Wednesday, January 05, 2000
Middletown commissioners select Sennet as chairman
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — City Commissioner Fred Sennet, who weeks ago declared he expected to have the gavel this year, was named chairman of the board after a one-hour debate Tuesday.
The debate took place during an executive session, and the vote followed in a regular meeting.
Mr. Sennet, a commissioner for two years who served as vice chairman, succeeds Earl Smith, who is starting a new, four-year term.
Jerry Banks, a commis sioner for two years, was named the new vice chairman.
Mr. Sennet said: “It's a great honor to be elected to serve as commissioner in the first place, and I'm grateful for the vote of confidence from my peers.”
Mr. Banks said he will support Mr. Sennet and help him establish an agenda for 2000.
The selection of a chairman was not without controversy. In recent days, some commissioners and residents have said the process to pick a chairman should be on merit alone and not the automatic approval of the previous year's vice chairman.
And earlier, new Commissioner Laura Williams, who was sworn in Tuesday along with new Commissioner Robert Wells and Mr. Smith, said that choosing a chairman should be an informed decision, not just the taking of turns.
After Tuesday's meeting, Mrs. Williams said commissioners discussed that process during the debate.
“I think we're in agreement that we will not be taking turns next year,” she said.
Mrs. Williams said the choices made were not difficult, but she said it remained to be seen if Mr. Sennet and Mr. Banks will be strong leaders.
Commissioner Robert “Sonny” Hill said he has no problems with taking turns, and wanted Mr. Sennet to have the job.
Commissioner David Schiavone said, “I feel you two will lead this group in the right direction.”
Also at Tuesday's meeting, City Manager Ron Olson was awarded a 3 percent pay raise, increasing his salary from $95,297.28 to $98,156.20.
Mr. Olson has been city manager since 1992.
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