Politics & Government
Two new aldermen take seat on Crestwood board
Outgoing alderman says city progressed at times "in spite of board, not because of it."
The Crestwood Board of Aldermen has a few new faces with three aldermen welcomed to the board on Tuesday night.
Voters elected newcomers Robert Deutschmann and Tim Trueblood, both of Ward 2, and Daniel Tennessen of Ward 4 during the April 3 election. Duetschmann will serve a one-year term.
The new aldermen will take the seats of departing aldermen Chris Pickel and Steve Knarr, both of Ward 2, and Deborah Beezley of Ward 4.
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The aldermen leaving their seats were presented with a plaque and a resolution honoring their service to the city during Tuesday’s meeting.
Beezley said it was an honor to serve Crestwood and thanked the city’s “incredible staff” for their loyalty and residents for the privilege to serve on the board.
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Beezley was elected to the board in April 2009 and has served on various boards and commissions, including the Police Board and Animal Control Board during her tenure with the aldermanic board.
Pickel echoed Beezley’s praise of the city’s staff and said the last six years serving on the board has been a “good experience overall,” though, he noted some frustration during that time.
Pickel said city employees spurred “progress in spite of this board, not because of it” and their dedication guided the city’s through fiscal turbulence in a “long and painful decade.”
“Our employees are working without a pay raise and often with over-reaching board members attempting to expand the power of the board,” Pickel said.
Pickel was elected to the board in April 2006 and served on the city’s Park Board, Economic Development Commission, Fire Board, Sign Commission, Ways and Means Committee, Disabled Citizens Advisory Committee and Business License Review Committee during his tenure.
Tennessen collected 281 votes, winning the seat from opponent Steve Nieder who garnished 227 votes. Trueblood won the seat with 217 votes in comparison to his opponent Mary Stadter who collected 143 votes.
Current aldermen Darryl Wallach of Ward 1 and Paul Duchild of Ward 3 ran unopposed and retained their seats.