Zanesville’s City Council Chambers were the center of beginnings and endings for public servants Monday evening as some took their first oaths of office and others walked away from their positions when the meeting adjourned. 

Among the new faces preparing to take office in 2020 were City Auditor Andrew Body and Councilman Todd Ware. 

Returning council members and City Treasurer David Wolfe were also sworn in by Judge William Joseph one last time, as Joseph is retiring and will be replaced by his son, Andrew Joseph. 

Leaving office after 30 years of service was Councilwoman Connie Norman and after eight years was Mayor Jeff Tilton. 

Council passed a resolution during the meeting to recognize Norman, who represents the Third Ward, for her decades of service totaling 30 years and four months.

“Which I believe makes her the longest in our history for consecutive years of service on Council,” said Council President Dan Vincent. 

Vincent also noted that Norman is the first African-American woman to serve on Council.

“During her time serving, she helped lead the charge to restore and improve Putnam Hill Park and worked to improve and then rename Municipal Stadium to Gant Stadium, after Nelson T. Gant, a freed slave, abolitionist, and a successful businessman,” said Vincent.

During her tenure on City Council, Norman worked to improve housing in the City and reduce its blight and crime.

“Her actions and services have forever impacted the city in a positive way,” said Vincent.

Replacing Norman in the Third Ward seat is Todd Ware. 

“We welcome Mr. Ware and look forward to working with him,” said Vincent.

Through a resolution read by Public Safety Director Keane Toney, Tilton was also recognized for his accomplishments as mayor for the past eight years, as well as for his work as Councilperson prior to taking office.

Toney emphasized the various advisory boards and service agencies Tilton served on throughout the years and noted that the mayor would arrive at work between 4:30 and 5 a.m. and stay past business hours each day.

“He is a hard worker, very hands on and out in the City,” said Vincent. “His dedication lead to many successes for the City and he has many accomplishments to be proud of during his tenure.”

Tilton will be replaced by Don Mason in 2020.