Former council member Bill Schult moved from the city of Crescent Springs and resigned from the council after its May meeting, leaving a seat that needed to be filled.
Although Mayor Mike Daugherty could not attend Monday’s council meeting, four candidates—Jeff Smith, Michael Folk, Bob Mueller, and Steve Wilcoxson — came to speak to the council about why they saw themselves fit to fill the vacant seat.
Wilcoxson, a Crescent Springs resident since 2022 and currently a stay-at-home dad, was voted to take the position. He will hold this position for the remainder of Schult’s term which ends Dec. 31, 2024. The election this November will determine the six new members whose terms will begin Jan. 1, 2025.
“I’m a firm believer that the best way to have an impact. It’s not just by asking questions, but to jump in and get involved,” said Wilcoxson.
Discussions of medical marijuana facilities in the city were top of mind when considering a candidate for this new position. When asked about his thoughts on medical marijuana facilities, Wilcoxson said that it’s important to take the community’s opinions into consideration while also making sure that the community is educated.
Council member Brian Barclay said that appointing Wilcoxson is “fresh.”
“[Wilcoxson] and I have been on opposite sides of many conversations. It’s always been respectful, it’s always been civil and it’s always been well received,” Barclay explained. “That’s something that we could use.”
“I plan to be here for the long haul and have my kids go through the system here,” said Wilcoxson. “And with that, not only do I have interest in what’s going on, but I think I have a lot to offer.”