By Julie Johansen
In October, the Castle Dale City Council and Mayor received a letter of resignation from councilman Jake Barnett. This necessitated finding an immediate replacement for him.
A public notice was posted and applications began arrive at the city hall. Nine applicants were received but two had recently withdrawn, so the field was narrowed to seven.
The candidates were randomly ordered and Mayor Van Wagoner asked each three questions, after which the four remaining council persons voted for one candidate. The field was narrowed to four, prompting more interviewing from the Mayor and another vote from the council.
In the end, Jordan Leonard was chosen as the interim council member for one year, finishing Barnett’s vacated term. Leonard was then sworn in by Castle Dale City Recorder Lael White during the monthly council meeting on Thursday evening. He then took the vacant seat at the council table and began is duty as councilman at the November council meeting.
Leonard and his family, including wife Amanda and their children, have built lives in Castle Dale. He is employed by Utah State University and serves as a program coordinator. Before beginning work for USU, Leonard served as the Emery County Economic Development Director.