Wemhoff appointed to fill position on Red Oak council

Nick Johansen

The Red Oak Express

The Red Oak City Council has once again returned to five members.

There have been some recent changes to the council make-up. Council member Tony Wernicke resigned to move out of the state, and Terry Koppa was appointed to fill his seat. More recently, council member T.J. Clark, who replaced former council member Larry Barnett, also announced his resignation.

At the council meeting Sept. 3, the council moved to appoint Pete Wemhoff as Clark’s replacement. Wemhoff, a longtime Red Oak resident, has worn many hats in the community since he moved here in 1998.

“I’ve got three kids, I have one in college, one in high school, and the other is a fifth grader. Currently I work at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital as the facility director. I’m involved with building projects, renovations, overall security of the building, I’m involved in all facets and working with all management up there. I also worked for the Red Oak School District in facilities for over four years, and was a senior manager for about 11 years,” Wemhoff said.

Wemhoff said there were a number of factors that inspired him to seek the appointment to the Red Oak Council vacancy.

“I want what’s best for Red Oak, and the citizens of Red Oak, to make sure we keep it moving in the right direction, make sure we keep being fiscally sound. There’s no agenda, it’s just what’s best for the citizens of Red Oak, at this point.”

Wemhoff also described some of the things he’d like to see accomplished during his term as a council member.

“It’s the overall grasp of the whole city, and what we can do to improve our city and make it better. Working with this fine group of people, hopefully we can get that accomplished.

Wemhoff said he loves being involved in the community.

“It’s so important that this community continues to evolve, and grow, and continues to draw people. I think there will be a draw. The services of this pool project are a great example. We give people something to bring people here, and bring their kids here, and be involved in. If we can do that, that’s great. We keep people here and make it a great place to live,” said Wemhoff.

With his appointment, Wemhoff will have to run for the council position in the November election, and he said he plans on doing so.