Administrator Kubic seeks new job

Kubic has a contract as Mahoning County administrator through 2005.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Administrator Gary Kubic has applied for the position of administrator in Franklin County.
He's one of about 110 people who are interested in the job, which became available when the former administrator left to start a consulting business.
Columbus is in Franklin County.
"Obviously, it's a dynamic county," Kubic said. "I just thought I'd apply and see what happens."
The Franklin County job pays about $150,000, and the person who holds it oversees more than 6,800 employees and an annual budget of more than $1 billion.
Kubic, who has been Mahoning County administrator since September 1993, is a graduate of Ohio State University and has family in Columbus.
He received a three-year contract extension in December, so he's under contract in Mahoning County until 2005. He makes $81,288 this year, and his salary is expected to increase to $88,825 in 2005.
Reported front-runner
The Columbus Dispatch reported this week that Mark A. Gibson, executive director of the Ohio Soft Drink Association and a former top assistant to Gov. Bob Taft, appears to be the front-runner for the job.
Kubic said he has not been contacted for an interview, and Franklin County officials could not be reached to say whether he's on the short list of finalists.
"Given the position, the salary and benefits, I'm sure the competition will be great," said Kubic, noting that he doesn't expect to get the job.
Commissioner Ed Reese, though, said Kubic should merit a close look by the Franklin commissioners.
"Gary is well respected throughout the state," Reese said. "I think he would have a pretty good shot at it. It would be a big loss for our county if he does."
Reese said he's not surprised that Kubic applied for the job, given his family and school ties to Columbus and the fact that the Franklin County job would mean a substantial pay increase.
bjackson@vindy.com