(Posted Aug. 4, 2020)
By Josephine Birdsell, Staff Writer
West Jefferson village council has a new member.
Steve Johnston stepped down last month for health reasons. On Aug. 3, the remaining council members appointed Samantha Cahill to fill Johnston’s seat.
For the last five years, Cahill has chaired an advocacy group for area residents and their families who are dealing with alcoholism and addiction. She also served on the village’s charter review commission, which reviews the laws that regulate the functions and operation of the village.
“I think right now, the council is moving and making great strides,” Cahill said. “I see a lot more involvement right now than I have in the past, and I’m very proud to be a part of that.”
Cahill has lived in West Jefferson since 1988. She raised all six of her children through West Jefferson public schools. All of her children are now adults; three of them still live in the village.
Cahill has worked in communications and sales at Matheson, a welding supply and medical gas company in Hilliard, for the past five years.
“I just want to be positive and listen to my fellow (council members) and help accomplish things that the village needs,” she said.
Cahill was one of three people who applied to fill the vacated council seat. The other applicants were Jim King and Sharon McCord. Council members interviewed all of the candidates and recommended Cahill for appointment.
Cahill will serve on council through 2021.
Also at the Aug. 3 meeting, council members elected a new council president and vice president. Jen Warner is taking Johnston’s place as president. Warner, who has been on council for three years, served as vice president the past two years. She will serve as council president through Jan. 3, 2021. Council unanimously voted to elect Mike Conway to fill Warner’s position as vice president.
