Laurel Council President Looks to Ninth Term

Touting a record that spans eight terms on the Laurel City Council, President Mike Leszcz says he and the rest of the council will continue to steer the city through tough economic times as he makes his bid for a ninth term in office.

Leszcz, 65, is a married father of three adult children and is a senior manager at the Internal Revenue Service. He’s lived in the city since the 1970s and said he’s dedicated more than ever to see it succeed and flourish.

“My wife says I have to have roots and I have roots in Laurel,” he said. “I think I can continue to do a service to fellow citizens.”

That service includes his continued assistance in helping to steer Laurel through the current economic climate. He points to closing a shortfall in the current fiscal year, paying off several bonds the city owed early and strengthening the city’s pension plan, as examples that the current leadership has made smart decisions.

“We’ve kept this city in the black,” he said.

The city's is set for Tuesday. Leszcz will be facing challenger for the at-large council seat.

During the election season, criticism has poured in on everything from and vacancies on Main Street to the unsteady pace of progress to .

Still, Leszcz said it’s important for residents to understand that the city can only do so much to spur development. Market factors and regulations on development on the county level also play a role in economic development.

“We’re trying everything we can to get things done around here,” he said.  “It’s very complicated. We don’t dictate what goes on in commercial real estate.”

But Leszcz also points to successes, including the city's ability to secure economic development. A new location for of Laurel is under way along B Street and Route 1. He sees vacancies on Main Street as being on par with what they have historically been--currently 12.

“I have a lot of small business owners that have survived on Main Street,” he said. “I don’t think there are any more vacancies than when I came here 40 years ago.”

Those who have worked with Leszcz said his commitment and knowledge of the city have made him a standout as a leader.

“There’s no one on that council who is anymore dedicated to the city than Mike Leszcz,” said former Laurel Councilwoman Gayle Snyder, who served with Leszcz. “He was a kind of mentor to me. I strived to be like him.”