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30-year councilman has more in his view
30-year councilman has more in his view
By SALI McSHERRY
He's a man about town, a man of few words and concise thoughts. The old adage, "If you want something done, ask a busy person," could describe Allan Krulak, who has been honored dozens of times for his contributions to many nonprofit organizations.
He did not seek re-election in November as a Pepper Pike councilman and will retire from his job at Forest City Enterprises at the end of this month after working there since 1973. He plans to focus on his nature photography.
Mr. Krulak won't be basking in the glow of all he's accomplished. The self-taught photographer who sold at least 50 photographs for display at the Cleveland Clinic is embarking on a new chapter. It will be highlighted by continued travels around the world taking photographs, including visiting national parks, which are some of his favorite places. He and his wife, Judith Ann, who have been married for 46 years, will head down to the beaches of Florida for February.
A councilman for 30 years, 10 of them in Warrensville Heights and 20 in Pepper Pike, Mr. Krulak is vice president, director of community affairs for Forest City.
Instead of complaining about local government, Mr. Krulak said, he decided he needed to do something about it, and that was the impetus for seeking office. "I'm very brief," he said. "I get to the point. I try to work as a team player."
He recalled going door to door campaigning. He said his parents always told him, "The best thing you have is your word," a belief he has tried to follow, and that a good leader knows how to listen.
The Greater Cleveland native said he is proud of what Pepper Pike has accomplished. He pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the installation of sewers across the city, an evolving building department that has worked to retain property values, an award-winning service department, outstanding department directors, the hard work and leadership of former Mayor Bruce H. Akers and high-quality services for residents.
It's no secret that the city will need to place some kind of tax on the ballot, whether it's a road levy or an increase in income tax, Mr. Krulak said.
He has been a prominent volunteer leader for decades for the nonprofit sector, including Shoes & Clothes for Kids, for which he is chairman emeritus.
He also has held leadership roles with the United Way, Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University, Cleveland Jewish News, Orange Boosters, Orange Art Council, Hillcrest Council of Councils, FBI Citizens Academy Foundation and Cleveland Zoological Society. He is Pepper Pike Democratic Club founder and a U.S. Marshal Posse member.
Near and dear to his heart, he said, is Look Up Cleveland, an arm of Cleveland Leadership Center, which, among other work, develops rising leaders for the community's future. "The young people who look like they are too busy to be in the program are the ones we're looking for," Mr. Krulak said, "because they are the ones who get it done." The idea is to "give them a greater sense of loving Cleveland and the community," he said.
It is a nationally recognized high school leadership development and diversity awareness program for outstanding high school leaders, he said. The goal is to enhance those leadership skills and foster an appreciation for the community they live in, he said. "We want them to come back and stay in Cleveland."
Mr. Krulak was honored with the International Toastmasters community service award, the Golden Age Centers gold achievement award, United Way community partner award, Ohio and Erie Canal distinguished service award and Ohio Homebuilders president's club award, among many others. On Jan. 24, he will be honored by Ursuline College in a special ceremony.
He is a graduate of Cleveland Heights-University Heights High School, Ohio State University, Mexico City College and Marquette University.
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