The City of Bellefontaine hosted a farewell gathering for Mayor Ben Stahler Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the city council chambers building to offer family, friends, colleagues and other public officials the chance to wish him well and thank him for his longtime, dedicated public service.
City Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds presented Mayor Stahler with a clock trophy from the city and offered his gratitude as well.
“We’re very appreciative of Ben’s willingness to invest the time and long hours it takes to make a difference for our city. You can always find him at events and activities around town, whether it’s day or night.
“He cares for Bellefontaine; we’re in a good place and have experienced a major revitalization here in our city through his efforts.”
Born and raised in Bellefontaine, Stahler is a graduate of Bellefontaine High School and went on to earn a degree in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. He worked as a pharmacist at Mary Rutan Hospital and CVS Pharmacy for a combined 35 years.
He is married to Sara J. (Crawfis) Stahler and they celebrated 40 years of marriage this past summer. They have three adult children and six grandchildren.
In addition to serving as mayor since 2014, he served two terms on Bellefontaine City Council, from 1990-1993; was elected to Bellefontaine Board of Education (four terms, 1996-2008); and was appointed to the Ohio Hi-Point Board of Education (1996-2003) and Logan County Board of Elections (2007–2015).
Stahler reflected on his time leading the city, including the recent growth and challenges overcome:
“As this calendar year is drawing to a close, so is my term serving as mayor of Bellefontaine. I was first appointed to this role in 2014, and subsequently elected twice by our community.
2023 has been another good year with the city’s budget on track, many projects completed and our finances remain in good order. With the help of a SAFER Grant, our fire department is fully staffed with 23 full-time firefighter/ paramedics; seven on each shift.
Likewise, our Police Department is staffed at capacity and in very capable hands. We are a blessed community!
In 2023, we took delivery of a long-awaited replacement for our ladder truck. With the help of additional grant dollars, this $1.4 million, shiny red piece of equipment will continue to serve our community for decades.
Over the past 10 years, our community has slowly achieved growth as we’ve increased the number of homes, condos and apartments in Bellefontaine. This year brought the exciting announcement of a Cobblestone Hotel being built in our community, and a second one at Russells Point.
Over the course of years as mayor, we’ve remained very competitive with aggregate gas and electric rates and water rates lower than most communities. Our income tax rate, at only 1.33 percent is one of the lowest in West-Central Ohio making the cost of living in our city very inviting.
In 2022, Ohio Magazine recognized Bellefontaine as one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns. The tremendous efforts made in our downtown region, are often referred to as a ‘Renaissance’ or revitalization of this beautiful historic district that we call ‘home.’
I was proud to represent our community during our Bicentennial celebration in 2021. We also continue our warm relationship between Bellefontaine and our Sister City Suzuka, Japan. Now holding at 33 years, it remains one of Ohio’s oldest sister-city relationships with Japan.
One of the greatest challenges, during my term as Mayor, was of course, COVID-19. I’m proud of the fact that city services were never interrupted. I credit all of the team effort from businesses and residents in our area, “rolling up their sleeves” to keep our economy strong.
I want to express my gratitude for being given the opportunity such as this. As children, we’re taught to try our best and leave a place better than we found it. I look back with a deep sense of pride in our community. I feel that our community is in good hands and we have a bright future ahead. May God continue to bless Bellefontaine and our surrounding community!”
Newly elected Mayor David Crissman is administered the oath of office at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at the city council chambers.
City Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds, left, presents a clock trophy to Mayor Ben Stahler Wednesday afternoon at a farewell gathering while others look on, including Stahler’s wife, Sara, pictured at the right snapping a photo. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
Honors and accolades displayed at Mayor Ben Stahler’s farewell party Wednesday included the Ohio Magazine cover, designating Bellefontaine as one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns in 2022; a plaque from the city; coins commemorating Bellefontaine’s bicentennial in 2021 and honoring the sister city relationship with Suzuka, Japan; a plaque expressing appreciation from Small Nation; and Bellefontaine Examiner articles denoting the mayor’s role in administering some of the first COVID-19 vaccines in early 2021 and his leadership in the Mayors Association of Ohio. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)