Brechnitz Qualified for Council Chair

Many have suggested that the most recent election was a referendum on the direction of City Council. That is largely true. But that pushback from voters was directed towards the select incumbents who they felt ignored the residents–not everyone on Council.

Unfortunately, that hasn't stopped some from using the election to somehow argue that acting Vice-Chair Brechnitz should not chair the City Council.

No one on Council has been elected with more votes than Councilor Brechnitz was in 2022 (despite being re-elected in a lower-turnout midterm election).

Brechnitz–6,957 votes; Gray–6,165; Henry–5,965; Schwan–5,948; Goehler–5,709; and Palumbo–4,032.

In addition, Councilor Brechnitz has been elected Chair of Council several times due to his efficiency in running meetings and knowledge of the Council's rules of procedures. In fact, despite a lengthy agenda, public comment, and tense discussions, the most recent meeting was adjourned before 9:00 PM with Councilor Brechnitz at the helm.

It would be ill-advised to hand over the gavel to a brand-new face on the dais without the required knowledge or experience. Even Councilor Brechnitz himself had several years experience chairing the Planning Board before he chaired Council.

Yet, the Council remains without a permanent chair due to an impasse at the most recent meeting. The new Council has an opportunity to put the divisiveness behind us by electing Councilor Brechnitz to the Chair position he is clearly most qualified for. Residents should email the Council to get behind Councilor Brechnitz.