20010612 Baltimore Sun: Ferguson fills Council Seat

Former bank chief to fill Westminster council seat
Ferguson's appointment effective immediately

See: 20010611 Westminster Mayor and Common Council Agenda

By Maria Blackburn, Sun Staff
Originally published June 12, 2001

http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/carroll/bal-ca.council12jun12.story?coll=bal%2Dlocal%2Dcarroll

Westminster's Common Council appointed last night Thomas K. Ferguson, a former Carroll County bank president and chief executive officer, to the five-member panel, filling a spot left vacant by Kevin E. Dayhoff's election as mayor.

Ferguson, 59, led Carroll County Bank & Trust Co. for 18 years before its purchase by BB&T Corp. in 1999. He has lived on Ridge Road with his wife, Sandy, since 1975 and is executive vice president for community development at BB&T.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd throw my hat in the political arena. I have the time now to participate actively in city government," Ferguson said before being named to fill the remaining two years of Dayhoff's term. "I've always had an interest in downtown Westminster."

Other applicants for the position included Frank E. Wagner Jr., a Baltimore police sergeant and unsuccessful Common Council candidate in the May election, and John F. Curran Jr., a 19-year city resident.

Three council members supported Ferguson's appointment - the majority needed for the appointment. They were Council President Damian L. Halstad, L. Gregory Pecoraro and Roy L. Chiavacci.

Councilwoman Suzanne P. Albert did not vote - the majority was reached before the last candidate's name - Wagner's - could be read by City Clerk John Dutterer. Their names were read in alphabetical order.

Pecoraro complimented Ferguson's credentials and his community involvement in projects such as chairing the Westminster Fire Department's $1.5 million capital campaign in 1997 for its new fire station on John Street.

"I don't think there's been a worthwhile project in this community in the last 10 to 15 years that Tom Ferguson hasn't" been involved in, Pecoraro said.

The council was eager for Ferguson to assume his post. He was sworn in at the meeting and afterward, when he tried to sit with the audience, was directed to sit in the vacant council chair.

The last time the council appointed a new member was in 1994, when Pecoraro was selected to fill the seat left vacant by Kenneth A. Yowan, who was appointed as mayor.

Also last night: The council heard from three residents opposed to annexing the Bixler property, almost 45 acres of farmland on Route 97 north of Carroll County Regional Airport.

Edward Wentz, who lives in Kalten Acres, a 25-year-old subdivision near the property, said the city didn't need more development in this area. The council will likely vote on the annexation ordinance at the July 9 meeting.

Copyright © 2001, The Baltimore Sun

For posts and information about Westminster Common Council meeting agenda on “Soundtrack” click here: Westminster Common Council Mtg Agenda

For posts and information about Westminster Common Council meeting minutes on “Soundtrack” click here: Westminster Common Council Meeting Minutes