabled populations at the Division of Senior and Adult Services Agency. I then went on to work in higher education in both administrative and teaching roles. I now operate as an Independent Provider working with the disabled and elderly populations to keep them living independently in their homes for as long as possible.
I am active in my community and reside in Tremont. I have lived in various apartment communities across Downtown Cleveland and the near west side since starting college at Cleveland State in 2008. When I’m not focused on the campaign trail, I enjoy spending time with friends exploring and enjoying everything Cleveland has to offer!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My path has absolutely not been smooth. Nor has it been linear. And nothing at all has been handed to me. I feel as if I’ve accomplished, learned about, and simply have done more things than someone twice my age- largely because of the activities simply associated with being political. Politics is a rough and tumble game. One day you could have a very close relationship with someone working toward the same goals and then another time you can be in a position where you are working to oppose and challenge that very same person. This also goes for someone you may consider an enemy. One day you may have a sworn nemesis, and then something arises and you could up teaming up working toward a shared goal. There is no playbook for politics and real mentorships are hard to come by. Be grateful for anyone that genuinely takes you under their wing. It’s a game of taking more hits than wins. If you thought you were strong and had thick skin first going into politics, I promise you’ll be mistaken! Give it a few years and you’ll turn into a tank made of iron.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My career experience ranges from government, to higher education, to healthcare. I believe having a varied professional background in eds, meds, & government sets me apart in the sense that I am extremely well rounded. Depending on who you talk dictates what I am known for politically. However, what I believe is most appealing about me to voters is my willingness to directly speak to them in a candid yet thoughtful way. I believe honest, truthful information is what the typical voter is in search of; I am willing to give them that. According to some, I am controversial. Apparently, my candidacy which is an entirely resident focused and catered agenda is considered problematic to some. I believe in giving residents what they need and want. Not me, as a candidate or elected representative, forcing onto residents what I believe they should need and want.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I would say (and my mom would say) that I was polite and conscientious. At times, misunderstood. My introversion and extroversion definitely waxed and waned depending on the season of life. I enjoyed solitude as much as I enjoyed socialization. I had a very early interest in reading newspapers and keeping up with current events. It absolutely nurtured my advanced reading comprehension by the time I was in high school. I’ve always had an ability to get along with and create meaningful relationships with anyone and everyone from any walk of life or background. I have always been particularly non-judgemental. I can usually understand where someone is coming from perspective-wise, even I myself do not share that perspective.
Pricing:
- I am asking for donations to help support my candidacy:
- https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mike-rogalski-1
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mike4abettercle.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/mike4abettercle.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mike4abettercle.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzrogalski/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mike4abettercle.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mikerogalski
