Lincoln City Council appoints new member

LINCOLN — Mayor Doug Hutchens cast the deciding fifth vote on a motion to elect Mary West to fill the Ward 3, Position 2 vacancy on the Lincoln City Council.

Former council member Gary Eoff submitted his resignation in February, and the council formally accepted the resignation and declared a vacancy at its March meeting.

The council’s April 19 agenda included two resolutions to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.

The first resolution named Mary West as a candidate who was qualified for the position. The second resolution named Ruth Clem as a qualified candidate for the position.

Hutchens told council members he asked West if she would come forward as a candidate for the vacancy.

“She has a lot of strong experience,” Hutchens said. “She’s been interested in what’s going on in Lincoln. That’s why I asked to nominate Mrs. West.”

West attended the council meeting. Clem was not at the meeting.

Council member Terry Bryson asked West if she would tell a little about herself.

West told council members she has 45 years experience in accounting and construction management. She said she knows how to prepare and read a budget and has the same knowledge with financial statements. She said she is familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order for conducting meetings.

With the vote 4-3 in favor of West, City Attorney Steve Zega said that Hutchens could vote if he wanted.

Hutchens then cast the fifth deciding vote to name West as the new council member.

Because of this vote, the council did not consider the second resolution to consider Clem as a candidate.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette/ Lynn Kutter) Lincoln City Council member Johnny Stowers looks on as Mary West is sworn into office April 19 as a new council member by Mayor Doug Hutchens.