City Council on a 4-1 vote during a special meeting Thursday afternoon to fill the portion of resigned Councilman David Bandkau’s term through the Nov. 8, 2016 election, when voters will fill the final two years of Bandkau’s original term. He is shown as he was interviewed before the vote.
O’Leary and former Councilman Mike Cline both asked for consideration and each spoke Thursday. Cline spoke Monday night during the regular council meeting when the council had said June 15 they would be interviewing candidates who applied. O’Leary called Mayor Ben Frederick Monday to say he would not be able to attend due to his schedule as an on-call deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
A retired Flint Township building inspector with 25 years’ service, he has been with the Corunna Police Department and has lived in Owosso less than two years.
Responding to a question, he stated more jobs are needed. He also said one of the priorities should be the downtown since buildings are deteriorating.
Mayor Ben Frederick said he apologized to all since he had misunderstood that O’Leary would be available Tuesday and Wednesday for a council interview, but O’Leary had said “after Tuesday.” That confusion led to a special meeting called for Tuesday night being cancelled, then the Thursday meeting called.
Frederick said Mayor Pro Tem Chris Eveleth could not be present Thursday since “he had been ‘under the weather all day.’” O’Leary was supported by Councilmembers Lori Bailey, Elaine Greenway, Rob Teich and Mayor Ben Frederick. Councilman Burton Fox voted for Cline. (Independent Photo/BILL CONSTINE)
