CLEARLAKE >> The Clearlake City Council appointed Russell Cremer to fill the seat vacated when Russell Perdock’s place left to run for the police chief position.
Cremer will remain on the council until November of this year, completing the remainder of Perdock’s term.
“I’m determined to become more involved in the community where I can make any positive change. Over the past 15 years I have been preparing for this position,” he said after the announcement was made this week. “The city is ready to move forward and I believe that I can and will benefit that process.”
He added that he is passionate about the city and believe he can work collaboratively with other city council members as well as with the public and other organizations.
Six applicants had vied for the position: Jennifer Fitts, Cheryl Marinaro, Russell Cremer, Sheryl Bolen Almon, James Reed and Dirk Slooten.
Because the chair and vice chair of the Planning Commission also applied, the Ad Hoc Committee charged with reviewing applications only consisted of Clearlake Mayor Bruno Sabatier, Vice Mayor Phil Harris and the City Clerk Melissa Swanson.
Only four individuals who applied were at the meeting and were interviewed. Once completed and scored, the city ranked them and the top two candidates were Slooten and Cremer.
Although it started as a split decision, Vice Mayor Harris switched his vote to Cremer and he was voted in unanimously.
“The only concern I do have is that you, Mr. Cremer, are so involved in so many different things and the one thing that I would ask of you is that this be your priority over all those other things,” Harris said. “We need the undivided attention. This is a big deal to us and this is why we work together so well as a council.”
Cremer has been and is currently a part of the Clearlake Planning Commission, Cannabis Ad Hoc Committee, Measure V Campaign Committee, the Lake County Fire Protection District and others.
Cremer said while he is on the council until the end of the term, he hopes to accomplish having the parks renovated and see progress.
He will also be running in the upcoming election in hopes to continue as a city councilmember and serve the city.
“My vision for the city is that we become revitalized and we have a balance of industry and commercial businesses,” Cremer said. “I think that’s what we need to grow the city.”
Cremer will be given the oath and seated at the next special City Council meeting on March 27, Tuesday at 4 p.m.
