On April 4, Scott Zimmer (above) defeated 21-year-old Eric Lind in the City of Eureka’s mayoral election. Zimmer had only high remarks for Lind. “He ran a great campaign and did a fine job of representing himself and being well-informed. He has a heart for leadership and he’s going to do great things.” (Chronicle Media photo)

Last July, when Eureka resident Scott Zimmer chose to run for mayor, he gave up his job at Morton Community Bank due to possible conflicts of interest. Zimmer returned to his previous employer, Mangold Ford, and, on April 4, his investment paid off.

Zimmer, 44, defeated 21-year-old Eric Lind, 542-398, a difference of 16 percent. In July, 2016, Lind was appointed as Ward 3 Alderman, then chose to run against Zimmer when outgoing mayor, Scott Punke, elected not to run for another term.

Also, Tim Getz defeated incumbent James Meares and challenger Mel Manier for Ward 4 Alderman. The vote count: Getz, 158; Manier, 110; Meares 57.

“When I got the news that I won, I was very honored and moved,” Zimmer said. “It’s just an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to serve the community.”

Previously, Zimmer served as commissioner of the Woodford County Housing Authority and treasurer of the Eureka Rotary and Business Association. He also served as treasurer for Reaganfest and, along with his wife, Lisa, coordinates the annual Eureka Market on the courthouse lawn.

“I would like to reignite a community spirit where we all feel we’re working together and creating a place that is great for our children and our families,” Zimmer said.

It’s from this platform this family-friendly platform that Zimmer said he’ll govern. In keeping with such, he is opposed to hosting gambling sites in Eureka.

“There are a lot of craftsman and artisans in Eureka that have their businesses out of town,” he said. “The business district needs shops and restaurants that are unique to the city, and services that we now have to drive out of town for.”

Because it lies within 500 feet of a church, Huck’s General Store was denied the Class A liquor license, which would enable the gas station to operate as a gambling establishment. Good Life Gaming and Spirits, however, has applied for a Class E license, reducing the 500-feet restriction to 100 feet.

Zimmer said he’ll vote against that company, or any others that attempt to launch a gambling place in the future. It’s likely Good Life Gaming and Spirits will be voted down before Zimmer takes office.

Coming down the pike, however, is the Caleb Davidson Barn restoration project aimed at relocating the original structure of a 1840s barn from rural Eureka to Eureka Lake Park for use as a community center. Those opposed see the project as a disruption to the peaceful atmosphere at the park.

“If you go up to the lake on a Friday or a Saturday, that’s where kids are playing, people are playing volleyball, riding bicycles,” Zimmer said. “I’m imagining 50 cars coming in, and the noise and alcohol … it would a huge change to that dynamic.”

He’ll review the February 2016 agreement between Barnstorming, Inc. and the City of Eureka to see if these, and other concerns, may be remedied, he said. “I find it hard to proceed without those answers,” he explained.

Zimmer said he’ll also take a historical perspective on the issue of sidewalks and crosswalks.

“The city has applied for grants, and I need to see what’s been done, but we need to continue to look for ways to continue the sidewalks,” he said of Eureka’s fragmented and walkways. “Some of our neighborhoods have aged, and a lot of the sidewalks are in disrepair.”

On the issue of the lawn waste disposal area off of 4H Park Road,  Zimmer said the city began securing that site to prevent the disposal of non-yard waste items, such as furniture, tires and electronics. Residents must now request a key to the site. He said he’ll consider video surveillance or some other manner of monitoring during the busy landscaping season.

Zimmer assumes office May 1.