ST. JOHN | A five-year run has come to an end for the president and vice president of the St. John Town Council.
Michael Fryzel has served as president, and Jerri Teibel has served as vice president for five years, but the two were not re-elected to those seats when the council chose officers Thursday.
Mark Barenie was elected president of the council, and Mike Forbes was elected vice president. The decision to elect Barenie was unanimous, but Fryzel and Teibel abstained from voting on whether to elect Forbes as vice president. Teibel nominated Fryzel as vice president, but Fryzel declined.
Fryzel, Teibel and Barenie are members of the Citizens Party, and Forbes and Councilman Greg Volk are Republicans.
Fryzel said he was in charge when a lot of improvements were going on in town, and now he is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren.
During his tenure, the town built a new public safety facility, public works building and expanded and renovated the Town Hall. The town also began community events, such as Christmas in the Park, the haunted house and farmers market.
Fryzel said he might try to regain the president position next year, after taking a year off.
Teibel said things are slowing down in town, and, without the duties of vice president, she'll be able to spend more time with family.
Barenie commended Fryzel and Teibel, saying they've done a great job for five years and will continue to do a good job for the town.
Barenie said his leadership style embraces collaboration and communication. The more knowledge the town leaders have, the better their decisions will be, he said.
Forbes, who said he is very happy with the leadership changes, said all of the council members have the best interest of the town in mind. But, he hopes having a new president and vice president will relieve some tension among department heads and on boards and commissions.
He said he'd like the council to continue focusing on the town's finances. And, road repairs are going to become a big issue once spring hits and everything thaws, he said.
http://nwi.com/articles/2009/01/16/news ... 1850d9.txtSo I guess when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I for one am glad a change in leadership of that council was desperately needed.