Brookings council interviews seven applicants to fill vacant seat; appointment set for April 22

The Brookings City Council held interviews for seven applicants to fill a vacant council seat, heard public comment favoring one candidate and set a formal appointment for April 22, with a swearing-in scheduled for the May 13 council meeting.

Council opened the interview portion of the meeting by announcing the applicants would be heard in alphabetical order and allotted up to 10 minutes each, with the council asking questions after each presentation. Mayor Neimeyer presided over the session. The applicants who spoke were Al Ostrom, Larry Ayers, Lisa Hager, Michael Lambertus, Blake Stevenson (who later withdrew his application), and Zeno Wicks; the transcript also notes an applicant named Mark Lee withdrew earlier.

The interviews centered on housing affordability, youth and recreation programming, community engagement and how each candidate would work with city staff. Al Ostrom, a longtime local business owner, emphasized his campaign experience and community ties, saying, "My commitment also is seen in the 3 decades in which I have made Brookings my home." He told council members he had run in two recent elections and narrowly missed winning, noting his belief that people who collect signatures and run campaigns demonstrate commitment to public service.

Other applicants described their backgrounds and priorities. Larry Ayers, a retired educator, highlighted experience with workforce programs and inclusive employment initiatives. Lisa Hager, an associate professor at SDSU who served as vice chair of the Brookings Charter Review Commission, said she would focus on affordable housing, workforce recruitment and childcare and noted she would "make a point to go to various events" to engage residents outside regular meetings. Michael Lambertus, a retired firefighter and Avera manager, said he sought to continue public service after his emergency-service career. Blake Stevenson withdrew his application during the session, saying he could not give the time the council role would demand and endorsing Lisa Hager.

Several members of the public addressed the council during the public-comment portion. Multiple speakers, including Tim Gatormson, Jeff West and John Mills, urged the council to appoint Al Ostrom; commenters cited his business experience, community involvement and previous campaign performance. One resident, Jane Kafer, expressed concern about growth in the joint jurisdiction south of city limits and said she had discussed that issue with Ostrom.

Council members said they would accept additional public feedback while preparing for the appointment. The council posted a proposed appointment for April 22; the mayor noted the swearing-in would occur May 13 unless circumstances change.