by Denise Federow, Times-Union Correspondent
Kenneth “Ken” Long will be sitting on the other side of the table at Milford Council meetings after being elected by Republican caucus Tuesday evening to fill the vacancy left when Joellen Free resigned due to a move out of town.
Long said he decided to file for the position after being approached by a couple of people and he said, “It was a hard decision” but after “considerable thought, prayer and discussion with my wife (Pam)” he felt he was being given an opportunity to serve and that he should take it.
Long wasn’t the only one who filed for candidacy – Joseph Shetler, who reportedly served as town building commissioner for 30 years also sought the vacated seat. Both men were given the opportunity to speak to the Van Buren Township precinct committee members before they voted.
Long said when he was announced as winner he felt “Thankful. Thankful to be given the opportunity. I felt bad for Joe—he’s a great guy and probably just as qualified.”
Long has been a regular attendee at Milford Council meetings for the past two years so he said “It’ll be a different viewpoint” from now on. Long wants people in town to know they can come to council meetings anytime and said that’s what the meetings are for.
Along with his attendance at meetings, Long said he thinks his background in different aspects of manufacturing will help him in his new position, citing organizational skills, understanding of budgets and people skills.
Long again said he was grateful to have the opportunity to serve and said his hope was to “make wise decisions.”
