By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – A deadlocked Cass County Board of Commissioners caucused and voted for three hours Thursday night without resolving what is usually a formality – who will chair the 15-member panel in 2009.
Through 11 votes commissioners tied at 7-7 between 2008 Chairman Robert Wagel, R-Wayne Township, and former chairman Johnie Rodebush, D-Niles.
On a straight party line vote, even with a Dowagiac seat going from Republican John Cureton to Democrat Clark Cobb in November, the GOP clings to an 8-7 advantage.
Plus, due to a death in her family, Minnie Warren, D-Pokagon Township, was absent, so Democrats only controlled six votes.
Finally, Commissioner Debbie Johnson, D-Niles, moved that further votes be delayed until all 15 could be present after Democrats' suggestions that the issue be resolved by a coin toss or the luck of a draw out of a hat agitated some Republican commissioners.
Johnson's motion to continue voting only when all 15 commissioners can be present – which could be Jan. 22 or later – passed 10-4, with Wagel, Gordon Bickel, Charlie Arnold and Ron Francis opposed.
"The sooner the better," Johnson said. "We all want this settled as soon as we can."
In the meantime, the county clerk will be the temporary chair.
The drama – "It's almost exciting," observed Extension Director Dan Rajzer – began like a routine reorganizational meeting, with Deputy Clerk Ruth Gardner, who ended up conducting the meeting, administering oaths of office to the 2009-2010 county commission.
Commissioner Gordon Bickel Sr., R-Porter Township, placed Wagel's name into contention for his sixth term.
Commissioner David Taylor, D-Edwardsburg, nominated Rodebush.
Last January, Wagel continued as chairman by acclimation.
Selecting a chairman at the annual reorganization meeting is the only time the county board can vote by secret ballot, but that was not necessary in 2008.
Wagel, 68, is in his 14th year on the commission in two stints dating back to 1989. The retired Union High School guidance counselor also chairs the county Board of Public Works.
"We'll continue voting as far as I'm concerned," Wagel commented after the fifth round of balloting.
Ironically, the national collegiate football championship game commissioners were missing between Oklahoma and Florida was also knotted at 7-7, although the Gators ultimately prevailed, 24-14.
After the sixth try, Rodebush suggested that out of respect for others, such as three Road Commission candidates and Steve Lehman of Woodlands, the commission bypass the contentious issue until the end of the agenda.