Darrin Lane’s new home is not inside the village limits
Plain City’s Mayor will be stepping down from his position at the end of the month.
Darrin Lane said he made the decision to resign after purchasing a home outside of the village’s corporate limits. His resignation will be effective Sept. 30.
LANE
“I have had a great time as Mayor, it’s been quite the adventure,” he wrote in a statement.
Although his service as mayor is coming to a close, he added that he is thankful for the opportunity to serve the community he grew up in.
“I was fortunate to return to my hometown and make a difference,” Lane wrote.
Lane was born in Marysville and raised in the Plain City area. After graduating from Jonathan Alder, he joined the United States Air Force and served in active and reserve duty.
In 1999, he started his own business, Quality Assistance, LLC. However, throughout his campaign, he stressed that he would serve as a full-time mayor.
Lane was first elected to the position in 2015. He won a three-candidate race with strong support from Union County allowing him to edge his competitors.
He was unopposed in his 2019 bid for reelection.
Following his departure, Council President Jody Carney said she will assume the role of Mayor, adding she is “very excited for this opportunity.”
Village Administrator Nathan Cahall said, by statute, if the mayor resigns before the end of his or her term, the Council President assumes that role.
Cahall said no council action is necessary and Carney will become acting mayor as of Lane’s resignation.
Carney will serve as mayor until the May primary election, Cahall said, when candidates will be able to run to fill the remainder of Lane’s term.
Cahall said council will also have 30 days to appoint a council member to fill Carney’s vacant seat.
If they do not act or cannot reach a majority vote, Cahall said Carney, acting as mayor, can appoint an individual to fill the position.
If Carney chooses to run for mayor on the May ballot and is elected, Cahall said the person appointed to her former council seat will also hold the position for the remainder of the term.
However, if Carney chooses not to run or is defeated by another candidate, Cahall said she will fill her old council seat for the remainder of the term she was elected to serve.
Lane credited former Village Administrator Kevin Vaughn, Fiscal Officer Renee Sonnett, Police Chief Dale McKee, Solicitor Paul Lafayette and former Administrative Assistant Inge Witt as being “instrumental in the direction” Plain City is moving.
“It started in a (12-foot by 12-foot) office (shared) with Columbus 2020 the very first day almost five years ago,” Lane wrote. “In a week we turned the old council chambers into a conference room and got down to business.”
Lane said he is confident in the direction is moving, especially as the Charter Committee works to shape the future of the village.
“If you surround yourself with great people, everything will come easy,” he included in the statement. “I think this village is surrounded by great people and I look forward to the future.”