July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Sanders to fill council vacancy (8/24/05)
Former postal worker tabbed to fill seat vacated by Kennedy
By By Rachelle Haughn-
A longtime member of the Portland Planning Commission was chosen Tuesday night to fill the vacant seat on the Portland City Council.
Democrat Jim Sanders, 102 Canterbury Lane, who has served on the planning commission for nearly 10 years, was selected to fill the vacant at-large seat on the council.
The seat became vacant when former city council member Linda Kennedy was named Portland’s clerk-treasurer on Aug. 10 by the Democratic Portland precinct committeemen. She was sworn in on Aug. 12.
The vote among the four committeemen Tuesday night came to a tie twice. Candidate Randy Geesaman got the other two votes.
Jay County deputy Greg Franks and Portland resident Todd Hummer also applied for the position.
Both Sanders and Geesaman are members of the precinct committee and were able to vote.
Jay County Democratic Party chairman Tim Southworth had to cast the deciding vote.
After Southworth’s vote broke the tie, he said, “It’s just tough” to make a decision. “I congratulate (Sanders), and I know he’ll do a great job and he’ll listen to the people.”
Sanders, a retired postal worker and lifetime area resident, was happy to be chosen for the seat on the council.
“It’s something I’ve just always wanted to do,” he said.
His first meeting with the city council will be Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m.
Sanders worked at the United States Post Office in Portland for 20 years, retiring in October of 2004. He also worked at Portland Forge for 20 years and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years.
Before the committee members voted, Sanders said he hoped they would pick someone who would have a good chance of being re-elected.
Sanders was congratulated by Geesaman after the decision was announced.
“I think we picked the best candidate,” Geesaman said.
Although Geesaman also made an unsuccessful bid for clerk-treasurer, he isn’t ready to give up on becoming part of city government just yet.
“I’m keeping my options open,” Geesaman said.[[In-content Ad]]
Democrat Jim Sanders, 102 Canterbury Lane, who has served on the planning commission for nearly 10 years, was selected to fill the vacant at-large seat on the council.
The seat became vacant when former city council member Linda Kennedy was named Portland’s clerk-treasurer on Aug. 10 by the Democratic Portland precinct committeemen. She was sworn in on Aug. 12.
The vote among the four committeemen Tuesday night came to a tie twice. Candidate Randy Geesaman got the other two votes.
Jay County deputy Greg Franks and Portland resident Todd Hummer also applied for the position.
Both Sanders and Geesaman are members of the precinct committee and were able to vote.
Jay County Democratic Party chairman Tim Southworth had to cast the deciding vote.
After Southworth’s vote broke the tie, he said, “It’s just tough” to make a decision. “I congratulate (Sanders), and I know he’ll do a great job and he’ll listen to the people.”
Sanders, a retired postal worker and lifetime area resident, was happy to be chosen for the seat on the council.
“It’s something I’ve just always wanted to do,” he said.
His first meeting with the city council will be Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m.
Sanders worked at the United States Post Office in Portland for 20 years, retiring in October of 2004. He also worked at Portland Forge for 20 years and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years.
Before the committee members voted, Sanders said he hoped they would pick someone who would have a good chance of being re-elected.
Sanders was congratulated by Geesaman after the decision was announced.
“I think we picked the best candidate,” Geesaman said.
Although Geesaman also made an unsuccessful bid for clerk-treasurer, he isn’t ready to give up on becoming part of city government just yet.
“I’m keeping my options open,” Geesaman said.[[In-content Ad]]
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
250 X 250 AD