Friday, April 14, 2000
Cleves seeks new council member
Vacancy is second this year
BY LEW MOORES
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CLEVES — After filling one vacancy on village council less than a month ago, the village must now search for another candidate to fill a vacancy on the six-member council.
Councilwoman Becky Howard resigned effective with the conclusion of Wednesday's council meeting. Ms. Howard could not be reached, but other council members said she wanted to devote more time to family.
The council has 30 days to fill the vacancy. After that, the appointment can be made by Mayor Joe Whitton. The term expires in January 2002.
Council appointed Ron Bowling to fill the vacancy left when Jim Mills resigned from council in February after moving from the village.
The appointment of Mr. Bowling brought together, on council, foes and supporters of an animated campaign two years ago to dissolve the village and merge with Miami Township.
Mr. Bowling as a private citizen had headed up the campaign to save the village from dissolution, while Mr. Whitton, also a private citizen at the time, and two other current council mem bers — Jeff Wullenweber and Larry Loebker — led the campaign to dissolve.
They had argued that taxes were far too high in the village, and the same services could be delivered more cheaply by the township once the village merged with it.
But that is now ancient history, say those organizers of the 1998 campaign to dissolve. “I've sort of wiped the past out of my mind,” said Mr. Bowling. “I think they're a good group to work with. I think they have many, if not all, of the same ideals I have. We're moving forward.”
Mr. Wullenweber, who was elected to council in November, agrees with Mr. Bowling about the past.
“I worked for a year to mend fences,” said Mr. Wullenweber. “That (Mr. Bowling's appointment) was the last plank. He and I have managed to mend fences and have a very good working relationship. We're stronger as one than we are divided.”
The deadline to apply for the current vacancy is Wednesday.The new appointee would serve until January 2002, but would have to run for election, if he so chose, in November 2001.
Both Mr. Wullenweber and Mr. Bowling say they are looking for someone who can commit time and energy to the village.
Mr. Bowling also said he'd like to see someone with a background in financial affairs. Ms. Howard had been chair of the finance and budget committee.
Mammoth find slows sewer plant
Teacher program praised as model
Louisville remains upset as Cincinnati calms down
Park opens; coaster doesn't
Bill would open organ donor database
Bishop to consider cathedral changes
Commissioners may reopen pilings debate
Ex-police officer sentenced to 8 years for drug offenses
Grandparents get advice and encouragement
Indians seek own holiday
Charters taking publicity in stride
Estate battle near end: Charities must pay tax
Patton, McConnell keep silent on call tax
Report criticizes costs of sprawl
Stars join movie to be made here
Fence rules encourage homeowners to be good neighbors
What makes people want a fence?
'At Home' most at home here
GET TO IT
Kids can learn from a pet's death
Playhouse commissions kids plays
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Single mom embraces grandmotherhood
AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
Cleves seeks new council member
Feline to lead cleanup
Grand jury to get fatal shooting case
Hamilton opens traffic division
Hamilton politician won't seek re-election
Historical groups build future
Jail pulls plug on phones
Jets' noise to be gauged
Latest deadline for finding Kenton County jail site: July 1
Man faces rape charges
Schools want critic's input
Teacher turnover climbing
