Kent Studebaker took office as mayor of Marble Cliff on Nov. 1.

Studebaker, who had been serving as president of the village council, replaced Rich Murray, who resigned as mayor because of the increased duties of his new job as director of the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission.

"It was certainly unexpected," Studebaker said of his new post, "but I'm pleased to have the opportunity to do this. It's an honor.

"Anyone who decided to participate in local government in Marble Cliff does it for reasons of pride in our community and a desire to dedicate time and effort to keep our Marble Cliff remaining the kind of village we want to live in," he said.

Under Ohio law, council has 30 days to select a person to fill Studebaker's seat.

The village set a deadline of today (Thursday, Nov. 12) for residents to apply. Council will schedule interviews later this month.

"That's entirely council's responsibility," Studebaker said.

Council will likely choose a new president at its Nov. 16 meeting, he said.

Studebaker, 55, has served 14 years on council and has lived in Marble Cliff since 1993. He is senior director with the Ohio State Medical Association.

Studebaker said he sees the village mayor's role as being "a point person" who brings issues and concerns to the table for council's consideration and discussion.

With the election of Linda Siefkas earlier this month and the selection of his replacement, council will have two new voices.

"I think that will bring some fresh thoughts and viewpoints to the council," Studebaker said. "With Linda Siefkas, we'll have the owner of a small business added to council and I think she'll bring a good perspective we need."

Economic development will continue to be a major concern for the village, he said.

"It's essential that we look at our economic development and at our business district on Dublin Road," Studebaker said.

The village recently received the good news that Time Warner will be moving call center operations to a portion of the NiSource property, he said.

"There's still some square footage left, and we'll be working to help NiSource as they look for more tenants," Studebaker said.

A proposed redevelopment of the former Custom Coach property by Exxcel Project Management did not work out, and that adds to the village's need to promote itself as a good location for businesses, he said.

"We want to highlight Marble Cliff as being business-friendly," Studebaker said. "We are one of the only areas near downtown that has a 2 percent income tax and we are positioned well in terms of proximity to downtown, OSU, 670 and Battelle."