GALION — Galion City Council is now accepting resumes for candidates to fill a vacant position on council.
The vacancy was created when At-Large Council Member Gail Baldinger accepted the appointment to become city auditor. He was sworn in on Nov. 25 and assumed his new responsibilities on Nov. 28.
Baldinger replaces Auditor Brian Triesch, who resigned due to health issues. The unexpired auditor’s term runs through Dec. 31, 2021.
Treisch had served as auditor for the city since 2013 when Galion changed the form of government. With Triesch serving as auditor, the city exited fiscal emergency in 2018.
“I have been honored to serve the City of Galion, my hometown, and am proud of the accomplishments of the last seven years,” said Treisch. “It has been exciting and challenging to work with the Mayor and Council to make Galion a better place to live. I have decided to retire at this time for personal and medical reasons.”
Baldinger was serving in his ninth full year on City Council and was chairman of the Finance Committee.
Mayor Tom O’Leary said he believes Baldinger possesses the qualifications needed to be successful in his new role as city auditor.
“You look for somebody who has experience in city government, and Gail has had that,” O’Leary said. “Somebody who has a career in serving Galion, and Gail certainly has that in serving as a firefighter. And now somebody who is willing to step in over these next 13 months and finish up Brian Triesch’s term. Somebody might want to check in with Gail in 30 to 60 days and see how he feels about that decision.
“But it’s certainly something that I’m happy that he did and it gives the city someone knowledgeable and allows us to have a transition with as much continuity as possible. I think that bodes well for the city.”
O’Leary stated that the city council vacancy is a good opportunity for a younger Galion resident to put their name forward for consideration.
“I do think we have an opportunity to have a new council member appointed that can represent future generations and there also people out there who could fulfil the function of completing this one year unexpired term,” he said. “My intent with the replacement on city council is going to be the same as it’s been when we’ve had vacancies over the last seven years, and that’s to offer up some names, but I’m not going to campaign for or lobby for anyone.”
According to a press release issued by the city, the “current City Council will interview eligible candidates and will be responsible for selecting a council member to fill the remainder of the term of office that began on Jan. 1, 2020 and ends Dec. 31, 2021. This is a paid position of a monthly amount set by ordinance of the City of Galion. This is not a benefits eligible position.”
The deadline for interested parties to submit resumes to City Council is Monday, Dec. 7, according to a press release issued by the city. Any elector who has lived inside the city limits for at least one year may submit a resume.
Resumes should be sent to Council Clerk Julie Bell. They can be mailed to 301 Harding Way East, Galion, or emailed to [email protected].
