Girard City Council appoints 2nd ward replacement

BY ALEX BATTITORI

alex@hometowngirard.com

The Girard City Council named a replacement for second ward council member Kelly Peak during a special meeting Thursday, March 9.

Five candidates were in consideration for the position, four of which were present at the meeting. Council members Sheldon DeLange and Danny Murray, as well as Mayor Kurt Ziegler, were in attendance. The entire process was held in open session.

Candidates Darrell Westhoff, Lucas Stansbury, Warren Strukel and Dave Garrett were presented questions from Mayor Kurt Ziegler and other council members. Contender Ron Gates was out of state during the meeting. Questions included what the candidates’ vision for Girard would be in the next 10 years, how they would respond if a citizen in their ward came to them with a complaint, and how they feel their background and education will help them as a councilmember.

Contenders were then given the opportunity to ask questions of their own to the council. Following the rounds of questions, council members conferred on their choice of candidate.

Mayor Kurt Ziegler offered a motion to appoint Lucas Stansbury to the post. The motion was seconded with none opposed. Stansbury was sworn in and will occupy the position until 2019.