For the first time in 23 years, a new person was voted into the Lebanon City Council to lead Ward 6.
City Councilors voted 4-1 for Rick Bell to fill the open seat that was vacant after former Councilor Kathy Warmath resigned last week following a public drunkenness charge.
Bell currently serves on the city’s planning commission and is the city historian.
“I feel honored,” said Bell after being sworn in. “I thank the mayor and city council for appointing me to this position and I look forward to serving people in the 6th Ward.”
The vote came after some reservations from Councilor Bernie Ash. He expressed concerns the city was rushing into the decision, and the vote should be rescheduled for a later date. A resident in attendance at the meeting also yelled out that other citizens should have a say in who fills the seat. The resident was asked to leave the meeting.
Mayor Philip Craighead said Bell was the right choice for the position and Ward 6 needs representation.
“He’s well-rounded. People know him,” said Mayor Craighead. “He will make his own decisions. We are very fortunate he accepted.”
Last Tuesday, Lebanon police arrested Warmath after she showed signs of impairment during and after the regular City Council meeting. She was charged with public intoxication. Warmath said she was not intoxicated, and instead, had a reaction to prescription medication. She resigned Feb. 3 citing a medical condition.
Bell will serve Ward 6 until the seat becomes open again in 2018.
