Newton Falls’ new mayor is sworn in

Councilman, school board member also take oaths in Newton Falls ceremony

NEWTON FALLS -- The village's newly elected mayor, David Hanson, officially was sworn in Tuesday by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart as retired Youngstown State University president and former head football coach Jim Tressel provided words of encouragement for all officials serving the village.

More than 100 people gathered at the oath of office ceremony at Newton Falls Methodist Church, where Hanson, Newton Falls councilman Brian Axiotis and Newton Falls Board of Education member Mark Stimpert were sworn in by Stewart.

Tressel said he remembers coming to the village a few years ago and being at the tree lighting.

"It struck me as being magical to see the green and red lights on the water tower and the downtown all decorated for the holidays. People were enjoying being with one another. When I was asked to come back today and they told me there would also be Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart, I thought, 'Wow I have made it to the next level,'" he said.

Tressel said Hanson, Axiotis and Stimpert are examples of people who "are passionate about serving this wonderful community."

After 37 years of coaching and serving in university administration, Tressel said he feels selflessness is the single most important trait for anyone to have to reach their potential and become the best they can be.

"The key to success not only in a community, or on a team, or in a family, or in a nation, is selflessness. The best individuals we ever had in organizations that I was a part of, it wasn't about them but about all of us. It was about what is best for the team," he said.

Tressel wished the officials much success in their new roles.

He said all the people he has met in his life in various professions have had a great work ethic, talent and good cognitive ability.

Tressel said having curiosity also is important, saying the best football players he had were those who asked how they could do better and the coaches who asked how they could do better.

He said it is also important for people to have resilience and grit to face adversity and situations that may not go the way they want.

Hanson said he is encouraged and looking forward to the future of Newton Falls.

"I want to thank all of you for being here and for supporting us," Hanson said.

Stewart said she travels across the state to administer the oath of office to elected officials.

"When I go from county to county, I have found we are really much more alike than not alike. We all want our tax dollars spent well, and safety of people in their homes and for children in schools. Elected officials are public servants. We work for you," she said.

Frank Zigaro, pastor of the church, said he wants the elected officials to lead by example, find faith in the challenges they face and have perseverance to press on during difficult times.

Guy Coviello, president / CEO of the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, said Hanson is becoming mayor at a good time, noting the Mahoning Valley has seen an increase in population in the past few years, the poverty rate has been reduced by 2%, there has been an increase in the number of people locally with bachelor's and master's degrees, and economic development is booming with Ultium Cells and other companies bringing in jobs.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, a short fireworks display took place in the parking lot.