Longtime mayor facing re-election opposition for 1st time

Church said he plans to run on his “record and leadership” while Clark said she sees a need for “new leadership” as Miamisburg moves forward.

Church, a 73-year-old Democrat, has faced no opposition in five re-elections since beating incumbent Don Lucas in 1991. Clark, a 32-year-old Republican, also earned her current post by besting an incumbent, beating Lisa Hughes for the seat in 2009 before winning re-election in 2013 against Bob Davis.

Clark said she is the first woman to run for Miamisburg mayor and the youngest person to file for that post. However, records are not kept on such issues, according to the city and the Montgomery County Board of Elections.

Church said that during his tenure Miamisburg has worked with federal officials to redevelop the former Mound site from nuclear research facility into a business park that is attracting jobs to the city.

He also pointed to joint agreements Miamisburg has developed with neighboring communities. These include the creation of the Miami Valley Fire District with Miami Twp., and tax sharing agreements involving the Dayton Mall area and the Austin Boulevard interchange of Interstate 75.

Church said Miamisburg has made “great strides under my watch” and he is “proud of the progress that we’ve made in the community.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels,” he added. “There’s more that needs to be done. Money is tighter now today, so it’s a little bit more difficult to get some of the things accomplished. But I’ve built relationships up with people at the county, the state and the federal level.”

Clark credited Church and his work, but said Miamisburg must be more fiscally prudent as cities deal with fewer tax dollars. Miamisburg began this year with a projected operating deficit of $600,000, she said, and that’s not acceptable if the city is to prosper.

Meanwhile, last year city council approved spending $1 million on an irrigation system for Pipestone Golf Course, a move Clark voted against.

“We have to be more diligent and paying attention to how we are spending our money,” she said. “We have to be more diligent with a balanced budget.

“After serving on council for the past six years I believe Miamisburg is positioned to really take off,” according to Clark. “The world around us is changing. 2015 poses new challenges and if we’re going to remain a vibrant and growing community, we need leadership that understands those challenges. I believe I have the ability to lead Miamisburg into a bright and prosperous future. And I’m excited for all that I know we will become.”