On Jan. 4, Berea welcomed a new city council which will serve through 2027. This edition of the council is made up of six returning members and two new members. Retired Berea police officer David Kammerman hosted the swearing-in ceremony inside city hall’s courtroom. After the members were sworn in, they held an organizational meeting, during which they reappointed Alycia Esson as clerk of council. Here is a look at the Berea City Council: 

President – Jim Maxwell 

Jim is serving his 12th term on council, and his third as president. He won his race against Daune Jaynes in November, capturing 61% of Berea’s vote. Jim’s father and former Baldwin WallaceUniversity administrator, Stanley, held the same office for two terms. 

At-Large – Gene Zacharyasz 

Gene begins his seventh term after running for re-election uncontested. 

At-Large – Chris McManis 

Chris is starting his fourth term in the same office. He was also uncontested in November. Council also selected him as President Pro Tem, meaning he will conduct meetings in the event ofMaxwell’s absence. 

Ward 1 – Vance Redding 

Vance is one of the council’s new members, serving for the first time. He defeated Jonathan Montag in the ward one race, netting 61% of votes. Leon Dozier, Sr. previously held his position. 

Ward 2 – Michael Kurtz 

Michael replaced incumbent Mary Brown in a close race. Michael earned 57% of votes and will be serving on the council for the first time. 

Ward 3 – Lisa Weaver 

Lisa begins her third term after being elected uncontested in November. 

Ward 4 – Erika Coble 

Erika also begins her third term on the council. She earned 77% of the vote to outpace Margaret Lill in her ward. Erika has worked alongside BW students and administration, organizing multiple events to better student-city collaboration. Her husband, Kelly, is a professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Baldwin Wallace. 

Ward 5 – Rick Scokzen 

Rick begins his sixth term in office after an uncontested re-election. 

President Maxwell and Mayor Cyril Kleem shared remarks after all members were sworn in. Each of them expressed their urgency to get started in the new year to help move Berea forward. 

One potential area of focus for this new council is the Browns’ development in the city’s north end. They will be upgrading their facilities, and the council has expressed its desire to turn this into a growth opportunity for the city, as well as the organization. 

Berea City Council meets three Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. in city hall’s council chambers. Citizens and students are urged to attend and stay involved in local politics. 

Editor’s note: Henry Maxwell is the son of Jim Maxwell.