Ben Gillig announces resignation from Tiffin City Council

Tiffin, Ohio — Ben Gillig on Friday announced his resignation from Tiffin City Council effective July 12.

Gillig, who has served as a councilmember at-large since 2017, is president pro-tempore and chairs the finance committee.

Gillig provided this statement: “Though I truly never thought I would leave our great city, my wife Erin had an opportunity to advance her professional career at her alma mater of Bellefontaine City Schools. As a father and husband, the decision became very simple, though certainly not easy. The benefits to having our sons grow up in a community with two full sets of grandparents, scores of aunts and uncles and literally dozens of cousins are too great to pass up.

“Serving our community as your friendly neighborhood extra-large, at-large councilmember has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It was truly a privilege to serve, particularly because of the very fine people I met along the way. Tiffin is a crown jewel in northwest Ohio and the entire Buckeye State, and history has shown that this community has the iron will to make it so, no matter what obstacles we might face along the way.”

Gillig’s decision to resign effective July 12 will make him eligible to vote during a special meeting July 11, during which time Tiffin City Council intends to vote on a new mayor.

Gillig won re-election in the November 2021 general election. His seat will be filled by a nomination from the Seneca County Democratic Central Committee.

Gina Grandillo, chair of the Seneca County Democratic Party, said Gillig will be “dearly missed.”

“We are grateful for Councilman Gillig’s leadership and continuous voice of reason throughout his time with the city of Tiffin. Ben made a significant impact on the city, and served with grace and wit,” Grandillo said.

Gillig is a fifth-generation resident of Tiffin. He is a graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School and the College of Wooster. He also participated in additional coursework at the University of Findlay. Gillig has spent his professional career as a middle school teacher, primarily focusing on world history, American history and literacy skills.

Acting Mayor Bridget Boyle said, “Ben has been a great friend and colleague on city council and I’ve very much enjoyed working with him and appreciate the support he’s provided as president pro-tem. While I’m very happy for this opportunity for his family, it will be sad to no longer have him on city council.”