Robert G. Blomquist
Mayor

I have served on City Council for six years prior to election as Mayor in 1999.
As Mayor, I serve the City in the following capacities:
  • Member of the Olmsted Economic Development Committee
  • Member of the Cuyahoga County Mayor's and City Manager's Association.
  • Northeast Ohio Mayors Legislative Action Committee


  • Previously on Council, I have served on the following committees:
  • Finance Committee, 4 Years, Chairman
  • Insurance Committee, Chairman
  • Negotiations Committee, 4 Years, Chairman
  • Community Development Committee
  • Parks and Recreation Board Liaison
  • Civil Service Commission, Member and Liaison
  • New City Hall and Police Station Committee

  • Education:
  • Graduate of Olmsted Falls High School - 1973
  • Served in U.S. Navy 1976 - 1981
  • Culinary Institute of America, AOS Degree
  • Baldwin Wallace College
          ›BA Business Administration, Finance
          ›Minor in Economics

  • Message from the Mayor
     
      They say when a door closes, another opens. It is becoming our experience that when opportunities to obtain a goal arise, more opportunities will present themselves. Such is the case with the strategies that members of Council and I are implementing to improve City services, and to do so cost effectively.

    At a meeting held with the two architectural firms, one which is designing the new fire station and the other, which is developing the master park plan, it became evident that both projects could be better coordinated, and gain the best use of land economically, if another property could be acquired on Columbia Road.

    The City negotiated with the owner, came to an agreement, and purchased the property. The result will be a better designed fire station and the park, which will be designed to provide new recreational opportunities, can proceed with confidence. The additional benefit of improved access to undeveloped lands zoned for business development was also realized.

    Plans to improve traffic flow through the City also progressed. An easement was obtained so that a future turn lane will be constructed on Columbia Road at Cook Road. The decision of a long time resident to put their home up for sale presented another opportunity to correct a traffic congestion problem. The City purchased the property at Bagley Road and Usher Road. We will use some of the lot to create a relocated Usher Road to create a safer intersection with less traffic delays.

    The plans and progress for the construction of an underpass/overpass at Columbia Road and the railroad tracks near Sprague Road are moving forward. We are researching design alternatives for the best cost and least disruption to the neighborhood.

    The initiation for Quiet Zones looks to be redirected through the State of Ohio. The Federal Rail Commission Rules are not gaining support in Congress. The City is leading efforts with other suburbs in the area to work with CSX, Norfolk Southern, and State Officials. We expect we can make progress on this issue after the election of new Ohio House Representatives. Erin Sullivan, who has served this District well, is retiring from her seat. I would like to thank her for her assistance to us for the last four years and wish her and her family well.

    Once a new General Assembly convenes, we will continue to aggressively pursue Quiet Zones in Ohio by amending the State Train Whistle Laws.

    I welcome your input on any and all issues affecting the City. Please feel free to contact me via EMAIL .