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Delavan City Council names Reddy's replacement

DELAVAN — The city council appointed former council member Bruce DeWitt on Tuesday night to fill the 2nd District seat vacated by Ellen Reddy, who resigned July 18.

DeWitt, 524 McDowell St., Delavan, served on the council from 1983 to 1988 and from 1997 to 1998, Mayor Mel Nieuwenhuis said.

"I think Bruce will do an excellent job," he said. "I know he loves the city, and he's very level-headed, and I know he'll think things out and make decisions based on the information."

DeWitt has been a financial adviser for the last 18 years, and before that he owned a grocery store in Delavan for more than 20 years.

"He has a strong financial background … I think that experience certainly will add a lot to the table as we go through our budget," Nieuwenhuis said.

DeWitt was among three "qualified" residents who applied for the opening—a "good problem to have," he said.

The other candidates were:

-- Sam Riggs, 201 N. Eighth St., Delavan. Riggs is the chairman of the city's parks and recreation commission. Three times he has challenged Reddy for the seat in the 2nd District.

-- Joe Guido Sr., 810 Racine St., Delavan. He served three terms on the county board.

Each candidate had a chance to speak and answer questions for council members. Council member Ron Siedelmann made the motion, which passed 4-1, to approve DeWitt. Council member Mary O'Connor was the nay vote.

DeWitt will serve until the April election, when voters will chose someone to complete Reddy's term.