By Rachel Scofield

Greg Solt is running for Grove City Council to address what he calls “several pressing issues within our community that require immediate attention.”

A U.S. Army veteran, local business owner, and entrepreneur, Solt said, “Service to the community should take precedence over personal interests and ambitions.”

This is Solt’s first time running for public office. He has previously served on multiple local boards, including the The Grove City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Grove City 2050 Steering Committee.

As the founder of Hop Yard 62, a craft beer bar in the historic downtown, Solt helped bring food trucks to downtown Grove City in 2015, a move he says contributed to popular events like Food Truck Fridays and Shop Hops.

Solt praised the city’s strengths, saying, “Grove City excels at building community spirit. From festivals like Arts in the Alley, the Wine & Arts Festival, Food Truck Fridays, and Shop Hops in the Town Center to the many parks and recreation spaces, there are countless ways our community comes together.”

He also highlighted the city’s investments in public safety and recreation, and the combination of small-town feel with access to Columbus.

At the same time, he sees room for improvement.

“Growth hasn’t come without problems. We’re seeing more traffic, roads in need of repair, and houses popping up faster than the infrastructure to support them,” Solt said.

He also noted the need for more affordable housing, support for historic downtown, and increased government transparency.

To address these challenges, Solt said, “My first priority is listening—really sitting down with residents, hearing concerns, and making sure their voices shape city decisions. We need to prioritize our roads and ensure that development works for everyone—balancing new housing with infrastructure and protecting green spaces. For downtown, I’d push for incentives for small businesses and community events that bring full-time jobs and foot traffic right into Ward 1.”

Solt and his wife, Tammy, have lived in Grove City for more than 22 years, raising their family in the community. He volunteers with the USO, has delivered Meals on Wheels through Lifecare Alliance, and continues to serve on local boards.

“Grove City isn’t just where we live—it’s who we are,” he said.

He has been endorsed by Wayne Coakley, former President of the Grove City Chamber of Commerce, who wrote, “Among them, Greg Solt stands out as someone whose character, honesty, and deep commitment to our community I can fully vouch for…He doesn’t just promise—he follows through. Greg is exactly the kind of leadership we need on City Council for Ward 1.”

Solt said, “Above all, I want every resident to know that Grove City’s strength is its people—and our future depends on keeping everyone involved and informed…This isn’t just my campaign; it’s our chance, together, to set a higher standard for what local government can be.”