Wagel retained as chairman

Published 10:48 am Wednesday, January 28, 2009

By By JOHN EBY / Edwardsburg Argus
CASSOPOLIS – In contrast to a dramatic Jan. 8 deadlock, Robert Wagel of Wayne Township last week sewed up his sixth term as chairman of the Cass County Board of Commissioners 8-6 on the first try.
Edwardsburg Democrat David Taylor was absent.
Wagel, a retired Union High School guidance counselor, is in his 14th year on the commission in two stints dating back to 1989. He won the chairmanship by acclimation in 2008.
County Clerk-Register Barbara Runyon was on her honeymoon during the "Impasse in Cass," when a deadlocked Board of Commissioners caucused and voted for three hours, producing 11 7-7 ties between Wagel and former chairman Johnie Rodebush, D-Niles. She returned home to find herself temporarily the county board chair.
Commissioner Ed Goodman, D-Silver Creek Township, who unsuccessfully challenged Ron Francis, R-Cassopolis, for vice chairman, addressed his colleagues before what was also an 8-6 party-line vote.
"I will work with Bob and all of the members of this board to bring us together and get things done for this county," Francis pledged.
"I believe the position of board chair is too important to be left to partisan politics and party bosses to manipulate and divide this board," Goodman said. "You and I were voted commissioners by our constituents to serve our community in unity and to represent them for the betterment of Cass County.
"Yes, I voted for change because it's needed," Goodman continued. "We need fresh ideas, new faces. Otherwise, we become complacent, lazy and followers rather than leaders. Frankly, I believe everyone on this board is qualified and should have the opportunity to serve, if they so desire. We should encourage change – not discourage it, as I see today. Face it, all of us are here because we care about our community and we're willing to serve."
"We need a bipartisan team to bring Cass County together," Cathy LaPointe of Volinia Township said.
"One which represents all citizens. Cass County is falling behind in southwest Michigan in many categories, and partisan politics is partly to blame," she added.
"As our new president said, 'It's time to put away childish things.' It's time to grow up and do what's right for Cass County."