By By JOHN EBY / Niles Daily Star
CASSOPOLIS - "There are people out there who have said, 'That 15-member board will never work.' We're in our second year of being a 15-member board and this board has really worked quite well … It's been a grand experience for me," Chairman Robert Wagel, R-Wayne Township, commented at Thursday's final 2004 Cass County Commissioner meeting.
Besides bidding farewell to 35-year Cass County employee Clerk-Register Ann Simmons, the bigger board sworn in January 2003 produced its first four "alumni."
Dowagiac Commissioner James Sayer stepped down after eight years and will be succeeded in District 11 at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, by John Cureton.
Vice Chairman Ron Francis presented Sayer's plaque.
Democrat Debbie Johnson of Niles lost her re-election bid to Dale Lowe.
Bruce Butchbaker of Marcellus did not seek a second two-year term and will be followed in District 3 by former Dowagiac resident Cathy Goodenough.
The fourth new face belongs to Gordon Bickel of Constantine, who defeated Commissioner Mike Raab.
Raab had been appointed to fill the vacancy left by former Dowagiac councilman Larry Malsch becoming Porter Township supervisor. Raab, appointed in December 2003, represented District 5 for the past year. Commissioner Jack Teter presented his plaque.
Butchbaker received his award from Commissioner Alan Northrop. "We've got a great county," Butchbaker said. "I wish Cathy well. She'll do a great job."
Commissioner Johnie Rodebush, who got Johnson involved in county government, said, "I've been very proud of what she's done" in 2003-2004. "We'll see more of you, I'm sure."
On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, Chairman Bob Wagel presented gifts to County Administrator Terry Proctor and his executive assistant, Tara Myer.