Lifelong resident running for city commission

SANDUSKY — A former Sandusky Schools board member and lifelong city resident announced her candidacy for city commission on Thursday. Kate Vargo, a 1987 graduate from Sandusky High School who returned to the local school district for an 11-year run as an educator, has placed a bid to fill one of four unoccupied seats opening in November. "Living here my whole life, I know a lot of people and I'm excited for more people who want to come to Sandusky and make it their home," said Vargo, who served on the school board from 2012 through 2021 with a stint as a vice president, in a news release. "I want to be a part of making it even better." Vargo will emphasize both the development of industry in Sandusky and continuing her partnership with Sandusky Schools to ensure their safety and academic strength if elected as city commissioner, she said. "You can't say enough about Cedar Point and what they do for our community," Vargo said. "And our water parks and our industry, that's all tourism, but it would be great to see some different types of industry want to settle here, open up shop and bring more revenue to our great community." Vargo hopes to assist in the development of downtown as well. She said she takes advantage of the beauty of downtown every day walking the streets with and without her dogs. Vargo wants to extend development outside of the city's downtown to reach more of Sandusky's population of 25,000 people. "By listening to our community members, our residents, the taxpayers and what they're looking to do, I will help try to pull through initiatives that they want done," Vargo said. Vargo attributes her communication skills and leadership qualities to her career and board positions in the field of education. She said she wants to use those qualities to continue the vision of the current council members and commissioners she has relationships with. "Our city has made significant progress in the past decade, but there's much more work to do. I hope to bring my experience from the board of education to be an advocate for city residents and taxpayers," Vargo said in the news release. "I look forward to meeting and hearing from voters and (to) have the chance to continue public service in Sandusky."