PRESS RELEASE

Councilman John Plecnik retires from Willoughby Hills Council to run for State Central Committee  in Lake, Geauga & Portage Counties

WILLOUGHBY HILLS – On December 2, 2019, Willoughby Hills Councilman-at-Large & Vice President John Plecnik announced his retirement from Council to run for Ohio Republican State Central Committee in Senate District 18, which includes portions of Lake, Geauga and Portage Counties.

“I thank my neighbors for the great honor of serving them for six years as their Councilman-at-Large,” said Councilman John Plecnik.  “As The News-Herald reported more than once, I believe 2019 was the Year of Willoughby Hills!  It was so energizing to be a part of the team of professionals who began the renaissance of our business district with great companies like Produce Packaging, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Aldi, The Lobster Pot and so many more significant investments in our beautiful City.”

Officials from Willoughby Hills and across Lake County reached out to thank Councilman John Plecnik for his years of service and offer their endorsement in his run for State Central Committee.

“Councilman John Plecnik is so beloved, and for good reason,” said Willoughby Hills Council President Nancy Fellows.  “No one works harder for our residents than John.  He walked every street and answered every call.  Winning one election is an accomplishment, but John was the top vote-getter in all contested races for the City of Willoughby Hills three elections in a row.  That is the reason we call John the favorite son of Willoughby Hills!”

“John Plecnik is a great friend to the Fire Service,” said former Willoughby Hills Fire Chief Rich Harmon, “In the years we worked together, no one supported our firefighters more than John.  That is why I am proud to endorse John as he steps up to serve at a higher level.”

“Lake County owes Councilman John Plecnik a great debt of gratitude for personally negotiating and drafting the tax incentive agreement that brought Produce Packaging and over 300 good-paying jobs to Willoughby Hills,” said Lake County Commissioner John Hamercheck.  “Expert leadership is hard to find, and as an internationally recognized professor of tax law, John has been a powerful force for economic development in our County.”

“As Chair of Finance for Willoughby Hills, Councilman John Plecnik balanced the budget, cut taxes and reduced the City debt by nearly half,” said Ohio Republican State Central Committeeman John Popelka (Senate District 25).  “Last year, the Lake County Republican Party honored John with the Elden A. Spencer Award.  No one is more qualified, and I am excited to endorse John to join me on the State Central Committee.”

Under their City Charter, Willoughby Hills Council has 30 days to vote on appointing Councilman John Plecnik’s replacement.  The race for State Central Committee will be decided on Tuesday, March 17^th in the primary election. 

Mr. Plecnik’s retirement letter:  Councilman Plecnik, Retirement Letter (1)

Categories: Lake County Cities & Townships, Uncategorized, Willoughby Hills

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