12/02/05
Meet your New Mayor and Council

Don Patterson, Mayor Elect

Don Patterson had a difficult decision to make when it came time to file his election petition. With his council term up, he knew that running for Mayor could mean saying goodbye to Kettering City Council altogether. He says he decided to run because he believes his business experience and community involvement would help Kettering face future challenges.

Patterson has served on City Council since 1988, during which time he has served on the board of the Kettering Development Corporation, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, the City’s Comprehensive Plan Committee and the Kettering Rotary, just to name a few.

As the owner of a commercial real estate business, Patterson is well versed in the area of Economic Development – an issue he sees as critical to the future of Kettering.

“We’ve proven to be a proactive community when it comes to making things happen for vacant or blighted areas of our City,” he says. “As Mayor, I want to make sure we continue that trend of always thinking forward about how best to utilize our space and how best to attract business to this community.”

Patterson also says he plans to utilize the passion, talent and commitment of retiring Mayor Marilou Smith.

“She’s made it clear that she wants to stay involved in this community,” he says. “And I don’t want to lose her special talents just because she’s retiring. We’ll keep her busy.”

Peggy Lehner, Councilwoman at Large

Peggy Lehner was the lone incumbent on the ballot. A native of South Bend, Indiana, Peggy and her family have lived in Kettering for 30 years. She and her husband, Jim, raised five children in this community.

Lehner certainly has no aversion to community involvement. Not only has she served on Council for the last 8 years, but she has immersed herself into causes and issues that affect Kettering residents. One of her passions has been creating initiatives that enhance the quality of life for senior citizens. Currently she is working through the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission to develop a transportation system for the elderly.

“We already have so many great programs and services for seniors,” she says. “I’m really excited that I will now be able to continue my work of providing more opportunities, not only for seniors, but for all Kettering residents.”

Lehner also serves on a number of committees at the state and national level and is very involved in the National League of Cities.

Frank Spolrich, Councilman at Large

Frank Spolrich is a newcomer to City Council, but certainly not to the City of Kettering. For 37 years Spolrich has served as the director of personnel for Kettering City Schools. That’s also how long he’s been a Kettering resident. He says he’s excited to work earnestly for this community that he loves.

“I’m very grateful to have been selected. I’m ready to go to work and I remain, as much as ever, dedicated to the City.”

And his dedication is certainly unquestionable. Spolrich has served on a number of committees such as the Kettering Parks Foundation Board and the Holiday at Home Executive Board. He is an Advisory Board Member for the KMO Chamber and has participated in a variety of volunteer activities such as the Walkable Communities Workshop, Park Cleanup Days and Polen Farm rehab activities.

He and his wife Nancy have two grown children.

Don, Peggy and Frank will be sworn into office in January.