Jeff Wosje Chosen For Plymouth Council Ward 2 Seat

After three interviews and extensive deliberation the Plymouth Council chose Jeffry Wosje to fill the Ward 2 council seat for about the next year.

The council interviewed Wosje, Ned Carroll and Jim Kovach as the three finalists for the position that became vacant in September.

The Ward 2 seat became vacant this fall when former council member had to resign from the position.

Wosje has served as the chair of the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit since 2008. He is also president of the Plymouth Rotary Club and chair of the Plymouth Business Council. He serves as a vice president at Bremer Bank’s Plymouth office.

"We had seven strong applicants. Each would have brought different strengths to the council," said Mayor Kelli Slavik. "Mr. Wosje’s background in finance will be particularly valuable during this tough economy."

Wosje is slated to take the oath of office at the Tuesday, Oct. 25, council meeting.

Each council member went around and asked questions of each finalists. Questions ranged from the person's priorities for the city, how they would deal with issues facing the city, what are the biggest issues facing the city, if they have time conflicts, conflicts of interest, what experience and background they bring that will best benefit the council and more.

After the interviews were done, the council agreed that it came down to Wosje and Carroll. The council weighed pros and cons for having either on the council.

For some it came down to which brought the best background and breadth of experience to the council and keeping more diverse backgrounds on the council.

"What a great problem we have, to choose between such fantastic candidates," said Councilmember Tim Bildsoe.

In the end, the council made the unanimous vote for Wosje.

The final decision will be with the voters next year, said Councilmember Judy Johnson. She hopes that those who stepped forward to apply for the Ward 2 council position will consider running in the election next November.