New Fourth Ward Council Member appointed - Councilman Michael Lenz

The November 16 Council Meeting resulted in heated discussions around the transparency of the fourth ward council appointment. Nino Giaachi, Beth Mason, Theresa Castellano and Micheal Russo argued that there wasn't enough transparency in the process and that they did not have an ability to meet or talk with all of the candidates and some said that there should have been an opportunity for the 4th ward residents to meet with the candidates and provide feedback to the Council.

Jake Styver, Tony Sorares, Micheal Lenz, Remi Penchvsy and Mr.Evers (sorry about the spelling) knew about the meeting and the open seat and came to the meeting and spoke in support of their candidacy.

Council President noted that the Council and members of the publc were made aware of the opening and called for the vote to ensure that the 4th ward has representation.
The public and council portion of this discussion lasted more than two hours and the vote was not taken until nearly midnight- .....but ulitmately the council voted by completing a nomination card. (at this point the microphone picked up Steve Kleiman saying "this is why they pay me some pretty lousy bucks..to sit through this!).

The vote was four for Lenz, three for others (hard to hear who the votes were for) and one present (Councilwoman Mason). Counsel advised that there is a significant legal question. Need five votes and there was confusion about how the "present" vote should be counted. If the "present" vote is considered as a "no" vote then the Mayor would cast the tie breaker. Kleinman suggested that a legal opinion be obtained by the court or the attorney general office to forestall challenges to decisions made by the new council with the new member.,

Mason argued that there should be a hearing in the 4th ward and then take a vote. Councilwoman Marsh called for a vote and the Acting Council President called for a vote in deferance to the legal opinion passed by the other lawyer. The council president called the mayor to the podium and she voted yes for Micheal Lenz and the vote of office was administered to the new councilman.

Stay tuned for litigation. Another waste of taxpayer money....