Richmond City Council 2024
On Jan 16, 2024 at the Park Community Center, the Mayor and City Council met with the citizens of Richmond to say their 'hellos' and 'goodbyes' as three members of the City Council will be stepping down and their vacancies filled.
In the Sept 2023 City Council, it was announced that the Richmond City General Election was canceled due to a lack of people who were looking to run for the three upcoming vacancies in the City Council. Two men stepped in the fill two of the seats, however, there was still a vacancy as no one stepped up for the third vacancy.
In this article, here is everything you need to know about the two new City Council members, and who will be filling in the vacant seat.
Current City Council
Mayor Paul J. Erickson
"Mr. Erickson holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the John M. Huntsman School of Business at [USU]. He is a career lender, with 30 years of credit, risk management, and leadership experience. Presently, Mr. Erickson is the Chief Credit Officer of Cache Valley Bank, a community bank headquarter in Logan Utah."
Lyle Bair
John Bair settled west of what is now Big J's in 1859. 157 years later, his Great-Great-Great Grandson Lyle Bair would begin working in the City Council. Lyle Bair has been serving in the City Council since September 2016 when a vacancy occurred with Mayor Mike Hall and City Council Member Brad Jenson stepped down from their positions, respectfully.
Lyle Bair does not just have a deep relationship with the city of Richmond being the descendent of John Bair, but also because of his family business. Starting in the 1920s, Lyle's grandfather started a blacksmith shop to support his family. Passing the business to his son who later changed the business to an auto repair shop, Lyle currently is the third generation to operate Bair Auto in eastern Richmond. Lyle is known throughout northern Cache Valley for his experience in auto repair and his charming attitude to his customers.
Amber Ervin
Amber Ervin is currently the newest member to join the City Council in 2022, respectively.
"I have called Richmond my home for well over 40 years. Growing up in Richmond was almost magical, having grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins surrounding me in my childhood.
"As a junior at Sky View High School, I attended Girls State through an invitation from the local American Legion. This helped mold and shape my mind in the way of politics. Providing insight into what our local and state government does for each one of us."
Soon after she was elected to the City Council, Mayor Erickson put her to work to organize a senior activity center for the growing senior citizens of Richmond. The Park Bench opened in Nov 2022 and has been the home to more than 50 senior citizens who can have a place of gathering, love, support, and communion.
Out Going Members
Kelly Crafts
Kelly Craft was elected to the City Council in 2016 and has been serving in the position for eight years. She currently is a leader of the White Pine Elementary Jump Club which performs in the Black & White Day's parade every year.
Tucker Thatcher
Like Lyle Bair, Tucker Thatcher has been serving in the City Council since September 2016 when a vacancy occurred with Mayor Mike Hall and City Council Member Brad Jenson stepped down from their positions, respectfully. Tucker was originally only going to serve the vacancy position until 2020. When the time came to end his position, he was persuaded to serve for another term.
Terrie Wierenga
Terrie Wierenga has the unique characteristic that she has been serving in the City Council during the last four Mayors of Richmond, starting in 2004-2013 under the leadership of Mayors Kip Panter and Mike Hall, then serving again starting in 2020 under Mayors Jeff Young and Paul Erickson.
Terrie has been tasked with many respectful opportunities in Richmond, such as updating the animal ordinance, being editor of Richmond: A History in Black and White by Marlin Stum in 2007, and designer of the city website the same year.
"I am a graduate of Iowa State University with a BSc in Animal Science with emphasis in Chemistry and Journalism. I worked as a research technician during my studies and began my career with the USDA in 1982. I moved to Utah in 1985 and continued my research work at the USDA Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory; I retired in 2017."
New City Council Members
Bryce Wood
Originally from California, Bryce Wood experienced rural life in Idaho before settling in Wellsville, Utah. After serving as a missionary in Michigan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he engaged in music and community events, including organizing Wood Live Music for Black & White Days. Married with three children, he served on the Franklin City Council before moving to Richmond in 2017. Bryce Wood is currently the owner of Cache Valley Extermination.
Bryce aims to bring a principled, fair, and equitable perspective to the council, emphasizing controlled, strategic growth that accommodates both agricultural and urban needs. With a flexible schedule, Bryce believes in effective time management and encourages community engagement in municipal affairs, focusing on vital infrastructure and quality-of-life issues for a united and vibrant city.
Joel Draxler
Joel Draxler hails from a family deeply involved in politics, fostering his interest in the subject. With a career in real estate appraisal, he gained insights into government workings during his tenure at Cache County's Assessor's office. Currently serving as the appraisal manager for Cache Valley Bank, he has a comprehensive view of development in the region.
Draxler emphasizes the need for responsible growth in Richmond, considering the forthcoming changes with the new Lee's grocery store and residential development. His goal is to balance the city's open space with limited resources and infrastructure while remaining approachable and attentive to the concerns of all citizens. Draxler believes in accommodating both farmers and city residents, recognizing the inevitability of development and the need for regular reviews of the city master plan. He aims to preserve Richmond's small-town feel while addressing the challenges of growth. If elected, Draxler commits to voting for the community's overall good and maintaining the close-knit, small-town atmosphere.
Darrell Black
The third candidate for the City Council will go through an application and interview process. The interviews will be held at the City Council Meeting on Jan 18, 2024 at the Park Community Center. An interesting note about the vacant position, whoever fills this position will only serve until Dec 31, 2025, unlike Bryce and Joel who will serve until Dec 31, 2027. This is probably because the position is elected by the City Council, and not voted upon by the people of Richmond.
Darrell Black has been appointed to fill the vacancy of the City Council. Darrell Black, a longtime resident of Richmond with over 35 years in the community, introduces himself as someone deeply connected to the area. Initially, it took him some time to fully embrace Richmond, but his love for the town grew, evident in the fact that he and his family still reside there. With a background in growing up on a cattle ranch in southern Idaho, he has a profound appreciation for the community and a vested interest in its well-being.
Darrell has been actively involved in various aspects of Richmond's civic life. He served on the planning and zoning board from 2006 to 2012, demonstrating a commitment to shaping the community's development. Darrell has been the owner of Itty Bitty Equipment in western Richmond for over 25 years, he has contributed to the local economy and understands the dynamics of the area. Additionally, Darrell has been a dedicated member of the Lions Club for two decades, showcasing his commitment to community service.
His involvement in crafting the 2000 master plan and establishing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) within the city limits reflects his hands-on experience with the city's planning and governance processes. Darrell highlights his expertise in various areas, including construction, road development projects, and logistics coordination, suggesting a multifaceted skill set that he believes would be valuable for the community.
In expressing his desire to contribute positively to the community, Darrell recognizes the challenge of the decision-making process and acknowledges that all applicants have something valuable to offer. He concludes by stating that he has "some good to bring to the table" and expresses gratitude.
(All photos are owned by their respected owners.)
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