Much like our elected body, eventually we get a good council. Finally it seems we might get some decent reporting around here!
Former city councilman O'Brien is sworn-in as mayor
By NICHOLAS A. LA TORRE
Published: Tuesday, January 8, 2008 4:07 PM EST
Mitch O'Brien had the opportunity to sit through yet another Pickerington City Council meeting last Wednesday night.
But there was a difference this time for the former councilman
This time, he first was sworn in as mayor.
O'Brien served a term as councilman when he was appointed in February 2004 to finish the unexpired term of his predecessor, former mayor David Shaver who had been elected mayor.
O'Brien served on council until November 2005 when he lost his bid for election to a four-year term as a council member.
O'Brien said he enjoys serving on council, but notices as mayor he hears the issues in greater detail than he did before.
As mayor, O'Brien has set some goals for Pickerington this year.
''I would like to see us take some steps to become healthier financially,'' O'Brien said.
''I was glad to see that all the council members were going to be on the budget committee,'' O'Brien said.
''I think we can come up with creative solutions to problems.''
All members were appointed as part of the budget council because of the looming fear of a budget crunch in the future.
The beginning budget balance presented at the Dec. 4 council meeting was $8,145,835 with the estimated ending balance only $6,195,064.
According to the 5-year budget forecast, unless adjustments are made, at the end of 2009 revenue and expenses will meet.
O'Brien said he was pleased with the way council could work together to get through the agenda at his first council meeting as mayor.
Christie Hammond will be serving as the new City Council President and Jeff Fix will serve as Vice President Pro Tempore.
Tricia Sanders and Brian Sauer are the two new members of council replacing Heidi Riggs and Ted Hackworth.
Riggs was unsuccessful in her bid for the mayor's office in November and Hackworth lost his re-election bid.
Judith Gilleland served at her last council meeting as city manager. She has accepted the city manager's post in Middletown. Tim Hansley is serving as the interim city manager.
As a longtime resident of Pickerington, O'Brien served on several committees on city council. He admits that he needs to strengthen his knowledge in other workings of the city.
''On council I served on the planning, zoning and safety committees,'' O'Brien said.
''I know more about roads and sewers right now than I do about the budget,'' O'Brien said.
For his next week in office the mayor intends to set up meetings with Pickerington Local School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia and the chamber of commerce.
O'Brien said it is important for him to get to know Mantia because they share the same interests.
He said in the next few weeks he wants to meet with elected officials of neighboring communities.
Former city councilman O'Brien is sworn-in as mayor
By NICHOLAS A. LA TORRE
Published: Tuesday, January 8, 2008 4:07 PM EST
Mitch O'Brien had the opportunity to sit through yet another Pickerington City Council meeting last Wednesday night.
But there was a difference this time for the former councilman
This time, he first was sworn in as mayor.
O'Brien served a term as councilman when he was appointed in February 2004 to finish the unexpired term of his predecessor, former mayor David Shaver who had been elected mayor.
O'Brien served on council until November 2005 when he lost his bid for election to a four-year term as a council member.
O'Brien said he enjoys serving on council, but notices as mayor he hears the issues in greater detail than he did before.
As mayor, O'Brien has set some goals for Pickerington this year.
''I would like to see us take some steps to become healthier financially,'' O'Brien said.
''I was glad to see that all the council members were going to be on the budget committee,'' O'Brien said.
''I think we can come up with creative solutions to problems.''
All members were appointed as part of the budget council because of the looming fear of a budget crunch in the future.
The beginning budget balance presented at the Dec. 4 council meeting was $8,145,835 with the estimated ending balance only $6,195,064.
According to the 5-year budget forecast, unless adjustments are made, at the end of 2009 revenue and expenses will meet.
O'Brien said he was pleased with the way council could work together to get through the agenda at his first council meeting as mayor.
Christie Hammond will be serving as the new City Council President and Jeff Fix will serve as Vice President Pro Tempore.
Tricia Sanders and Brian Sauer are the two new members of council replacing Heidi Riggs and Ted Hackworth.
Riggs was unsuccessful in her bid for the mayor's office in November and Hackworth lost his re-election bid.
Judith Gilleland served at her last council meeting as city manager. She has accepted the city manager's post in Middletown. Tim Hansley is serving as the interim city manager.
As a longtime resident of Pickerington, O'Brien served on several committees on city council. He admits that he needs to strengthen his knowledge in other workings of the city.
''On council I served on the planning, zoning and safety committees,'' O'Brien said.
''I know more about roads and sewers right now than I do about the budget,'' O'Brien said.
For his next week in office the mayor intends to set up meetings with Pickerington Local School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia and the chamber of commerce.
O'Brien said it is important for him to get to know Mantia because they share the same interests.
He said in the next few weeks he wants to meet with elected officials of neighboring communities.
