Divided council picks new president

It was a fight to the finish, and Jeff Smock was the last one standing Jan. 11 after the Chardon City Council organizational meeting.

He was elected the new mayor and council president by a 4-3 vote after he and former mayor/president Nancy McArthur made impassioned speeches on their own behalf.

Much of their prepared statements had to do with addressing accusations apparently made about them in the run-up to the meeting.

McArthur, who held the position the past two years, spoke first, after she and Smock were nominated. She expressed interest in continuing to

lead at the December meeting, after learning from Smock that he would challenge her.

“I want to thank everyone in this room tonight who came here to support me and other councilmen who oppose this ‘coup’ that is currently taking place in our council leadership,” she said. “Because I also serve as the chairman of the county Republican Party, I’ve been accused by some of my fellow councilmen of being too ‘political’ and not representing Democrats that live here in Chardon. That’s absolutely not true. I challenge them to cite one instance where I have ever brought partisan politics into this chamber. It has never happened. … We’re all elected at large in this council, and I have always and will always represent Chardon residents and business owners here equally and without prejudice. I have also treated my fellow councilmen with consideration and respect, even when we disagreed on policy matters. So I take great offense at such accusations.”

She also disputed the notion that she is a “rubber stamp” on items presented by City Manager Randy Sharpe.

She went on to imply that Smock and councilmen Dave Lelko and Andrew Blackley conspired behind the scenes to oust her.

“It would seem that their dedication and loyalty to each other supersedes their respect for this body and the mayor’s position,” McArthur said, denouncing their actions in harsh terms.

“Just because you have a title by your name does not make you a leader,” she said. “Whatever capacity I hold in this future council, I will continue to do the good work that I have always done for our great city. I love this community and Chardon and I will always put it first.”

A smattering of applause followed her remarks.

Smock then read a multipage statement in his defense, after restating his purpose for running for the seat — because he sees room for improvement in

the communication and working relationship with the administration.

“Recently, Mrs. McArthur made a number of derogatory claims regarding my performance and that of fellow Councilman Dave Lelko,” Smock said. “Because of my integrity and respect for the laws of the city of Chardon, and the position I hold as councilman, I will not sit here tonight and attempt to tarnish her reputation or past accomplishments. What I am compelled to do is defend myself.”

He countered claims of micromanaging city staff and steps taken by him and Lelko during a recent evaluation of the city manager, conducted by interviewing employees.

“Mrs. McArthur described the evaluation process as a witch hunt by Mr. Lelko and me, and has led to the corruption of the integrity of council,” Smock said. “What Mrs. McArthur seems to have conveniently forgotten is that prior to the beginning of the process, all of council, including her, agreed to the entire process. … The so-called witch hunt resulted in the manager

getting a 2.5 percent pay raise, which I voted for.”

He continued by addressing her assertion that a leadership change could lead to a divided council.

“I certainly don’t see council as divided,” he said. “I see each member of council exercising their right to examine each issue and vote the way they see fit. Mrs. McArthur apparently thinks there’s a division on council if everyone does not vote the way she wants you to.”

He noted his 30 years of experience serving the city as finance director, tax administrator, clerk of council and councilman. He added that his decision to disclose his intent to run ahead of time, rather than “ambush” her at the meeting, spoke to his integrity.

I am not a career politician,” he said. “I am not seeking this position as a stepping stone for higher office in the future. I am here to work with council and staff to make Chardon a better place to live and raise a family. I only want was is best for the city and I am asking each council member for your support and your vote tonight, because

I believe my experience will make me a better president of council and mayor.”

McArthur looked squarely at Smock and a brief back-and-forth ensued about who had more experience best suited to take the lead.

“You were a staff member for a long time, that is not the same thing as serving on council,” she said. “It’s a very different role. And that’s what I was talking about, and I think you know that.”

“I will put my experience up against yours any day of the week,” Smock said.

McArthur continued, “And I think you and Dave think you have superior experience tot he rest of us on council, and I take great exception to that, and I don’t think it’s true, and I don’t accept that.”

She was elected in 2009 and Smock in 2013, after retiring as finance director.

Smock was supported for president by Lelko, Blackley and Deborah Chuha. McArthur was backed by Christopher Grau and Daniel Meleski, each of whom expressed their reasons.

Lelko was elected vice president by the same vote.

After the meeting, Smock and McArthur were asked whether either saw a problem working together moving forward.

“Who knows?” said McArthur, alluding to continued concerns about micromanagement.

Smock said, “I don’t think that’s up to me. It’s up to the rest of council, because I plan on being open with everybody and working with everybody, because I don’t have any particular issues with anyone on council. It’s all about moving forward and doing what’s best for the city, and I hope everyone else feels the same way.”

The council president has some additional powers set by the charter, such as declaring states of emergency and to appoint all regular or special committees.

Council members’ salary is $6,000 a year. The president receives an additional $1,000 per year, and the vice president $500.