Ward 4 Council seat filled

Elyria Ward 4 resident Phil Tollett was chosen out of 15 other candidates Aug. 27 to replace former Ward 4 Councilman Mark F. Craig, who resigned.

Tollett, a life-long Elyria resident, will finish Craig’s term, which ends December 2019.

Tollett was chosen in a tallied 6-4 vote against Ward 4 resident Chad Schneider during a special City Council meeting.

Tollett said he was filled with emotion after immediately being sworn into his position.

He said being in a building where his late father, Arnold Tollett, was sworn in as Ward 2 councilman in 1972 and a room that holds a painting of his late nephew and member of the military, Lane Tollett, is a place that holds much history.

“I’m moved, I’m blessed, I’m excited and I will dedicate myself to the 4th Ward,” he said, after sharing his excitement of being part of his family’s history.

Tollett has resided in Ward 4 for 28 years, and has lived in the city for more than 50 years.

He has volunteered for numerous projects in the community.

Tollett presented himself to council, fellow candidates and guests and said he was running for the open position for several reasons.

He said he wants to make a difference in moving the ward ahead in numerous areas.

He praised former councilman Craig and hopes to follow some of his work with town halls and an interactive website to communicate with residents.

“The word councilman is the purest political position which is the last stop for residents,” he said. “I think I can be great at that.”

Victor Stewart, councilman

at-large, said Tollett has been involved in the community for a long time.

“Phil is a big advocate in the fourth ward and in the community of Elyria,” Stewart said. “Phil will do a great job. I’m excited to work with him and I think he’ll be heavily involved.”

There were 13 candidates who attended the special meeting.

Candidates had five minutes to address their qualifications.

Craig announced his resignation

July 10 and his resignation was effective July 31.

Craig said he was moving to Vermilion and wanted to pursue another opportunity.

Voters first elected Craig in 2007.

Council had 30 days after Aug. 1 to make a final decision on a candidate to replace Craig.

The city initially received resumes and cover letters from 16 residents.

Council President Michael

Lotko, At-Large Councilman Jack Baird and Stewart encouraged the running candidates to continue their involvement and run again for the position once it’s open again next year.

“Overall, this was impressive,” Stewart said. “It was a tough decision, but they did a tremendous job. It takes a lot of courage to get up there and it was exciting just to see the energy from them. They worked hard.”