Lobe reappointed as Solon law director; Stolarsky stays on as prosecutor - cleveland.com

SOLON, Ohio -- The city’s legal team of Thomas Lobe and Lon Stolarsky has been reappointed for another four-year term.

On Tuesday (Jan. 18), City Council confirmed the appointments by Mayor Ed Kraus of Lobe as the city’s law director and Stolarsky as city prosecutor and assistant law director.

Lobe’s salary was set at $87,746 annually. The ordinance also states that he will be paid $180 per hour for additional services, such as court matters, litigation and court claims.

Stolarsky’s salary was established at $75,000 annually. For any criminal appellate matters, the ordinance states that the prosecutor shall be paid an additional rate of $140 per hour.

For any civil matters and attendance at council meetings in the absence of the law director, including assisting in labor negotiations, the assistant law director will be paid $180 per hour.

“We have such a great legal team and I appreciate all your confidence in them and everything that they do for us,” Kraus told council.

Lobe has served in his position since November 2010 and Stolarsky has been city prosecutor since January 2011 and assistant law director since 2012. Both were initially appointed by former mayor Susan Drucker.

“Being a law director, I’m oftentimes the face of saying ‘no’ to everything,” Lobe said. “It’s sometimes difficult. That’s what the law does and requires.

“But I’d like to thank Mayor Kraus, Vice Mayor (Nancy) Meany, all of council and all of the directors because you’ve been great to work with. You’ve made a difficult job a lot easier.

“I hope I continue to make you proud in the next four years also -- but you will be getting a lot of ‘no’s,’ too.”

Ward 3 Councilman Jeremy Zelwin said he calls Lobe frequently, and sometimes “we agree to disagree.”

“But I think he’s the type of law director that the mayor wants, because he’s super-duper conservative when it comes to legal interpretation,” Zelwin said. “So, Tom, I look forward to your continued service to the city.”

Several other council members also thanked Lobe for his service and congratulated him on his reappointment.

“You can call Tom nights, weekends, anytime and he responds,” Meany said. “I really appreciate that.

“I’ve gotten very good advice from Tom, and I’m so happy that you will be continuing on.”

Meany offered a “shout-out” to Stolarsky, as well. Stolarsky, who did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, had served as a city councilman from 2005 to 2010 before being appointed as prosecutor.

“I’m so thankful to have people like Lon and Tom being involved with the city,” she said.

Police Chief Richard Tonelli added: “I want to congratulate Mr. Lobe and Mr. Stolarsky on their reappointments. Both of these gentlemen are very essential in the operations of our department.”

Police sergeant sworn in

In other action, Patrolman Anthony Horvath was promoted to sergeant in the Solon Police Department and was administered the oath of office by Kraus.

Kraus said Horvath has excelled in the department for almost seven years and has earned his promotion.

“Tony is the perfect example of what community policing is all about,” Kraus said.

A large contingent of Horvath’s family, friends and co-workers were on hand for the event, and he thanked them for their support.

In particular, Horvath thanked his wife, Melissa, noting: “This is a difficult job, and I know sometimes it’s possibly more difficult for her than it is for me. But her support for me never falters, and I don’t think I could do the job without her.

“I feel both fortunate and blessed, and I look forward to doing my part to continue the Solon Police Department’s tradition of excellent service,” he said.

Mazur retires from commission

Kraus and several council members congratulated longtime Planning Commission member William Mazur on his retirement after serving 18 years on the commission.

Mazur, who previously served as chairman of the commission, asked not to be reappointed to another six-term year when his term expired Dec. 31.

“Bill served with distinction,” said Kraus, who serves on the Planning Commission as mayor. “He was tremendous to residents and businesses. He was respectful; he was professional.”

Meany said Mazur was the first Planning Commission member to reach out to her when she was appointed to the commission before being elected to City Council.

“Bill kind of took me under his wing, and that started a very good friendship,” she said. “I respect Bill ... he really took his position very seriously and really did a wonderful job for the city for 18 years.”

Ward 4 Councilman Michael Kan said Mazur “served with honor, and I’m really thankful for his contributions.”

At the Jan. 11 Planning Commission meeting, Ward 1 Councilman Macke Bentley -- who serves as chair of the commission -- said Mazur was “an excellent contributor and member of our commission, and he’s going to be missed dearly.”

“He kept me in line; he kept all of us in line sometimes, and he wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion when he had strong opinions about things,” Bentley said. “Best of luck to him and his wife, and a long, healthy life to both of them.”

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source: https://www.cleveland.com/community/2022/01/lobe-reappointed-as-solon-law-director-stolarsky-stays-on-as-prosecutor.html

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