June 21, 2000

Edmond's ideas will be missed

Just as they were preparing to fill a vacancy caused by the departure of a veteran member, the other Tiffin City Council members found that they will have to replace their newest peer.

Council and administration officials Monday night appropriately praised the years of service of Keith Kirchner, who is retiring as council president.

On Tuesday the resignation of Third Ward Councilman Todd Edmond was announced. That will be an unfortunate loss, because in his six months on the council, Edmond has proved to be a source of fresh ideas and to be dynamic in tackling problems.

Since members have selected Mike Grandillo to replace Kirchner as council president, they now will have to name replacements for both the Third and Fourth ward seats.

It provides an opportunity to bring in members with more novel ideas and fresh perspectives. Could this be the time that a member is chosen from an ethnic minority?

The process will affirm that city government &emdash; as are many other entities &emdash; is always a work in progress.