LORDSTOWN, Ohio — The long-time mayor of Lordstown is retiring after 24 years in office.

What You Need To Know

  •  Arno Hill, Lordstown mayor of 24 years, is retiring

  •  He will continue to serve on the Board of Elections

  • Hill said getting the village through the tough times is what he is most proud of

After 30 years of public service, including 24 as mayor, Arno Hill will finish his last term in office this December.

“I never missed a single meeting,” he told one constituent over a handshake at his retirement party on Dec. 2.

He’s earned the praise of former Lordstown mayor, Carl Underwood.

“He’s a man with a vision. He gets the job done,” said Underwood.

Carol Hill has been married to Arno Hill for 23 years, most of his political career.

“He has done such a good job. I’m so proud of him,” said Carol Hill, Arno Hill’s wife. “I thought I knew what I was getting into, but it turns out I really didn’t. It’s been exciting. There have been a lot of ups and downs.”

When asked, Hill said getting the village through the ‘downs’ is what he’s most proud of.

“Helping shepherd the village through hard times of General Motors leaving,” he said, looking over an old newspaper article in his office.

When Lordstown GM closed after more than 50 years of car production, the space was taken over by Lordstown Motors, which planned to build electric pickup trucks. Lordstown Motors has since filed for bankruptcy. Foxconn has taken over the space.

But he’s not quite done serving his community.

“I’m still on the Board of Elections for 14 months after this,” said Hill.