Sweeney is a former city council president who stepped down from his post representing Ward 16 last year after winning election as a state legislator. By council tradition, Sweeney nominated his own replacement.
He chose Brian Kazy, a probation officer who helped run a federal community policing program on the west side of Cleveland, aimed at combating drugs and gangs.
He ran for council and lost in 2013. Here's how he described Sweeney's selection process to council.
"It was eight months, basically, of campaigning," he said. "Eight individuals asked Marty for the appointment. Four did live in the ward, four did not live in the ward. It was an eight-month process of meeting with residents, clergy, stakeholders."
Kazy is one of those who doesn't live in the ward he'll now represent on the west side. But he told council he's in the process of buying a house and moving in with his wife and five children. Kazy currently lives on the west side in Ward 15.
A caucus of city council members approved his selection. He'll have to go before voters to keep his seat, starting with a primary this fall.
Already, candidates are lining up to challenge him.
