By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
With the resignation of Michael Berges after his election to the Ellis County Commission's First District, his seat on the Hays City Commission will be officially vacant after Dec. 31.
The commissioners asked for interested residents to apply for the vacancy and appointed Alaina Cunningham to the position at their Dec. 22 meeting.
Cunningham was nominated by Commissioner Sandy Jacobs and affirmed with a unanimous vote by the commission.
Cunningham, a registered nurse, has been a volunteer and officer with the Downtown Hays Development Corporation board of directors and is currently president of Hays Med Foundation board, according to her application letter read aloud by Jacobs. Cunningham serves as secretary of the USD 489 Hays Academic Booster Club and has been active in the O'Loughlin Elementary School PTA.
"Whenever you want to find somebody to do something important, find the busiest person you can find," said Commissioner Reese Barrick.
Mayor Mason Ruder met earlier with the citizens who had applied for the position.
"It's pretty refreshing to see people who are willing to step up and do this for their community," Ruder said to Cunningham, who was in the audience. "Thank you for offering your support to the city."
Jacobs noted Cunningham has attended most of the city commission meetings since learning Berges had been elected to the county commission.
"I think that shows commitment starting right out of the gate," Jacobs said. "I hope when it comes June 1st, we have some filings of those other people interested."
Cunningham will be sworn into office during the first official commission meeting in January and will serve the remaining year of Berges' term.
Berges said he's enjoyed serving with his fellow commissioners, as well as previous commissioner Ron Mellick.
"We've done some great things," Berges said.
"I'm the eyes and ears for the city of Ellis as the county commissioner now, and for you as well," he said to the Hays city commission. "I take that role seriously and the relationship we built while I served."
The First District represents a portion of Hays and the northwest part of Ellis County, including the city of Ellis.
He also thanked Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty, city staff and city employees.
"The city is very well-run," Berges said.
Jacobs is excited about the experience Berges will carry into the Ellis County Commission.
"I think we're going to forge some partnerships between the city and county just because of the knowledge you're going to take with you, and then learning about [the county.] I'm looking forward to what's going to happen over the next couple of years," Jacobs said.