While Chuck Lehman is just starting his second full year on the Westfield City Council, he has been selected to serve as the organization’s president for 2015.
“Truly it’s an honor to serve,” he said.
Lehman said his goal is to balance community and economic development.
“The last few years I think the focus has been emphasizing economic development and helping businesses build this and that,” he said. “I think now it has started to shift when you look at Grand Junction and other items coming through … Economic development is absolutely critical but you also have to spend as much time creating community development.”
Personally, Lehman said he has no projects or plans he wants to accomplish as president.
“I have no agenda, we’re here to serve,” he said. “You deal with what comes along. It’s really fun to be involved and see what happens.”
Public safety is an issue the city continues to address but Lehman doesn’t see any other any major hurdles facing the council.
“We deal with challenges, but nothing jumps out,” he said. “I don’t see any major problems anywhere.”
Lehman was elected by a Republican to replace John Dippel on the Westfield City Council on Oct. 14, 2013. Dippel, who died on Sept. 21, had about two years left on his term as District 4 representative. Lehman resides with his wife, Patricia, in Centennial.
He has experience as an elected official and previously served as a town councilor in Kentland, Ind. and was a Newton County Commissioner. Within the city, Lehman is active in the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Rotary Club and his church.
“Chuck has a great background,” Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said.
Prior to getting involved in local public service, Cook said Lehman sat in the back of City Hall during meetings for a better part of a year.
“He’s a great listener and has a deep thought process,” Cook said. “I’m looking forward to the year under his presidency.”
Outgoing president Jim Ake will serve as vice president this year.
