The Express - Belvidere Town Council Appoints John Leonardis To Vacant Council Seat

Former Belvidere Town Councilman John Leonardis seemed to be appointed to some empty local authority or council seat Monday night irrespective of many protest through the open public accomplishing this had been unfair.

The vacancy ended up being induced as soon as past Councilwoman Linda Stettler had been sworn inside since mayor prior this kind of month, giving the actual Belvidere Republican Committee in order to present that council three persons intended for local authority or council to chose from.

Some citizens asked the democratic justness of the appointment.

"I has been somewhat shocked by way of your candidates,"Janet Raheb said."These were the same people who were, basically, voted out because of the men and women of the town."

Along with Leonadis, this committee nominated past community Councilmen Leonardis appeared to be never voted out; he would not necessarily seek reelection after his next term. Scott's expression broken three days ago because he misplaced the Republican primary around June. Fitzgerald, who seem to would not attend the meeting, shed re-election in 2007.

Brian Reeder said he considered this committee had created "poor choices."

"You wish to place that exact boring folks who ran the town into your surface returning within office?"Reeder said."That's sick and that is sad."

Sue Beall labeled this scheduled appointment process"a slap inside encounter that will voters."

Town Clerk Teresa DeMont mentioned the procedure has been possibly not council's name and that the in a niche community taken state rules for processing vacant seats.

After homeowner Josh Strub questioned the reason Scott as well as Leonardis have been that they are interviewed in the closed-door session, local authority or council voted to permit your interrogation to take place with public.

In questioning, Leonardis stated he was a new "fiscal conservative" that was flourishing throughout netting enormous amounts in scholarhip cash for that town.

"I've also been good previous to in addition to I'll be great again"he said.

He explained your dog made a decision to never search for re-election due to the fact his children had been small plus he has been desired at home.

Scott explained he / she realized the town were required to produce "serious cuts" as a result of an estimated $200,000 funds shortfall and appeared to be prepared to examine shared services.

He also explained your dog might many likely run yet again for council while in the originate Republican primary.

Council President Harold Hess nominated Leonardis for that vacant seat. The local authority or council has been close to unanimous inside deciding on him, by using simply Stettler abstaining.

Stettler stated following the getting together with the reason why the lady abstained."I knew this candidates are not those Republican voters throughout town would have wanted,"Stettler said.