The Constantine Village Council has appointed Police Chief Jim Bedell as interim village manager until Mark Honeysett is able to return to work. The action came during the council meeting Monday evening (May 7). Honeysett is off for several more weeks following heart surgery.
The Council praised Honeysett and Bedell alike at the meeting.
“It seems like someone should be in charge of the Village while Mark is out,” Village President Pro-Tem Gary Mathers said.
Mathers said he had heard a couple of suggestions for manager, then made a reference to an e-mail Honeysett sent each council member. “I think we should accept Mark’s suggestion the police chief be interim manager,” he said. Bedell readily agreed. “I’ll fill in . . . and do whatever good I can,” he said.
Mathers said Bedell was a good choice because he is at the office all the time. “He is here more so than the rest of the council. He’s worked closely with Mark,” he said. “He’s a good choice.”
“The Chief should accept it, so I say go for it,” Trustee Willie Harder added.
Trustee Cindy LaFluer praised Bedell as a police chief.
“Jim is excellent in his job, and with his men on the force. He’ll do a fine job for us. It’s to our benefit to use him,” she said.
Village President MacKenzie Strawser asked Bedell if he had any goals or the experience to fill in.
“None. Simply put, I was asked to be an interim manager. I’m the Chief of Police,” Bedell said.
Brewer emphasized the idea was for someone to oversee the day to day operations. “If something major comes up, you can contact any of us. We can always hold a special meeting,” Brewer said. “I have great faith in Jim, and our department in the short time Mark will be gone,” he added.
Trustee Bob Brewer made the motion to appoint Bedell to oversee the Village with the assistance of DDA Director Diana Lammott, until Honeysett is able to resume his duties.
Council members voted six to one for Bedell to fill the temporary position, with Strawser casting the dissenting vote.
Source: Story contributed by Angie Birdsall.
