Colston returns as Port Clinton's safety-service director

PORT CLINTON — After an extensive search, it turns out the city didn't need to look far for its new safety-service director. Mayor Mike Snider announced Tracy Colston would continue as the safety-service director. He took over the position's responsibilities — oversight of the police, fire and street departments — on an interim basis when Olen Martin resigned to seek another opportunity. "It was agreed that making a change for the sake of change wasn't going to place our community in a better position," Snider said. Snider set up a search committee to find Martin's replacement. They reviewed 25 applicants for the position. During the discussions, Snider said the committee came to the conclusion the safety-service director needed to know the community's needs, people and future vision. "We all felt that Tracy Colston checked all those boxes," Snider said. Coltson previously served as the safety-service director under three mayors from 2009 until 2016, but he said the city has changed since then. "It's a different atmosphere around town," Colston said. "There's real energy, excitement and buzz just about everywhere I go. I was surprised when Mayor Snider asked if I'd accept the 'interim' title, and now I'm ready to harness some of this community spirit for positive steps now that the tag has been removed." Before becoming the safety-service director, Colston served the city as the cemetery sextant, parks & recreation director and street department supervisor. He'll relinquish these responsibilities once the city finds a successor. Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister