Brandt and Pelech join Council, O’Neill reappointed Mayor

  • (Left) John S. Pelech and Michael Brandt repeated the oath office administered by City Clerk Theresa Bowe May 10.
    (Left) John S. Pelech and Michael Brandt repeated the oath office administered by City Clerk Theresa Bowe May 10.
  • Councilmembers Michael Brandt and John Pelech pose with Yoakum Mayor Carl O’Neill after the meeting held Tuesday, May 10.
    Councilmembers Michael Brandt and John Pelech pose with Yoakum Mayor Carl O’Neill after the meeting held Tuesday, May 10.

    The Yoakum City Council officially welcomed its two newest members and appointed Carl O’Neill for his second term as mayor on Tuesday, May 10.

     

    The council canvassed the May 7 General Election results that revealed challengers John S. Pelech and Michael Brandt barely managed to acquire a majority of votes over the incumbents with margins of victory in single digits. 

     

    City Clerk Theresa Bowe administered the oath of office to the new council members in front of a packed audience that left some attendees standing.

     

    Pelech explained after the meeting that he was encouraged by the first meeting and looked forward to his term as Councilmember Place 4.

     

    “(My) first impression of the first meeting is that I really enjoyed myself. I’m really excited about moving forward from here. I’m glad I can have a (voice on council), and I’m glad I can speak for some of the people in the town…” said Pelech. “It was a full room. I’d like to think they were all there for me, but I’m guessing not.”

     

    Similarly, Brandt shared after the meeting that he appreciated his position as Councilmember Place 5 and said he was eager to learn from the council members while adjusting to his role. 

     

    “There’s a lot to it. (I was) very much lost the first day, especially when they start talking (about) money, budgets, agendas and stuff like that. I’m going to rely on the guys that have been here for a while to get used to all that,” said Brandt. “I very much enjoyed being involved, having a say, hearing the citizen’s side of it and being able to act on that.”

     

    The new council then voted in favor of Councilmember Place 2 Glenn Klander’s motion to appoint O’Neill to his second consecutive term as Yoakum Mayor. Council also reappointed Klander to serve another year as Mayor Pro-Tem.

     

    During the meeting, former Councilmember Place 5 Billy Goodrich expressed gratitude to the council and Yoakum community and congratulated the recently elected candidates.

     

    “It’s been an honor, guys. I’ve really appreciated working with y’all and everybody here…” said Goodrich. “John and Michael, good luck and God bless.”