By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

A unanimous Dowagiac City Council confirmed a committee recommendation naming Junior Oliver of Chestnut Street in First Ward and James Dodd of Spruce Street in Second Ward to fill two vacancies Monday night.

“We give our thanks to all who applied for their commitment and willingness to serve,” said Mayor Pro Tem Leon Laylin, who headed a committee that included Second Ward Councilman Bob Schuur and Third Ward Councilman Dr. Charles Burling.

The trio interviewed nine candidates Nov. 30 to succeed Darron Murray, 10 years in First Ward, and Wayne Comstock, 22 years in Second Ward.

“Each one who applied stated they would be willing to serve on a board or committee, if asked,” Laylin continued. “Those names will be turned over to the mayor for further action. The theme by all who were interviewed was that the city’s needs are jobs, street repair, housing upgrades, sidewalks and, most important, jobs and youth projects.”
“With the broad backgrounds and resumes each one presented, this was not an easy task to complete,” Laylin said, to which Burling added, “We had some very gifted and quality people who stepped up. It made it fun to get to know those people. It was a difficult choice.”

City Clerk James Snow administered oaths of office to Oliver and Dodd, who were immediately seated at the council table, decorated for the holidays by Town and Country Garden Club, so a backlog of bills from two November meetings lacking a quorum could be paid.

“I thank you for having faith in me to come on board,” Dodd said. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill and I’ve got some very good feet, so I think I can do it.”

“I appreciate you guys choosing me,” Oliver said. “I really want to do this to serve my community.”

“I look forward to working with you,” Mayor Donald D. Lyons said. “It’s very good to have a full complement” for the last 2009 meeting.

Council canceled its Dec. 14 meeting and will not meet again until Jan. 11, 2010.