By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport City Council selected Chad Grashel to fill the vacant seat on council by a 4-1 vote.
“All the candidates were excellent and they all had different ideas and passions,” said Councilman Scott Lockett. “Chad has a skill set that benefits us, such as how information is accessed and disseminated. He’s a younger guy with a fresh perspective.”
“The interviews were good conversations and gave us a lot to think about. All the applicants would have been positive for the city,” added Councilman Ed Dildine.
Grashel is a service quality specialist with NetJets, Inc. He served as a Groveport Recreation Center Basketball Kids’ Camp volunteer and worked with the Rock City Church Campus Support Team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management from Ohio University.
“It is such an honor and privilege to serve the city of Groveport,” said Grashel. “Groveport is a tremendous community with rich tradition. Having previously lived in various areas of the state of Ohio and central Florida, I hope my experience and perspective can benefit our community.”
Grashel said participating in government is important for residents.
“Serving in local government is one of the most impactful ways citizens can have an effect on the community in which they live,” said Grashel. “The ability for citizens to serve in their communities is one of the unique and fundamental characteristics of our government.”
When asked what projects and/or changes he would like to see the city institute in his time on council, Grashel said, “First and foremost, continue the already tremendous work of the current council as well as strengthening the connection of the community and the local schools.”
Six people applied to fill the vacant seat on council. Besides Grashel, the other applicants were Cheryl Ballou, Dan Knode, Jack Rupp, Jr., and Amy Shropshire. The sixth applicant, Marie Kujawski, withdrew from consideration prior to the interviews with council.
The seat became available when former councilman Marvin Stevens resigned March 12.
Stevens, who was elected to council last November, said he had to resign because he was notified by the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System he would lose his health insurance if he remained on council. He is the second Groveport City Council member who had to resign because of OPERS rules regarding health insurance, the other being Donna Drury who resigned in December 2015.
Grashel will fill Stevens’ unexpired term on council, which runs through Dec. 31, 2021.
Council President Shawn Cleary was the lone vote opposing the appointment.
“We had so many good candidates and I had one of the other applicants in mind for the seat,” said Cleary. “It was a tough decision. But, I have no problem with the selection of Mr. Grashel.”
According to the Groveport City Charter, council had 30 days from the date of Stevens’ resignation to name his replacement. If council had not named a replacement within 30 days, then Mayor Lance Westcamp had the authority to select someone to fill the seat by appointment.
