01-04-11 2011 South Bend Common Council Officers

Home Browse Search

South Bend Common Council NEWS RELEASE January 4, 2011,11:00 a.m. South Bend Common Council Elects Officers for 2011 - Dieter Elected Council President for 3rd Time �. Contact: Derek D. Dieter, Council President 532 -2200 or 235 -5 82 At last evening's Organizational Meeting of the South Bend Common Council, 1St District Council Member Derek D. Dieter was re- elected as Council President for calendar year 2011. 2nd District Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. was the sole vote in opposition. President Dieter has served as 1st District Council Member since 2004; and is well -known for maintaining a hot -line for loud music /loud noise complaints from citizens. 2011 will be the Yd consecutive year with Dieter as President. 6"' District Council Member Oliver J. Davis was unanimously re- elected as Vice - President. Vice - President Davis served as the Council's Vice- President in 2009 and 2010; and has served as 6"' District Council Member since 2008. Council Member at Large Timothy A. Rouse was unanimously elected Committee of the Whole Chairperson and will conduct all hearings on proposed ordinances which come before the Council this year. Rev. Rouse has served on the Council since 2005. He replaces 0' District Council Member Ann Puzzello who is completing her 5"' term on the South Bend Common Council. President Dieter noted that "....2010 was a phenomenal year. Public safety has, and will continue to be the top priority in the City of South Bend. The Council is dedicated to risking South Bernd a safer city': He emphasized that the Council's commitment to public safety was reflected in successful wage and benefit negotiations last year with the South Bend Fire Department and the South Bend Police Department. President Dieter cited improved bond ratings for the City, resulting from good fiscal decisions. In 2010, Standard & Poor's upgraded the City to AA- from A+ and Fitch Ratings gave South Bend an AA+ rating. President Dieter thanked the citizens of South Bend for providing their input and support on many fiscal issues, and in helping the Council and the City Administration set realistic priorities. This resulted in sound financial practices and improved accountability to the taxpayers. President Dieter sees the city budget as the Council's next priority, along with overseeing all city departments to assure that city services are being maintained and upgraded when possible. Despite Mayor Luecke beginning a lame -duck year, the Council will continue to voice their ideas and suggestions with the City Administration so that all options are explored. Some of the key topics will include: