Cleveland Public Power history

More than 15 years later – in 1906 – Mayor Tom L. Johnson addressed Cleveland City Council and championed the activists’ recommendation.

During this long fight, Johnson made skillful use of Bemis's technical knowledge and the brilliant legal skills of his law director, Baker; his political leadership led to a partial victory in 1908.

The first commissioner appointed by mayor HERMAN BAEHR was a failure, but in 1911 Mayor Baker selected PETER WITT for the position.

In 1927 some council members, concerned about the future of Muny, asked city utility director Howell Wright to study the plant's ability to increase its share of the streetlight system, to lower its rates, and to evaluate its need for new capital.

Conscientious employees approached activist Republican lawyer PAUL WALTER and, in 1937, formed the Cleveland Municipal Light Plant Assn. to lower community light and power.

The next mayor, Frank J. Lausche, consummated the $14 million purchase in early 1942.

THOMAS BURKE, mayor 1945-53, had little commitment to Muny, but his successor, Anthony Celebrezze, managed to put through a $12 million plant expansion.

In 1965 Carl B. Stokes advocated the sale of Muny in his campaign for mayor, but when elected the council refused to pass the necessary legislation.

On 22 July 1975, after a major countywide publicity campaign, voters approved a 1% additional sales tax to finance RTA.

The election did not occur because of a dispute over the legality of the petitions, but Kucinich was elected mayor in November 1977.

Fast forward to 1979 when a “Save Muny Light” campaign was launched by Mayor Dennis Kucinich to fight the acquisition of the utility, by an investor-owned electric utility.

In 1983 Muny Light and Power officially became Cleveland Public Power (CPP).

After the 1985 council election, CPP supporters, a major force in city council, pressed for a $50 million investment to make CPP more competitive and supported aggressive marketing to challenge CEI's hold on governmental and commercial accounts.