He replaces Everett, who moved out of the ward
At its May 25 meeting, the Platte City Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Mayor Tony Paolillo’s appointment of Dan Laxson as ward one alderman
Laxson’s appointment fills a seat vacated by the March 23 resignation of alderman Jim Everett. Everett resigned due to his decision to move outside of the ward boundaries.
Laxon’s term will run until the next scheduled municipal election, which is set for April 2022.
“Filling board vacancies are always bittersweet events,” Paolillo stated. “Jim will very much be missed. However, in nominating Dan, I believe the residents of ward one have an excellent representative to fill the remainder of the current term.”
The mayor said Everett “has been an excellent alderman who was very devoted to serving the interests of both his ward and the city as a whole during his two years on the board,” adding that “Jim had been on the board long enough to understand how the city works and to gain the knowledge and experience to become an effective board member, a skill that is not acquired overnight.”
Paolillo, who was elected mayor last year to fill the position vacated by the retirement of longtime Mayor Frank Offutt, added:
“While losing a board member mid-term is unfortunate, gaining a new board member is also an opportunity to introduce different views and a fresh perspective into the city government.”
“Dan will bring a different perspective to the board, but has enough experience serving on other city boards and committees to give him a head start in representing his ward.”
Paolillo said the city was fortunate to have several qualified residents express interest in the position.
“Dan and his wife have been Platte City residents for 15 years and he has been involved in city issues for at least the last 10 years.”
Laxson has experience serving on the Board of the Platte City Industrial Development Authority and as the city representative to the Platte Valley Plaza Transportation Taxing District.
“This has given him a level of hands on knowledge and experience that will assist him in stepping right into the annual budget process, completion of Rising Star Park and other major city financial and project issues,” Paolillo said.