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Rupp new councilman
Published 11/12/2009 in Local News
By SHAJIA AHMAD
HOLCOMB -- The make-up of the Holcomb City Council has once again changed, this time bringing the five-member board at full capacity.
A council position left vacant by the departure of the former mayor was filled Wednesday night by Holcomb resident Brian Rupp, who was elected to the council by a 3-2 vote.
Council members Janelle Robins-Gaede and Tracy Davis voted in favor of Rupp's appointment to council, at the recommendation of Holcomb Mayor Greg Cox. Council members Gary Newman and Rob McCallister voted against the motion. Mayor Cox broke the tie.
The position on the City Council opened after former Holcomb Mayor Lary Cole resigned Oct. 28, citing personal reasons. Cole had been with the council since April 2007 and Robins-Gaede was appointed to the council in his place.
Rupp is the owner of The Good Sport, located at 220 N. Main St. in Garden City, and was born and bred in Holcomb, he said. He also has served as a president for Garden City's downtown business association prior to the organization of the current Downtown Vision, he said.
"I think it's good to have a broad spectrum of people on the board," Rupp said. "Being a business owner, I understand economics fairly well, and I'm very conservative. I'm hoping I can look at expenses and help (with that)."
Cox said he received only two letters of interest from Holcomb residents the previous week, including Rupp's. Cox said he isn't concerned with the recent turnover in council positions and is glad the council is "back at full strength now."
Holcomb resident Curtis Peterson also submitted a letter of interest, said City Administrator Robin Pena.
The council is a five-member board; the mayor, a sixth member, does not vote except in a tie-breaking situations, Pena said.
The city board also voted unanimously to hire Earles Engineering and Inspection Inc., to work as the city engineering firm on an as-needed contractual basis.
The company with offices in Salina, Liberal and Garden City also works with the city of Garden City and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., on engineering projects on an as-needed basis, said Pete Earles, the CEO.
"You've got us on both sides, and we're looking forward to working with you, too," Earles told the council.
The next public meeting of the Holcomb City Council will be held Dec. 9. The meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the city offices located at 200 N. Lynch St.
Found 4 comment(s)!
Nepotism
I believe there was alot of talk recently by several people in Holcomb including Mrs. G about nepotism- Yet she gets on the City Council where her husband is the Municipal Judge! The same judge who recently received a substantial raise from the City of Holcomb and not one smart comment from Mr. Cox on that raise or salary. Maybe there is something to this and all of this has been planned all along- how convenient that the Mayor resigns immediately after naming Mr. Cox Council President? Maybe a PACE committee needs to start up to investigate the City of Holcomb- Mrs. G. could get it started.
Posted by: Informed Citizen on 11/14/2009
Cox Lies
If you follow Holcomb you will remember Greg Cox campaigning against back room politics. This ladies and gentlment is a classic case of a lie. Mr Cox approves the appointment of Janelle who voted him in as council president. The mayor resigns the next meeting and that makes Greg Cox the mayor. The very first thing he does is appoint his best friend to the council. He didn't interview any other candidates. Rumor has it he told other councilmembers he was going to talk with the candidates that applied previously and I have personal knowledge that he didn't talk to any of them. YOU LIE MR COX, you are participating in back room politics. This council was best seated with Armstrong, Newman and Welch always shutting you up. What this city needs is a council including Armstrong, McAllister, Newman and Welch to shut you up again. I hope you don't plan to run for mayor at re-election...you might get 4 votes, that is if your wife would even vote for you. Hey why don't you call your other best friend Jeff Sharp and give him a job too. I loved reading the editors comments previously about how Newman seemed to be moving this city into a progressive city and your back room politics are going to stop this city from moving forward. I am willing to bet you belong to the Sierra club and oppose Sunflower growing since its the best thing that could happen to our city. I bet you are opposed to any new business coming to town. It all makes sense to me You are the liar that vote for a sales tax and then campaigned against it but supported the county sales tax, but thats only because your best friend Rupp supported the county tax. Mr Cox, please listen to the ciizens of this fine town and resign.
Posted by: Jeff on 11/13/2009
What a Joke!
What a joke that the Council has the current composition. Everyone that has been recently added has come to the Council with an agenda which is to get rid of the City Manager. What a surprise it will be when it happens! Mrs. G has made it known that she covets the position and her and Mr. R. have caused problems within the community over the last year and always take the approach that they are owed something. I do not believe that Mr. R is conservative when it comes to his pricing- only his purchasing or taxes. Here is a newsflash is that you get what you pay for! Both are not noted for their sunny disposition or attitude- that is why no one will work with them or for them. What a shame that the current council (with the exception of the two who voted no) cannot see to do what is right for Holcomb instead of going forward with their vendetta. Good luck City of Holcomb- you will need it!
Posted by: Holcomb resident on 11/12/2009
The biggest "Poor Sport" in town voted in as new council member.
Bad decisions lead to even worse decisions, just as Rupp's new position as Holcomb's council member is. No good will come from this addition to the Council.
Posted by: Anonymous on 11/12/2009
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