Portage has new mayor
By David Hurst, dhurst@altoonamirror.comPORTAGE - Robert E. Fox might be rethinking the old ''first impression'' cliche today.
The Portage man, days after being rejected by the council on his bid for mayor, was picked by the borough's vacancy board to fill the position after all.
A Planning Commission member who has been active in the community since returning to his hometown in 2005, his pitch even apparently won over a council critic, Rebecca Chobany, whose vote gave him the majority needed to get the job and replace now-retired Mayor Joyce French.
Fox, a retired Navy chief petty officer, got the job after explaining that behind his ''cut and dry'' way of putting things,is a guy who wants to bring the best out of his hometown.
''I want to be an active mayor, a strong mayor, someone who will lead the parade and help foster a sense of pride in this community,'' Fox said. ''But I know I'd be part of a team. There are six other council members to tell me when I'm right or wrong, and I know that.''
Portage operates under a home rule charter, with the mayor a voting member of the board.
French stepped down a month ago, sparking a mayor search, Fox and his wife, Bonnie, have been active in the community, organizing Winterfest among their efforts.
He interviewed for the job, but was voted down by Chobany, President Sharon McCarthy and councilmember George Wozniak and Steve Lane in a 4-2 vote.
The move surprised Borough Manager Bob Koban, although he was optimistic Thursday that the vacancy board would settle the matter.
''That's what the vacancy board is there for,'' he said.
Another longtime borough supporter, Rick Nagy, made a late pitch for the job Thursday, touting decades of volunteer experience with Summerfest, the park and other events.
He said he'd be willing to serve ''a couple years,'' while Fox said he would be vying for a ballot spot in 2009 either way, with hopes of serving the town for years to come.
''That's ok. I'll keep doing what I do - keep working for Portage,'' Nagy said afterward, congratulating Fox.
Chobany, joining resident Jean Kinley on the board, credited Fox, saying ''you have a lot of good ideas.''
The board's third member, Jim Kissell, was out of the area and could not make the meeting.
Mirror Staff Writer David Hurst is at 946-7457.
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ferndawg44
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10-10-08 11:39 AM
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The board's third member, Jim Kissell, was out of the area and could not make the meeting. He was down in the city "N NAT"
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ferndawg44
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10-10-08 11:37 AM
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Oh Never mind, Portage is no where near Russia so he doesn't have the Foregin policy experience.. Oh well.
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ferndawg44
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10-10-08 11:34 AM
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Portage "HAD" a Mayor... What were those qualifications, Field dress a deer? Maybe He can run for the Republican nomination next term. Sounds to me like he's as qualified and Palin!!
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MrMxyzptlk
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10-10-08 8:26 AM
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Hmmmm, Portage, isn't that something you do to a boat?
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