The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Armbruster wants to see city projects through

Jim Armbruster pictured outside Armbruster Florist in Middletown Oct 1. Armbruster, who is currently the Vice Mayor, is seeking re-election as the 1st Ward representative of Middletown City Council.

Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Jim Armbruster pictured outside Armbruster Florist in Middletown Oct 1. Armbruster, who is currently the Vice Mayor, is seeking re-election as the 1st Ward representative of Middletown City Council.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Councilman Armbruster believes good times ahead for city

Lebanon racetrack questions new plan
2/3/12
Court news: See who was indicted from your neighborhood
2/3/12
State group pushing to revamp top county jobs
2/3/12
Liz Claiborne distribution center to close Sept. 1
2/3/12
Middies honor Nardiello for career contributions
2/3/12
> More headlines

By Ed Richter, Staff Writer 7:38 PM Sunday, October 4, 2009

Jim Armbruster’s first term on Middletown City Council has been both difficult and enjoyable for him.

Armbruster, 65, of 4824 Longford Drive, is seeking a second four-year term representing the 1st Ward. If re-elected, he said it will be his final term.

Armbruster said it takes “a good year to two years” for a council member to get up to speed about the workings, factions and functions of city government. He also said it takes time to become knowledgeable about the people who work at the Middletown City Building.

Armbruster said being a lifelong resident of Middletown and a longtime small businessman, he knows the community inside out and knows what it is to survive.

“They say that firefighters and policemen are heroes,” Armbruster said. “I would also add small businessmen because they have to fight and struggle every day.”

Throughout his term, Armbruster, who currently serves as vice mayor, has constantly raised awareness about the blight throughout the community.

He said property maintenance will continue to be a focus over the next four years as the city works to eliminate blight.

“We have to eliminate blight to bring people into the community,” he said.

While he says he has “no regrets,” Armbruster experienced some personal difficulties — particularly with the SunCoke issue — which he said took a toll on relationships in his family that are still being healed.

“We’ve started a lot of projects in the last four years and I want to see them through,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or erichter@coxohio.com.