By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The vacant seat on the Niles City Council was filled Monday night. Don Webber, 1215 Topinabee, was chosen over four other candidates to fill the empty fourth ward seat.
Webber was nominated by fellow fourth ward representative, councilmember Bruce Williams. The council voted to accept Williams' nomination by a vote of 6-1. Councilmember Dan VandenHeede was the only councilmember opposed.
VandenHeede said he was “taken by surprise” because he did not expect to vote on a replacement without having a chance to interview and research each candidate.
He added he had been in Florida all week and only one person had filed for the seat when he left.
A motion to request more time on the issue was attempted by VandenHeede, but the prior motion to accept the nomination of Williams was already on the floor.
Mayor Michael McCauslin said the council did not have a rule by which a new councilmember had to be nominated.
Williams said choosing a replacement became more difficult as he talked with all five candidates.
Also filing by the Friday, March 31 deadline were Bob Burch of 548 W. Main St., Andrew Plym of 1123 Sassafras Lane, William Scalla of 520 S. Lincoln Ave. and Penny Brazo of 527 Hillcrest Road.
The 57-year-old Webber said he has never served on any government board before but has been a member of the Cass County Fair Board.
With more time now available to him, Webber said he wanted “to see where some of the money goes.”
Webber said he and his son, Tad, operate Don Webber Motors at 2401 S. 11th Street. Webber's family also includes his wife, Connie and daughter, Erica.
Webber fills the fourth ward seat that became vacant on March 13 when former councilmember Scott Clark resigned his position. Webber will hold the position until the city's next general election on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Webber also said he plans to run for the seat in August.
The council also recognized the work of three Niles individuals Monday night.
Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb was honored for completing the elite executive fire officer program. The 4-year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program certifies Lamb for advanced fire service leadership.
Former councilmember Scott Clark was given a certificate of appreciation by Mayor McCauslin for his “tireless efforts on behalf of the city of Niles.”
Program Manager of Niles Main Street Lisa Croteau was named 2006 Michigan Main Street Manager of the Year at a previous conference in Kalamazoo and was recognized by the board Monday night.