Matt Purkey appointed to Fourth Ward

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WILMINGTON — A Clinton County Republican Party committee has chosen 2-1 to appoint Matt Purkey as the representative of Wilmington’s Fourth Ward.

Purkey acknowledged that circumstances surrounding his appointment are “weird”; Marian Miller, who won the seat last year, chose instead to become Mayor John Stanforth’s executive assistant.

Despite those circumstances, he’s excited to represent the Fourth Ward.

“I’m very honored that I was chosen and happy to serve and to move things forward with our city council,” he told the News Journal.

Purkey was out of town and unable to attend the meeting. In place of a presentation, he wrote a letter to the party.

“I believe that there is a time for a change in local government of our city,” Purkey wrote. “I see a group of well-intentioned citizens that care deeply for our city yet seem to be divided into factions” that halt progress.

Purkey also wrote that the city passes unrealistic budgets and needs transparency, communication and strong leadership.

“I believe that we are on the cusp of great things happening here in the city,” Purkey wrote. “We just need some leadership and direction to push us toward it.”

The four members of the Republican Party’s Fourth Ward committee were Lois Allen, Joe Gigandet, John Schum and Rebecca “Becky” Riley.

Schum nominated Purkey, who was seconded by Gigandet. Lois Allen nominated Eichelberger, who failed to receive a second. Riley nominated Diana Allen, seconded by Lois Allen.

Two people voted for Purkey. One voted for Diana Allen. One abstained. The vote is anonymous, similar to a traditional election.

Reach Nathan Kraatz at 937-556-5766, or on Twitter @NathanKraatz.

By Nathan Kraatz

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