Photo by Jessica Vaughn

FOLEY - The new four-year term began on Monday, Nov. 2. At that time Ralph Hellmich was sworn in as mayor of Foley, while returning councilmembers Wayne Trawick (District 1), Vera Quaites (District 2), Rick Blackwell (District 4), Charlie Ebert (District 5) and newcomer Richard “Dick” Dayton were sworn into office. Judge Robert Wilters performed the ceremonies.

Hellmich began his public service in 2004 when he was appointed as the District 3 representative. He began serving as Mayor Pro Tem in 2012. He said he was encouraged to run for mayor by former Mayor John Koniar, who retired from service at the end of last term.

“I’m looking forward to working with this team, most who I’ve worked with for 16 years, and welcoming Dick Dayton onto the council,” said Hellmich. “We have all these wonderful people [city employees] who work for us that will continue forward and all we’ve got to do is make sure we keep the ship afloat. We’re looking forward to representing our city and everything that goes on here in the city. So we’re open, if you need us, call us.”

Trawick was nominated to continue to serve as Council President. The position of Council President Pro Tem was appointed to Charlie Ebert. Councilwoman Quaites was appointed as the council representative on the Planning Commission, a position previously held by Hellmich.

Along with mayor and council, other appointments made by Wilters that day were Michael Dasinger as Municipal Judge, Frank Hollon as Assistant Municipal Judge, Warren Harbison as City Prosecutor, Kathryn Taylor as City Clerk, Sue Steigerwald as Finance Director/City Treasurer, Joey Darby as Fire Chief, Thurston Bullock as Police Chief, Mike Thompson as City Administrator, Sandra Pate as Human Resource Director, Miriam Boone as City Planner, and Chad Christian as City Engineer.

For more information, visit https://cityoffoley.org.