GARFIELD -- When Brandi Bryant was called before the Garfield City Council to explain why she wanted to fill a vacancy on the City Council, she shocked everyone.
"I'm going to make this easy," she said. "When I heard Terry (Warren) was going to be here, I love his family, and he's way more qualified that I am on the financial end. I'm a nurse, if you have scratch I'm there.
"Honestly, I'd like to withdraw my application and I, as member of the community, I'd like to see Terry in that position," she said. "If I were voting, I'd vote for Terry Warren. I have a brand new job and two children at home. I almost didn't get to come tonight. Terry has the time."
She noted that she was willing to step up if nobody else did.
"I'm speechless," Mayor Gary Blackburn said. "You stepped up and set an example for everybody in the community to look out for the greater good and I appreciate what it took to do that."
Alderwoman Cathy Shook called for a motion to appoint Warren to the open seat. Alderman Dale Watkins seconded the motion and Shook and Watkins voted 'Yes." Alderman Bill Mathew voted "No."
Warren, who spoke before Bryant, has a resume that includes:
• 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he retired as a captain;
• 23 years as a financial advisor, now retired;
• Significant mission experience in Haiti since 2010;
• Started a nonprofit to serve the poor of Haiti; and
• Served as a full-time missionary in Haiti from November 2014 to February 2016, where he will continue to serve for up to two weeks up to three times each year.
He holds a bachelor's degree for St. Leo College, a master's degree from the University of Arkansas, and holds various financial advisor designations, including chartered financial consultant and chartered life underwriter.
He has lived in Garfield for 13 years, owns a home in the Ashmore Creek subdivision, and is building another home in town.
General News on 08/24/2016