SANDUSKY — City commission’s most experienced member, Dave Waddington, is firmly declining the ceremonial yet powerful role of ex officio mayor (commission president), choosing instead to serve as the body’s self-described “walking encyclopedia” to mentor new members.
In a telephone interview today before a scheduled meeting, Waddington—who has served for 18 years—stated unequivocally that he has “turned it down” and would refuse the position if drafted by his colleagues when they hold the vote for commission president and vice president at their organizational meeting Jan. 12.
“I know I don’t want the mayor role. I don’t want that. I don’t even want to be vice mayor,” Waddington said, adding that he sees his greatest value now in coaching the new commission. “It helped coach and support... It’s not always the center seat.”
The veteran commissioner confirmed his finality in the decision, saying, “Nothing wrong with being a soldier, right.”
Vargo looks at leadership role
While stepping away from the center chair himself, Waddington immediately injected a major variable into the Jan. 12 leadership selection by saying he supports current colleague on commission, Kate Vargo, the mayor’s job.
Waddington confirmed he and Vargo have discussed her interest in the role, stating: “I would think Kate Vargo would be good. …I think she could bring a lot to the table.”
The newly elected commissioners who take office in January are: Luvada Wilson, Gregg Peugeot and Tom Tucker. They were elected in November and will join the four existing members—Waddington, Vargo, Richard Koonce, and Jeff Krabill—in January. Waddington’s decision to actively support a successor makes his vote, and his 18 years of institutional influence, a central factor in the upcoming organizational meeting.
On the agenda
$13.9 million in emergency spending
The interview took place just hours before a critical commission meeting where two ordinances—both requested to take “immediate effect”—committed the city to nearly $14 million in capital projects and new debt. Waddington voiced strong support for both major items:
• City Hall Acquisition ($3.5 Million)
The Commissioner fully backed the decision to purchase the City Hall property outright for $3.5 million from Sandcity LLC.
“I think that’s great. It’s three and a half million, I think it’s great,” Waddington said. He cited the immediate access it provides to basement record storage, eliminating the need to move historical documents or drive to a different complex for materials.
• Recreation Center Contract ($10.4 Million)
Waddington was enthusiastic about the $10.4 million contract with Janotta & Herner for the new 36,000 sq. ft. Recreation Center, a project that requires the City to take on future debt.
“Well, I support it. I was one of the original ones that supported it… there’s a void there and I’m hopeful that you know with the current programming transitions right over there,” he noted, emphasizing the long-expressed community need for the facility, especially following the closure of the YMCA.
He also expressed relief that the final bid came in well under the initial estimated budget. “You know we have 12 [million] on the table now it’s come in at 10 something so 10 nine so absolutely... I was really worried that it was gonna come in over.”
Reflecting on Sandusky’s financial turnaround
Waddington provided candid historical context for the major spending, reflecting on the financial hardships of the past decade. He recalled earlier terms on the commission when there was “no money,” making it difficult to even look at employees.
“We had to lay him off some other people, you know, that really bothered me because I was pushing for him,” he said. He then credited the federal funding boost that allowed the city to rehire and stabilize: “then we grant we got him back thanks to Biden’s, you know, money that he gave to the city that helped a lot give us a boost so.”
