Put-in-Bay Village Mayor Jessica Dress submitted a resignation letter to the Council on 31 March 2023. Citing personal and family health concerns, Ms. Dress states, “[these] priorities require my full attention, leaving little to devote to the time and energy required to lead our municipality most effectively.”
Former Mayor and current Village Council member Judy Berry became Acting Mayor on 4 April 2023. Councilman Jake Market is now the president pro tem. The 2023 November General Election will include mayoral and two council positions on the ballot. In the meantime, Village Council will vote on a couple of quality candidates in the pipeline to fill the vacancy by the middle of May.
PiBDaily™ spoke with the Acting Mayor on Wednesday afternoon, 12 April 2023.
Judy Berry came to South Bass Island in 1985 and has engaged in public service since her election to Village Council in 2005. Ms. Berry became mayor in 2009 and served in that capacity until 2012.
Priorities for 2023 continue to focus on funding because it is integral to all aspects of public services provided by the Village, reports Ms. Berry. “The Village needs to meet the contingency for highest demand for service, including utilities and policing, because we are a tourist destination.”
Challenges which remain priorities for Mayor Berry include affordable housing and keeping the Village moving forward:
“Housing is an issue for the young people of our island and for seasonal workers; securing high-speed, reliable Internet service can open up revenue streams. It is vital that the business interests be part of our community conversations. The concerns and interests of year-round residents, businesses, summer people, and tourists converge to challenge us all.”
In closing our meeting, Ms. Berry said, “People should know we are a great place for vacations which generate family memories. Also, I’m glad to serve, I’m vested in the community, and I want things to function well!”
The next item on the acting mayor’s daily agenda was participation in a webinar on federal funding.