Alliance has a new mayor: Andy Grove, a former councilman

ALLIANCE − The city has a new leader.

Andy D. Grove, 73, a Republican and former City Council member, was appointed Wednesday night by the Stark County Republican Party to the mayor's office, filling out the term of retired Mayor Alan Andreani.

Grove is the city's 51st mayor.

Last year, Andreani chose not to seek a fourth-term in office. He retired Aug. 1.

"The next five months we will continue to team together to finish the remaining goals and pending projects set by city administration, department managers and City Council for 2023," Grove said in a prepared speech, after he was sworn into office.

Grove, a retired executive in the hospitality industry, served on City Council from 2018 through 2021. He left to join the mayor's office, where he worked to help the city obtain grants. He had been the presumptive successor for Andreani after winning his party's nomination in May.

Grove seeks his own four-year term in the Nov. 7 general election. He faces no challengers.

"I am very thankful to Mayor Andreani for giving me the opportunity to work with him and his executive staff on special finance projects, committees and commission meetings and mentoring me in all the daily operations of city management," he said.

"I think it's going to be real smooth," transition.

Janet Weir Creighton, a Stark County commissioner and county party chairman, oversaw Grove's appointment. He was sworn-in by Alliance Municipal Court Judge Andrew Zumber at the Alliance Area Senior Center in front of packed room.

Grove's wife, Susan, deputy treasurer of his campaign, was by his side, holding the Bible where Grove placed his hand.

Andreani also was there, staying in the back of the room. He received an ovation for his 11 years in office.

"(Grove) has the elements that I think are the most important to lead the city: honesty, experience and integrity," Andreani said Saturday at the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival's Community Luncheon, a separate event held Saturday. "Those equal leadership. His dedication to Alliance is outstanding."

City Councilman Ed Lohnes, R-3, said he doesn't expect any transitional issues with Grove, whom Lohnes said has been "prepped."

"I think it's going to be real smooth," Lohnes said. "We're going to try to continue to live up to the fiscal responsibilities and the economic development that was being led by Mayor Andreani."

Grove outlines his future plans in speech

"Going forward," after Nov. 7 election, Grove said his plans for the city will focus on economic and population growth. To increase population, he told the room that he wants to attract more good paying jobs into the city.

"Alliance has not experienced population growth in 63 years," he said.

Grove also said: "I will meet with the executive and management staff to review my mayor's plan of operation so we can set good policies for real solutions that make a difference in people's lives."

Bill Lavery, owner of Lavery Automotive Sales & Service, threw his support behind Grove.

"Time will tell," Lavery said, "but I'm extremely hopeful, and I think Andy's had a great career and track record in business and the public sector. I think he's suited for this."

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Andy Grove, ex-City Council member, is new Alliance mayor