Former Indian Trail Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Shirley Howe was named to the Indian Trail Town Council on Tuesday, March 28.
Howe, who in addition to serving on the Town Council in the past has continued to remain active though her current membership on the Indian Trail Board of Adjustment, has filled the seat of Councilwoman Amy Stanton, who resigned last week.
Howe brings to the Town Council a wealth of knowledge and years of involvement in the measured growth of Indian Trail, and was sworn in Tuesday night to take part in the evening's meeting. She was instrumental in the creation of the Town's stormwater program, and has attended Town Council meetings as an engaged citizen since 2003.
Howe says her job now in 2017 will be much the same as it was when she served from 2005-09 - engaging the public in what they want to see done in Indian Trail, and making sure the Town moves forward in a smart, responsible way.
"I want to focus on open government and access to public records, as well as encourage the citizens of Indian Trail to participate in their community," Howe said. "Unmanaged growth needs to be controlled due to lack of infrastructure, and this quest continues to be a challenge. My belief is that even one voice can make a difference. Retirement afforded me the opportunity to give back to my community and it is an honor to serve."
Mayor Pro Tem David Cohn, who made the nomination to add Howe to Town Council, said he did so knowing the experience and professionalism she would bring to the dais.
"She has attended virtually every Town Council meeting for years now, so she basically knows the ins and outs of the projects and issues the Town has been working on already and can hit the ground running," Cohn said. "Not to mention she was a great Council member before. Her commitment to continue attending Council meetings even though she was no longer in office to me shows the concern she has for the Town, so I know she was the right choice."
Howe will serve on Town Council until a new councilmember is elected this November. This year's ballot will now include two seats of four-year terms, and one seat of Stanton's expiring two-year term. Indian Trail residents can file in July to run for election.
The next Town Council meeting is currently scheduled to take place Tuesday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Indian Trail Civic Building, 100 Navajo Trail.