The Salem City Council elected Councilor Conrad J. Posnierski council president for 2025 at a special organizational meeting on Jan. 6, 2025.

Councilor Cohen nominated Posnierski; Councilor Merkel was nominated by others and received three votes. The roll-call vote produced six votes for Posnierski, three for Councilor Alice Merkel and two members voting present. Following the tally, Councilor Hackworth moved to record the vote as unanimous, and the council so recorded the result.

The nominations and roll call proceeded under the council's organizing motion to adopt the 2024 rules and regulations as the rules for 2025 for the purpose of organizing the council for the year.

Nomination speeches praised Posnierski's law-enforcement and community work, citing his leadership roles on community programs and committees. Councilor Cohen highlighted Posnierski's involvement with neighborhood crime-watch efforts, the citizens police academy and long-term engagement with disability and anti-bias initiatives. Councilor Merkel was described by supporters as a steady, experienced committee chair who fosters public understanding of council business.

The council completed other procedural business at the meeting, including adopting the rules for the session and inviting the mayor to address the body.