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The Taylor Town Council re-elected Mayor David Smith after saying farewell to Councilman Lynn DeWitt and welcoming Councilman-elect Bill Baldwin to sit in the vacated seat at the meeting on Dec. 6.
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With all the council present including Mayor David Smith, Vice Mayor Shawn Palmer, and councilmen Jason Brubaker, Fay Hatch, Kyle Peck and Carl Cosper, a moment was taken to thank DeWitt for his service.
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Smith said, “I want to express my appreciation of Lynn; his love of family, God and country. He has thought outside the box and made me rethink some of my thoughts. I appreciate you serving with us and wish you well.”
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Palmer noted, “Lynn filters everything through God, family and country first. If it is good for our family and country, then it’s good for our community. He will definitely be missed.”
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“Lynn is a valuable person on this council,” added Cosper as he addressed DeWitt personally, “You and I have come a long way. When we first started we clashed, but I do appreciate you.”
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Brubaker shared how DeWitt would often say, “Taylor is wonderful don’t let it change.”
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A plaque in grateful appreciation of the years of dedicated service was given to DeWitt as he exited the board.
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Standing for one last time as a councilman, DeWitt said, “The world went through some pretty dark times when men weren’t free. Through hardship, trial and trouble we came up with this system we call America. I am proud to live here and I am especially proud to live in this little seed bed of freedom. I hope that we will always remember that our greatest export is our children and that they understand what freedom looks like and what it means. I think we should remember what a republic is; you pick your best and brightest and then you trust them. If you don’t like it, then next time pick different. Thank you for allowing me to serve.”
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Judge Fred Peterson swore in the newly elected and re-elected council members, Baldwin, Brubaker, Smith and Cosper.
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After a brief recess, the council reconvened and unanimously selected Dave Smith to continue as mayor. Palmer nominated Smith stating, “His availability is a big factor and his love for our community and his ability to be involved, which are all big factors.”
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Smith opened the floor for consideration to fill the position of vice mayor. Hatch noted that Palmer had been a good vice mayor for a number of years, but said “I would like to nominate someone to have the experience and be able to participate as vice mayor. I would like to nominate Carl Cosper.”
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Smith nominated Peck. With no further nominations, a vote was taken on Cosper, who became the new vice mayor with the votes of Brubaker, Palmer, Hatch and Baldwin.
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