At Wednesday’s Sedgwick County Commission meeting, the board selected a new Chair and Chair Pro Tem for 2023.
Pete Meitzner was the sole nominee for Chairman. He previously served in the role in 2020 and 2021 and replaces outgoing Chairman David Dennis.
Current Pro Tem Sarah Lopez and Commissioner Jim Howell were nominated for the role of Chair Pro Tem and by a 3-2 vote, Howell was selected. The Pro Tem serves as Chairperson in the Chairperson’s absence.
Wednesday’s meeting was the first for new 4th District Commissioner Ryan Baty. He thanked the people of his district and the county for the opportunity to serve.
Baty also said that hyper-partisanship and a lack of civility has created a toxic environment in all levels of government. He pledged to listen and respect the opinions of others, and when he disagrees with another viewpoint, he’ll disagree gracefully.