City Council appoints Amelia Woods to fill vacancy

Amelia Woods will return to City Council. Photo courtesy of Amelia Woods.

by Marsha Chartrand

In light of the recent resignation of 25-year trustee, Patrick DuRussel, in in early January, Manchester City Council was designated with the responsibility to name his replacement at the soonest possible time.

Applications for the Council seat were accepted by the City office until close of business on Friday, January 21 with a date set for the regular meeting on Feb. 3 for interviews and for Council to make a decision. The appointment will last until the November 4 2025 election, at which time a candidate elected in the general election will fill out the remaining two years of the partial term.

Sharon Jones and Amelia Woods each submitted letters of interest for the position, and both were interviewed separately at the open public meeting. Each brought a unique perspective to their quest for the trustee position, while both offered experience, dedication, and strong viewpoints about the city and community. Woods, interviewed first, was focused on youth and the school district, while Jones has a deep commitment to the social services and senior segment of Manchester’s population, and offered good communication skills to the Council. Both are equally valid and important to the community.

Woods’ presentation weighed strongly on her prior experience on Village Council from 2009-2023, and it was that unique experience that tipped the decision in her favor. Council member Cindy Dresch made the motion to grant the position to Woods, which was accepted unanimously by all council members in attendance.

Due to the absence of City Clerk Brittany Kuhnle on Feb. 3, the installation of office was postponed until Feb. 17, at which time Woods will take the oath and her seat at the table.

Thank you to both candidates for offering to share their time and talents with the City of Manchester, and congratulations to Woods.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.