Mayor expects new assistant to drive city's growth

PORT CLINTON – The mayor fired his administrative assistant and appointed a new one this week who will have additional duties, including helping with city projects.

Mayor Vince Leone hired Max Upton to replace former administrative assistant Jennifer Porter, who had the job from April 2003 until last week. Leone said she was unable provide more than clerical work for the office.

"Port Clinton is moving in fast-forward after 70 to 80 years of neglect. To keep up with the pace, we all wear multiple hats," Leone said. "She (Porter) was not able to do so."

Porter could not be reached for comment.

Her personnel file revealed she received a letter Feb. 5 from Leone saying she had received several notices to make changes or risk termination.

Before her termination, Leone said Porter was given ample opportunity and guidance to change work habits.

Leone said Upton provided a perfect replacement because of his credentials and experience with clerical and urban planning.

"I have experience in the theoretical in my degree at Cleveland State," Upton said. "I graduated there with honors with a degree in public management and urban policy."

Upton also worked with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, with a focus on economic development projects at the Lorain office.

"I love the fact that we'll have the perspective of someone who has been deeply engaged with projects such as Lorain," Leone said. "We're trying to make up for a lot of lost time, and I think Max's energy and ability to focus with the issues of Port Clinton and his education and background is going to help support my team."

The position is appointed by the mayor, so there was no open application process. He said he met with Upton several times to discuss the city and said he knew Upton was the best choice for the job because his ideas and perspective of the city.

Upton said he and Leone have aspirations to make the city the best it can be, catering to residents and tourists.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Upton said. "It can be really transformative for the entire community.

"We're not just talking Waterworks Park. The mayor truly understands what we need to do."

The future includes the revitalization of the infrastructure of downtown Port Clinton. Soon, a $1.5 million project will begin with paving the roadway and installing new water and sewer lines to improve the efficiency of waste water management.

"We need infrastructure to support new business and industry. If you don't have anything in place, you aren't going to get anyone here," Leone said. "We are moving forward."

Leone said the city has secured $6 million in funding for various projects in the city ranging from street paving, downtown facade improvements to combined sewer system replacement.

"We are not just moving to put lipstick on a pig," Leone said. "That infrastructure is key to us. We are putting as many tools in the toolbox to make Port Clinton successful, and truly a destination, not a parking lot."

cshoup@gannett.com

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