After some deliberation in an executive session at Monday night’s Marysville City Council meeting, Scott Brock was picked as the city’s newest councilperson representing ward one.
Brock, of Arabian Circle, is the current CIO of the Ohio Development Services Agency, a title he’s held since 2012. He served as the City of Marysville’s director of information technology from 2010 to 2012.
He beat out Scott Zwiezinski, of Clydesdale Way.
The seat was made vacant after former member Tracy Richardson won the November race for Ohio House Representative for District 86 and took on the job this year. Eight residents applied, which was then whittled down to Zwiezinski and Brock.
After coming out of executive session, councilperson Nevin Taylor said both finalists were exceptional.
“It’s too bad we don’t have two spots, because both of you could sit on both sides of me and I’d love to work with you,” Taylor said. “I’m impressed as hell.”
Brock said he’s honored that council chose him as Richardson’s replacement. He said he’s happy so many qualified people applied for the position.
“I know the leaders of Marysville, I have great relationships with the leaders of Marysville,” Brock said.
Brock said he’s excited to get started on council. He said he believes he’ll work well with the other council members.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the rest of the council members and working for the community,” Brock said.
Brock said he brings a tech-focused perspective to the city. He said Marysville moves forward with the U.S. 33 Smart Corridor, he can help steer the city on the right path.
Brock said as other communities like Dublin determine the direction of the area, he wants to make sure Marysville has a seat at that table.
He also said his time at the state has taught him not to get caught up in the weeds. He said he won’t get caught up in a single issue.
Brock said he’s a “local government guy.” He said he cares about Marysville, and this position gives him a chance to give back.
“I grew up in local government,” Brock said. “I painted fire hydrants and fixed water lines for the City of Westerville.”
Now that the process of picking a new member of council is over, Mayor J.R. Rausch said he’s happy with how it turned out.
“We had eight very capable residents, which again, is exciting for council,” Rausch said.
Rausch said it was a hard choice. Both candidates have good qualities that would benefit the city. He also said having that many applicants is an indication that council is doing great things.
He said both finalists were excellent, and commended Zweizinski for his service to the city as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Officials encouraged him to continue his involvement in the city.
Rausch highlighted Brock’s past work with the city, and Brock’s part in founding the Union County Council of Governments.
“He has a lot of technical experience,” Brock said.
Rausch said the plan is for Brock to be sworn in at 6:30 p.m. before the Jan. 28 council meeting.
In other council news:
-Rausch was voted Marysville Mayor/Council President, while Henk Berbee was voted Council Vice President.