He has done it before and the voters of Grove City think he can do it again.
Richard "Ike" Stage is the new mayor of Grove City. He defeated Richard Lester and William Ferguson, by garnering 54 percent of the vote.
"I was pleased that the people elected me," said Stage. "I think my experience had a major role and the fact that I kept the campaign positive worked in my favor."
Stage currently serves on Grove City council, holding the at-large seat. He was mayor from 1988 to 1995, served as city administrator from 2000 to 2003 and was on city council from 1986 to 1987. He is the only one in the community to serve as both city administrator and mayor.
Stage plans to manage the city’s financial and capital resources.
"I plan to put together a small transitional team to evaluate our financial situation and get a better handle on it," he said. "We need a more strategic plan."
He plans to revisit the city’s charter for updating and wants to see more green space in the area. Stage would also like to examine the traffic issues in the community and restore the homecoming to the Town Center.
"We have a population of over 30,000 and I think I am well qualified to handle the transition we are going through," said Stage.
He also extended his thanks to all those who helped him in his campaign and the others who ran for office.
"I commend all those who ran for office and was glad to see people willing to step up," Stage commented.
He will take office at the beginning of the year. Current Mayor Cheryl Grossman did not run for re-election. She plans to vie for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives.
