Mulligan

Journal story...

Middletown mayor seeking re-election

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer
MIDDLETOWN —
Lawrence Mulligan Jr., mayor of Middletown for the past 7 ½ years, pulled petitions Tuesday as the first step in seeking re-election for a third four-year term in November.

Mulligan made the announcement at Tuesday’s council meeting. He was first appointed to a vacant seat representing the former 2nd Ward when William “Kip” Moore resigned in late 2006. Less than a year later, Mulligan became the first-directly elected mayor of Middletown in November 2007.

In his comments, Mulligan said, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Middletown’s mayor. As a city, we have addressed significant challenges and have realized some great successes.”

Mulligan went on to cite the resurgence of activity in downtown Middletown, including the growth in the Renaissance District, and he touched on AK Steel’s new Research and Innovation Center, which is leading development in the east end.

“The expansions and growth at Akers Packaging, Quaker Chemical, SunCoke and the Greentree Health Science Academy are great examples of new development in Middletown. The addition of Cincinnati State’s campus in the downtown area illustrates the potential for an even brighter future in Middletown,” he said.

Mulligan is a fourth-generation resident of Middletown. His brother Joe is a member of council and is serving as vice mayor.

Mulligan is active in a number of community projects and programs and serves on several non-profit boards. He was recognized in 1997 as the first recipient of the Mary Maurer Volunteer Award by the Middletown Community Foundation.

Professionally, Mulligan is market president for the Butler and Warren County markets of First Financial Bank.

Mulligan is a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School in Middletown and Miami University in Oxford where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. He also completed courses at the Ohio School of Banking at Ohio University in Athens and American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Good Lord! This makes a case for term limits. Why was it allowed for Mulligan to make a campaign speech on city council time? I wouldn't brag about the progress made in the downtown area and wouldn't want the CS situation on my resume in running for office Mulligan. Not necessarily a "shining star" accomplishment. Another attempt to keep the MMF/council connection intact. A "downward spiral" candidate to ensure the decline if elected.

Hmm…will other candidates be given equal time at a future council meeting to make their campaign speeches on TV Middletown?

While spiking the football about QC, AKS staying almost in Middletown, Greentree, and other non consequential deals, why not make a pronouncement about killing the efforts by Josh L, former council member, to allocate a % of dedicated funds back to the city infrastructure. Only one council member cared about street repair and maintenance. Nothing to boast about.

Need a field trip? Recommend taking your kids, young adults, and older relatives to MUM for a hour visit, and see what fresh asphalt actually resembles, and smells. The clean appearance of maintenance. My neighbor did his two 27-29 year old children and grandchildren, whom had never even seen it on their street in 30 years. One may think of seeing asphalt in Middletown the way a northern Floridian must get excited when a few snow flakes pop out and even cover an inch of Bermuda grass. Exciting. Like seeing a rare bird once. A must see on the bucket list.