Johnstown City Council appoints three members
Newcomers to be seated at Oct. 18 meeting
JOHNSTOWN − The Johnstown City Council has seven members once again, after Bob Orsini, Nicole Shook and Charlie Campbell were appointed to fill three vacancies created by two recalls and one resignation.
The four current council members chose the trio from among 13 candidates in a special meeting last Tuesday before the regular council meeting. Only two council members remain from those who began the year on council.
The newcomers did not participate in last Tuesday's meeting but will take their council seats at the Oct. 18 meeting, when council is expected to choose a mayor and council president from among its seven members.
Orsini, 43, is a former city councilman and regional business manager in the Columbus office for Habegger Corporation, an independent HVAC wholesale distributor. He's lived in Johnstown since 2006.
Shook, 52, previously owned a business in Westerville and is regional catering sales manager for Café Zupas in Easton. She's lived in the city since 2013.
Campbell, 74, a retired Columbus firefighter, owns a business that teaches CPR and life support. He's been a Johnstown resident since 1974.
The candidates were sent 14 questions and then interviewed in person.
“We had great candidates,” Councilman Donald Barnard said. “I wanted someone who would be professional and represent the city well and not be an embarrassment.
“I'm an accountant. I like people who are strong in finance. That's my No. 1 thing. Finances matter. That's what runs the city.”
Orsini, who was appointed to council in 2013 and served through 2015, said he wanted to help the city following the many changes this year.
“My wife and I chose Johnstown to raise our family in,” Orsini said. “We like the town and the sense of community it has to offer. With the recent changes in the evolution of city council, I just wanted to offer my time, experience and talent.”
Orsini said council has taken steps to emerge from a difficult year, but more work remains in response to all the development pressures.
“The biggest challenge is the combination, the mix of trying to keep the essence of Johnstown with the changes coming in the near and distant future," Orsini said. "I'm not opposed to growth and change and the opportunity it presents. It's critical it's carefully managed so Johnstown can keep its identity.”
Shook served on the Westerville Chamber of Commerce Board from 2002 to 2008 when that city faced growth pressures. She now sits on the board of Angels Persist, a Johnstown thrift store that provides assistance to those in need.
“I love this community,” Shook said. “We're going to see growth here. I want
The three appointees would not comment on how they voted in the recent recall election of former Mayor Chip Dutcher and former Council President Marvin Block. Both were voted out of office on Aug. 30, when more than 70% supported the recalls.
to make sure we grow as responsibly as we can.
“I hope I can represent this community because that's what council is -acting in their best interests. We need to look to the future and not the past.”
Campbell retired in 2011 after 35 years with the Columbus Fire Department. He earned a master's degree in business from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He said Johnstown will survive this traumatic year.
“There's been quite a few changes and I honestly feel people in my position in the past tried to push Johnstown forward,” Campbell said. “But things do change and now Intel just revolutionized it. I think the outcome is going to be OK. I think you'll see a lot of good, positive change.
“Johnstown is going to grow exponentially. I've seen slow growth and now we're going to see rapid growth. My strength is I listen to what people say and I try to be reasonable.”
The three appointees would not comment on how they voted in the recent recall election of former Mayor Chip Dutcher and former Council President Marvin Block. Both council members were voted out of office on Aug. 30, when more than 70% supported the recalls.
They also said they were not asked by council members who they will support for mayor or council president.
The other candidates for the council appointments were: Tiffany Miller; Julie Carlson; Theresa Ellinger; Franz Stein; Ben Lee; Shannon Baker; Steve Dyer; Shawn Litterini; Sean Burke and Jeremy Severance.
Doug Lehner resigned from council a couple weeks after the recall election, citing ongoing health issues of a family member as the reason.
The Tuesday council meeting was also the final one with Jack Liggett serving as city manager. He has returned to his previous position as service director. Sean Staneart moved from assistant city manager to city manager.
“We've had some trying times, but I want to say I appreciate all the staff," Liggett said. "It's been a learning experience for me as well as the staff. I'll be moving back to take care of water and wastewater. Back to a better comfort level.” kmallett@newarkadvocate.com 740-973-4539
Twitter: @kmallett1958