Plymouth City Council Chooses Next Ward 4 Council Member

After interviewing eight applicants, the Plymouth City Council has chosen a replacement for the Ward 4 seat after current councilmember Ginny Black announced her retirement effective Sept. 30.

The council interviewed applicants Sept. 17 and came to the decision to offer the seat to Jim Prom. A resolution to approve the appointment is set for the next regular City Council meeting Sept. 24.

Those interviewed include: Peter Bartling, Tawnia Johnson, Jennifer Leflar, Ryan Meehan, Tom Bengtson, Paul Bierhaus and Gary Goldetsky.

The council released the following statement about its decision:

"We had eight highly qualified people apply to fill the Ward 4 vacancy. Jim Prom was the unanimous choice of the City Council. The decision was based on his community involvement as the past president of the Bass Lake Improvement Association, as well as his previous candidacy for local office. We look forward to taking an official vote Sept. 24 and Mr. Prom taking the oath of office on Oct. 8."

In August, Ward 4 Council Member Black announced her retirement from the Plymouth City Council after nearly 18 years of service. Prom will be appointed to the Ward 4 seat for a term starting Oct. 8, 2013, and expiring Dec. 31, 2014.

According to the city, the council must appoint an eligible person to fill the vacancy until the next regular municipal election when the office is filled for the unexpired term and if that doesn't happen within 60 days the mayor appoints an eligible person to fill the vacancy. Historically, the council has solicited applications from residents and conducted interviews of interested residents when vacancies have happened.