Port Board Chair Withdraws City Nomination Amid County Pressure

Dave Wondolowski cites 'distraction' as reason for rescinding appointment to Cleveland Port Authority board

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Dave Wondolowski, the chair of the Port of Cleveland board, has withdrawn his nomination for a city-appointed seat on the same board after facing pressure from Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. Wondolowski, who was initially nominated by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, said the appointment had the 'potential to become a distraction' from the port's work.

Why it matters

The withdrawal ends a political standoff between the city and county over control of the port board. Ronayne had threatened to remove Wondolowski from his county-appointed seat if he didn't reject the city nomination, which would have extended his time on the board beyond his current county term.

The details

Wondolowski, who also serves as the executive secretary and business manager of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, had initially refused to withdraw his nomination, saying he intended to accept the city seat if city council approved it. However, multiple sources indicated he lacked the votes for confirmation in the city council's mayoral appointments committee, and residents had circulated a petition urging Bibb to rescind the nomination.

  • On March 2, 2026, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb nominated Wondolowski for a city-appointed seat on the Port of Cleveland board.
  • On March 3, 2026, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne threatened to remove Wondolowski from his county-appointed seat if he didn't reject the city nomination by March 4.
  • On March 6, 2026, Wondolowski asked Bibb to withdraw the city nomination, citing the potential for it to become a 'distraction'.

The players

Dave Wondolowski

The chair of the Port of Cleveland board and the executive secretary and business manager of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council.

Justin Bibb

The mayor of Cleveland, who nominated Wondolowski for a city-appointed seat on the Port of Cleveland board.

Chris Ronayne

The Cuyahoga County Executive, who threatened to remove Wondolowski from his county-appointed seat if he didn't reject the city nomination.

Frank Jackson

The former mayor of Cleveland who originally appointed Wondolowski to the Port of Cleveland board in 2018.

Armond Budish

The former Cuyahoga County Executive who appointed Wondolowski to the Port of Cleveland board in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“This shouldn't have happened from the beginning, and in the end, the right thing happened, because he has been a distraction.”

— Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive (cleveland.com)

“I believe he didn't have the votes, and for that I appreciate Cleveland City Council.”

— Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Bibb's office has notified Cleveland City Council that Wondolowski's nomination has been withdrawn. The mayor will now need to appoint a replacement for the city-appointed seat on the Port of Cleveland board.

The takeaway

The withdrawal of Wondolowski's nomination highlights the ongoing power struggle between the city and county over control of the Port of Cleveland board, as well as the political tensions surrounding the port's leadership and decision-making.