Top seat transitioning

By Pamela Glason Thornton
Staff Writer
Union County Post

Marysville is on the verge of a leadership change. Fortunately, transition is unfolding with continued growth. The November 6 election will usher in a new mayoral term.
Unopposed on the ballot, the mayor-elect, Chris Schmenk, will take office in January. Marysville Mayor Thomas Kruse and Mayor Elect Chris Schmenk talked with the Union County Post regarding their transition and outlook for the city.
Mayor Kruse has helped to build the city and is active in the governmental transition.
" I'll miss working with the public and being an influence in attempting to make life better for the people of the community," said Kruse.
Combining the breadth of experience of Kruse and Schmenk to benefit the entire population recognizes the city's desire to collaborate in order to reap success which also requires collaboration and working together toward a common goal.
" I have had significant discussions with the Mayor-Elect (Schmenk) in an effort to effectuate a smooth and responsible transition," said Mayor Thomas Kruse.
" The current Mayor, Tom Kruse, has been wonderful and has worked with me on an orderly transition. Kruse has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and his cooperation and assistance will allow me to be more effective when I take office in January," said Schmenk.
Before her role becomes official, Schmenk has gone door-to-door and met with citizens. "I have learned that people love Marysville due to its small-town feel, its friendliness and its quality of life," said Schmenk.
Improvements to the look of Marysville as projected by its public servants – police officers and firefighters – stand out on Kruse's list of accomplishments as Mayor for several terms.
" My pledge to our city is that I will provide visionary, honest and ethical leadership. I pledge to work together with our City Council and our various boards and commissions so that we reach a common vision and goals for our City," said Schmenk who noted, "Marysville is fortunate to have strong employers that provide good jobs for our citizens.” The businesses contribute income taxes to the city but they also contribute a lot that is not publicized – flagpoles and hanging baskets for the uptown, sponsorship of festivals and donations to those in need.
Sharing his experience as a public servant, Kruse stated, "I do think every elected official should understand that being an elected official is not about you but about how you work in the interest of the people you serve." The Mayor's responsibilities include serving as an agent for change and having the ability to get residents excited about change. The office of mayor is a part-time position with the salary set by city council. Therefore, the mayor's salary is limited and looked upon as a "public servant."
" I am not running for office for any personal gain. I am running because I grew up here and I care deeply about our community. I am very lucky to be unopposed in the race," admitted Schmenk.
Catching up to larger cities with increased revenue for the city's economic pool, the economy has been significantly affected by the addition of businesses at Coleman's Crossing, City Gate retail shopping centers and other areas that are being developed.
" I don't think Marysville has expanded too fast," stated Kruse. "That kind of growth ... is due directly to our economic development efforts and our ability to bring in new industry, new business and create new jobs so that we are deriving more income from our income tax rate of one percent," stated Kruse during the 2007 State of the City Address.
Not overlooking original buildings in the midst of economic development, Schmenk said, "We need to keep our retail vacancies to a minimum and work to find tenants for Uptown Marysville, in the old Wal-Mart building and in the soon-to-be vacant Bob Evans. The key will be to achieve a balance between the old and new Marysville."
" When area businesses look for ways to be a good citizen by being active within the city and encourage their employees to volunteer, we all benefit," added Schmenk.
Supervision of the police, fire, street, water and sewer services fall under the mayor's jurisdiction. Kruse is proud of grant money acquisitions for the water and sewer system. "In the public services area, which is a great deal of what we do as public servants, over the last few years we purchased the New California Water and Sewer Systems, started catching up with vehicle and equipment replacements and completed the wastewater master plan," noted Kruse in an earlier State of the City address. As mayor, Kruse worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents.
" For the young people, I hope that because of my public service they understand that it is not about you as a public official but it is about what you can do for the citizens of the community that you serve," said Kruse.
According to Kruse, he had the chore of "convincing the public that in order to maintain good quality services in our city, there are only two ways to finance those services – increase taxes or broaden the tax base through economic growth and development."
" It is my belief that the increase in businesses are good for the city, the economy and thepeople. Those businesses broaden our tax base, create jobs and offer services that perhaps we have not had available before," said Kruse.
" We will be a stronger community if we have strong citizen participation. Residents should contact city council representatives or the City Administration, if they have issues or a concern," said Schmenk.
Kruse said he will miss the competent and loyal staff, anticipates staying in Marysville and is keeping his options open. "I wish my time to be spent in some meaningful and constructive efforts," said Kruse.
To learn how to get involved with the city's boards and commissions, citizens can check out "About Town" on the City's website at www.marysvilleohio.org.