By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Patrick Singer, a veteran of the Whitewater Common Council, will continue to serve as president of the elected body for the next year.
As customarily takes place in mid-April, immediately after the spring general election, the council appoints one of the seven members to the presidency to oversee meetings and take a leadership role in policy matters.
The other six members of the council voted unanimously in favor of appointing Singer to the position. This is the seventh time within the past eight years that Singer has held the title on the council.
Singer, who has been on the council since 2007, said he is grateful for the support from his elected colleagues.
“I try to run an orderly meeting that includes citizens, staff and the council,” Singer said after being re-appointed to the position. “I want to make sure all are heard so we can make an informed decision.”
When he joined the council in 2007, Singer initially represented the 5th aldermanic district. Since 2013, however, he has served one of the city’s two at-large positions on the council.
The council also gave unanimous support toward appointing council member Lynn Binnie to the back-up position of council president pro tem. Binnie has held the position in the past.
Four spots on the council – more than half of the elected body – were up for grabs this spring, but the composition of the group will remain identical. Three seats were uncontested, and Binnie handily defeated his opponent, Paul Yvarra.
City Clerk Michele Smith issued oaths of office for all four members who have been re-appointed. In addition to Binnie, who represents District 4, other officials serving new terms are Kenneth Kidd, council member at large; Phil Frawley, District 1; and Stephanie Abbott, District 2.
