Jody Young walked into the Aug. 19 Brookville City Council meeting as a civic-minded resident who had already put in work to improve the city.
She walked out as somebody with the power to do something more, at least temporarily. Young, a 25-year Brooksville resident who raised two boys who graduated from Hernando High, was the council’s choice to fill the vacated Seat 4 until a newly elected councilperson takes over in
December.
“I’m really impressed with the applicants that we have got and really appreciated so many people being willing to step up to the plate when the city has needed to fill this position,” Vice Mayor Christa Tanner said. “Just really, really appreciate the interest that’s been shown.”
The list of applicants to replace Casey Thieryung, who resigned last month, had been whittled down to five qualified residents by the meeting and only three were present. They were each given a brief opportunity to address the Council.
“I always look for ways that I can be part of the community,” Alex Rivera said. “Us and our company are involved in the community a lot. I’m always doing things with the community. When I asked a couple months ago if I would consider maybe applying for the position, I thought about it a little bit and I thought maybe it was another way to get involved. I grew up here as well and so I’ll try to see what I can do to even help out in another capacity and volunteer, as well.”
“I’ve been super-impressed with you guys,” John Basarab said. “The city for the last few years has been rocking it. I really like what the Main Street department has been doing. I’m really sad to see Casey go. I thought he was an asset to the city. I think the most important thing that comes before you guys are these zoning issues that keep coming up, keep coming up and I think you guys are crushing it, and I just want to continue that trend.”
But Young clearly won the Council over listing her 14 years of experience working for the city of Bushnell. “I started out there doing accounts payable and eventually became their finance director,” Young said. “My last four years there, I was the city manager. So, I have quite a few years of governmental background, specializing in governmental finance.
“So I felt like it would be a good fit for me to fill the role for a few months. Wasn’t able to run for the seat permanently at this time but figured I’d be a good filler for the next few months in that I could bring a lot to the table to help you navigate the next few months until the next person is selected for the seat. I’m excited to serve if you select me. I would be excited to serve alongside you and hopefully do what’s best for Brooksville; make decisions that will move the city forward.”
A vote was taken by the Council immediately after the three present applicants had spoken. “I’ll just cut to the chase,” Councilman David Bailey said. “I know Jody is probably the most qualified person in this room so I motion to let her be our city councilwoman.”
The selection of Young was unanimous. She was swiftly sworn in and given her seat on the Council, participating and voting throughout the remainder of the meeting.
“It takes a village and the more people involved in this city, the better decisions we can make for this city,” Councilman Thomas Bronson said. “Everybody, whether you’re a council member or not, it takes all of us. So everybody keep being involved. The more heads we’ve got on this thing the better way we can turn this city around for the greater good, for God’s plan.”
