CLEVELAND — Dennis Kucinich, who served as Cleveland’s mayor from 1977 to 1979, now has his portrait hung up at City Hall.
“I am very grateful to the people of Cleveland for the opportunity to have served them in so many capacities. And of course as mayor, at that time, America’s youngest mayor,” Kucinich said.
The artist that painted Kucinich’s portrait has since passed away. He worked on Kucinich’s portrait at 82 years old before cancer took his life.
“He just came in when I was a member of Congress and somehow I was able to sit for an hour and he took the time to do some sketches and you know, we’re talking about twenty years ago. I think it’s an honor to show his work as well,” Kucinich said.
Kucinich is not sure why the city council chose to display his portrait so many years later, but he said he is happy about it and he is looking forward to seeing it in person.
“And that portrait is of that young mayor who stood up for the people and you know I’m proud of the service that I gave Cleveland during that time and I love my community and I appreciate that they put the portrait up there that’s lovely,” Kucinich said while laughing.
Kucinich said that he never reached out to city council about putting his portrait up for display.
“I never sought to have a portrait up there. I guess they do that for all mayors. But I don’t look to be honored in any way. It’s an honor enough to serve,” Kucinich said.
