On Wednesday, Southgate city leaders welcomed incoming members for 2025.
Campbell County District Court Judge Erin Sizemore was on hand to swear in the incoming council. New members Elizabeth Hartman and Jackson Curry joined returning members Aileen Okura, Paul Melville and Michael Lycans for the swearing-in. (Mark Messmer will also return but was absent.)
“It is wonderful to see everyone tonight,” Sizemore said. “First of all, I want to congratulate you. I know running a campaign is difficult, and sometimes it’s not just you, it’s your family. That’s an all-in process. So congratulations, and I wish you the best of luck going forward.”
With that, she administered the oath of office.
Mayor Jim Hamberg congratulated the incoming council, and announced he had some words for the two council members who will not be returning next year.
The mayor read a proclamation to honor council member Joe Anderson, who leaves council after serving for 14 years. He listed out some of Anderson’s contributions both on and off council over the years: Anderson served as the council liaison for the city’s public safety departments and gave his advice and input on a range of city issues, including zoning, budget, finance, personnel and other matters, Hamberg said. Anderson also represented the city on the Beverly Hills Memorial Committee.
Declaring Dec. 4 as “Joe Anderson Day,” Hamberg said, “Joe Anderson will always be remembered as dependable and willing to help with whatever his assignment and work until the assignment was successfully completed. Joe Anderson will always be a friend to the mayor, to the city, the staff and residents of the city of Southgate, Kentucky.”
The mayor also presented Anderson with a plaque commemorating his years on council.
“I’m happy and proud to call Joe Anderson my friend, but also to make this proclamation in his honor,” Hamberg said.
Hamberg then called up councilmember Thomas Wegener, who has served for three years but will not be returning next year. Wegener worked with the city’s finance director to track weekly and monthly finances and keep council apprised of city finances.
The mayor said Wegener stepped up to serve after another member resigned before his term ended.
“I’m proud to say that he did a great job for us for three years,” Hamberg said as he presented Wegener with a plaque as well.