William Kemerer was chosen by Council members to fill seat 3 on the Brooksville City Council, formerly occupied by Joe Johnston III, who sadly passed away in July. Kemerer was chosen from a strong group of 6 candidates who submitted their resume and statement for consideration to fill the position. The candidates were Pat Brayton, Vivian Coogler, Steven Martinez, William Kemerer, Richard Lilliston and Ruby McGeehan. After Mr. Kemerer was sworn in, Council member Natalie Kahler was voted in to serve as Vice Mayor.
Brayton is a longtime member of the community with previous council experience serving from 1995 to 2000 with two years as mayor. He also served as Finance Director for the City and owns an accounting service.
Coogler volunteered with the Hernando County School District for 44 years, worked for State Representative Jeff Stabins and Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department. The Coogler family is one of Brooksville’s founding families.
Martinez has been a transportation planner for Hernando/Citrus MPO since 1998 and previously worked as a planner for FDOT. He has a law degree from South Texas College of Law and has lived in Brooksville for 15 years.
Lilliston has lived in Brooksville for 4 years. He has a Masters of Social Work and has extensive experience working with local and state governments. He served as CEO of Hillsborough Achievement and Resource Center from 1996 to 2011.
McGeehan, a resident of Hernando County since 1968 and Brooksville since 1999, served on the Hernando County Housing Authority in which she was appointed by the Governor for two terms. She is currently the Assistant Public Defender of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Six recommendations were sent in support of McGeehan’s appointment on the City Council.
Kemerer received 2 votes, while McGeehan and Brayton each received one. Ms. Kahler described the process of choosing who to fill the seat stating, “The filling of this council seat has reaffirmed all that I believe about the talent and wisdom of the people of this city.”
William Kemerer has had a long career as a CPA for regional and national Public Accounting Firms as well as Finance VP for hotel development and management companies. He has lived in Florida since 1977. He stated, “I have advised businesses of all sizes on effective and efficient ways to address growth and operational issues during good and bad economic times. In providing these services I have come to understand the needs and challenges of the small business community and the ways the government can assist in their success.”
Following the swearing in of Mr. Kemerer, council members voted for the new Vice Mayor. Council member Kemerer nominated Council member Kahler, while Ms. Erhard nominated Council member Battista. The vote was 3 (Burnett, Kahler, Kemerer) for Kahler and 2 (Erhard and Battista) for Battista. It seems like the appointment of William Kemerer has already made a difference in avoiding a tie vote for Vice Mayor.