FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- City Council last week appointed Dr. Todd Smith to fill former Council-at-Large representative Peggy Cleary's seat for the remainder of the term through December 2019.

"Councilwoman Cleary has been such an integral and influential part of this council and of this community for such a long time now, it made this process twice as daunting," City Council President Michael P. Kilbane said.

"I feel very confident that we've made the right choice with the appointment of Todd. He's been such an asset to this community from the moment he opened his (chiropractic center) office here.

"We believe that he is someone who is vested in this community. I know he has already been very engaged civically on a volunteer basis, and I'm sure he's champing at the bit to get to work with this legislative body," Kilbane said.

Kilbane said deliberations took nearly a month, with all 15 candidates receiving two interviews each.

"I've had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Smith since he opened his chiropractic center in 2003," Mayor Eileen Ann Patton said. "He immediately became involved in many community events, along with being a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

"Most recently, when the city hosted a Building Block seminar, Todd became an active member. I look forward to working with him as our new council-at-large representative," Patton said.

A Forward Fairview Park volunteer, Smith said serving on City Council has been on his radar for a while.

"When the opening came up, I thought it was a good opportunity and that I would apply for it," said Smith, 46. "I've lived in Fairview Park for 15 years and had my business in Fairview Park for 16 years.

"I've been involved in different organizations over the years volunteering, and my three kids are in the Fairview Park Schools. So I'm real familiar with the district. I wanted to see if I can make a difference in making the city even better."

Smith added that being a business owner in the community will provide perspective to City Council.

"I've known Peggy for quite a while," Smith said. "She's done a lot of great stuff for Fairview. So it will be some big shoes to fill, but hopefully I can do my part and improve on things like she did."