Livingston seats members, chair

PONTIAC – Bob Young will remain chairman of the Livingston County Board after a unanimous vote Monday night.

There were no other nominations during the re-organizational meeting in Pontiac.

“I’m overwhelmed and I thank you,” Young said. “We are elected by districts but we still represent all of Livingston County. Personally, I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”

There were two candidates for board vice-chair: Kathy Arbogast and Jason Bunting. Arbogast won by a vote of 19-5.

“I think Tim Shafer really needs to be congratulated for the fine job he has done as vice-chair the past two years,” said Young.

At the start of the meeting, board member Jack Vietti was chosen as temporary chairman to preside over that portion of the evening. He then appointed a credentials committee consisting of Mike Ingles, Ron Kestner and Tim Shafer to officially accept the election results.

Judge Jennifer Bauknecht swore-in new board members James Blackard, Gerald Earing, John Vitzthum and Bill Wilkey.

“I’m very honored to have the opportunity to serve at the county level and I’m ready to work,” said Blackard.

“I know this will be an all new program for me,” stated Earing.

“I hope I can serve the people of Livingston County to the best of my ability,” Wilkey said.

Vitzthum spoke of his background serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals, saying he is willing to work with other board members.

County committee meetings are slated for Monday and Tuesday of next week giving board members a chance to meet each other and figure out who is on what committee. Young expects the new board to get to work on issues impacting the county after the first of the year.