In light of her recent election to the position of Richland County Commissioner, Shelby Mayor Marilyn John announced on Monday that effective Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at noon she would be officially resigning as mayor of Shelby.
John tearfully addressed her fellow elected officials and the citizens of Shelby in her resignation letter, read aloud at Shelby City Council on Monday evening. She stated serving as the mayor of the city of Shelby, Ohio has been one of the greatest privileges of her life.
“Since taking office almost five years ago, I have had the honor of working with many residents, many municipal employees, elected officials, community leaders and others to move Shelby forward,” said John. “While it has not always been easy and we’ve had our challenges, working together we have made many positive improvements to benefit the residents in our community.”
John’s term as Richland County Commissioner will officially begin on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 at 12 a.m. She will serve alongside commissioners Gary Utt and Tim Wert.
“While I am leaving one position, I am not leaving Shelby,” said John. “I am honored to continue serving our community as a county commissioner and will work with the same passion and dedication. Thank you for the time we have served together.”
Council unanimously voted that John’s letter was received and placed on file after offering her thanks and well wishes.
“Being on council and being a new councilmember can have its challenges, but the administration has worked with me to help educate me on many issues that are affecting the city and the committees I serve on, and I think that’s based off of your leadership,” said Councilmember Nathan Martin.
Councilmember Pat Carlisle stated it was a pleasure working with John, even working on projects in the First Ward before John’s run for the mayor position.
“I am sure that as county commissioner you will continue to keep Shelby at the center of your heart although the rest of the county is going to infringe upon that,” said Carlisle with a laugh. “I know that you’re going to do a fine job, I’ve been following your career, and I look forward to bigger and better things.”
Councilmember Steve Schag agreed that he too looks forward to what lies in store for John in the days ahead during her time as a county commissioner.
“I think all of us when we take a position we like to think we leave the place in a better position once we move on, and you certainly have in the city of Shelby,” he said. “We still have a good number of team members in place, but you’ve brought a unique perspective to city leadership and we certainly appreciate that.”
Referring to his own term as mayor of Shelby, Councilmember Garland Gates joked, “It takes one to know one.”
“I appreciate the high energy that you have given to the position,” said Gates. “That song about working nine to five is not one on the play list for the chief executive of this community. It is a job that is a 24-hour job. The energy you’ve brought to the position is admirable.”
“I sincerely appreciate everything you’ve done for our city, Mayor,” added Councilmember Harold Shasky.
For the second council meeting in a row, Gates again raised the question of a succession to John’s position as mayor.
“I still have people stopping me and asking and wondering what’s going to happen come January 1,” he said. “I wonder if there’s anyone here who can advise the people of the community what’s going to happen January 1.”
John explained the city of Shelby’s charter states that upon the mayor’s resignation the position of mayor would first be offered to the Law Director, Gordon Eyster. If Eyster declines the position it would then be offered to the Finance Director, Bob Lafferty. If Lafferty declines it would then be offered to Councilmember At Large Steve Schag. If Schag declines, the position would then be offered to the council member with the most years of experience.
“I loathe to put people on the spot, but here we are within a month’s time…had this been a regular election for mayor, people would know what’s going to happen,” said Gates. “But again we seem to have this nebulous cloud that’s hanging over the city. It needs to be resolved, soon and publicly.”
Gates’ statement was met with silence. Councilmember Martin raised the question as to whether the charter outlined when the process of a succession to the mayor’s position must take place. John stated she did not believe so.
“While I am leaving one position, I am not leaving Shelby,” said Mayor Marilyn John. “I am honored to continue serving our community as a county commissioner and will work with the same passion and dedication.”
