HURON — After 14 years, Mark Robish says that in May, he’ll be done as a Huron City Commissioner.
“I have been on there for 14 years, and I have loved it,” Robish emphasized. “It’s time for someone else to have that chance to learn just what I did. I liked it. I really did.”
The adjustment in scope was something he wasn’t prepared for when he started in the role.
“I remember the first bill that I signed. I was the water, street, and sewer commissioner back then,” Robish recalled. “I took the oath on Monday, and on Wednesday I was called in to sign a bill.”
“The bill was for more than $300,000,” Robish continued. “I had never put my name on that amount of money!”
He relayed that first check opened up lines of communication between Robish and the departments that he was a liaison for through the commission. He emphasized being able to relate to city employees in order to take their needs to the commission while also bringing back the thoughts and concerns of the commission to the department when it is needed.
Robish stated that he has been able to get experience and education on the inner workings of the city beyond anything he could have ever imagined.
“It changes once you’re behind the table for sure,” he stated, recalling that he attended quite a few meetings as a citizen before he first ran for commission and felt at that time that he had a good grasp on the workings of the city.
Through his time on the commission, Robish has been the commission liaison to every department but one - finance.
“When I started, Dale Schneider was the finance commissioner, and I’m not replacing him,” Robish explained. “After Dale went off, Bryan Smith came on the commission, and who am I to tell Bryan Smith how to spend money?”
“We each find our strengths and really work well in those areas,” he continued. “With the guys currently on the board, I’ll leave finance to other guys. I can talk with the street guys, I can go talk with the sewer. guys. I’m an outside guy, that doesn’t bother me!”
One of the things a commissioner has to be ready for is to become a “boss” in the role of commissioner.
“We have really good employees at the city,” Robish stated. “But you’re working now as their ‘boss’ through the commission, and that can mean that you get some tough phone calls from people. You can’t take it personal.”
Throughout his time on the commission, Robish has worked through tough arguments when there haven’t been unanimous votes among commissioners, but the emphasis is to work together professionally.
“I always look at how does this affect my family, my city, and my church when I vote,” Robish emphasized.
Even though he does plan to be done on the commission, Robish definitely intends to remain involved in the community through volunteer boards as much as possible as well as attending Monday night commission meetings.
Petitions for the seat that Robish is leaving are now available at City Hall and are due back to City Hall on Friday, Feb. 24 by 5 p.m.
The city-wide election will be held April 11.
What does Robish have to say to the person who may take his spot on the commission?
“I guess what I would say to a new commissioner is be yourself and be approachable,” Robish concluded.
