• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

New mayor plans gradual change in Milton

Photo

Tom Chesmore

MILTON — Milton residents will see gradual changes under the city’s first new mayor in 10 years.

Tom Chesmore ran on a platform of change, but he’ll take it slow at first, he said.

“The changes that people are going to see are going to be gradual,” he said. “It won’t be anything radical.”

Chesmore, a city council member, defeated 10-year incumbent Bruce by 15 votes Tuesday.

During the campaign, Chesmore said he’d rely less on city staff than Bruce and listen more to council members on issues such as agendas and committee placement.

He said Tuesday he wants to get young people involved in government, possibly by adding a student representative to the council.

“I really would like to bring some young people in, get them started, maybe get them interested in the political side of it,” he said.

The priorities in Chesmore’s first term will be keeping the budget under control and addressing aging public facilities such as the fire department, public works department and possibly police department, he said.

The economy is bad, but the fire station needs attention, he said.

“We want to try to avoid getting into a pinch where all of a sudden one of our buildings, something happens where it’s not usable,” said Chesmore, a former Milton firefighter. “I just don’t want to have any of our people operating out of a facility that’s not adequate.”

The city and town should look for grants and stimulus money to help fund a remodeled or new fire station, he said.

One of Chesmore’s first responsibilities will be appointing his replacement on the city council. He said he is considering a few options for the appointment, including appointing Jeremy Hoff, the fourth-place candidate in Tuesday’s election, or soliciting applications.

Bruce said he leaves office with no regret.

“I think I’ve done my job for the community and given back, and I wish Tom the best of luck and the city the best of luck in the future,” he said.

He said he probably will step back from city government, at least for a while, and spend more time relaxing, spending time with his wife and volunteering.

In his 10 years as mayor, he’s most proud of expansion in the business park, infrastructure improvement and the city’s cooperation with the school district and library, he said.

“I’ve enjoyed working for the city, and hopefully the future is as bright as the past,” he said.