MORAN – One of Moran’s strengths is its city employees, Joe Stotler contends.
But with longtime workers Mike Stodgell and Craig Miller nearing retirement age, it’s incumbent on the Moran City Council to choose wisely when it comes time to hiring their replacements.
That’s why Stotler, a lifelong Moran resident, is throwing his hat into the political ring for the first time. He is one of five candidates seeking two City Council seats.
Voters will choose next Tuesday from among Stotler, Rachel Blevins, Darcy Burton, Lee Roberts and incumbent Jim Mueller.
“I’d never really thought about running before,” Stotler said.
That changed with a recent conversation with Corky Lynes, a long-time Council member who decided against running for re-election.
“She persuaded me to give it a try,” Stotler said.
Stotler serves as LaHarpe’s police chief and is also a member of the Erie Police Department.
He retired after six years with the National Guard and has been active with the Moran Volunteer Fire Department.
“I’ve been in Moran my whole life, and I’ve seen the struggles and the progress,” he continued. “I think I can speak for the citizens and work in their best interests.”
And while there are plenty of issues to be addressed — infrastructure, housing and budgetary concerns come to mind — keeping quality city staff returns to the top of Stotler’s agenda.
“We just want to make sure there’s a maintenance crew here that’s qualified to run a city,” Stotler said. “And we want to make sure our money is being spent in the best way possible.”
