Jimmy Dimora's name removed from Bedford Heights community center after Election Day

BEDFORD HEIGHTS, Ohio - The voters of Bedford Heights have spoken and the city's community center now has a new name.

Residents  overwhelmingly voted  to change the name from the Jimmy Dimora Community Center to the Bedford Heights Community Center on Election Day.

"I voted to have it taken down, yes.  I feel it was bringing shame to our community," said Bedford Heights voter Wileta Davis.

Former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora was the mayor of the city for 16 years. The community center was named in his honor. In July, he was sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy, racketeering and bribery charges.

"Our previous mayor did some good things, no doubt about it. But I think his record spoke for the bad things," said Bedford Heights voter Al Parish.

"I think it should have been kept on the building, " said one woman who would not give her name.

Bedford Heights residents voted 67 percent to 33 percent to change the name to the Bedford Heights Community Center.

Voters also decided how buildings in the city will be named in the future, said Mayor Fletcher Berger.

"Anytime a person's name goes on a city building in Bedford Heights, they will have to be deceased and voted on by the people," said Berger.