Mark Roth says goodbye to Council.

Mark Roth says goodbye to Strongsville City Council, supporters

Published: Tuesday, December 06, 2011, 5:11 PM     Updated: Tuesday, December 06, 2011, 5:13 PM

 By Roger Ballas, Sun News 

STRONGSVILLE Strongsville Ward 3 Councilman Mark Roth III told those at the Dec. 5 council caucus meeting to get ready for the council meeting immediately following the caucus. 

Roth was met with a cheers and applause from friends and family as he entered the crowded chamber. It was a swan song for Roth who ended his 24 years on the council. 

He was presented with an award from City Council by Council President Mike Daymut. Mayor Tom Perciak then proclaimed Dec. 31 as ‘Mark Roth Day’ in Strongsville. 

The accolades kept coming as Roth was given a proclamation from State Sen. Tom Patton, R-Strongsville, presented to him by Councilman at large Duke Southworth. Southworth said the crowd showed how much Roth has done for Strongsville. 

After plaques and proclamations, Roth, in a flourish, appeared again at the podium dressed like a gladiator. The crowd chanted “Maximus. Maximus,” which he said was his real middle name. 

Roth said he was leaving council because of some health issues with a grandchild. “The Lord pulled the family card,” said Roth, who plans to spend time with his children and grandchildren. 

He talked a bit about his voting record and how hard he worked to solve problems in the community. “I did whatever it took to solve a problem.” 

The city named a baseball field in his honor in October, where he coached the Pink Panthers girls softball team for 13 years. 

Throughout the meeting, which was otherwise uneventful, Roth kept holding up paper signs expressing his gratitude for the crowd and his support during his tenure. 

When he spoke to the crowd for the last time, his voice often faltered, holding back his emotion. 

He said he was thankful for so many things in his life. 

“I am a very blessed man,” he said. 

The swearing in of new council members is scheduled for Jan. 2. 

Councilman at Large Duke Southworth presented Mark Roth with a proclamation from State Sen. Tom Patton during the goodbye for Roth at Strongsville City Council Chambers Dec. 5.