Crites resigns as law director, advancing Moriarty

North Ridgeville is dealing with a change in law directors

Andrew Crites officially resigned from his position after 14 years with the city and has been replaced by Brian Moriarty.

Crites’ decision to resign, which went effective Dec. 31, was made after he and his family decided to move to Montana. He said that his wife spent 30 years as a Rocky River School District teacher and retired in June to be closer to their daughter who attends the University of Montana as a sophomore.

The family also chose to move to the northwest because they are avid outdoor enthusiasts and are excited for the opportunity to be near the Rocky Mountains, Crites said.

According to Crites, he has been admitted on motion to the State Bar of Montana and plans to get in involved in the local community. He plans to enroll in local projects through public agencies and the state’s supreme court in hopes of helping people in his community.

Mayor G. David Gillock said in his 14 years as North Ridgeville mayor, he’s formed a good relationship with Crites. Although Crites now is in Montana, he is still consulting on cases assigned before he left and assisting Moriarty.

Also involved with the city for 14 years, Moriarty was first an assistant prosecutor in the Mayor’s Court then became its magistrate. When the position of law director became open, Gillock said he interviewed eight law directors who were all experienced, but thought it made sense to choose Moriarty.

“(Moriarty) knows the city,” the mayor said. “He’s a great pick who hit all of (what’s needed) and Andy will help him as he transitions. He and Andy have worked together for a long time, so, he’ll get him up to speed. (Moriarty) can continue the solid work that Andy put into place.”

Gillock said Moriarty has had good experiences and formed relationships in North Ridgeville. He believes that he will be able to help the city with union negotiations, efforts with the police department and more.

With Moriarty no longer a magistrate of the Mayor’s Court, the position will now belong to Allison Manning, a previous magistrate for the City of Elyria.

After Crites’ resignation, he looked back at his time as law director and the accomplishments made by Gillock and the city council.

“The things the mayor and council were able to accomplish were above and beyond and it was an exciting thing to be involved in,” Crites said. “I hope people realize how hard of a worker they had in a mayor and what he’s done for the city. I hope they realize they have a hardworking city council. It was an honor to work with them.”

Crites said it was never easy and always a challenge in municipal government, but he’s glad to have a long relationship with them and to continue to help Moriarty in his transition process.

According to Moriarty, he has been preparing for his new position throughout the month of December and he’s excited to see what’s to come. He said he believes with his experience the process will go smoothly.

“However (Crites is) a phone call away so I can always call if I need to.”

Mayor G. David Gillock said in his 14 years as North Ridgeville mayor, he’s formed a good relationship with Crites.