By Jeremy Selweski, C & G Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 30, 2011
The filing deadline for the Nov. 8 election passed earlier this month, and a good number of uncontested local races suggest that residents can expect few changes in their city government. Perhaps the most significant change is set to take place in Berkley, which is the only city in the Woodward Talk coverage area that is certain to have a new mayor during the next term.
City Councilman Phil O’Dwyer is running unopposed for the city’s top elected seat, with Mayor Marilyn Stephan opting not to seek a fourth term. O’Dwyer, who has served on the council since 2005, waited until his longtime colleague made her decision before choosing to run for mayor. He was not entirely surprised, however, to discover that he would be the only candidate on the ballot.
“I didn’t know whether there would be any opposition,” he said, “but I knew that there are a decreasing number of people who are willing to come into public service because of the extreme challenges being faced. So I threw my hat into the ring and quickly realized that mine was the only hat there. I felt that it was my duty to step up and carry on all the great work that (our previous mayors) have done.”
O’Dwyer praised Stephan for everything that she has done on behalf of Berkley. “I’m proud to have served on council with her for the last six years,” he said. “She has always skillfully represented the city, and she is someone who the citizens admire and can be proud to call their mayor.”
Stephan was first elected to the City Council in 1999 and has served as mayor since 2005. She feels that this is “just the right time” for her to step down as leader of the city.
“I’ve served Berkley well for 12 years, but now I’m ready to move on and focus on other things,” she said. “Family priorities should be No. 1 on my list, so I’d really like to spend more time with my grandchildren. I’ve been privileged to serve with so many wonderful council members, city employees and volunteers. Without them, these 12 years would not have been 12 — they would have been much shorter.”
She is confident that O’Dwyer will be able to keep the city moving in a positive direction. “Phil will be an excellent mayor,” she said. “He studies all the issues very carefully and provides words of wisdom that are always very insightful. I don’t know of another person who is more qualified to be our next mayor.”
Councilman Dan Benton will also be stepping down this fall after spending 14 of the last 16 years serving on council. He stressed that there is no single reason behind his decision not to seek re-election, adding that he might run for office again two years from now.
“I hope that I’ve made a positive impact on the city in some small way,” he said, “but this has always been a team effort. I’m really proud of everything that we’ve been able to accomplish during these past 16 years, especially considering the terrible state of the economy. We’ve done a pretty nice job of keeping Berkley in good shape.”
For O’Dwyer, Benton’s intelligence, attention to detail and inquisitive nature filled an important role on council that will be difficult to replace.
“I think that Dan has brought a vision to the council that is both necessary and valuable,” he said. “His reasoning and insight have proven to be very beneficial to the rest of us. He’s just a very bright man — you can tell that within five minutes of meeting him.”
Stephan agreed. “I think this will be a big loss for the city,” she said. “Of all the people that I’ve worked with, Dan knows best what it means to be a member of council. He’s so knowledgeable and well-prepared that nothing ever slips by him. And no matter what the issue, he stands by his principles and defends them eloquently.”
The race for Berkley City Council will see three candidates running for three open seats. Councilman Dan Terbrack is seeking his second four-year term, while Councilwoman Eileen Steadman is looking to extend a run that began back in 1997. In addition, Alan Kideckel, chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, is hoping to be elected to his first term. If O’Dwyer is chosen as mayor, then the council will be required to appoint a new member to fill the remainder of his term, which expires in 2013.
You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jeremy Selweski at jSelweski@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5004.
Source: www.candgnews.com/news/berkley-will-have-new-mayor-stephan-decides-not-run
