Bobst to be new mayor
By Jennifer Mitchell
Rocky River
Published June 28, 2006

Pam Bobst

City Council is expected to vote Pamela Bobst into the office of mayor at an emergency meeting at 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Since June 12, Bobst has been doing double duty as a member of City Council and interim mayor. Interim Council President Brian Hurtuk announced the council’s intention of appointing her permanently Monday. If that happens, Hurtuk will become the council president and Bobst’s council seat will become vacant.

The City Charter allows council to make appointments for elected officials if such posts need to be filled in midterm.

Former Mayor William Knoble resigned June 9. If Bobst receives a majority vote tomorrow, she will serve the remainder of his term, ending Dec. 31, 2007.  Residents interested in the pending vacancy on City Council are asked to submit resumes for the position in person, by mail or e-mail, to the council clerk’s office by 4 p.m. July 12.

Hurtuk said the group plans to start interviewing for that vacancy July 17.

City Council also considered Fred Sokol and former Fairview Park Mayor Richard Anter for the office of mayor, both candidates in the last mayor’s race. Hurtuk said that both men are qualified, but that City Council wants to ensure a seamless transition. With Bobst, who worked closely with Knoble before his departure, “there’s no learning curve,” he said.

While the majority of council nominated Bobst, at least one candidate is unhappy with the choice.

“Rocky River council had a chance to pick a mayor that connects to the folks,” Sokol said. “They didn’t.”

Ward 4 Councilman Brian Hagan plans to run for the office in 2007, but decided that vying for the position now was too soon. Hagan, a practicing attorney who also owns a title company, said he has a 12-month plan to make sure his business affairs are covered before running.

Hurtuk said the recommendation to appoint Bobst was given by a majority of council. He said Bobst has the “time, talent and expertise” to carry the city through the next 18 months.

“And that, to me, is imperative,” Hurtuk added.

Bobst, who had been hoping to receive the appointment, is ready to get to work.

“I am very pleased that council has the confidence in my abilities to fill the position,” she said. “I am excited about moving current projects along and addressing other issues in the city.”

As the soon-to-be former council president, Bobst most recently worked on a hiring policy City Council is soon expected to adopt, a cooperative purchasing agreement among Northeast Ohio communities, and has been involved in discussions regarding controversial new technology AT&T has begun to install throughout the city, known as Project Lightspeed.