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Callaway commission appoints Bobby Birdsell as Ward 1 commissioner
Summary
After hearing from three candidates for the Ward 1 vacancy, the Callaway commission appointed Bobby Birdsell by a 3–1 vote and administered the oath of office at the meeting. Candidates answered commissioners' questions about priorities and public criticism.
The City of Callaway commission appointed Bobby Birdsell to fill the Ward 1 vacancy after hearing short statements and Q&A from three applicants.
Candidates and Q&A: Applicants Bobby Birdsell, Karen Kuster and Ralph Swindler each gave brief statements and answered commissioners' questions. Birdsell, a retired service member and part-time county paramedic who lives on Imperial Drive, emphasized long-term commitment and local public-safety concerns. "I'm here for the long haul," Birdsell said in his remarks.
Selection and swearing-in: Commissioners cast votes; the clerk tallied three votes for Birdsell and one for Kuster. The commission moved to appoint Birdsell and then administered the oath of office during the same meeting, after which Birdsell took his seat on the dais.
Why it matters: The appointment fills Ward 1's seat ahead of the next election cycle; the appointee may choose to run to retain the seat. Commissioners asked each candidate how they would handle public criticism and represent diverse neighborhoods; all three said they would listen to residents and rely on the charter and commission goals to guide decisions.
Next steps: The new commissioner will participate in upcoming commission business and meetings and can run for the office at the next scheduled election if he chooses.
