GRANTS PASS – The Grants Pass City Council has selected Councilor DJ Faszer, II to be the council president for a one-year term. Faszer and Councilor Joel King were both nominated to the post at the council’s meeting Jan. 6.
“I’m honored to be nominated. You can’t make a bad choice between the two of us. We would always be honest, open and professional,” said King before the vote.
Faszer was selected by unanimous vote after a motion from Councilor Rob Pell, seconded by Councilor Vanessa Ogier.
“Thank you. I’m honored. I truly am,” said Faszer in accepting the position.
Faszer said he sees the position as a liaison between his fellow councilors, and he hoped to foster increased communication between them.
“My intent is to build trust in each other among the council,” said Faszer.
He said his goal is more about unifying the council’s focus, and less about forming a consensus.
“It’s not about eliminating disagreements, but about ensuring that respect and professionalism are maintained even in the face of those disagreements,” said Faszer.
He said he will also address some council “efficiency issues to be entertained.”
Faszer said as council president, he wants to facilitate increased communication between the council and the Josephine County Board of Commissioners. In order to do that, he says he will pay close attention to his colleagues’ positions.
“I need to understand the overall position of the council in order to represent them well,” Faszer said.
He said he believes he is fully prepared to fulfill the role at this point in his tenure on the council, and he hopes to bring that experience to the position.
“I have a more complete understanding of the needs of the position,” Faszer said.
Ultimately, Fazer said his primary focus is on helping the council serve the people of Grants Pass.
“It’s our job to implement the will of our constituents,” he said.
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