Following the death of Mayor Jerry Fiala, leadership in Kent’s city government has temporarily shifted to City Council President Pro Tempore, Jack Amrhein, who will serve as acting mayor for the remainder of the mayoral term.
At its Oct. 15 meeting, Kent City Council selected Amrhein to complete Fiala’s term, which ends in December. The appointment process outlined in the city charter states that when the mayor’s seat becomes vacant, council members must choose a replacement within 30 days to serve the remainder of the term.
Fiala, 82, died Sept. 30 after an extended illness, according to local reports. The lifelong Kent resident had served in public office for more than 30 years, including 16 years as mayor, where he became a familiar presence at community events and a champion of downtown revitalization.
Amrhein said the council and community have “responded with great grief and sadness over Jerry’s death.”
Under Kent’s council manager form of government, the mayor presides over council meetings and votes only in the event of a tie, while daily operations are overseen by the city manager. In the event of a vacancy, the President Pro Tempore assumes the mayor’s responsibilities until a new mayor is selected, as Amrhein has done since Fiala’s passing.
Amrhein emphasized that the vote is about more than procedure; it is about continuing the work Fiala began.
“I believe Jerry’s legacy will undoubtedly be his leadership contributions to the redevelopment of Downtown Kent,” he said.
Across Kent, tributes have poured in for Fiala, remembered for his warmth, humor and devotion to the city. Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags in Kent to be flown at half-staff in his honor. A funeral procession earlier this month passed Davey Elementary, where students and residents lined the street to pay respects.
As the council moves forward, members say their priority is maintaining stability while honoring Fiala’s vision. The newly appointed mayor will guide the city through the remainder of his term and help shape its path ahead.
Amrhein said the council remains united in both purpose and remembrance.
“Jerry was more than just the mayor,” he said. “He was our friend.”
Alexis Hood is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].