MOUNT VERNON – Mount Vernon City Council will have at least two new members in 2024 as veteran councilmembers John Francis and Mike Hillier are not running for reelection.
John Ruckman filed for the 2nd Ward council seat now held by Francis. Mike Miller qualified for the 4th Ward post, currently held by Hillier.
So far, all positions are unopposed as only a single candidate filed to qualify as a candidate for each municipal post by the Feb. 1 deadline. Tuesday at 4 p.m. was the deadline for write-in candidates for the primary.
All candidates who qualified are Republicans.
Municipal Court Judge John C. Thatcher of Centerburg filed for reelection to another six-year term starting Jan. 1, 2024, and ending Jan. 6, 2030.
Mayor Matt Starr, Auditor Terry Scott and Law Director Peter Robert Broeran Jr. filed for reelection to their offices for four-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2027.
Mount Vernon City Council seats are held for two-year terms, which will start on Jan. 1, 2024, and end on Dec. 31, 2025.
Council President Bruce Hawkins seeks reelection for another term.
At-large incumbent councilmembers Amber Keener, Janis Seavolt and Mel Severns qualified for the May 2 primary election.
James Mahan, who was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Josh Kirby after his resignation in 2022 due to health reasons, will seek election for the 1st Ward council seat.
Tammy Woods filed for reelection to her 3rd Ward council seat.
The primary voter registration deadline is April 3.
Miller, who retired after more than 30 years with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), has been working part time as a teacher’s aide. He’s a member of the Exchange Club of Mount Vernon, Sons of AmVets and the Fraternal Order of Police for more than 30 years.
“I think with all the experience that I’ve had and all the people that I know in the county, that I think I have some things that can contribute to the community,” he said.
His work with ODNR included sewer and water treatment plants, and capital projects from shooting ranges, to boating facilities, to restrooms, to offices and the purchase of equipment and land.
His priorities are the basics of life such as police, fire and EMS services.
Miller thinks zoning regulations hinder growth and prevent home purchases. Two people who work full time making an average salary of $36,000 should be able to afford to purchase a small home in the city, he said.
