OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A gathering Wednesday morning brought six men together who’ve had the unique experience of holding the same office.
The meeting at the Ocala Police Department headquarters featured six men who have been the mayor of Ocala including current mayor Ben Marciano (elected in 2023), and former mayors Wayne L. Rubinas (1980-1988), Craig Curry (1988-89), Gerald K. Ergle (1992-1995), Randall “Randy” Ewers (2005-2011) and Reuben Kent Guinn (2011-2023).
Jack Clark was the mayor from 1989-1992. He died in 2008 at the age of 84.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken hosted the meetup where each of the venerated office holders had an opportunity to share their experiences which evoked a number of powerful memories.
Each mayor has played a pivotal role in developing the city’s policies, strategies and procedures, allowing Ocala to evolve into its current state.
“It was your visionary leadership that laid the foundation for the initiatives and successes that we enjoy today,” said Balken. “So, we stand on your shoulders, certainly trying to set forward what you started a long time ago. As we reflect on your contributions, we are reminded of the importance of a strong, collaborative relationship between city leaders and the police force.”
Current Mayor Ben Marciano said he was blessed to be leader of the best city in the country. He said there are many days where he’s walked down the street in ardent admiration of the community.
“My dad comes in from New York, and we talk, and he said, ‘This place is really special,'” said Marciano while addressing the group. “I always ask, ‘Dad what is it about this place that makes it special?’ He said, ‘There’s a lot of things you could name, but it’s the people. It’s the people’s hearts, the difference they make, and people just care in this community.’ That’s one of the reasons I wanted to be the mayor of Ocala.”
The depth of their work and relationships they’ve formed with the people they’ve engaged with during their tenure has left an indelible imprint on the community. The passion the mayors feel toward the city is palpable. Each mayor left a legacy in their own way.
Rubinas was nicknamed Captain Veto, for his frequent use of the constitutional power. He would resort to that right to cancel or postpone decisions. He says the time that he spent as mayor were eight of the most wonderful years of his life.
“Law enforcement’s presence in the community gives even further stability to a city like Ocala,” said Rubinas to his compatriots. “It’s a privilege to be here today and to be invited back to spend some time with folks who have been through the fire like us.”
Curry is unique in that he served as a city council member, mayor and is currently a member of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. He was asked Wednesday which office he preferred.
“I think possibly the mayor,” said Curry. “Because you do have a tremendous bully pulpit. You set your own agenda. You’re one-of-one. You don’t have to worry about the Sunshine Law. You can interact and talk to the council because you don’t have a vote. You have to go back to the council for money, if you want to fund something. It’s a unique position, particularly to be in charge administratively to the Ocala Police Department.”
Ergle said that his plan was to be the people’s mayor. He reached out to the equine industry, who had been somewhat isolated at the time. He said it was while working in concert with the area’s horse farms that Ocala became a sister city with Pisa, Italy, which is renowned for its thoroughbred community. It was also during Ergle’s tenure that Ocala had an ice skating rink for four years in downtown.
The camaraderie between the men was apparent, with a bond forged through similar experiences, knowing the challenges they’ve had to endure, and the responsibility they were charged with to make decisions that would shape the municipality’s future.
Ewers placed an emphasis on winning the future for Ocala, getting the youth involved in the community and getting people to stay because it’s a great place to be.
“People always asked me what it was like to be mayor,” said Ewers. “I would tell them, ‘It’s kind of like riding a roller coaster. Somedays you go up and somedays you go down. Sometimes you feel like you’re going upside down and you want to get off the ride and enjoy the ride.”
Civility and cooperation have also been a hallmark of the position and the mayors have been able to overcome adversity and controversy at times because of their resolve.
“Ocala with being the great community that it is, we agree to disagree. But at the end of the day, we come together to get stuff done,” said Guinn.