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City Manager Chosen In Nelsonville

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The Nelsonville City Council approved the hiring of a local businessman as the new city manager.

IMG_2945Gary Edwards was chosen from a pool of three finalists, which included the deputy service safety director for the City of Athens, Ron Lucas, and Tim Boland, of Lewis Center.

The decision was finalized in a unanimous vote at a special session of the city council on Wednesday night.

“Maybe it’s time for a fresh set of eyes and I’m willing to be those set of eyes,” Edwards told the council and the crowd that gathered in the city council chambers.

Edwards is the owner of The Pit Stop in Nelsonville and The Busy Day Market in Athens.

Council President Kevin Dotson said the fact that Edwards is local will be to his advantage in his new role.

“His business experience will help, but I think knowing the people in the area will really help him,” Dotson said.

The new city manager said he is ready to begin starting Thursday in the position for which he replaces Mark Hall. Hall left the position after nearly four years.

Edwards’ salary will be $57,500, which is also the salary Hall received, according to Dotson.