01-08-13 Dieter Re-Elected as Council President - Sets Record

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rB Common Courd �i J`v _ roue J o - N i South Bend I t NEWS RELEASE Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 12 Noon From: Council President Derek D. Dieter Contact: 532-2200 Vice-President Oliver J. Davis Contact: 876-6938 Committee of the Whole Chairperson Karen L. White Contact: 229-3100 Dieter Re-Elected as Council President—Sets Record At last evening's Organizational Meeting of the South Bend Common Council, Council Member at Large Derek D. Dieter was unanimously re-elected as Council President for calendar year 2013 by a vote of 6-0, with Council Members Henry Davis, Jr., Dr. Fred Ferlic and Gavin Ferlic being absent from the meeting. This marks the 5th consecutive year that Dieter will serve as Council President, which is a record. President Dieter has served on the City Council since 2004. 6th District Council Member Oliver J. Davis was unanimously re-elected as Council Vice- President. Vice-President Davis has served as the Council's Vice-President since 2009 and as 6°i District Council Member since 2008. Council Member at Large Karen L. White was unanimously re-elected Committee of the Whole Chairperson and will conduct all hearings on proposed ordinances which come before the Council this year. She began serving on the City Council on January 1, 2000; and served as Council President in 2003 and 2004. President Dieter noted that "...2012 was a good transition year, with four (4) new Council Members beginning their service to the community last year — IS`District Council Member Tim Scott, 3rd District Council Member Valerie Schey, 4`" District Council Member Dr. Fred Ferlic, and Council Member at Large Gavin Ferlic. He noted that the Council has a good mix with veteran Council Members Henry Davis, Jr. joining the Council in 2008; and 51h District Council Member Dr. David Varner joining the Council in 1996 - making him the "Council's elder statesman". The Council Officers will continue to emphasize the Council's commitment to public safety, with this being reflected in successful wage and benefit negotiations last year in conjunction with the City Administration and the unions representing the rank and file of the South Bend Fire Department and the South Bend Police Department. This will be a transition year for the Police Department with Chief of Police designate Ronald Teachman to begin employment later this month.