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A grateful mayor focuses on positives

As we round the turn and come into the home stretch of 2021, I must take time to acknowledge all the wonderful things that the City of St. Clairsville and people have wrought and for which I am grateful.

I cannot believe that this will mark the mid-term of my period as Mayor. The time has passed so quickly because I have been very busy, as well as enjoying the opportunities and people I have met.

I am grateful to our city staff for all that they do.

I’m grateful for Roberta Mertz, who is our historian and archivist. I call her Sherlock Holmes because she can find any document we need.

I’m grateful for Tom Murphy, our Planning and Zoning Administrator. I’m grateful for his wisdom of the City and his daily “dad” jokes.

I’m grateful for Jenn McMillen, who keeps me and all on track, clerks for Mayor’s Court, and is not afraid to indulge my ideas and be an elf, Easter Bunny, or Uncle Sam when the call of duty comes.

I’m grateful to Annette Williams and Dana Goletz in the Finance Office. They keep our City on financially track and are always so pleasant and willing to help us with whatever information we need.

I’m grateful to our Utility Department, Anita Robinson, Tiffany Burley, and Barbara Ziemba, who are always so kind and patient when speaking to customers and answering utility questions. Their professionalism and grace are much appreciated.

I am so very grateful and proud of our Police Department. Chief Matt Arbenz and his force have consistently raised the bar, not only in keeping our streets safe, but in taking care of the concerns of law-abiding citizens who need a helping hand. Tonya Hutchison, Mike Duplaga our school resource officer, and crossing guards are a blessing to our town!

I am very grateful to our City Municipal Department heads and workers. Department Heads Don Smithberger, Darin Pytlak, Jeff Mottle and Jason Duvall are always there when there is an electrical line issue, water break, or sewer issue. They and their departments are ready any time of day to fix the problems which occur daily.

I’ve stopped many a night when there is a line break; our guys are called in and working hard with no complaint. And I cannot forget to mention how hard they work to keep our City neat and clean.

The extra work they put in to decorate for the holiday season is much appreciated.

Our wonderful Recreation Center staff works so hard to bring you concerts, bantam basketball, football, and classes to enrich our community.

Debbie Reed wore many hats this summer and kept everything going. Eric Timko is one of the best helpers anyone could have. Eric Gay has just recently joined our City family and has already brought ideas and talents to the table.

Our Cumberland Trail Fire Department, with Chief Tim Hall, have been a joy to work with; they are always happy to help with projects and volunteering; we are very blessed to have this outstanding crew in our City. In fact, rumor has it that they will be bringing Santa through town on the fire truck again this season as we get closer to Christmas! I can’t wait!

I am grateful for Elizabeth Glick, our Law Director, whose common sense, and attention to detail have helped us keep the City running smoothly. We also love when Ewok, her puppy, stops in to visit.

And much, much gratitude to Jeremy Greenwood, our Public Service Director, who has become the heart and soul of our family. He has led with intellect, humor, hard work, and professionalism to bring such a positive tone to our City family. Jeremy goes out with the crews when there is a line break, he helped clean up after the Parade; he leads by example. We are truly blessed to have Jeremy in our City family.

I’m grateful for all our furry helpers Sammy, my puppy, Cinder, Maverick, Molly and Earl who come to work during the day and keep us all calm. Our four- legged friends make the Municipal Building a happy place.

I am very grateful for the wonderful, blessed citizens of our City of St. Clairsville, and the many kindnesses they perform. I so appreciate when people stop and introduce themselves to me and express their opinions. It is always done with respect and obvious concern for their City.

We are, indeed, very blessed. During this year that has been so rocked by COVID, political differences, and economic hardships, it can be very hard to focus on positive things to be grateful for.

Please take the time to look … you will find that there is much to thank God for and many reasons to feel blessed! I hope everyone had a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

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