SHELBY, Ohio – The City of Shelby welcomed new mayor Steve L. Schag to their community on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 31. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Shelby City Hall at noon, as former mayor Marilyn John’s term ended.
John’s position as county commissioner commences on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015. She served Shelby as mayor since 2009.
Shelby’s Financial Director Robert A. Lafferty and Law Director Gordon Eyster declined the mayoral seat, putting the president of city council and reverend of Calvary Baptist Church Steven L. Schag as the next eligible person for the mayor’s position when former mayor of Shelby Marilyn John won her candidacy for county commissioner in November.
He accepted.
Judge Jon Schaefer swore Schag in as mayor with Schag’s wife Sonjia holding the Bible as he repeated his oath.
“On one hand, the thought of being mayor frightens me because of the great sense of responsibility that comes with the office. On the other hand, the thought of being mayor excites me because of the element of potentiality that comes with the office. So overall, my apprehension is eclipsed by my anticipation of good things to come,” said Schag in his address at the swearing-in ceremony.
Schag first moved to Shelby with his wife in 1981, after what he described as a calling to the ministry; he has served at Calvary Baptist Church since then.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Schag’s family members, community members and members of city council. When Schag finished his speech, the now former mayor John shared a few words.
“When I decdided to run for county commissioner I needed to make sure the city was going to be in good hands. So Steve was one of the first people I met with before I announced my decision and I feel very good with what’s happening today,” said John.
She then thanked the officials she has worked with since 2009.
Shelby City Council meets every month on the first and third Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Shelby Justice Center on 29 Mack Avenue.
