Zilka Injects Humor, Need For Economic Development at Swearing In
Zilka, other elected officials will be sworn in at Jan. 3 council meeting
Mayor Greg Zilka, whose term officially began on Jan. 1, infused humor into his acceptance speech at his private swearing-in ceremony Dec. 30 while stressing the need to continue economic growth efforts and maintain city service.
After being sworn in by Avon Lake Municipal Court Judge Darrel Bilancini during a private ceremony at Ahern's Banquet Center, he addressed more than 200 supporters with stories of his family connections to Avon Lake.
Zilka told the audience of his grandfather’s visits to Avon Lake on the Interurban and subsequent car accidents while visiting the city he would eventually be mayor of.
“Judge Bilancini, I think there was alcohol involved,” Zilka joked.
He noted that while Ford’s income tax receipts and the plant’s Avon Lake future solidified in the past few months, other city businesses were also instrumental in an increase in Avon Lake’s revenues.
“A strong Avon Lake makes a strong Lorain County,” he said.
Zilka, who previously served as the council president, stressed the need for Avon Lake to also work with surrounding communities.
“After all we do not exist in a vacuum and our region must grow to have a stable future,” he said.
The ceremony included plenty of local dignitaries, including Avon Lake elected and appointed officials, Lorain County Auditor Mark Stewart, former longtime judge John Mackin, Lorain County Commissioner Ted Kalo, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Sheffield Village mayor John Hunter and Lorain County Treasurer Dan Talarek.
Zilka will be sworn in again in a public ceremony at City Council Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. along with the four ward council representatives (including first-term councilman Robert James).
T.S.
7:32 am on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
First I'll admit that I voted for Zuber, simply because I didn't see a need for a change, thought he did well and things were progressing. I have no strong ties, just didn't think any of the candidates had any other drastic differences so why not give him a second term. That said, can anyone help me understand what they expect from Zilka that either Zuber or the other candidate couldn't bring to Avon Lake? This is a "nice" request, not a slam, not looking for insults, just a perspective that maybe I missed.
Avon-Laker
8:32 am on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I'm in agreement with you. I think the past 2 candidates did a decent job and don't see any real vision for change. It would be an acomplishment if the new Mayor could focus on filling many of the vacant store fronts. From my point of view I see too many frivolous initiatives like adding more signs along the road and establishing more city codes that only cost us more to enforce. Let's simplify government and do something worthwhile.
Lori E. Switaj
9:18 am on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Good discussion. This is an opportunity to let the new mayor what the residents want to--or don't want to see--over the next few years. The vacant storefronts is definitely an issue in Avon Lake that needs to be addressed. Perhaps the city needs to look at not just filling a store, but making sure a prospective retail business understands that some types of businesses just don't make it here while others thrive.
T.S.
9:49 am on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Some cities have built community centers with public indoor workout facilities, basketball/tennis courts, pool, batting cages, etc..entertainment/recreation that you have to go to other cities to enjoy. Some include a pool, which we of course just built a new one, but does it make sense to try at least researching something like that in Avon Lake ( the old Topps location ) that would be an added service to Avon Lake residence, a small fee for non-Avon Lake residence that would draw folks to the location and help the retailers and restaurants? With the handicap of not being able to draw from a population north of Avon Lake that has retailers hurting, maybe the city should consider doing something. Cost is of course a concern where additional tax dollars might be required, but has this ever been looked into--maybe it wouldn't be that much and the benefits to Avon Lake residents would be tremendous, (or voted on) and, draw more families to our community with the added convenience of the new interchange going in at Lear rd. I think our city leaders need to see how we can capitalize on this added benefit since that construction just across the tracks isn't costing us a dime, but we will most likely be benefactors of.
Celia Bajda
7:34 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Community Center was put on the ballet twice about 6-8 years ago and strongly voted down both times.
Dan
10:50 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I would like to see a strong Town Center developed.
ramona padilla-dus
1:48 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
I too voted for Zuber for the same reasons... I thought he did a good job and didn't see the need for a change. That said... one of the things I'm hoping Zilka will address is the flooding of Lake Rd. basements with sewage since the new sewage pump station at 83 came on line. million dollar homes with basement sewage flooding is just not acceptable!
Bill Conners
11:24 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
Yes development of the town center is a priority. Please get a large retailer in there before Avon does! It will bring revenue and tax dollars into our city. I love the small town feel here but we do need economic growth so that the residents do not shoulder the tax burden like other communities such as Bay do. And please work with the cellular companies to get us better service here ( I know that is a hot topic) But we might as well be Montana for the spotty weak service here. Again there is potential revenue for the city to lease space fora couple of towers.
Nicole Davis
12:22 pm on Thursday, January 5, 2012
I agree that development of town center should be a priority. The city needs a business based tax structure too. Further developing lands with just homes won't cut it in the long run. I was unhappy with the extra cost for the special election, so I hope Zilka proves that he was worth spending that money. Good luck on your term Mr. Mayor!