Filling a Chair (and a big pair of shoes.)
Jim Jeffers was an incredible individual. Someone whom I never had the privilege and pleasure to spend any meaningful time with. I make my observations of him as an outsider. Someone not privy to his inner self. I can only judge him based upon his actions at council.
Those actions were impeccable. Jim always examined the issue he voted on. He was always respectful, and often humorous. If he spoke, I listened. It was the only sign of respect available, and the only one necessary. His words spoke to the issue at hand, and made sense.
It was the council’s job to replace him today. Illness, and an unfair world took a brilliant human being away from us. We can only hope that the council made a wise choice.
Each member spoke about the interview process. I took notes for each council member, as they spoke.
Mr. Boyd spoke about “Who I’m voting for, not who I’m voting against.” He was looking for someone to parallel Jim. He was impressed with all applicants, but Mr. Greer stood out in his mind as the best choice.
Mrs. Bertolini said that she looked for someone who could have a difference of opinion with her, but have the courage to state as much. She said that while speaking to Mr. Greer they did have a difference of opinion, but he was respectful, in his disagreement. She also gave the nod to Mr. Greer.
Mrs. LePera stated firmly that she would stick with her philosophy of fairness, and nominate Ms. Bush to the position. Later, she also stated that she scored Mr. Lincoln very high, and he should also be nominated.
Mr. Day, impressed with the military background, the PHD, and credentials of Mr. Hair, gave him the nod, and a nomination.
Mr. Stevens seconded Mr. Hair with no other comment.
The Mayor stated the three qualities that he used in his selection process. Commitment to community, knowledge of the issues, and a willingness to work through them, and education and experience.
Mr. Rosado said “We make the position, the position does not make us.” Unfortunately, Mr. Rosado did not attend the interviews. He watched ‘all but the first three or four’ on television in his office. This would foreshadow some of the conversations held later. He lastly stated that he wouldn’t nominate Mr. Boller, but that “We need an engineer.”
During the initial Vote, Rosado, Stevens, and Day voted for Hair. Bertolini, Boyd, and Feicthaler voted for Greer, and LePera voted for Bush. During the second vote, Mrs. Lepera voted for Mr. Hair, with all others holding identical votes from before. Mr. Hair was appointed the new district 1 representative.
He was sworn in, by the mayor, while Mr. Day held the bible for him. Stumbling slightly over the words, Mr. Hair’s genuine pronouncement of the oath was comforting. He took the oath very seriously, and that was apparent by the feeling behind the words he spoke.
I wish Mr. Hair the best of luck. It is a difficult time for our council. Many decisions will need to be made that will effect our city for many years after this council is but a memory. I can only hope that he will have the wisdom to make the correct decisions for our city.
