New Carlisle council picks former mayor

Lowery back in office after being ousted.

New Carlisle has a new mayor and councilwoman but still doesn’t have seven members on its city council.

Mike Lowery, who served as mayor between January 2016 and December 2017, was voted mayor again by the council last week. He was replaced in January 2018 after one term by Ethan Reynolds.

“It’s nice to see that they see what I stand for,” Lowery said. “I stand for respecting the city as a whole and the charter and the rules and what we have to abide by.”

Lowery lost his last mayorship controversially. In New Carlisle, the city council selects the mayor instead of voters because the seat is more ceremonial in nature. However, the mayor is often treated at city festivals and events as a distinguished guest.

Reynolds was elected mayor over Lowery with the help of votes from Ronald Cobb and Bill Cook, new members in 2018.

Lowery and Jim Leathley accused Reynolds of making a deal to campaign for Cobb and Cook in exchange for their votes for him as mayor.

Reynolds and William Lindsey, who was voted vice mayor at the same time, denied any collusion. Reynolds resigned at the end of last month to focus on other career and family opportunities.

Lowery said he is moving on from the episode and wants to help New Carlisle continue to improve every day.

“We are busy with everything, the city building is probably number one on the radar, getting it squared away and finished up,” he said. “Number two are roads — they are always a concern for us and we will repave a number of them this summer.”

He said he feels appreciative of the council for voting him back into office and the residents that support him.

“A big thank you to city council for trusting me with the position,” he said. “The citizens have always been such a big help. I feel I’ve worked hard for the citizens and I will continue to do so.”

Also, Becky McKenzie was sworn into office. She is the only woman on council. McKenzie defeated Amy Hopkins in a tight election in May.

McKenzie will serve until the end of 2021, when she will have to run again if she wishes to continue to serve.

Hopkins, and anyone else interested in filling the seat vacated by Reynolds, can apply by June 14.

“Each member of council at the time of nomination, election and throughout the terms of office shall be a registered voter in and a resident of the city,” the public notice issued by the city says. “The council shall be the sole judge of the eligibility of its members as required by this section. Such a vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term if any at the next regular municipal election.”

The person selected will serve until November of this year, when he or she will have to run again if they wish to continue to serve.

‘A big thank you to the city council for trusting me with the position. The citizens have always been a big help. I feel like I’ve worked hard for the citizens and I will continue to do so.’

Mike Lowery New Carlisle mayor