by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Wellington City Council member John Brand announced he is not seeking re-election, while Paula Mortimer was appointed to serve out the remaining term of J.P. Buellesfeld on the Wellington Housing Authority.

John Brand

Brand made the announcement at Tuesday’s Wellington City Council meeting during his council report. He said his employment requires him to be out of town quite often.

“I want to apologize for my lack of attendance lately,” Brand said. “I was able to juggle my schedule where my work didn’t interfere with my city council duties for several months. Unfortunately, that has not been the case the past three months.”

Brand’s tenure will end in April. He and Wellington Mayor Roger Stallbaumer have announced their intention of not running. There is a mayor and three council seats open in 2015. Filing deadline is next Tuesday, Jan. 27 at noon. Incumbent Jim Valentine and challenger Kim Woodrow have been the only two candidates to file thus far in Wellington.

“I just want people to know that I was not at home watching TV,” Brand said.

That prompted City Council member John Tracy to say, “I understand you were in Omaha during last meeting. Nobody would go to Omaha unless they absolutely had to.”

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Mortimer appointed

Paula Mortimer

The council approved Mortimer to fill the vacancy of the WHA board which oversees Wheat Capital Manor Independent Living Center. She was the only applicant to apply. The deadline for the position was Jan. 15. Buellesfeld resigned in December after a controversy developed between three board members and WCM executive director Melissa Hamlin.

The WHA is a five member board and is an authority – meaning that members can officially vote as an independent entity. The council must appoint those members.

There was some disagreement on whether or not that the appointment approval should have been Tuesday.

Wellington council member Jim Valentine said the council should interview her first before making the appointment.

“We can hold off on this for another 30 days according to HUD regulations,” Valentine said. “We should discuss this at a work session and interview the applicant.”

“We have never done that before, why would we do that now?” Brand asked Valentine.

“Because we need to interview these people so we don’t have situations arise like the way we have,” Valentine responded.

Brand said she was the only applicant to apply by city guidelines. Valentine said federal guidelines supersede state and city guidelines. Brand asked for proof that such a federal guideline exists.

Council member Vince Wetta then said that Mortimer grew up in Wellington and everyone knew her, and there was no reason to go through anymore of the process.

He motioned to appoint Mortimer. The vote was 5-1 with Valentine opposing.

Mortimer will serve out the WHA term until April, 2016.

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