Vargo vaults to top spot

SANDUSKY — A lifelong Sanduskian whose local lineage dates back more than 100 years earned a position to, beyond all else, further cement her public service commitment in the city she loves. During Monday's public meeting, by a 6-1 vote, Kate Vargo received enough support from her fellow commissioners to become the city government's new ex officio mayor, often referred to as president. Only commissioner Richard Koonce voted against her while all others — Jeff Krabill, Gregg Peugeot, Tom Tucker, Dave Waddington and Luvada Wilson as well as Vargo herself — backed the mayor's nomination. "I'm humbled by the faith my fellow commissioners have placed in me," Vargo said during Monday's meeting. "I have deep respect for every member of this commission, and I value the different perspectives that we all bring to the table." Vargo's two-year term runs through Dec. 31, 2027. This also coincides with when her elected term on commission ends. She can, however, run for re-election. She succeeds Dick Brady, the former ex officio mayor, who couldn't run for re-election as a commissioner due to term limits. The president, mostly a ceremonial position with no special voting powers or political privileges, primarily sets discussion topics and controls time limits during public meetings. In short, Vargo's vote carries as much power as any other commissioner's vote, seven in total. But the president is entrusted with one major responsibility: Vargo can take command of police operations and other city resources during an emergency, terrorist event or some other public danger threatening lives. She's also seen as the de facto city leader. She'll help negotiate deals with other governments and private businesses to enhance Sandusky. Vargo, a mother to two adult daughters, will also speak at monumentous events, such as ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings, to relay the importance of these milestone projects. The ex officio mayor also makes a tad more money, about $10,200 a year, than the other commissioners, roughly $9,300. Vargo, a 1987 Sandusky High School graduate, also achieved history in the process: She's the first female city resident to become mayor in 40 years. Martha Flippen represented the last woman mayor to serve from 1986 to 1987. "Growing up in Sandusky makes this opportunity especially meaningful for me," said Vargo, who received a thunderous ovation after her appointment became official. "I look forward to focusing on the goal we all share, which is continuing the progress for the city of Sandusky." In a corresponding move, the commission also elected Gregg Peugeot, a new commissioner who won a four-year term in November, as vice mayor/president. He'll carry out the responsibilities as mayor only if Vargo, for some reason, cannot. Peugeot received five votes with only Koonce and Wilson voting against him. Following Monday's meeting, many people congratulated Vargo on this trailblazing moment, and she put her feelings into perspective: Q: Why did you want to become the mayor? KV: I was born and raised in Sandusky and spent much of my life working with kids and families in our community. I ran for city commission two years ago because I believe in Sandusky's future, and I hoped to make a difference. That's the same reason I seek this role. I am grateful to have the confidence of my colleagues to lead our commission for the next two years. I will strive to be a leader who prioritizes inclusiveness, collaboration and integrity. Q: What promises can you make to both your fellow commissioners and the public regarding how you will carry out this responsibility? KV: I plan to utilize the diverse talents of the seven commissioners to maximize our positive impact on our city. I want all commissioners to feel included in the decision-making process, and I look forward to seeing positive results for all of our community. Q: What do you believe have been your proudest achievements in office these past two years? KV: City Hall has been focused on accomplishing so much that has been promised to our residents for the last several years. From the Columbus Avenue streetscape, development of Battery Park, MacArthur Park neighborhood park and infrastructure and the recreation center, we continue to take meaningful steps to benefit the city of Sandusky. Q: What goals do you have for Sandusky for the next two years? KV: We must continue to build on the most recent successes and take more steps to finish ongoing projects. Two that I previously mentioned include the Battery Park redevelopment and our recreation center. The commission is also committed to continuing to identify solutions to solve complex housing issues. I also look forward to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders at the local, state and federal levels. We can accomplish so much more by working together. I hope not to miss those opportunities. Finally, I ran on fiscal responsibility two years ago, and I will continue to promote responsible management of the city's budget to ensure that we are limiting debt and lessening burdens on the taxpayers. Q: What goals do you have for Sandusky for its long-term future? KV: Our city is a special place to live, work and raise a family. We are so fortunate to live on beautiful Lake Erie, and we have tremendous assets in our community: We have a vibrant city center downtown, a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit and much cultural diversity. But I would say what really makes Sandusky special are the wonderful people who live here: • I want to see more people discover our region of Ohio. • I want to see good-paying jobs come to help residents looking for more opportunities. • I want to see more affordable housing options for young people starting out, families and our senior citizens. • I want to see our county's population grow by attracting people to stay here as well as move here. Q: What do you want people to know about you that, you believe, are important traits to best carry out these responsibilities? KV: I have lived my entire life in Sandusky, outside of my four years at Ohio University. I spent much of my career in education, teaching for 11 years at Sandusky and serving on the board of education for 10 years. I have spent the last 24 years in sales. I raised my two daughters here, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. My family arrived in Sandusky in the late 1800s, so I have rich memories and stories about this incredible city. This place means so much to me, and I am honored to be able to serve here each day. Q: You became the city's first female mayor in 40 years. What does that signify to you? KV: It's important for young women to see that we can make a difference in public service and, for that matter, in any role. Women represent over half of the population, and yet a much smaller percentage serve in elected office.