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Bethel City Council Swears In New Members

?On Tuesday night, Bethel's election results were certified and three newcomers joined the Bethel City Council. The council also said goodbye to members Mark Springer and Mayor Richard Robb.
Krysti Shallenberger
/
KYUK

  

On Tuesday night, Bethel's election results were certified and three newcomers joined the Bethel City Council. The council also said goodbye to members Mark Springer and Mayor Richard Robb.

 

 

Mayor Richard Robb called the meeting to order one last time before reviewing and ratifying election results.

 

“According to this, with both precincts certified by the canvas board,” said Robb, “Mr. Fred Watson got 714 votes, Anny Cochrane got 502 votes, Mr. Shadi Rabi got 376 votes, Mr. Perry Barr got 694, Mr. Fritz Charles got 537, Mrs. Carole Jung Jordan got 665, and write-in Mr. Mark Springer got 162. And for Prop 1 Local Option, ‘yes’ got 557 and ‘no’ got 623.”

  

Council members Mitchell Forbes and Raymond “Thor” Williams took a moment to thank those involved with the election as well as the outgoing members.

 

“I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank all of the candidates who ran. I think it really says something when folks are willing to run for public office, put their name out there, to step up and be involved in their community. And so, on that note, I’d like to wish a farewell to Mark Springer and Richard Robb. It’s been a pleasure working with you all this last year that I’ve been on council and I hope to continue to see you around town,” said Forbes.

 

“I would like to thank the canvas board for spending a lot of hours getting this done. This was one of the longest canvas boards that we’ve had,” said Williams. “Also to the Mayor and Mr. Springer for being here. And also Mr. Henry for spending some time on the council.”   

 

After the swearing in, Vice Mayor Watson chaired the remainder of the meeting and the new council decided on a new system for handling city business. For several years, the council had turned down the purchase of software for managing its agenda items, the Bethel Municipal Code, and the council meeting packets. This time, it passed. New council member Perry Barr was one who voted in favor of the new system.

 

“I think we need to get with the times,” Barr said. “You know, I belong to several boards. I work at the school district. I have personal computers, I love them, that are offered by my employer and, of course, the other boards. I can look up the agenda, I can look up the packets, I can read the packets.”

 

Council member Mitchell Forbes strongly opposed the item, saying that the system was costly and redundant.

 

“I don’t think this is necessary,” said Forbes. “I know this is not part of what we’re discussing, but the other part of this is computers for council, which I also don’t support.”

 

Forbes said that council members could already access what they need digitally.

 

The council voted 5 to 2, with Albertson and Forbes in opposition.

 

There will be a special meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 15 to elect a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and appoint council members to committees and commissions.