MAYOR CHRIS EVELETH is sworn in by City Clerk Amy Kirkland during the Owosso City Council Meeting Monday, Nov. 21. Former Mayor Ben Frederick held the Bible Eveleth’s grandfather carried through World War II as he was sworn in. (Independent Photo/Melissa Shepard)

 

by Melissa Shepard, associate editor

 

During the Monday, Nov. 21 Owosso City Council Meeting, Chris Eveleth, former Mayor Pro Tem under Mayor Ben Frederick for the past two years, was sworn in as the newest Mayor of Owosso. Eveleth was nominated by council member Elaine Greenway and was elected in a unanimous decision by the council.

Eveleth’s plans going forward as the Mayor include ensuring that meetings are run in a fair and efficient manner and assisting in the further positive development of the city in any way he can, whether that be neighborhood improvements, infrastructure upgrades or economic development. When asked where he sees Owosso going from here, his answer was, “I think Owosso has great things ahead. So much has been done these last eight years and I think as long as everyone is mindful that nothing is guaranteed, and we act with progress in mind we have nowhere to go but up.”

Eveleth added, “Mayor has been a very special title for a long time. I feel so honored and privileged to have been selected by this city council to hold the gavel for the next two years. Governance is seldom easy, and I hope to live up to the standard set by my predecessor.”

Former Mayor Ben Frederick held the Bible Eveleth’s grandfather carried through World War II as he was sworn in. Frederick then addressed the council during the citizen comment portion of the meeting and wished everyone on the council well. “It was so great to have former Mayor Frederick there for the swearing in. I felt so touched and his absence at the table will be felt. He’s a very close friend and I’m proud to have served at his side these last eight years,” said Eveleth.

Also during the meeting, Susan Osika, a newly elected council member, was nominated by Lori Bailey for Mayor Pro Tem. She was then elected in a unanimous decision by the council and is the new Mayor Pro Tem for the city. Osika served as Mayor Pro-Tem a decade ago.

“I’m really excited to have Sue join me on Owosso’s leadership team. She brings with her such a wealth of knowledge and experience and she’s going to add so much, I’m very proud of all the work she’s done over the years and she very much deserves this,” said Eveleth.

Owosso’s New Mayor Is Sworn in During the Council Meeting was last modified: November 28th, 2016 by Karen Elford