By Jim Bloch
Jan. 6 marked the beginning of the new year for the St. Clair City Council as City Clerk Annette Sturdy swore-in the council members.
The council features one new member, William Westrick II, in the Third Ward, which featured the only competitive race last November in the city’s three wards. Voters elected Westrick with 410 votes, or 30 percent of the total; Third Warders also reelected Erin Gottler with 401 votes or 29 percent of the vote. That left former councilman Bill Klieman out of the running with 310 votes or 23 percent. Incumbent Jon Watt was also knocked out, attracting the fewest number of votes of the four candidates at 218 or 16 percent of the vote.
Each ward elects two council members and there were only two candidates in the first and second wards in November. Micah Volz and Mitch Kuffa represent the First Ward. Mike LaPorte and Kris Paul represent the Second Ward. The mayor – Bill Cedar, who has served for a quarter century – ran unopposed; the office is elected at large.
“I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the constitution of this state and the Charter of the City of St. Clair,” said the seven council members in unison, following Sturdy’s prompts.
“I will faithfully perform the duties of the office of mayor,” said Cedar separately.
Each council member then pledged to perform the duties of council representative in his respective ward.
“In and for the City of St. Clair, County of St. Clair and State of Michigan, according to the best of my ability,” said all seven members simultaneously.
“Congratulations again,” said Sturdy.
The council meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month in the council chambers in the basement of city hall; the only exception occurs in September, when the first Monday falls on Labor Day; then the council will meet on Sept. 2.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, MI. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
