Longtime Marblehead resident seeks mayor seat

Marblehead mayor candidates Today — Dave Reed Thursday — John Starcher MARBLEHEAD — A man who has lived in Marblehead for decades is seeking to become the village's next mayor. Dave Reed, who is running for that post in this November's election, said that he and his family first discovered the charming village a little over 25 years ago. "I was struck by its natural beauty, sitting along Lake Erie's shores with views of Kelleys Island and Cedar Point. As frequent visitors, my family and I always felt welcome," Reed said. "It's one of the many reasons why we now call Marblehead home." Reed and one other candidate, current village council member John Starcher, are competing for the mayoral race. Current mayor Jacqueline Bird, who served for five terms, is not seeking re-election. Reed said that his love for the town and experience working in the private sector have greatly influenced his decision to run for the mayor's seat. While working in the private sector, Reed said he helped build facilities and oversaw big projects with limited funding. "My wife Kelly and I, along with our children, have often wondered why this great little town we call home hasn't committed itself to sidewalks and other basic infrastructure improvements like so many other villages in Ottawa County," Reed said. "Smart management of our tax dollars, focusing on safety issues, maintaining our property values, updating and maintaining our village roads and sidewalks have not been a priority." This isn't the first time that Reed has run for the mayor's seat; Reed unsuccessfully ran against Bird in an election four years ago. Reed believes that his prior experience working for Chrysler as a plant engineer will be useful if he were to get elected. While working at the plant, Reed was responsible for overseeing dozens of projects and handling asset investments. "Keeping the assembly plant in good working order was my core function," Reed said. "My background as a facilitator and a results-driven leader will be a unique advantage for the coming four years." As for Reed's campaign, the primary message to prospective voters is all about public safety, improvements in infrastructure and access to affordable drinking water. "If sidewalks, affordable drinking water and fire hydrants are important to voters, then I am the candidate I hope they consider," Reed said. " "I won't look away from the tough challenges like infrastructure improvements, public safety or runaway spending." Mayoral race summary Longtime Marblehead mayor Jacqueline Bird announced she is not seeking reelection. Two candidates, John Starcher and Dave Reed, are seeking the mayor's position in this November's election. Starcher, who serves as the mayor's president pro-tem, has been on village council for 21 years. Reed is longtime resident of the village who has work experience in the private sector, including as a plant engineer for Chrysler.